Make that a Double...

The weekend plans were figured out as I was sitting around with the rest of my coworkers enjoying our last day at the old office. A conversation started to see who would be interested in a long run the following morning. Obviously I was game to try and run a new route, as the nice lake by my house is starting to get that…summer smell.

Mile Markers

The decision was made and we were going to run a Double Dipsea. I had never heard of the Dipsea Trail but I was game...even though I was told there were 700 steps to contest with...I was ready to run/walk/crawl...whatever it took.

Over 3000' of climbing...

The run started at a local elementary school in Mill Valley and from the beginning we started climbing…and climbing…and climbing. Here are a few pictures of the steps within 2 minutes of the run, I was sure were getting those 700 steps out of the way early.

Looking Up

 

Looking Down

After navigating our way up the steps and through a couple neighborhoods, we finally made our way to the “trail” part of the Dipsea Trail. And just like the previous millions stairs we climbed, there were more. We would go down a ton of steps...and roots...and then more steps...and more roots only to head right back up some a few minutes later. This was by far the toughest run I have ever done. I wish I could say that I didn’t walk but I would be just play lying. I was walking up steps left and right...well kind of more straight forward but you get the point.

Amazing View (Pacific Ocean in the distance)

But just like every trail run I have been on around here, there are moments when the views make all the pain and suffering TOTALLY worth it. After winding our way through a couple valleys, down some super steep steps and along some very cool paths, we were greeted with a view of the Pacific Ocean. Absolutely amazing.

Stinson Beach in the distance...we ran to that too

See :)

Now since the Dipsea Trail is a point-to-point trail and we were doing the “Double” Dipsea, we had to head back. I definitely think heading back was easier, if you call running that trail easy, and seem to go by quite a bit faster. I am guessing it is because I was able to mentally prepare myself for the torture I was putting my legs through.

A cool bridge we ran across!

Steps Down...and Up I guess since we ran them both ways :)

The trail is just under 7.5 miles long for a total of 15 miles of up and down stairs, roots and dirt trails and WAY more than 700 stairs especially if you count the thousands of roots along the way. Still it was a very cool run and just the beginning of a long weekend of training.

The Landscape Architect in me LOVES the simplicity of this sign...Very Cool!

Running the trails of Redwood Park...

With the asphalt roads and concrete sidewalks getting rather boring, I have been trying to get out and see what running trails are near my apartment. Now by near, I unfortunately don't be just down the block like back home but close enough to drive and not feel like I am in the car all day.

A couple weekends ago I was feeling pretty recovered...or basically I skipped a few workouts during the week and thought it might be best to go torture myself on a long trail run. Having no idea where to go, I googled 'trail run east bay' and came up with a local race that happened back in February. The website had detailed descriptions of the course, maps, elevations and turn-by-turn directions...basically a perfect fit for a guy who has no idea where anything is around here.

Not sure this elevation map does ANY justice on exactly how steep some of these sections were.

I had rode past the entrance to Redwood Park on "My Favorite Loop" ride a few times and when I found the trail run online, I knew this was where I was going to go. I loaded up with a few gels, a camera and my directions and was off for a 20K or about 12.5 miles. This was going to be my longest run in basically forever and throw in the difficulty of trails, I knew it was going to be tough.

Nice clear path after a super steep climb to start off...but I am starting to understand
no mater what sport you are doing here, it is uphill. I am just waiting to swim uphill next.

Another Amazing View



Cool Cover Trail



Loved this part.

Stream Trail- 3 miles home
West Ridge Trail- 6 miles home
Only one way to go...

 

Some single track trails...was definitely worried about Poison Oak but
pretty hard to tell with all the other plants. 



I really enjoyed the run. I might have been a bit overzealous when I picked the 20k loop as I was struggling quite a bit near the end but I made it back to my car in one piece. And with any trail run will come a bath for my legs in rubbing alcohol to make sure I do not get another case of Poison Oak. 

The smell is intoxicating...I should probably start
marketing it as a body wash, Axe has nothing on me :) 

I do feel like I am finally getting some running legs under me and though I can't say that I love running, once I get out there no matter how hard it gets, I am really starting to enjoy running...though it could definitely use a touch or sounds of my peeps from the northwest to make it even better.

My New Favorite Bike Loop and the road called Butters!!!

I have found it rather difficult to "know" where to go ride. I have been on some great rides since I got down here but not always knowing exactly where we went. Plus it can always be difficult trying to get out of the city and onto these rural roads. A few weeks ago, a buddy took me on this route that I thought was pretty cool and even though the 3:00+ ride was a bit more than I was bargaining for at the time, it was still great to see some new roads.

