MountainrunnerMike

Secret Salsa

2011-08-21T20:38:00.000-07:00

I left church early to fry up some tortilla chips. I then went down to the food storage to find some of Vickie's homemade salsa. This is what I found. What a sweet wife I have.

Grove Creek

2011-08-21T20:35:00.001-07:00

After several times friends telling me to try the Grove Creek trail I finally gave in. I loved it. All runable nice trail. Here are a few pictures. Although I did not get one of the Rattle Snake that turned me away on the Great Western Trail.

Timp and 3 hour run

2011-08-04T19:56:00.000-07:00

Left to go to run the ridge trail Saturday morning. Turned away by the AF 1/2 marathon as the canyon was closed to the road runners. So I cam home and went back to bed. It was a beautiful day and about 3:00pm had to head for the hills. Ran to Mill mountain from the pine hollow trail. My favorite. Cool temps due to the stream coming down, Pine trees and up on the ridge.
Total of 12 miles. But great afternoon run.

Hoka One One Stinson B/Combo XT- Hybrid Running Shoe | Boulder Running Company

2011-07-03T09:52:00.000-07:00

Hoka One One Stinson B/Combo XT- Hybrid Running Shoe | Boulder Running Company

My new Running shoe. Although my family teases me about wearing my "Shape Ups" for a trail run, They are the greatest. They actually make you want to run uphill. On the down hills they take away the pounding. After Squaw Peak 50 My toes were numb for the next 4 trail trail runs. Which was two weeks. I started wearing these Hoka's and the numbness has gradually left.
They are the Cadillac of trail running shoes.
Any one that say Barefoot or "0" drop shoes are the way to go, does not run the rough trails for as long as I do or will not be running in the next few years due to injury.

Mineral Basin

2011-07-03T09:37:00.000-07:00

I left Friday morning from Tibble Fork Reservoir and decided I was going to go all the way to Mineral Basin. Mineral Basin leads to the back side of Snowbird Ski Resort. I have left to do this several times but always get distracted with a different route as the dirt road leaving Tibble Fork is kind of boring.

I persevered and got above the campers. I not only made it to mineral basin but also Ant Knolls which is an aid station on the Wasatch 100 course. Ant Knolls is on the back side of Brighton Ski Resort.
I ran into a few mines and also some jeep roads that have turned into streams as the snow is still melting up high.

One of the most beautiful runs I have been on.

Friday Morning in the Mountains

2011-06-26T11:25:00.000-07:00

I left early Friday morning to get in three hours before work. I wanted to wash away the last time I went up Rock Canyon, which was the last leg of the Squaw Peak 50. Where I was dehydrated, dizzy and sick. I was heading to the back of Lions head and the base of Provo Peak.
This time of the year the Pine trees and letting the scent go. Nothing like the fresh pine smell as soon as the snow melts. I still crossed several snow patches on the trail and one very large avalanche.

Here are some shots for you.

Tuesday morning run

2011-06-14T18:19:00.001-07:00

Saturday Morning Recovery Run

2011-06-12T20:10:00.000-07:00

After a week of recovery I decided to take the ridge trail for a jaunt. I wanted to see the snow level and cross some high elevation snow fields.
A beautiful morning and a great 6 mile jog.

Here are some pictures as to why I do what I do.

Squaw Peak 50 Report

2011-06-12T20:09:00.001-07:00

I toed the line.
Saturday June 4th I toed the line for my 7th Squaw Peak 50. What a course. Due to snow on 25 miles of the original course, John Bozong had to alter the course. I thought is would be so much more run able. Was I wrong. The trail diverted off the rock canyon road after climbing to peak 8000 and went down to the Rock Canyon trail head. Then another 9 miles on the Bonneville Shoreline trail. This was a constant up and down. At about mile 20 it went up Spring Creek canyon about Springville. Some parts of the trail were run able, some were outrageous to hike.

I got sick after mile 6. 44 miles of hot, nausea and dizziness. At 5hours and 10 minutes on the trail the the leader Eric Storheim passes me on the out and back. About 12 miles ahead of me after 5 hours. Even though I was sick my legs still felt fresh.

I had a pacer that was going to meet me at Rock Canyon on the way back for the last 12 miles. I don't feel I need a pace for a 50 milers but Bryce was interested. I called him before the Y trail head and said don't bother showing up as I was sick and it would be a walk a thon.

