La Sportiva Mountain Cup

La Sportiva Mountain Cup

August 6, 2011



Classic single track



                                                                       

The Jupiter Peak Steeplechase mountain trail run is a 16 mile course that starts at the base of the Park City Mountain Resort in Utah. The race tops out on the summit of Jupiter Peak which is 3,000 feet in elevation gain from the base area. The race start had a healthy looking crowd signing up, warming up, and dressed to go. I had a spot on the front row and left side. At 8 o’clock a.m. we were set free from the starting line.

I had a strategy for the race and it was mainly to go out hard, but steady, and see how the race initially unfolded and then potentially make a move. I had walked and previewed the initial 2 miles of the course and last 2 miles on Thursday when I arrived in Utah. I knew that the first half mile was on a mountain service road and then it went under the canopy and onto single track. I knew that it would be prudent to get in a decent position before the trail narrowed to single file. It can be difficult to pass other runners on single track as you often have to wait for an opening or widening of the trail to pass.



Early part of course - single track



The first half mile is a bit steep and I was able to watch the front runners ahead of me well. The leaders made the turn for the single track and team La Sportiva was amongst them. I wasn’t far back and guessed I was in about 12^th place or so when I hit the single track.

I locked in behind another runner for the first portion of the single track, but soon heard footsteps behind me. I waited a short while and stepped to the side to let the racer pass but kept my momentum going. I continued to pace until another runner approached from behind. Again, I slowed a bit and stepped to the side and she went by me as well as the person I was pacing off. At the next possible passing zone I took off after the others who had gone by me. I focused on the runner ahead of me, a La Sportiva Sponsored Athlete Runner, and she had a good steady pace. By now it was probably 1.5 miles into the race and I was slowly gaining on her. I took advantage of all the small downhill’s and accelerated on all of them until I had taken to her heals which took another half mile or so. She was the lead woman in the field and eventual women’s winner.

Park City, Utah

I had a pacer and the speed was about right. I checked by fuel balance and hydrated from my water bottle and kept pace. Soon, there was a pair of other runners ahead of us and in sight. We were gaining on them steadily and surely. We ran step for step until we caught them and they quickly pulled to the side as we dashed by. At about mile 3.5, I again went for a shot of nutrients and water, and I fell a few steps off her pace and she took a quick look back to see who was behind her and if I had fallen off. I hadn’t and quickly gained her tail again and began to pace off her. We dashed through the woods, jumped the creeks, and continued to gain elevation. We passed an old mine at about mile 5 and the trail steepened and I saw her pace slow just a bit, the trail was wide there, and I made my move and passed her and then sped up a bit more to finish that climb. The course was mostly single track but also had some service roads mixed in occasionally. I hit the dirt road and knew this was the start of the final switchbacks and climb to Jupiter Peak. I looked ahead and could now see two more runners ahead of me and I was gaining ground on both of them, again I picked up the pace a bit. At the final switchback before the steep climb to the summit I took a look back to see what was developing behind me. I saw two runners, the lead women and another not too far behind her. The steepest part of the road is just before the ‘scramble’ to the summit. I was gaining quickly on the person ahead of me, though our pace slowing due to the pitch. The runner in front of me was ‘power-walking’ and I passed him just as we went for the ‘scramble’ to the peak. He knew I had caught him and he let me go. I looked ahead and another runner was suffering on the last portion before the top. The ‘scramble’ was only a couple hundred feet, but loose and steep. We all were forced to power stride. Again, I was gaining quickly and dropping the person I had just passed. I almost caught the next runner before the summit and as I crested the top a fellow said “you’re in 7^th place” (though it may have actually been eight). I was a bit surprised, but on the final switchback, I had seen the yellow colors of the La Sportiva team on the scramble to the summit. From the summit of Jupiter, I ‘tagged’ the pole and bolted down to a saddle. There was one more climb before the descent. Again, I saw the racer ahead of me and he was forced to a power walk and hands on knees – he was suffering. I ran half the way up the steep climb and then, I too, power walked to drop my heart rate. The runner ahead was now only 100 feet from me.

