1,000 + pounds of food...

So far I have collected over 1,000 pounds of food for donation that I have come directly to me, not counting what people on the trail have said they donated on location at FIRC. On average, an American eats around 5 pounds of food per day. A family of 4 say, 20  pounds of food that day. That means, with everyone's kind donations, we have fed around 50 families.

When I went to the food bank a few weeks ago, it was prosperous. I am not saying I am the reason for this change, but I am super happy and grateful for everyone who has helped and supported the project so far. To see the food bank so full was certainly inspiring.

Keep supporting the food bank as much as you can, and I will keep running up Mt. Royal. Don't be afraid to email me or call me to set up a time to get together to go for a run/hike.

Thanks again friends.

Happy Trails.

Why do I run?

People often ask, Why? Why do you put yourself through the pain and suffering of training and racing? Why do you run when its -20 outside, or 100 outside? Why do you love to run up 4500 feet of vertical?

Family, friends, support, love for natural places, love for exploration...

Me and Steph after Stone Mill 50+

Welcome Winter 50k

Welcome Winter 50k

14er Loop with Jon and Sage and LUNA!

Start of the Zion Traverse

End of the Zion Traverse

 

 

On our way up Mt. Elbert (14,440)

Simple Hydration Bottle review

I spoke with Brian of Simple Hydration Thursday of last week and chatted about his new bottle. After talking running and mountains we both decided that the Simple Bottle would probably be a good fit for my style of running. Brian sent me a few bottles to try, and I became instantly hooked.

 I like to be light and fast, so carrying a 3 liter bladder is just plain annoying. My fuel is usually in the form of energy gels that can fit in my shorts or jacket pockets. Drinking from streams in the mountains of Colorado is just simply easier and more rewarding, so a bottle that is easily filled with a wide opening makes sense. Out here in Colorado if you're running up 14ers and spending long days in the mountains, having your hands free to scramble rock is essential, and so is just general balance on the trails and ridges.

The Simple Bottle is a 13oz bottle with a sport cap that fits easily into shorts or running pants. When I tested the bottle I stuck it in the front of my tights on the climbs and simply moved it to the back running down. Both positions were incredibly comfortable - I hardly even noticed it. One thing I noticed that because it is kept so close to your body - the bottle did not freeze at all. The water stayed as a liquid and the cap wasn't iced over. That is a HUGE benefit for anyone running in a cold climate. I have stopped drinking water numerous times on long runs because I could not get the water out of the bottle or bladder.

The bottle is simple and functional. I love it. I will continue to use it and I highly suggest it to anyone who is tired of holding their bottles or wearing a pack. It is great for ultra distancetrail runners, road runners, marathoners, or 5k runners.

Morning Mt. Royal ascent with my Simple Hydration bottle.

Updates and many thanks!

As the new year as started, I wanted to say thank you to everyone who has contribued to the food bank. I have fallnd behind on updates and Mt. Royal summits as I was really focusing on running a solid race at Bandera. But, things dont always go as planned and I can't wait to start training again and loving my mountain runs.


Some food bank things:

With the help of many friends, runners, and hikers all over the country, I have dropped off close to 1,000 pounds of food at FIRC. When I went a few days after Christmas, the food bank was totally full, which is an amazing accomplishment that we should all be proud of.


Running things:

My year started off rough with a DNF at mile 42 of Bandera 100k. It felt like a step back mentally, but I know I will be stronger in the long run. It also opened my eyes to some medical issues that need to be addressed going into an up and coming race season.

On a HAPPY NOTE...

I am very proud to be a part of Leadville Running Company's 2013 Ultra Racing Team, as well as receiving support from Simple Hydration and MontBell clothing.

Here are some cool videos of stuff I have been up too...

courtesy of Sage Canaday...

Running 14ers

Running Green Mountain

Running in the mountains is essential to life...