Bryce was there and off we went. Slow going up Rock Canyon back up to Peak 8000. But got a little jogging in on the way down. By the time I hit the Smith ditch and the Provo Canyon Trail I had a serious bought of Vertigo. The world was spinning in several directions. I just tried staying in the middle of the two Vortex's and stay on the yellow line of the pavement.

Just before 16 hours I crossed the line for my 7th finish.

Cotton my son was there to get me cleaned up, a nice blanket to keep me warm and drove me home.

Only took a night before I started thinking of the next race.

Sundance 1.11.11

2011-01-02T18:27:00.000-08:00

Sundance with Justus and his friends. Froze to death but great time skiing. Justus is coming along on the snowboard. Seems to want the steep and deep so I am happy as can be as I now have a ski partner.

Gearing up for # 7

2010-12-19T17:57:00.000-08:00

I am officially signed up for my 7th Squaw Peak 50. I will wait until next year to do the Wasatch 100. But I am interested in the Katcina Mosa 100k. I have done it once and find it harder than the WF100.

More Running posts to come.
MRM

First Snowshoe of the Year

2010-11-28T19:40:00.000-08:00

5 mile snowshoe on the Ridge Trail. Trail number 157. Left on the Pine Hollow Trail Head. Definaltley one of my favorites. Very cold and windy at the top. 20 degrees without the wind chill and it was Howling on top.

Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T11:37:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for my dear sweet wife, my wonderful sons, my health, the mountains and this beautiful world my Heavenly Father has given to me.

WASATCH 100

2010-09-10T10:45:00.000-07:00

Leaving work to go pace the Wasatch 100. I am pacing Jeff Holdaway again.. this time from Brighton to the Finish. 25 miles of the most B E A Utiful country around. Problem is it will be dark. Should pick him up at about 1:30 in the morning.
Nothing like the smell of VOMIT with the quakies and pines mixed in.

Love Wasatch. My day will soon be here again.
MRM

Born in the wrong ERA

2010-09-05T21:25:00.000-07:00

Check out this photo of Vickie's grandpa. He was in the south pacific in WW-2. How cool is that picture.

I think I would have sailed the seas in a boat like that.

MRM

My Wife Can Cook!!!

2010-09-01T19:29:00.001-07:00

Check out our Sunday Dinner. Stuffed Jalepenos wrapped in Bacon. Yes.... My wife is a better cook than your wife. We were in Heaven.

Of course it did burn more the seconed day.

MRM

Highline trail

2010-08-27T22:36:00.001-07:00

Justus and I hiked the Highline Trail in the Uintas. 6.2 miles in. Some beautiful fish. We had a blast. It was so awesome to complete it together. We felt so great when we go tback to the truck. Like we had just conquered the mountain. Although we know there is so much more, we felt great about completing what we did and doing it together.

2010-08-27T22:22:00.000-07:00

Cotton and I went to the Se DMB thats Dave Mathews Band. I gave him a chance to take a little cutie with him but he said "NO" his dad introduced him to Dave Mathews and so he wanted his dad. How honored I was that he would ask.

MRM

2010-08-15T11:41:00.000-07:00

Here are some great photos of the north column of timp. I love this mountain. There is the north column on the way out at about 6:30am. Then again at about 10:00am on the way back.

Some beautiful mountain flowers.

In all I did about 15 miles. Felt good to be able to do this milage again and be up on the ridge.

MRM

Good Week So Far

2010-07-29T17:59:00.000-07:00

Thursday and I have had 3 good runs. I will take Friday off to do some home repairs. I will go on the ridge trail, up mill mountain and over to Pole line pass on Saturday

Let me see if I can find a picture of the area.

Fishing

2010-07-18T17:15:00.001-07:00

We went fishing and of course only the fish like my line. Sorry Guys.

MRM

Green River Pictures Part Doooo

2010-07-16T09:58:00.000-07:00

Green River Pictures

2010-07-16T09:39:00.000-07:00

Green River Run

2010-07-15T22:05:00.000-07:00

While at the Green River I took off one afternoon and ran the Green River trail. Only 8 miles but an awesome run.

Family

2010-07-04T20:12:00.000-07:00

I have visiting with us for the fourth of July, my parents and my two nephews. Conor and Isaiha. What awesome boys.
We are going fishing on the green river and flaming gorge later this week. It will be a blast.
A little running this week but I have come down with and ear infection. Go figure. How can I swim in the lake after a long morning run with a dad gum ear infection.
Got to kick it.