Racers at Finish area

At the top he had held his position and he flew down the hill. I realized there were still 7 or eight miles to the finish, but it was all down hill from here. I also realized the runner’s behind me were also going to let it fly on the downhill. On the initial switchbacks going down I could see the runner ahead of me and two runners behind me. After another mile and on the dirt road I made a push to catch the runner ahead of me, this time I did, and locked on his heals. He pushed the pace harder and so did the runner’s behind us as they soon caught us. We were in a pack now and cruised a few miles together. At around the 12 mile marker one of the runner’s went by me. Again, at the 13 mile marker a runner went by, I had moved to the side and he thanked me as he went for the others. I felt like there were rocks or pebbles in my shoes but there was no time to stop and I didn’t want another runner to pass me on the downhill. 

Team La Sportiva Mountain Runners

I also felt the first tightness in my quads and calf muscles. I continued on and our pace was probably a 6 minute mile or less on the downhill. The 3 ahead were slowly pulling away and I was bothered by the apparent dirt and pebbles in my shoes. Soon, I recognized the trail again, it was the final 2 miles I had walked 2 days prior. I knew the end wasn’t too far ahead. I worked through it and kept a steady pace and even a few small sprints until a volunteer said “you’ve got 2 more minutes to the finish”. Soon, I was off the trail and on the final ¼ mile of asphalt to the Finish line. I ended up 10^th place Overall and was happy with the results. I was greeted at the Finish by a friend and I congratulated him on his 3^rd place finish, a La Sportiva Sponsored Athlete Runner. I powered a lot of water and then snuck off to get the pebbles out of my shoes. To my surprise as I took my shoes off, there was no dirt or small rocks in there.

                                                              

I then took off my socks to find blisters on both heels and this was the culprit a few miles before the Finish. The La Sportiva Mountain Cup’s final race in the series – the Jupiter Peak Steeplechase was a great race.

                  

Muddy Shoes

Muddy Shoes

Trail conditions

                                                                                                                                                  

August 1, 2011

Today, I set the alarm for 4 a.m. and planned on a little different than the ordinary morning. Instead of getting up just after 5 a.m. for work as usual and having a casual breakfast, a short dog walk, and a few relaxing moments over a brew of coffee. The plan was to sneak in an early morning trail run and hill climb before work. An early morning trail run offers an abundance of reasons to set the alarm clock a bit earlier. Including, the first light of the day, solitude and quietness, being first on the trail, the sunrise and its colors on the mountains, birds singing and chirping, the fresh air, and much more. 

Bella dog on summit

                                                                      

So shortly after 4:30 a.m. I made a quick exit out of the house and was on the road. It was raining outside, but that didn’t alter my plan, in fact it made it more appealing on this day. Breakfast was still settling in the stomach as I drove towards work and the trailhead. My dog Bella was looking like she wanted in and I knew the trail and running distance would suit her well. She slept in a bit and gulped her food down and was ready by the time I was. She jumped in the back of the car in the darkness and we were off. I was sipping a good up of coffee and had some good music playing in the car to get me going for the day.

Action

                                                                      

The rain continued off and on as I drove to the trail. I was moving on the trail by 5:45 and Bella dog didn’t seem to notice the rain at all. The trail run was 2.7 miles and gained 1,850 feet on a service road. I started easy and watched Bella bolt around the new surroundings with ears popped up with alertness and wild excitement. I jogged further up the trail and enjoyed the intermittent rain showers. The trail was in good shape down low and had a few spots of wetness and slickness at the higher elevation. In the end the trail offered everything from dry under canopy, to tacky, to slick and wet in spots. But, all in all, it was as expected and if anything the rain seemed to soften the trail quite a bit. I picked up the pace the final 10 minutes of the 35 minute hill climb and finished in a complete sweat.

Mud shower

                                                                         

At the top, the weather had backed off and wasn’t raining. I took in the views from the summit with Bella as she scanned the valleys for creatures, scent, and movement. Clouds dominated over the 11,000 foot mark and behind me the next wave of showers was ready to rumble in. Bella was excellent company and I could tell she had had a great morning. I was in agreement and sometimes the morning run is a great way to start your day.                                                                                 



Dog owner



Muddy Bells



                                

Snow King Hill Climb Run 2011

Snow King Hill Climb 2011

Jackson Hole and the Tetons on an early morning training run from top of Snow King

                                                                       

The 44^th annual Snow King Hill Climb was today Saturday, July 23^rd.  The race is a longstanding event that has tested the guts of many athletes, runners, hikers, tourists, and visitors that come just for the race.

