Monday, November 7, 2011

Dia de los Muertos

Yesterday was my favorite day of the year. Not my birthday. Not Christmas. Not 4/20. It was the Mexican day of the dead, and that means the All Souls Procession. It is an absolutely magical celebration to remember those who have passed on over the previous year. It is scary, beautiful and emotional. It is a two mile walk/parade in which anyone can dress up for and march. It kicks the crap out of the Macy's Santa Clause parade.
I never remember to take enough pictures, so I've borrowed some from others.







Friday, November 4, 2011

Trail Time

Lately, I have replaced biking, swimming and road running with time on the trails (see previous post for rationale). Yesterday, I ran 18 miles and it was pure enjoyment. I am getting lost in the beauty of Tucson and find my mind totally clear by the time I'm back to my car. Meditation while gaining incredible fitness. It really doesn't get much better.
There are so many trails that need to be explored and I am sure that I will hit many of them by the time I toe the line for my 50 miler in March. I plan on documenting the process so I'm able relive the experience and make anyone who reads this jealous.
Yesterday was the Bear Canyon/Phoneline loop in Sabino Canyon.
Here's the elevation/ascent profile:

My running partner is Krystle. She's training for her first 50km. She's modelling Zoot(product plug)from TriSports.com









Buckle List

Three months ago I began mountain biking. Even though I was holding a pretty good 3:1 crash to ride ratio, I was enjoying the challenge and the closeness with nature. I entered a 104 mile mtb race four weeks after getting my bike. It was wonderful, I went kinda fast, and I got one of these for my effort:
It was big, heavy and desired by some fellow riders.
A month later, a friend of mine posted a picture on facebook.

A pretty, shiny, big, and heavy buckle. I inquired; "What do I have to do to get that?" Run 50 miles... in one day. Without really thinking it through, I signed up.
I want that buckle.
Two days ago, the lottery opened for the Leadville 100 mile mtb race. Here's what you get when you cross the finish line:

I put my name in. I want that buckle too.