it’s a mud mud world

kaela — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 03:58:36 +0000

Spring is here in Steamboat Springs, which means MUD season. Mud is everywhere! We could still have snowstorms through June, however, the sun beats down upon that glistening snow, and the beautiful white slush immediately becomes a chocolate slurpee. This is a little late in the season for a recommendation on a winter trail shoe but these are definitely worth mentioning as a mud season running shoe. Joel, Lyllah & I went for a run at Spring Creek Trail a couple of weekends ago, and as much as I tried to dodge those really murky puddles, you can’t avoid them when the whole trail is one long path of chocolate milk, and your husband is behind you calling out, “Why did you even buy those shoes, if you’re not going to run through the puddles?” An hour and a half later, we got home and, my feet and socks were as dry as they were before we headed out of the door. There are lots of great running shoes, but it’s hard to find one that keeps your feet that dry after a long soggy run. The traction in the mud is great, and the gaiter works. It’s not for running in knee-deep snow (how many people really do that?), but it does a good job keeping snow and debris out when it’s at a moderate level on the trail.

Saucony ProGrid Razor

Next time, I'll take a picture of my muddy versions!

They’re not cheap at $130-$135, but now, I run around in these all weekend. It’s perfect for running on the trail or around town in the sludge. And, I will still get some use out of them next winter running, and snowshoeing for even longer.

You don’t have to just take my word for it. Here are a couple of other reviews:

it’s a mud mud world is a post from: cogeargirl.com

Steamboat Pentathlon is not for the faint of heart (literally & figuratively)

kaela — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 23:49:58 +0000

Saturday, March 20^th, 2010 is the 19th annual Steamboat Pentathlon. I have a distant memory of this event a few years back. It’s a humorous one. It is always good when you can laugh at yourself.

The Steamboat Pentathlon is held at Howelsen Hill, one of the oldest ski mountains in Colorado, which also boasts a world-renowned ski jumping complex. The standard course for the pentathlon is comprised of:

(1) Alpine Ski – Ski down 400 vertical feet on the face of Howelsen Hill, but wait, you first have to run up the 400 vertical feet on foot, get your gear on, and then make your way down what is a quick short trip down a steep ice-packed run. What is nice is that you do have your choice of alpine, nordic, telemark or snowboard. The trick to this leg is to not wear yourself out running up that hill. Take it slow and save your heart, you have the rest of the course to catch up.

(2) Snowshoe – 2.5 miles along a windy path. In my opinion, it has more inclines than what the course description may lead you to believe.

(3) Cross Country Ski – You can classic or skate ski for 4 miles on Howelsen’s intermediate/expert Nordic trails. It seemed like it was all uphill, but according to Joel, it’s up, then up & down, then up again. Once you “summit” then the return is downhill very fast back to transition.

(4) Mountain Bike – 12 miles out and back on paved road; turn-around is muddy (so I’m told).

(5) Run – 5 miles out and back, along the Yampa River Core Trail, finishing back at Howelsen Hill.

I am not an athlete, but I have run in four marathons, more half-marathons, and I can’t count how many 10K’s. Joel will do an Ironman with minimal training, so I thought how hard could this pentathlon be, especially if I can get a team for a relay. Well, the gal who was going to do the cross-country ski leg couldn’t make it, so I did both the snowshoe and cross-country ski. I’ll spare you the details, it was not pretty. We were pretty much last in the first three legs and then DNF’d (did not finish). Names have been omitted to protect the innocent .

My recommendation is, if you aren’t sure, sign up for the Short Course. You’ll thank me!

This event is not for the casual athlete. It is a lot of fun to participate, if you’re in shape; but if you’re not, come and watch. It is amazing to watch these athletes, who are usually locals or from the nearby ski towns who all boast exceptional athletic ability.

There is a reason why Steamboat Springs, with population of less than 10,000 people, has produced more Winter Olympic athletes than any other town in the USA. This year, 17 athletes from this town represented the U.S. in the Winter Olympics. So far, at the time of this post, the cross-country skiers have medaled in three Nordic-combined events. Not sure whether Steamboat is the “egg or the chicken” when it comes to the caliber of these athletes but I don’t think it matters, the exceptionally athletic chickens are here.

So if you’re not of the faint at heart, love a challenge and have your cardiologist’s approval, come out and try this event. Your friends and family will have a great time watching, and get to spend time here in beautiful Ski Town USA.

I am looking forward to hanging out with Lyllah in her Chariot, sipping hot chocolate and cheering on Joel, and our friend, Mary Beth, as they come over the finish line. The next time I try the Pentathlon, it will probably be in a dream. I am a great spectator, cheerleader and support crew. I love having that job, for now.

If you’re seriously thinking about doing it this year, and need help in putting together your list of gear for the Pentathlon, send me an email and I’ll be happy to help.

Steamboat Pentathlon is not for the faint of heart (literally & figuratively) is a post from: cogeargirl.com

cogeargirl.com » Winter Activities

it’s a mud mud world

Steamboat Pentathlon is not for the faint of heart (literally & figuratively)