Snow King I believe is the third ski resort to open to skiers in the United States. Sun Valley, Idaho was the first in 1936. In Utah, Alta quickly followed suit in 1938. Snow King was next in 1939. Snow King is Jackson Hole’s in town ski area. The opening of a rope tow at Snow King in 1939 marked the first ski area in Wyoming. In 1946 Snow King added a chairlift that took skiers to the top of the mountain. A lift ticket cost $2.95 for a full day of skiing.



Looking up from bottom of Snow King

It was nineteen years later that the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort opened in 1965. The aerial tram was operating by 1966 to the top of Peak 10,450.

The Snow King Hill Climb attracted 101 racers or Hill Climbers. A great turn out for a very tough event. The running race is part of the 2011 Run to the Summit Series which includes 3 area Hill Climb races culminating in 12 miles and over 7,500 feet of elevation gain. All three Hill Climb events are at the local ski resorts – Grand Targhee, Snow King, and JHMR’s Rendezvous Mountain Hill Climb.

Looking down towards bottom of Snow King and Town Square from near top

                                                                   

Today’s race started at 9 a.m.under perfect Wyoming blue skies. It was the second race of the three part series. I had placed 4^th at Grand Targhees’ Wrun for Wray on June 25^th. I decided to try a new tactic for my own race today. I have always been inspired by Steve Prefontaine and his incredible talent and guts. I was reaching a bit for extra motivation when I found a new quote of his; it quickly became my motto for the day. “The best pace is a suicide pace and today’s a good day to die”. It fit perfect for me. Steve Prefontaine was a “front-runner” and liked to give it his all from the very start of a race. Not wanting to wait for the race to unfold, but to give it all he had from the start. I was game to try this exact theory. I have many times not gone out full tilt watching and letting others break wind. Today it was my turn to try.



Steep Switchbacks



Loose terrain and steep

                          

Nine a.m. approached and quickly runners took the front line spots. I was a bit tardy on line up as I was talking with friends from out of town. But, I got up to the third row. The gun sounded and the shoes were kicking and flying through the air. After 20-30 seconds I was in about 6^th place, it wasn’t all my effort as I had promised myself. I looked for an opening and quickly was behind the leader, again I had more to give and took off into the lead and stretched it far enough that I couldn’t hear the others behind me. I looked back over my shoulder and saw the attackers staring me down. I held on for the ½ mile sprint to the bottom of the steepness. Quickly, a few runners went by me as I was in oxygen debt. I stayed focused and kept after the climb. A few more runners went by before the first switchback. From this point on only one runner passed me and I swapped places with another on the entire climb. The top finisher was fast and was only a second from the 44 year record. I was pleased with my effort and my tactics, I tried to be Pre, and was honored to have “front-run” for part of the race. I finished in 10^th place out of the 101 entries and was fairly happy with my time and results. I had run the course faster earlier in the week, but that is racing, you take what you give on race day and don’t complain, at least that’s my theory. The top guns deserve credit for their incredible performance.

Chris Kroger, Pete Swenson, Jaime Falcon



Top 10

                                                                                                                   

Partial Results 2011 Snow King Hill Climb



                                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                                   

 





South Teton Summer Surfing - Skiing

South Teton Summer Surfing – Skiing June 22, 2011

The Teton range from summit of South Teton

                                                                               

The summer solstice greeted us June 21, 2011 and with the Solstice came the sunshine. I believe I read in the local Jackson Hole paper that the average temperature in May was 46 degrees. The early part of June followed the same weather pattern – a lot of clouds and rain with not much sunshine. This weather has helped the snow pack remain intact in the high country of the Tetons and other local mountain ranges.

                                                                             

The alarm was set for 4:00 a.m. and I woke about 15 minutes before the chime sounded. I looked out the window and walked outside to check the weather and get a feel for the temperature in the darkness. It was cold enough and the skies were clear for a summit attempt and ski. With the longest day of the year being two days ago, I knew the sun would be rising early over the Gros Ventre range and spreading warmth on the peaks of the Tetons.