Pictures to come.
MRM

Saturdays Yard Work

2010-06-27T11:03:00.000-07:00

I had to have Tristan at the hich school at 5:00am to go to Baltimore for a national TSA competition. (He built a crossbow out of card board, the theme was "Green"). I left the Pine Hollow trail head at 5:55pm. After a 2 mile up hile climb I joined the ridge trail. Another 3 miles and I was to the base of Mill Mountian. Finished with a ten mile run.
I gave my camera to Tristan so I have no pictures.

Mall of Freaking America

2010-06-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

I am in Minnesota on business. Ate at a great steak house at the mall of america. Next door was a Pandora store. I new my wife was in need of some BLING. So here is proof that I actually shopped.

love you girl.

Se you tonight.

MRM

Fathers Day

2010-06-20T20:12:00.001-07:00

I have the greatest family!! I got a pair of montrail running shoes, a burrito dinner and the Coolest Yeti Statue for my garden.

Been some time but the running is stating back up slow.

Here are some pictures of my Fathers Day.

Weekend of Rugby in St George

2010-02-03T18:05:00.000-08:00

Cotton, Tristan and I went to St. George for a weekend of Rugby. Cotton played great while Tristan and I Enjoyed the Hot Tub and watching good Rugby.

Happy Birthday Tristan!!!

2010-01-26T14:16:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Tristan. Here is a picture of Tristan's first Rugby game. As anyone who knows how intense the game is the first game is never forgotten. It takes a tough strong hearted kid to play Hooker in his first game. I asked Tristan if he needed to come out when I saw him bleeding and he wouldn't
Rugby is a great sport to raise son's in. They learn that life can be miserable and tough sometimes but you have to keep playing. Keep up the good work and Happy Birthday.
Dad

Moma cita!!!!!

2010-01-18T18:16:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of my girl. She is hot. She is the best Mom and a wonderful wife. I am so proud of her. This is a picture of her at night on the beach.

Right now she is taking care of me while I try to pass a kidney stone. What a girl.

Why you leave me Tula....

2010-01-09T18:18:00.000-08:00

My wife is leaving for a week to go to Mexico. You would think I would be snowshoeing each day and getting some altitude between me and the smog. But this time I took on a painting job. Oh well next week. Besides no snow in the forecast. As Garth puts it I had better do my "Snow Dance".

North Face Comes Thru

2010-01-06T16:27:00.000-08:00

Check out these gortex shoes. I can hike, run or snow shoe in these. I love them. With a good pair of gaiters you can go anywhere. Good stability. Very stiff when new but as soon as they are broken in they fit like a glove.

Happy Birthday Vickie and Cotton

2010-01-03T16:04:00.000-08:00

Today is my sweet wife Vickie's Birthday along with my oldest son Cotton.

I remember when Vickie went into labor 17 years ago. She got very sick, and has complications.

The Doctor would not come in for the C-section until the football game was over. I was,(OK put it nicely) very upset.

Cotton came into our lives and has been a blessing from Heaven. He has my good looks, my same likes, OK I was not any good at band, loves competition and Loves to run over people with a rugby ball in his hands.

Cotton is much more solid than he looks and he does look solid. Just have him wrestle you in the basement!. I can still take him though...... Its all in the heart!!!!

Cotton's Mom Vickie was such a blessing in my lost life. Although I thought I was doing what I thought I should, she has given me such direction in my life. I give her all the credit for all the accomplishments I have had. Even the 2 -100 mile wasatch mountain runs I finished. After 30+ hours in the mountains I could not wait to see her. She got me across the finish line. She is truly my BRIDE!!!

Just as the Doctor would not deliver Cotton until the game was over they have to wait for me to frost the birthday cake until the Eagles dallas game is over. Notice I did not give dallas the capital "D". I do not like dallas. I am an Eagles man all the way. GO Eagles!!!!

Cottons first Rugby meeting is Monday. All the boys are getting excited, but not as much as me!!! Work hard and get in shape boys. I want everyone safe.

Happy Birthday Vickie and Cotton

Ice Fishing

2009-12-28T15:54:00.000-08:00

Cotton and I took off the day after a great Christmas to do some ice fishing. -15 degrees but that did not stop us. With our ice fishing hut, cheesball, crackers and coke being chilled in the 10" hole in the ice we had a blast.

