Sunday, May 6, 2012

Wasatch Steeplechase Preperation

Well it has been quite the hiatus for me since my last post.  It's amazing how much time you don't have on your hands once you are amongst the working class of this fine nation.  Saturday had me doing a bit of course work for the upcoming Wasatch Steeplechase on June 23.  The course is a 17 mile loop that climbs 4,500'.  Yesterday I did a little over 13 miles there & back, making the summit of Black Mountain.  This has to be one of my favorite runs given the variety of terrain it offers, from rolling hills to boulder hopping it has it all.


Here you can see the summit in the distance & the ridge line that there leads.  Spring time has to be one of the better times of year to make this trek.  


Here's looking back at downtown Salt Lake.  You can also spot the Bonneville Shoreline Trail cutting across the foothills.  Quite splendid indeed. 


The ridge line.  Running this stuff reminds me of scenes from Lord of the Rings where they are just running across the countryside.  Of course I'm only loaded with a hydration pack, they have all their armor & weapons, nuts.


 The hero of the day.


Where foothills meet Mountain.  The steep journey to the top starts at about 6,500', the summit is around 8,200'.


The view from the ridge to the top.  


A bit of boulder hopping required.  Quite entertaining & frightening all at the same time.


From the top looking towards Mt Olympus & South Mountain. 


Summit view of City Creek Canyon.  I love seeing the shadows of the clouds.


Heading back down to civilization.


I'm not sure what this marker & arrow are all about.  


A fine young couple took this picture of well, yours truly.  I look pretty good for a guy that smells pretty bad.  Can't wait for the steeplechase & I'm sure I'll do this run again in the meantime.


1 comment:

  1. Awesome. That's a great run. I can't believe how green it is up there. Wow!

    Good luck at the Steeplechase. I'll be there but it's a week after the Bighorn 100 so if I don't feel great, I'll probably just volunteer.

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