Morning light over Jacksons' valley of green

                                                                          

I knew the day could be a long one, so I ate a big breakfast and made a cup of coffee for the 25 mile drive to the trailhead in Grand Teton National Park. Driving north to Lupine Meadows, the usual characters were mulling around in the darkness – Elk. As I entered the Park, I tried to sneak a look at my objective in the mountains, but the abundance of elk just off the side of the road had my attention. Elk cows weigh from 450 – 600 pounds while the bulls weigh in at 800 – 1,000 pounds. I always enjoy seeing them early in the morning and focused not to take my eye off of the road.



Ice Cream Cone and South Teton



                                          



Upper Garnet Canyon



                                                                       

I started into Garnet Canyon solo. I had called one friend the day before to see if he was interested in joining me, but found out he was in Colorado guiding. I moved at a steady pace and soon saw evidence of people ahead of me. Fresh foot prints in the trail and wet rocks assured me there were people ahead of me. As I reached the Meadows of Garnet Canyon I saw 3 separate groups of skiers. Two groups were already heading up the South fork, the direction I was headed. The other group watched as I approached quickly. A friendly voice asked a few questions and asked my name – we had crossed paths ski mountaineering before and he is a well known strong ski mountaineer. He was leading a group up towards the Lower Saddle in Garnet north fork. We agreed it should be a nice day and we set off in different directions at the canyon fork. I pushed the pace up a little to see if I could catch the others ahead of me. After an hour, I had made contact and we exchanged greetings, then I was skinning out ahead, but I was tired. I arrived on the summit of the South Teton a few minutes after 9 a.m. alone. There are three peaks that are central to the range – The Grand Teton, Middle Teton, and South Teton. This was my 51^st summit between the three of them and the 15^th  summit of the South Teton.

South Tetons' East Ridge (on Right) and corn skiing below

                                                                                

The views from the top were spectacular. The views towards the valley 6,000 feet below showed a wild Snake River approaching high water levels. The valley was green and the peaks across the range were still well covered with snow. Looking towards the West I could see far across Idaho. I soaked in the views for awhile as I prepared for a summer ski from the summit. I choose to ski the East Ridge off the summit towards the Ice Cream Cone notch. The ski off the summit is steep and I was focused on my skiing. After reaching the col between the South Teton and the Ice Cream Cone the steepness backed off and I continued on down the north glacier. The ski off the summit of the fifth highest peak in the Tetons was another great day in the mountains.

                                                                                        

Sun Valley 1/2 Marathon

Sun Valley Half Marathon

Ketchum, Idaho  June 4, 2011

                                                                                

                                                                             

A look at my 2011 calendar kept reminding me that the Sun Valley Half Marathon was approaching fast. I had never run a half marathon, marathon, or long road run for a race. I prefer the trail runs or mountain hill climbs. I rarely run on the road, but do occasional runs on the local bike path to time accurate mileage. Otherwise, I prefer the softer grounds of trails, dirt, or grass assuming a level route.

Race Start/Finish

I had participated in a ski race event a week earlier and was now going to try a running race. The joys of spring offer a multitude of outdoor adventures in which to consume. It is certainly the time of year to mix your sports. I have been skiing, biking, and some running. A friend of mine was going to the race and said there was room in the car. I signed up a few days before the race, studied the course, and took the spot in the car. It looked like a fun race – a quick trip to Sun Valley, my first half marathon, no great expectations for a podium, and scenic location.

                                                                           

I had spent a short time preparing for this race with a few small and moderate size runs. I was mainly relying on strength from ski season. So, I knew it was going to offer new muscle groups a challenge. I had no real plans for a strategy except, ‘run a good race’. I knew there were ‘runners’ here and I was entering as a ‘ski mountaineer’. The race Start is at approximately 5,920 feet. The race course involved two small hill climbs, some rolling terrain, and a few straight sections.

                                              

Race Start, evening before race



            



Bald Mountain and Final Mile







              

Sun Valley is home to the world’s first chairlifts which were installed in 1936. Sun Valley is also home to Olympic Gold medalist Picabo Street. Bald Mountain looms over the Wood River Valley with snow and ski runs still very prevalent.

Race day dawned perfect and the 9am start was great and allowed for plenty of time to prepare final adjustments. The pavilion at Sun Valley was full of smiles, runners, sunshine and people ready to race. The gun sounded and a new race had begun. I finished the course in a time of 1:30:44 which was good enough for ninth place overall. I had a great visit to Sun Valley and hope to explore more of the surrounding trails and peaks in the near future.