2 - 19" cutthroats. If you know the regulations at strawberry these had to be put back in the lake as you can one keep them if they are salmon, or trout under 15" or over 22". We had a lot of fun.

After falling through a section of soft ice and being blessed by another layer of solid ice under that, and the ice cracking, "loudly" we left and cut the afternoon short.

We will give it another week. The ice was about 6" thick. I like it 12" thick.

Not much Snow shoeing or running

2009-11-21T15:32:00.001-08:00

COTTON MAKING A TACKLE
Not much snow shoeing or running happening here. Took a side job to paint a house. The boys are getting geared up for the Rugby season. Cotton's first game is a tournament in Vegas in Febuary. All three are hitting the weights and running. The old man can't keep up. Thanks for the hot tub.
I CAN'T WAIT FOR RUGBY SEASON.

Jacobs Ladder

2009-10-23T16:03:00.000-07:00

Great Run amongst the hunters. Did 2 hours until I ran into deer hunters at Movie Rock. Figured that with five hunters with rifles and itchy trigger fingers being the last few days of the month, I had better head back.

Great Run. Total of 3 hours.

Long Run Cut Short

2009-10-18T14:13:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures that I stopped to take. Between Cascade Springs and Pole Line pass. I wanted to make it to Brighton and back, but had problems with my dog and a mule that was attached to a hunter. My dog could not understand what they were as the hunter was dressed in camouflage, still a little grey light and a mule that was ornery. Cut short a good run, but a beautiful day.

Camping with the boys

2009-10-10T18:13:00.001-07:00

Had fun camping with the boys. Rained on us the 2nd night/ Lucky it did not snow.

Love the mountains.

Wasatch 100

2009-09-13T19:33:00.000-07:00

Got to pace a good friend Jeff Holdaway in part of the Wasatch 10o. Amazing how he can keep moving so fast thru the heat, up hills all while puking his guts out.

I have to jog to keep up with his walk while going up the hills.

I did not get to see the finish but I know he did. I only hope that I did not slow him down.

Thanks for the chance to run with the big dogs as Jeff is a 100 mile vet.

Labor Day

2009-09-07T18:55:00.000-07:00

For Labor day I convinced the family to make the 3-1/2 hour trek to go to Lava hot springs and sit in the hot pools. I think they though I was absolutly crazy. We stayed in a little tiny motel, and sat in the pools for the afternoon. After dinner we went back and then everyone crashed. We took the long road home driving through Soda Springs, Bear lake and Cache Valley. We only wanted to get Rasberrys and Squeeky Cheese. We were not able to get either.
I had fun and am glad my family was patient. I loved being with them.

Greatest Young Men In the World

2009-08-30T21:09:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of my boys. I am a pround pop. They are great outstanding men and will do anything to help anyone. They are great scouts and two will have their Eagle as soon as the projects are done.

Timp and Pictures

2009-08-30T20:40:00.000-07:00

Ran up Timp for the 6th time. Nothing near the Woolsley man who is the keeper of the book. When you summit Timp you get to write your name in it to prove you made it to the top. He has logs from years on Timp. He has over 300 summits and some would argue that he has the most.
Enough said.
I got to run with three other friends, Dave and Dave and the guy I am pacing at Wasatch Jeff Holdaway. We ran into Jeff half ways up. I love this mountain and now you can see why. The greatest high ridges all above tree line, high elevation and B-E-A-U-tiful!!!

We did this in 4 hours and 40 minutes. My record is 2 Timp summits in a day. Took me 8-1/2 hours.

Good Week

2009-08-27T19:20:00.000-07:00

Ran three times this week. All on Clarks Trail and up to Jacobs ladder. Only about 1000' to 1500' elevation. I need a lot more elevation so I am meeting with the TURDs (Timpanogos Ultra Runner Dudes) Dave and Dave for a summit of Timp.
Great pictures to come.

Back on the trail

2009-08-22T20:44:00.000-07:00

I went up onto Jacobs Ladder today up towards Lone Peak. One more step to finding my way up to the top. I will keep pushing a little further each time until I can maked it a round trip. Some guy said that he though it was 6 miles up. That is not bad, but a lot of branches of trail. I will keep going until I find the right route that is good for climbing and running.

Here are a few pictures.

Moby Dick

2009-08-22T20:32:00.000-07:00

I get Kidney Stones. Painful. Yet love to drink Diet coke, eat cashews, and run long distances. None of the above help out. Latley about every three to four months I get one of these barbed looking thing that want to pass into my bladder.