The road called Butters :)

Fast forward to yesterday and I was on my own trying to remember where we went and exactly how we got there. After looking at a map and a quick mental note on where to turn, I headed out the door. I am never too worried since I have a smart phone with Google Maps on it and even if that fails, a good rule of thumb is to head towards to ocean...and then try and find your way home.

Always some amazing views at the top of the climbs.

This is a perfect weekend route. It is just over 25 miles and takes about 1:45 to complete if you are out to work hard but not try to push your self to exhaustion. Just like EVERY single ride here, it starts off with climbing...like averaging 10.5 mph for the first 40 minutes of the ride...climbing. You just go up and then up again and the in case you thought that was fun you go up a little bit more. The ride has just over 2,200 feet of climbing but what goes up must come down, so there are some great technical descents on winding roads. How can a ride not be some road names like: Skyline, Redwood and of course Butters...

Some small trees next to the roads :)

The hidden Post Office- This place is famous for being close to nothing.

And what would a good ride be without the random Stop signs
in the middle of nowhere...and the cars actually stop which can't be
said for ANY other Stop Sign in the state of California :)

I know I am not the first person to find this route but as of today I am going to claim it as "My Weekend Loop". There are opportunities to easily add additional miles if I need to and you are protected from the constant winds that seem to make sure I am ALWAYS riding into a head wind. So its pretty much MINE now :) Hopefully it helps me get my butt out the door without the hour or so of me telling myself that it will be fun.

So if you are ever in the Bay Area and want to go for a ride just let me know. I have the PERFECT one all planned out.

Michelin Krylion Carbon- Bulletproof...Just not Stapleproof

Michelin Krylion Carbon

I stumbled onto these tires looking for something that could withstand the tough roads around my hometown of Spokane and have continue to use them down here in California. I do a fair amount of city and rural road riding along with plenty of miles put in along side highways. These are prime locations for anything and everything to collect that could give you a flat tire.

Now I would like to think that it was my amazing abilities and superscope vision that has left me flat free for the last 2 years but I highly doubt that is the case...I am good, just not that good ;) I have to give credit where credit is due and I honestly believe it is these tires.

A Souvenir...or not

Just today I got my first flat tire in as long as I can remember. The culprit, well it was a heavy duty staple that someone decided to leave on the side of the road and I just happen to find that exact spot they left it and thought it might fun...or not so fun to get off and have to fix a flat.

You probably have your own favorites and maybe you had a bad run of luck with these tires but to go on as many rides as I have, on the roads that I have, and the harsh conditions I have...these tires have been amazing. I actually replaced my last set before ever getting a flat... not one and like I said I would like to think it is because I am so awesome but let's be real. Now I probably just jinxed myself but triathletes aren't supersitious...right ;)

Back up and riding...Rain in the morning and Sun in the afternoon

So if you are in the market for a great training tire that can 'roll' with the punches, might I suggest you pick up a set of these. With a relatively low cost, high reward and come in quite a few colors if you are all about accessorizing your ride.

On The Road Again...

When living up in the PNW...especially eastern Washington, getting out on the road in January is something special. The weather is just not conducive to get out and ride without a great chance of crashing on ice and or looking like Lloyd and Harry during the scooter scene in Dumb and Dumber. Since the weather has been a bit warmer and dryer than normal, I took advantage and began to process of trying to get outside and on the road again.

I think I might have to create a checklist next time ;)

Honestly, I had completely forgot the process it takes to get ready for a ride in cold temperatures. I began the lengthy process by trying to lay everything out just to make sure I had it all...and still was able to forget a few important items such as toe and shoe covers along with a face guard. Don't even get me started on how long it actually took to get all the gear on, walk around the house 5 times remember this and that and then finally getting outside to remember I have to fill up the tires and add a bike bag. It was beginning to feel like I it was going to take more time to get ready then I would actually spend riding.

Ready to RIDE!!!

With everything FI.NAL.LY done, I was able to jump on the bike and get started on what turned out to be an absolutely beautiful day for a ride and made all the work to get ready totally worth it. The sun was out, the temperatures were right and the road was clear. Basically everything you would expect about 2 months from now.

Not quite the same without the wheat fields but SO much better than stuck inside.

Thanks GU for keeping me fueled during my ride!

The ride was awesome. I forgot what if felt like to have wind on your face and the asphalt under your wheels. I also realized a few things that you just can't find inside on the trainer.