Division award and Hydration



Relaxing after race

                                        

results: http://www.sunvalleyhalfmarathon.com/









                                        

Ski to Sea

Ski to Sea 2011

 Sunday May 29th, 2011  Mt. Baker to Bellingham, Washington



Kayak salad



One hundred years ago, 14 brave souls threw caution to the wind, braved snowstorms, and risked their lives to compete in what has been labeled the first endurance race in American history – the Mount Baker Marathon.

Mt. Shuksan from Mt. Baker ski start area

The marathon lasted from 1911 – 1913 and was the forerunner to today’s Ski to Sea.

The original competitors choose either automobile or train to access the base of Mt. Baker. The 116 mile race of mud, snow, sweat, and glory was short lived due to numerous hazards. Two different routes to the summit were viable. The races’ only rules were to start from Bellingham, Washington and summit 10,781 foot Mt. Baker and finish back in Bellingham. The competition consisted of loggers, coal miners, farmers, students, postman, and attracted a few professional marathoner runners and Olympians. The 1911 race was won by Joe Galbraith. In 1911 a U.S. postage stamp was 2 cents, the Median U.S. Income was $983 per year (U.S. Census Bureau) and the average price of gasoline of gas was 25 cents. It would be 60 years before the spirit of the Mt. Baker Marathon would be resurrected to the event that is known today as the Ski to Sea.



Max Taam, Jordan Hart, Me



Runners take 3rd leg down Mt.

                               



 In 1973 Ski to Sea had fifty-two teams enter for a new relay race featuring downhill skiing, biking, and canoeing. The 2011 race has 7 different legs and is 100 miles in length. The race consists of an uphill/downhill alpine ski, cross country ski, run, bike, canoe, mt. bike, and kayak leg. The race is capped at 500 teams which quickly calculate to 3,500 racers.

I received a phone call one afternoon and was asked by Tony Velasco to join a Team in the Ski to Sea. I accepted the fully sponsored trip. The trip to Bellingham enabled me to enjoy a great event while meeting many super athletes and catch up with some ski mountaineering friends. I knew that Max Taam was going and heard rumors of Greg Ruckman and Brandon French attending – all great athletes. It looked like good fun, the price was right, and I was able to get another ski mountaineering race in for the year.



keep moving or the Moss might start growing on you



Both Max Taam and I were among athletes staying in a cabin arranged by our Team Captain Tony Velasco near the base of Mt. Baker. Max was on the Boss Construction 1 Team and I was on R.B. Wick’s Masters Gentlemen Team. Gulp, it was my first Master’s event. The team I (Alpine Ski Uphill/DH) was on consisted of Chris Humbert (XC Ski), Shaun Marshall-Pryde (Run), Aaron M. Berntson (Bike), Darryl Spencer and Tinh Vu (Canoe), Todd Gallaher (Mt. Bike) and Kirk Christensen (Kayak).



R.B.Wick, Aaron Berntson, Me, Kirk Christensen, Chris Humbert, Shaun Marshall-Pride



                

The racing resumes of these athletes were off the charts. I was amongst people of great passion, talent, and inspiration. I was honored to join these ‘Gentlemen’. I met many great people including Jordan Hart and R.B.Wick. The Ski to Sea was a great race to participate in and then cheer on my own team-mates as they race off the mountain of snow and down to the waters of Bellingham. The Overall race wining time was 6 hours 11minutes and 22seconds. Our team finished 10^th overall out of 500 teams in 6:36:37.

For results www.skitosea.com

The Jaw, Mt. Woodring

Grand Teton National Park   May 15-21, 2011

The Jaw 11,400

As the daylight continues to get longer each day I remind myself that the longest day of the year is a month away. With that in mind and the snow still in the mountains, I made two trips this week into GTNP for ski tours. Though the days are getting longer, clouds have been dominating the skies for much of the week diluting the ‘long days’ by filtering out the sun.

I set out for The Jaw. The Jaw tops out at 11,400 feet at the head of hanging canyon. The ascent is just over 4,500 feet. I had been to the summit once before, also a ski descent, on May 5, 2002. I know Hanging Canyon well from summer hikes, climbs, and visits to the Lake of the Crags. The lake sits near 9,600 feet and is surrounded by spires, peaks, crags, and pinnacles hidden in the Hanging canyon.