I have passed a kidney stone on the top of Lighting Ridge, I have passed a kidney stone on vacation driving to Disney land, in a meeting at work, most of these times without any pain killers.

Sometimes I take a good painkiller and watch a good long movie like Lord of the Rings, Drink a lot of water and flush the "DEVIL" out.

This time I woke up at 2:00am with some severe back pain. I took a painkiller and 44 ounces of water and the pain would not go away. After 1-1/2 hours more I took another. Still the pain was great. At 7:00am I asked my 16 year old son to take me to the hospital. After a liter of morphine I could finally lay still.

They took xrays and wanted to see how big it was. Just before they came to tell me I used the bathroom and shot the sucker out into the catch basin. Because of the size of it, the doctor or nurses did not believe me that I had passed it. The doctor rushed to get a ruler to measure it and it turned out to be 7 millimeters. They still could not beleive that I passed it. He said that most of the general public cannot pass anything bigger than 5 millimeters.

Here is a picture of Moby Dick!!!

I am officially SOFT

2009-08-15T16:44:00.000-07:00

Left this morning with a slight northerly wind. A few dark clouds. 15 minutes into the run I was just warming up and was hit by hail. In the old days this looked like fun. But I turned around without any seconed guessing and ran to the car. So only 25 minutes.

Im old,.....soft,.... or LAZY!!!
MF

Mill Mountain

2009-08-08T19:36:00.000-07:00

Went to go up Timp today. The parking lot was full and they would not let me in. So I drove to the Cascade Springs road and hit the ridge trail all the way up to Rock Springs.

Here are a few photos.

After because I love my gal I changed the oil in her car and weeded the vegetable garden.

MRM

Clarks Trail

2009-08-06T19:18:00.000-07:00

Vickie, Tristan, and Justus went to Phoenix for cousin Cody's wedding. I wish I could be there but work had to be done. When work was finished and after a 10-1/2 hour day I hit Clarks trail for a quick hour run. I have fallen in love with this run. Lots of shade and a great loop. I do not know how many miles but I can run the entire way and have a blast running down.

I am trying to get on a good schedule for runnning, but there is som much to do. I am going to pace Jeff Holdaway on the Wasatch 100 this September 11th. Should be fun and it will be great to be on the trails again.

Here is a photo from the top of Clarks trail and the bottom of Jacobs ladder trail. Which is going to be one of my next accomplishments. Jacobs ladder up onto Lone Peak.

You can see the smoke from the south of us and the dust from the wind storms.

Cotton Plays Before the Eagles

2009-06-20T20:22:00.000-07:00

Cotton was asked to play for the U17 Utah Rugby All Stars. It is a tournament put on by the U.S. Eagles to see the up and coming talent in the country. There were many eagle scouts present. They did pretty good but Cotton had a great experience.

Family Rugby Day

2009-05-24T16:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Family day. All the boys got to play. Pictures of the boys playing. Justus was in his first game. You can see him in the blue scrum cap.

I got to play on the alumni game. To much fun. But I am sore today.

Cotton was called and asked to play with an U17 all star team from Utah. He plays in San Fransisco this next weekend in front of U.S. Eagle Scouts. He also gets to see the Eagles play Ireland.

Proud of my boys.

Easter and Rugby

2009-04-19T15:47:00.000-07:00

My sweetie got these rugby team hats for easter and used them as baskets. How nice....

We love the rugby hats. First person up got first choice.

Also Cotton had a game against Highland yesterday. They did great but lost 3 tries to one.

Hope you like the photos.

Again, Cotton wears the blue scrum cap.

Untied Rugby Scrimmage

2009-04-11T18:15:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of my boys in the scrimmage today. I was so proud of them. Tristan took a good shot to the nose, and kept playing hard. He ran the ball a few times. He gets better with each game.

Cotton did great as usual and was the next to Tristan on the front row. Even cleaned up the ruck a few times with his brother on the bottom.

Now thats protecting your brother.

Mount Timp

2009-04-03T19:23:00.000-07:00

Check out this picture... love this mountain. I need to get some altitude. Where is SPRING!!!!!!

More Rugby Pictures

2009-03-29T16:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary

2009-03-29T14:58:00.000-07:00

The family spent the day a the rugby pitch. It was as well as my Tristan's first official Rugby match it was my 18th wedding anniversary to my sweet wife.

A little history.