The amazing smell of cow manure warming up in the sun!

And the leg hairs sticking through your bike tights...Hey don't judge, it's still winter :)

I sure hope this weather sticks around for awhile because me plus trainer is none existent and I am loving getting outside.

Winter Training- Mind Confusion



We have had just a little bit of snow this year :)

When the snow is piled high and the temperatures drop, training in the Pacific Northwest can become difficult. Throw in the fact that it is the off-season and it becomes a perfect storm for sitting on the couch watching TV and enjoying a few adult beverages to pass the time away.

Well I have found a way to trick the mind into thinking things are much cooler than they actually appear. Most of you have probably heard of muscle confusion where you try many different techniques to get many of the same results, basically keeping the body guessing...




Watch out Arnold...

 My new method is mind confusion. So when it is dark outside and the temperatures are freezing, who wants to go to the gym and lift weights...definitely not I, but when it becomes "Ninja Training" now this seems awesome and who wouldn't want to become a better Ninja.



For the last month or so, Eric and I have been hitting the gym twice a week to do circuit training...aka Ninja Training to build some extra strength and get those muscles stronger for next year. It is a great change of pace from all the swimming, biking and running and well in the end we might actually have a beach muscle or two :)




Just keep swimming...

 Our next trick to mind confusion is "S.E.A.L. Training". Now since I am still a triathlete and... well swimming is all about muscle memory and technique, I still need to get to the pool, even if it is the very last thing I want to do. So instead of going to the pool knowing that I will be staring at the black line over and over again...the new plan is to treat it as S.E.A.L. Training.

And because the Navy Seals are pretty damn badass in my book. I fools me just enough to put on the spandex and stay focused for just long enough to get in an almost quality workout.



Finally cleaned of the inch or so of dust and got all set up.

Since the roads are either covered with Ice or Snow or Slush or well all of the above...the only really way to ride your bike is on the trainer. Now I have pretty much failed at this over the last couple of months but with the new year coming quickly, it is time to get my butt in gear.

So yes, we have come up with a way to confuse the mind on this one too. It is called "Lancing". Since the most badasstic cyclist of all-time is Lance Armstrong...you wouldn't want to be able to ride like Lance...or even 10% as well as him... or maybe even as good as his left foot.

 

As for running...I still haven't figured out a way to confuse myself enough. With a goal of becoming a better runner this year, it is talking absolutely all the mental strength I can muster to run. Lately, I have even been jumping on the treadmill (I know...I might be going a little insane) after Ninja Training, in hopes that I might still be in Ninja mode and will be able to suffer through it for a little bit.

So at this point I am sending out an all call for people who want to run. I am a sucker for running partners, since I know I won't have to suffer alone. Honestly, any pace and all paces are welcome. Right now I just need to get out there and RUN!!!


What are you tricks of the trade so to speak? Are you awesome enough to be able to get out and do all these workouts or do you have to try your own sort of mind confusion?

Mountain Bikes ROCK...and JUMP...and SPLASH!!!

Here in the northwest...when triathlon season is over it is time to hit the trails for some mountain biking. Last weekend a group of us met up near the 7-Mile Bridge and Riverside State Park. This would be the first time I have actually rode these trails even though I grew up just a few miles away.

Even though the night temperatures are hovering just above freezing, the early morning rides are still managable. All you need to do is layer up just a bit. Plus with mountain biking, you are usually riding pretty slow so it is easy to keep your body temperature up.

Here are a few of the highlights from my ride with: Greg, Natatlie, Nate, Matt and Jessie

Riding over a pile of logs...because we can :)

Natalie

Greg

Nate

Matt crusing down the trail.

The next set of shots are us launching off a rock that was next to the trail we were riding on. It made a perfect jump. I am pretty sure this is the LAST thing I should be doing on my bike as it could break at any second.

Me

Greg

Nate

Natalie

Matt

We did have a couple of crashes but only got one on film. After riding off the trail and into the shrubs on the side of the trail, over the handlebars he went.

Greg watching Nate crash.

Mountain Biking Carnage

 Here is another one of the sweet jumps we found.

Honestly, I feel like I was about 5 feet higher!

We also took a few videos. Check them out.

Getting a WAY to long run up to the jump.

Here is Nate having a little fun in a puddle.

Honestly, we are always looking for people to come out and ride. There are tons of great trails all over this area...and if you feel up to it, ROCKS, JUMPS and puddles to SPLASH through.