Skin track above Jenny Lake headed into Hanging Canyon

Driving from home, I noticed blotches of wet road the further north I traveled. The temperature outside was 28 degrees. Arriving, I was surprised and happy to find myself the only patron there. I geared up and the weather was cooperating nicely and showing signs of sun. I turned and jumped up on the snow bank and skinned over to the bridge. The bridge showed a trace of new snow and confirmed no one had been across yet. With good snow coverage, I quickly traversed up and into Hanging Canyon. A trace of new snow nicely outlined the skin track and views of Jenny Lake were amazing. Jenny Lake’s ice was breaking up and it looked like the surface had craters or a glass pane shot full of bullet holes. I skinned uphill at a steady rate so I could be skiing before any weather or warm-up may occur. The forecast was for a 30-40% chance of precipitation. I took my La Sportiva race skis anticipating fast travel conditions. The skis were fast on the approach. I took a break at the entrance to the hanging canyon to eat and hydrate a bit more. The weather was holding and I had a great view of The Jaw, Lake of the Crags, and Jenny Lake.

Final steps to summit of The Jaw

Turning for the summit, the next section was great as I skied across the smooth frozen lakes. Striding, poling, and gliding, I was eyeballing the summit and the final 1,800 feet to the top. After another 1,000 vertical feet of skinning I transitioned to a boot pack. The route took you straight up the east face through some small cliffs and rock features. As I approached the steepest section the clouds came in quickly and enveloped me.

The Grand Teton

I slowed assuming they would move on or out and eventually they did. The clouds soon became the show to watch as they displayed magical properties. I arrived at the summit amongst floating and hanging clouds back lit by the sun. I soaked up the views of the clouds in motion, the Grand Teton, and the interior range. I stood on the summit, watching the clouds dance above and below. I clicked in my skis ready for my own dance down the mountain.

Skiing down
Hanging canyon

                                                               

      

Lake of the Crags



                                   

                         

                               Mt. Woodring 11,590

Mt. Woodring's South face, on right, as seen from the top of The Jaw

I spotted the summit of Mt.Woodring from The Jaw and it looked to have good coverage and a nice ski decent. I have been to the summit of Mt. Woodring twice, and skied the south face once. Paintbrush Canyon has many options for ski lines, peaks, and couloirs with Mt. Woodring at the head. I sipped the last bit of coffee in the car and set out under almost complete gray skies. The initial few miles of the approach is low elevation and heavily forested. I skinned undulating snow along String Lake to the bridge crossing. I made haste to get out of the woods and into Paintbrush Canyon where the vistas would improve if the weather held. The trees started to spread out and I entered the canyon. Ski lines were now visible with more options up canyon and the gray skies held their ground. However, ski conditions improved as I gained elevation. The snow was firm and smooth and travel was easy.  I, again, had chosen to use a light race set up – the La Sportiva race skis. Further up canyon, old avalanche debris had run from all aspects.

I turned the corner and attained the south face of Mt. Woodring. I was 2,200 feet directly below the summit. The weather was holding up well and glimpses of sunlight on distant peaks were promising.

However, I had begun to enjoy the black and white landscape and couldn’t help but think of Ansel Adams and his photographs of Yosemite and the High Sierra. Ansel Adams’ first solo museum exhibition was at the Smithsonian Institution and featured pictures of the High Sierra. A review from the Washington Post stated, “His photographs are like portraits of the giant peaks, which seem to be inhabited by mythical gods.”

I skinned up the south face for another 1,200 feet before transitioning to crampons and an ice axe for the summit climb. The views from the top were spectacular, highlighting the black and white contrasts of the mountains, snow, shadow, and sun.

Looking down fron the summit of Mt. Woodring across Paintbrush Canyon and the Tetons

There were a few options for ski descents from the summit. I quickly decided to go with the south face, the way I ascended. I took in the sights, slipped into my bindings, and skied off the summit towards Paintbrush canyon. The ski descent was approximately 4,700 feet of firm smooth conditions at the higher elevations, good corn skiing mid canyon, and heavier snow heading out.

Steep section near top

String Lake