When I met Vickie I was playing rugby for a club called United Rugby. The first game Vickie came and saw with her friend Carol Lee I got knocked out by a hit tot he jaw as I went up to catch a kick. They drug me off the field, pulled my jersey off and gave to another player. I was still unconscious. To this day I do not know why she has stayed with me I am glad she has.

Rugby runs in our blood and I am so glad to see that my boys have the love for the game.

Fitting that we spent our 18 wedding anniversary at the "Rugby Pitch".

Tristan played his first official game and really surprised his old Pap. I did not know if Tristan had the intensity to play a game such as Rugby, but he fell in love with it. He played hooker for the entire game. Which if you follow Rugby, is the toughest position. The Hooker plays in the scrum with the forwards. He is usually a bit smaller but also the meanest as he goes against the biggest guys in the game.

Tristan made me proud.

Cotton played great as well. Cotton loves to come into a ruck and knock the other team off the ball, which allows his team to have possession of the ball. He is also a great runner with the ball. He likes to punish anyone that is willing to try and tackle him.

More pictures of my Running Buddy in the Snow.

2009-02-20T19:45:00.001-08:00

Here are a few additional pictures of my Running Buddy. Nothing more beautiful than a Black Lab at play. If anyone wants a picture that can be framed, send me your contact info. to mikefitzsimmons@comcast.net I will contact you and find out what size or sizes you need. I can make a frame but I am not ready to do that as I would rather spend my time in the mountains.

There is usually a good frame shop not far from where you live.

I have a lot more photos that make a good scene above the fireplace.

Good Day in the Sun

2009-02-20T19:25:00.000-08:00

Wallace and I left on a beautiful sunny morning and went snowshoeing. Wallace did not have his shoes on as he prefers to swim in the powder. We left on the Dry Creek Trail head at the top of Alpine. It is a rather steep incline but a great snowshoeing trail. We made it to the upper camp above the shelf and falls.

I will post more pictures of Wallace in the snow.

Can't Sleep This Morning

2009-02-16T12:29:00.001-08:00

Sunday night is my night off. I do not work until Monday night. So after working all night thru the week I cannot sleep at night on my day off. So what a better thing to do. I woke up at 4:00am after tossing and turning all night and took my running partner up to 7000 feet and went snowshoeing. We left the Pine Hollow Trail head and headed up to the Ridge trail. This is the old Wasatch Trail when it finished at Sundance. 17 degrees plenty cold. I was hoping for a red sunrise on the North Column of Timp but did not happen. Just a cold wind at the top.
My running partner loved swimming thru the deep powder. He is now soaking up the sun on the back patio.

Dogs never "DOG" you and don't show up on a cold winter morning jaunt.

Fishin with the boyz

2009-02-03T18:50:00.001-08:00

The boyz and I went ice fishing to strawberry resevoir. The ice was about 18" thick and it was a warm beautiful day. We did ok as we caught two nice size fish. Love ice fishing. I will be going again next monday. Maybe I can talk Vickie into going with me.

To much fin oh O mean fun.

MRM

2009-01-31T22:23:00.000-08:00

I have been asked several times what shoes I wear while I am snowshoeing or running.

I use Montrail Hardrocks. I have found that they last longer than any other shoe, better stability, better grip and better fit with a reasonable price. I have tried North Face, Montrail Vitess which I like but do not last long enough for me, Asics trubuco's, addidas and many others. I have wore one pair of Hardrocks for a complete 100 mile race and it felt like I was riding in a cadilac.

Give them a try.

MRM

Coyote Hollow Trail

2009-01-31T21:51:00.000-08:00

Did 40 minutes today on the Coyote Hollow trail in Draper. The trail was well packed down from snowshoes but snowshoes were not needed. I kept a running motion the entire time. The wind and the legs did burn a bit but that is expected the first time back. Loved being in the mountains again.

MRM

2 miles and I am off and "sick"

2009-01-19T22:59:00.000-08:00

Did 2 miles with Cotton today. Groin still hurt and Cotton lapped me. I also got so sick on the way to Chadders for a celebratory burger that Cotton had to drive home. I was so dizzy and sweating like a dog. I did not even eat my burger.
The only thing I can think of is that I did three sets of dips and dumbell presses and sat in the hot tub and the body over heated.

