TransRockies Run

Man, if I wasn't having problems with my tendon and ran like I was back in 2005, I might consider doing this race. The TransRockies Run looks like an amazing event, modeled on the multiday alpine stage races in Europe. In the inaugural event in September, up to 150 teams of two racers will run from Beaver Creek, Colorado, to Aspen: six days on trails, forest roads, and pavement, totaling about 125 miles, camping each night at a tent city set up and torn down by the race staff. The course:

Stage 1: Beaver Creek to Camp 1, 10-15 miles, 2,500-3,000 feet
Stage 2: Camp 1 to Camp 2, 25-29 miles, 6,000-6,500 feet
Stage 3: Camp 2 to Leadville, 15-19 miles, 1,700-2,200 feet
Stage 4: Leadville to Camp 3, 24-28 miles, 3,500-4,000 feet
Stage 5: Camp 3 to Camp 4, 16-20 miles, 3,500-4,000 feet
Stage 6: Camp 4 to Aspen, 22 – 26 miles, 6,000-7,000 feet

Oh yeah, did I mention the hefty price tag? $1200

This is probably the 2nd best stage-race that I have heard of, the second being the UtraRun Tour de Mont-Blanc. Anyone want to go in on any of these races in 2008?

Aravaipa Canyon

Hiking the 11-mile one-way canyon. Due to its perennial flow, Aravaipa Canyon is home to many species of plants and animals including 2 threatened minnows and over 150 bird species. Stopping by Oracle to fill up the bio benz at 4th Dimension Fuels with some biodiesel. On the way back, the plan is to eat at La Casita in Mammoth, home of the best Mexican food.

My sister

As I was up in Zion canyoneering, Patrice (who lives in Portland) was hit by a car while crossing the crosswalk. If that was not enough, the gentleman started to drive off after the incident only to be stopped by witnesses. Since the surgery where the doctor inserted titanium rods into her legs, she is very upbeat. Here is a picture that my mom took while she was visiting my sister the day after the accident:



My sister is car-less, one of the things I really admire about her. I commute to work on a daily basis, but I still have the bio benz as a backup. She walks, bikes, and takes the bus everywhere she goes. Can you imagine a world where more people would take the step to start to ride their bike, walk, or ride a bus?

I imagine such a world would look like this



I did a morning bike ride today, 4 hours of fun out to Cody Hill in Oracle. The idea of a road/mountain bike 50/50 race out there is very tempting.

Achilles Tendinitis Recovery Plan

For the past 16 months, I have been recovering from Achilles Tendinitis in both of heals. First, I had problems with my right one. Then about 8 months later, my left one began hurting. How did this injury happen? I attribute it to running massive amount of hill workouts in my workouts while training in Mexico. Also, doing 3 marathons and about 15-20 5ks and 10ks races in 1.5 years might have contributed to the problem.

After running my entire life, I had to switch over to the triathlon/biking scene because my Achilles would not allow me to run over 5-6 miles. Hence the new love for triathlons and biking.

Well, I guess I am ranting a bit, but my point is that I am going to do more than the ibuprofen, icing, and stretching that the doctor said. Here is a quick plan:

1. I am going to cut back on the ibuprofen so the healing can take place. I have never been hip on using it, so I am slowly going to wean myself off of it.

2. I am adding extra soy milk to my diet (especially before bed), and supplementing with lysine, glycine, and vitamins C & E. I just got back from GNC, bout about $50 worth of the aforementioned goods.

Canyoneering in Zion

Picture from Fat Man's Misery,a 3B IV rating

Headed up to Zion tomorrow (Wed, 8/22) for some canyoneering, then over to Las Vegas to see the family. I decided not to go to Flagstaff for the Old-Fashion Race this weekend. Here is the plan for this weekend in Zion:

1. half day canyon on Thurs, Spry or Pine Creek
2. full day Englestead
3. a good canyon for Saturday. Maybe Fat Man's with some extra hours in
the pot hole section to practice.

Click here to read more about canyoneering in Utah.

Results from Mt Lemmon Time Trial

MT Lemon Time Trial Results from yesterday.

A good article about racing bikes in the NY Times today. The most notable quote is:

“Real bike racing is a rich man’s sport,” said Mike Dee, a messenger and an organizer of the race, called the Staten Island Invasion. “This is like the bike race for the rest of us — people who like to drink a beer in the mornings.”
NY Times Article

A little food for thought as I decided which races I am going to do in the next few months.... freebies or $ registration?

Mt Lemon Time Trial

I finished in 1 hour 5 minutes (unofficial results). Not where I wanted to be as far as time, nevertheless, this time trial showed me areas that I need to work on. This is my first road bike race I have ever done, 12 miles, 3,000 feet of climbing.

Click on this picture to view the profile of today's climb


When climbing mountains, it is best to look to Lance for some wisdom. He said:

This is not Disneyland, or Hollywood. I'll give you an example: I've read that I flew up the hills and mountains of France. But you don't fly up a hill. You struggle slowly and painfully up a hill, and maybe, if you work very hard, you get to the top ahead of everybody else.

In some sections of today's race, I was in pain. Just shows I need to ride some more this week. So, I have decided to increase my bike training a notch in order to meet some personal goals. What does "notch" exactly mean in this case? More long rides, one 4-5 hour ride a week.

I will post pictures and results soon.