Another morning run

     Sometimes it's the little ones. The short run before hurrying to work in the morning. The brief escape. The times that you really don't expect the beauty to unfurl. Then, all of a sudden, the full complexity and mystery of Nature comes shining through in radiant splendor. Savor it.

Giving Thanks

I give thanks for the San Juan Mountains, and the very special people they attract. I also give thanks for quality climbing skins. Skiing uphill is as good as magic.

Snow and Rain

The North Face of Mt. Sneffels 22 October

20 November- Red Mt. Pass

I went to inquire just about how much pain
was needed to purchase the keys to the rain
I mean, who do you think is gonna believe it
when you tell 'em you got the keys to the rain?

-Robert Hunter

A run with Changing Woman

     It has been an interesting Fall. Pretty typical in many ways- a little snow followed by day after day of beautiful, sunny days. The shorter days still get me down and I always seem to come down with some sort of respiratory illness. One experience stands out however, as reshaping this season of change.
     In mid October I ran the Canyon De Chelly 55K over in Chinle Arizona. It was a rare chance to run in the Canyon, as it is usually closed to anyone without a Navajo guide. The race director placed a heavy emphasis on spirituality in running, and how it relates to Navajo culture. I'm the first to admit that aspects of Navajo culture are difficult to understand, as they should be for a white kid from the suburbs. Running as a spiritual immersion in nature though is an almost daily occurrence for me. It is the primary reason I run, and it was refreshing to have this at the forefront of an organized event. What really struck me about so many of the Navajo I met was how they have retained their beliefs in a modern world that seems to offer no place for that world view. They all have smart phones and internet and so many of the normal modern conveniences. They also conduct ceremonies with eagle feathers and fire at dawn, and shout to announce their presence to their deceased ancestors as they run up the Canyon. I often struggle with this dichotomy. My beliefs are often black and white. How can I talk of being one with mother nature when I'm wearing a digital watch and shoes made from plastic?   I often waffle between wanting to run barefoot and studying up on lactate threshold. One of the lessons I took away from running that race was that I can balance these parts of myself. I don't have to go all or nothing. The polyester draped over my skin does not preclude me from feeling like just another animal running for my survival.
     The other important lesson I was reminded of was of family. Particularly those who count on me directly in their lives. My lady, our dogs and the cat depend on me to keep this happy little existence rolling along. I have cursed myself for adopting pets and the obligations it brings. I'm selfish and I like my life exceedingly simple. I know, however, that I am dependent on others. People I know, and some I've never met, must get up every morning and do what they do for all the dominoes to fall just right so that I can keep doing what I'm doing. It's a big complex web. There is still a large part of our society that I don't want to take part in. Lately though, the role I need to play to protect and nurture what I believe in is a little more defined.
     As a "race" Canyon De Chelly was a failure for me. I ran too fast, blew up, cramped, and finished almost an hour slower than I had hoped. It was a bit embarrassing, as I should know better. As a learning experience it was great. It was probably just what I needed.  

Animal Spirit

"I have heard people tell me that at times they wish to get in touch with the animal spirit. I will tell you this about the animal spirit: it will tear you in two as quickly as it will bring you wholeness. It is not a thing of value or judgement. It is a thing of purity, and it will not take issue with either death or ecstasy." - Craig Childs

     These are photos from a traverse of nine peaks in the La Platas. It was supposed to be ten peaks, but quite honestly I was stupid and took too little water. I was just ready to be done, and I saw no reason to torture myself any longer. Parts of the traverse were fun. Much of it was not. One of those things that looked good on the map, bit in reality was a big pile of crappy scree. I'm glad I did it, but I don't think I'll repeat this one.
     I've tried numerous times to write something about my experience at this year's Hardrock. I don't know what to say. I tried the blow by blow race report, but I don't possess the skills to make it interesting. I know that I have never pushed so hard for so long. The support from family and friends was overwhelming. It was truly a team effort. To boil it down to one word it is LOVE. Love of the mountains, my pacers, support crew, and the better version of myself that I get a glimpse of.  I'm still struggling to assimilate those lessons into the rest of life, but I'm just a little closer.

Cool, clear water

Looking towards Grant-Swamp pass from the trail up to Oscar's pass

Heading into Swamp Canyon towards the pass

The final loose climb to Grant-Swamp pass. Much more fun to descend!

Looking back into Swamp Canyon with Oscar's pass on the skyline a bit right of center

Looking Southeast from Grant-Swamp pass

The classic view of Island Lake with Fuller, Vermillion, and Golden Horn in the background

     I am a terrible swimmer. I was reminded of this fact yesterday as I swam out to the island in Island Lake. Luckily it was a short swim. It is something I have wanted to do since I first saw it, but it often still has ice in it when I am there, so I had refrained from taking the plunge. Yesterday, however, as I descended towards the Lake from Grant-Swamp pass the water looked pure and inviting, so I stripped down to my shorts and swam out there. Yeah, it was pretty freakin' cold. But the water was so clean and pure it primarily just felt  invigorating. I'd like more days like that. Full immersion in the natural landscape.  Moving towards something, not due to a thought, but because of an instinct.

TIME

     And you run and you run to catch up with the sun, but it's sinking
     And racing around to come up behind you again
     The sun is the same in the relative way, but you're older
     And shorter of breath and one day closer to death

     -Pink Floyd  "Time"