I'll give it another try after I drop off the boys to school.
137 days left until squaw peak 50

www.squawpeak50.com

Patience My Day Will Come

2009-01-10T22:14:00.000-08:00

After being off work, a new job, being sick, pulled groin, and lot's of cold wind. I am slow to get going on the trail runs.
I will start building out a hair salon for my sweet bride. Although I won't get to use it much as I don't have much need for hair cuts as the minimal hair I have on my chrome I can buzz myself.
As soon as it is done I will be adjusted to my work schedule, and will then have to throw the snow shoes on and get some altitude between my feet and civilization.

Squaw Peak 50 Acceptance

2008-12-19T19:29:00.000-08:00

Well I am accepted for the Squaw Peak 09' I was put on John's Race committee which means I will mark the trails of the race course or help out with cleaning up ribbons. This will be my seventh SP 50. I have a pulled groin that will not heal so I am not planing on any great times this year. Just another finish.

Here are a few pictures from a mountian run I did this summer. I went to help out out scout camp but did not need to be there later in the day so I did a 20 mile run through the Unita mountains. Here are a few pictures. The one with the lakes is at Rocky Sea Pass. One of the most beautiful sights I have seen on a run. For now it looks like I will be snow shoeing. I need to get out of bed and get going.

That will be my New Years Resolution. Along with staying stronger than my boys as they have started lifting weights and think they are stronger than I am.

New Employment

2008-12-14T10:47:00.000-08:00

After 8 years of working with Morinda Holdings and Tahitian Noni I was told they no longer needed my services but that my boss, one of the owners would handle my responsibilities. "It's all yours". I now have the greatest job in the world. I am Senior Assistant building engineer. I take care of all the mechanical, electrical, any maintenance of the building. I also get to do the painting maintenance which I am most excited about. I have always wanted to be able to paint the white door frames in the temple and the crisp white ballasters.

I guess that I have to say that the day of my interview I drove the neighborhood around the temple to make sure that there was a trail head that led to the elevated mountains that the temple sits next to.

I and my family are being blessed.

MRM

Turkey "M.A.S.H." Bowl

2008-12-04T19:37:00.000-08:00

On Thanksgiving Day in Phoenix we play in the Turkey bowl. We have been doing it for several years now.

We have had tips to the hospital for separated shoulders, noses reset and Uncle Perry usually finds out a day or two after that he has something structurally wrong. This year he pulled his hamstring and sat in the large puddle to "ICE" it down. He noticed a few days later that the whole back of his leg was black and blue.

I think one year he broke his hand.

It has become the norm that we know someone will get hurt, but we cannot miss it. We laugh and hit hard. Then we laugh again.

This year it rained hard the morning of and it made for a muddy mess. The ground was actually soft. but the hits were hard. "Big Joe" who is huge had cleats on and pushed everyone around. But that still gives us the challengewhen he has the ball. We love to try and take him down.

Here are a few pictures.

Thanksgiving Bird Hunt

2008-12-04T19:23:00.001-08:00

Each Thanksgiving we go out as a group to hit the dove an quail hunt in Arizona. Justus got to come along with us for the seconed time. The day before Justus kept asking uncle Perry James if we were going to go to breakfast at Cracker Barrel before we started huntung. He thinks this is the best part of the hunt.

Here is a picture of Justus waiting for Birds. You cat tell how impatient he is. He just had to be shooting at something. Which is why in the picture there is ONE quail and 3 "tweety birds".

But OHH is he proud of them.

Desert Running

2008-11-26T14:08:00.000-08:00

In Arizona for the Thanksgiving Holiday. We come each year to celebrate with Lori, Perry and the "Cuzins", Cuz Why! Cuz I said!! (From the Famous Boss Hog on Dukes of Hazzard)

I take my Running shoes where ever I go. Phoenix has the "Phoenix Desert Mountian Reseve" Where you can run for 26 miles from one end to another. This is where I do my running on the holidays. Rough volcanic country but beautifu. Especially when it is rainy and overcast like this morning. Make the desert even more pretty.

Here are some pics.

Justus my boy, Trinitee and Austin went with me back to the trail head to get some pictures since I forgot my camera on the run.

My Three Son's

2008-11-22T18:33:00.000-08:00

This fall United Rugby had a Fall developmental season.

Some of the regular players play football. Since my sons have fallen in love with rugby there is no longer football in our family.

I am so proud of them. United also started a 8th grade developmental team.

Tristan got to play and learn the fundamentals of the game. This hitting will come this spring.

