This Guy Again?

Good interview over at Running Times with Kilian Jornet, winner of the Superbowl of trail racing and arguably the best trail-runner in the world.
http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=23236

He mentions running hard on the uphill sections and resting on the downhill's and flats. Certainly counter to my own style, but this is coming from a guy who claims Western States is "like a road race" and was "back to normal" the day after winning the most competitive trail race in the US.

Running Gear: A Necessary Evil

Not all of us can hit the trail for hours on end with little food or water like some folks, who are either getting their energy from the sun or are simply made of different things. If you're anything like me, a long day on the trail can feel more like an eating contest than a feat of physical prowess. Finding a way to carry all the stuff I need without feeling like a pack mule is a task easier said than done.

Camelbak Lobo, "The Enabler"

The best pack I've come across so far for the job is the Camelbak Lobo. I purchased this jewel at cost back in my outdoor retailer days and have used it almost exclusively for my long rides and runs. I'd like to think I could write an objective "gear review," but being one prone to anecdote over objectivity I guess we'll call it a gear ode instead.

What I look for most in gear is the ability to forget I'm using it. It's just there doing it's job and I don't have to concern myself with finding water, carrying enough food, or taking the pack off and on to get what I need. To me, a long run or ride should be like reading a great book... your're simply in the moment and then all of a sudden you find yourself turning the final pages. When I'm not fussing with gear I can direct my focus to my friends and surroundings, the real reason I'm out there in the first place.

Hacking away at least .01oz of weight prior to the Traverse

On all but the hottest days I find the Lobo to be good for about 30 miles, either running or hiking. Thus giving the pack its' nickname of "The Enabler."  The Lobo has performed well enough to keep me from purchasing any other running pack for about three years now. Due to one critical design flaw though, I have found myself guiltily surfing through the "hydration" section of several online running retailers. 

The bottom pocket of the Lobo is accessible on the run... barely. Said pocket is located in a spot on your back best described as only barely within your reach to scratch. The stuff pocket underneath it is even worse, especially when the pack is full. Several times I believe I may have done compromising things to the integrity of my shoulder while trying to put away wet rain gear on the run.

With this in mind, lets take a look at the newer model... The Camelbak Octane XCT 

About 8oz lighter AND a place to put snacks than you can actually reach

I've taken a gander at hydration packs by Nathan, Salomon, and some of the other big names. I have not been sold on any of them due to either A) no accessible pockets without removing the pack or B) too small of a hydration bladder. So pretty soon I may be breaking with my extreme stinginess and spring for a new camelbak, because hydration is important you know...

The View from Above

"Repetitio est mater studiorum"

Somebody's gotta get things done around here

In the last two years I've now made over forty trips up Mt. LeConte. Maybe one of these days I'll learn something...

All hail's breaking loose

Coming off the hill Sunday I'd have been better off with a kayak than a pair of boots. And if the clouds weren't producing rain it was only because they were too busy pelting me with hail. Needless to say, this did not fill me with motivation to go run trails all day everyday while I was off.

Usually nothing more than damp rocks

Instead of sliding around the mountains, I stuck to the local roads (which can be just as steep or steeper than some of the trails) and even managed to squeeze in a little fishing and cycling time.

Fight the current or go with the flow?

I hate to say my fishing outing was a bust, I did snag one hand length Smallmouth, but at the end of the day nothing to toss into the skillet. Which was my goal. 

For my weekly man-date with Dad we cycled about 30 miles and chose a more reliable food source for our post-ride meal than the Little Pigeon River, the Smoky Mountain Brewery.

Can you stand it?

What are you training for?

A recurring question. My plans right now are to enjoy summer and maintain a base. For certain I plan on racing the Lookout Mtn 50 again this winter. Usually once I've run a course I like to move on, but I really enjoyed this race. I also feel like I could have ran the race somewhat smarter, therefore faster. So we shall see. There are a few more races on my mind. TNF 50, Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon, and StumpJump to name a few. If anyone has run these I'd appreciate your thoughts.

Here's where I get to flip the question. What are YOU training for? Anybody got anything interesting coming up?