still running

Although I’m really enjoying skiing, it highlights one of the things I like most about running: the simplicity. Even for the casual skier there is a lot of gear involved. The necessary gear for running, on the other hand, is barely more than decent pair of shoes. Of course, runners can complicate things with heart-rate monitors and altimeters, but that still comes nowhere close to the gear and gadgetry extremes of the skiing world; there are skis for powder, skis for groomers, alpine touring skis, telemark skis, XC skis, skate skis, etc. etc. etc. And they all have their own boots. Gadzooks, talk about an expensive sport.

Anyways, I’m still running. In fact, I just registered for the Leadville 100 Mile Trail Race in late August. Since we’re living at altitude and we’re surrounded by incredible trails, I figure this could be my best shot to complete this race (the low point of the course is 9,200 feet). My official training schedule started about two weeks ago and I’m off to a good start. Running in sub-zero temperatures reminds me of training for my first marathon seven years ago in the dead of a brutal Michigan winter. Any time the temperature crosses above 20 it feels balmy.

Between now and August 21st, I’m planning on running a couple 50k's and 50 milers. I’m hopeful that I can get some friends together to run the Grand Canyon rim to rim to rim (about 40 miles round trip) in April or early May. If Adrienne’s up for it, I’m also hoping to run the Garden of the Gods 10 Mile Run with her in June. It’s supposed to be incredibly beautiful, so if you’re in the area, give us a shout and perhaps we can get a group together.

On a geeky gear related note, if you’re running on a lot of snowy trails, head to your local hardware store and pick up some 3/8 inch sheet metal screws. At about $1 per shoe, a “screw shoe” is much cheaper than both YakTrax ($30) and Kahtoola Microspikes ($60) and outperforms the YakTrax by a longshot (I’ve never used Microspikes).

On a final note, I especially like the message at the bottom of the Leadville Trail 100 registration form:

You’re better than you think you are. And you can do more than you think you can.