Antelope Canyon

Making new friends is always a benefit of stage racing and at the Grand-to-Grand Ultra last year I made many.  Several were interested in doing the Antelope Canyon Ultra for fun and it quickly became a reunion event.  Everyone was intent on the 50 miler or 55K so I threw in with the plan of a long training run.

As it turned out this event is a great train-up for the MDS!  While there was little elevation change to speak of (coming from the mountains) the 50 miler course offered 12 miles (19+ km) of single track, 8 miles (13 km) of broken slickrock and 30 miles (48 km) of nothing but soft fine SAND.  The scenery was absolutely gorgeous too!  The 50 and 100 milers offer the added benefit of allowing you to run through one of the most iconic slot canyons in the world (in addition to two others).  Thanks to Ken Letterle for taking the time to snap the pictures below.

Antelope Canyon

I decided to break in the new MDS shoes and use the race gaiters for the event.  This was a very wise decision since I didn't have to stop to empty my shoes several times like most racers.  It was also refreshing not to have to run with the pack for a bit!

NO Pack - Oh what a feeling!

While the course was difficult, it was also fast.  All the G2G'ers exceeded their expectations and pulled down some great times.  Post race pizza and beer at the finish line hit the spot and old stories were rehashed as we caught up with each other.  The next day we were off to the four winds and our own race schedules, I'm sure we will see each other soon!

Happy Valentines!

As departure draws near the training is increasing.  But time is needed to spend with your Valentine.

This last weekend was spent with my lovely wife Lisa at the Caza Ladron Hunt event in the Santa Fe area.  While Lisa was out riding with the pack (of hounds) and looking for coyotes to chase (no foxes to speak of here in NM) I was able to get in some quality miles with my own pack.  Additionally there was lots of recovery feasting and general good times.

The trails outside of Santa Fe were relatively snow free and the temperatures were cool so the running was a pleasant break from the road miles and ice trails up on "The Hill" in Los Alamos.
One day I was able to get in a good stretch of sand training up Buckman's wash to the entrance of Diablo Canyon.  The best part was that the Hunt's "Woopie Wagon" was at mile 7+.  You don't find too many aid stations/check points that offer port or champagne!  They didn't even punch my ration card.

Coming up next is Antelope Canyon Ultra with some of the Grand-to-Grand crew.

Nuts!

Most ultra racers and stage racers know the benefits of nuts in their race diet.  High in calories, protein and fat these little wonders bring nutritional support in a small package.  Salted they also help satisfy the need for electrolytes.  High on the calorie per gram list are Macadamia nuts, Almonds and Pine nuts (Pignolias to some).  While I have always carried Almonds during stage races, for this year's MDS I intend to mix it up and bring some of all three for variety.  With respect to the Almonds I intend to use Marcona Almonds this time around since they are less dry and have a mild flavor making them more like peanuts.  Pine nuts will most likely be pinon pine nuts from around the local area here in New Mexico if I can find some.  The harvest this year was not very large!  You can also spice up any nuts with sea salt or other spices.  Many varieties of Almonds already come per-flavored.  An once and a half a day will bring you over 350 calories and some snacking enjoyment!