Because of this I have started Cotton and Tristan on a weight lifting program so they can solidify before spring. Here are pictures of the boyz at rugby this fall. Cotton the oldest, Tristan the blond, and Justus just can't wait to get to play and hit someone/

Fun to spend the time with my boys in the weight room.

Right now we are all sore.

Capitol Reef

2008-11-20T16:15:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of our outing to Capitol Reef this year for spring break.

Capitol Reef is the hidden secret of the national parks. Very quiet for spring break because it is so far out of the way. The family and I pulled the trailer to the campground and used it as base camp for our hikes.

We hiked to an arch and had lunch. We did a few day hikes. Tristan and I took off up to the look out over the Fruita valley and were met by Vickie, Cotton and Justus on the way back.

One morning I left before sun up and ran a 14 mile loop thru the capitol reef park.

So the trailer served as base camp.

Now go vickie-fitz.blogspot.com and compare the takes from Vickie's to mine on our camping trip.

We were meant to be. Just see adventures differently. (Baked pies, recipes,) you will know what I mean when you look at her blogspot.

2008-11-18T21:30:00.000-08:00

North Column from the back on Mount Timpanogog.

Saturdays Run

2008-11-18T21:18:00.000-08:00

I left again on the Pine Hollow Trail Head. After about 5 minutes it god very icy where the snow had been walked on from last week. I put on my traction cleats. Slip on Golash type things with sheetmetal screws coming out the bottom of them. They slip right over my "Montrail Hardrock" running shoes. I run into the Utah County Search and Rescue, they have hiked in and camped for the night. It probably got to about 20 degrees at night. I am thankful for these dedicated people and doing what they like to do.

After I leave them in the cold I come out on the meadow where the sun has just started to shine for a new day. From here it starts to get warm and the frozen mud starts to thaw. Nut enough where I can still run.

I turn around and notice this picture of the North Column of the back of Mount Timanogos.

This is why I run the mountians.
Mountianrunnnermike.

Snow Shoeing

2008-11-14T18:41:00.000-08:00

Vickie and I went snow shoeing last year.

She did good although she was not up for a four hour snow shoe hike. Maybe this year. It gets funner the more miles you are from the trail head.

First Snow Run of the Year

2008-11-14T18:35:00.000-08:00

Monday I left the Pine Hollow Trail Head as the gate to the Alpine Loop had been closed for the year. I went up two miles to the ridge trail. This goes up thru Salamander Flat.

Wallace my son's black lab dog accompanied me.

When you run in the winter and snow, it make a boring training run exciting again. The feet and lungs want to see what the next mountain will look like.
MF

NewZealand Heartland All Blacks

2008-11-09T16:52:00.000-08:00

The boys and I went to see the U.S. Eagles play Uraguay. The game was procedded by another game that include 15 select players from the U.S. to play 15 select players from New Zealand.

After the game they performed the Haka for the U.S. crowed.

The 1st team of the US eagles went on to beat Uraguay in a great rugby match. I could not think of a better afternon with my boys than watch some international live rugby for the afternoon.

My Sons are Tuff

2008-11-01T21:03:00.001-07:00

Each year United Rugby Club has a family day. United Rugby Club is made up of high school players, unlike the old days when I played for United Rugby Club. The guys I used to play with have started up the club for their sons since we are all to old. Except for family day where coaches, dads and alumni play the high school team. Cotton and I both played on the front rows opposing each other. If you have ever played on the front row in a rugby scrum you know how intense it can get. But the feeling of having your own son on the other side facing you is much more intense. Especially when you son is so much bigger and stronger than you.

In another scrimmage Cotton and I got to play on the same team. He played prop and I played hooker. Now that was intense..... I would line up with any of my boys on the front row anytime.

Five Time Finisher

2008-11-01T20:43:00.000-07:00

In June of 2007 I finished the Squaw Peak 50 for the fifth time.

John Bozong gives out a fleece vest for finishing five races.

Each year gets harder as something in your head tells you early each morning that you can sleep in a little longer. You know that you have finished the race before, but you forget all the hard training it really takes. I have now completed my sixth. Hoping for a seventh.

Getting Started

2008-10-28T20:53:00.000-07:00

I am getting started.

I have so many different adventures in a year. Whether it is fishing with my son's, spending time laughing with my wife or running thru the wasatch mountains.

I feel that I probably see more country and wild life in a morning than most people see in a year.

I hope to be able to post some great pictures of places I've been, as I have to go over to the next ridge to see what is on the other side.