Lone Peak - Winter Assault

Snow being blown over Lone Peak.

by Sam

Last year was my first winter ascent of Lone Peak. The views of this area are unmatched. I'd take any opportunity to get up there. The climb is brutal and exhausting but the reward is well worth it. This year we had about 20 people in the conga line. Amazingly, we stayed together practically the entire way up. It was a hardcore group of runners.

The weather was pretty good on the way up. We started at 6:00 a.m. and had a beautiful sunrise as we arrived at the tunnel, a part with a canopy of trees covering the trail about 3.5 miles up. We were also rewarded with a view of a herd of elk climbing the next ridge over.



After 4.5 miles and a little more than two hours we summitted Enniss peak. The climb was steep and we'd had snowshoes on for about the last mile. Craig, Jennilyn and Scott met us at Enniss. Craig said something about his snowshoes being broken. I told him he had them on backwards. Jennilyn said she hadn't seen her kids for a week or something, so they turned around. Scott was about to go back with them but then I stole his ice axe so he had to chase me the rest of the way up to get it back. He snowshoes like a little factory worker!

Dewin' the Dew on Enniss.

Last push to the saddle.

The wind started to blow and it got cold so we rushed off Enniss. At this point Steve broke off from the main group. His goal was to scope out the route to the Outlaw cabin, where we plan to have our annual beard campout next month. The climb through the cirque was absolutely stunning. As we neared the ridge we could see snow being blown over the peak. It was beautiful and created some rainbows the likes I've never seen before.

I enjoyed conversing with many of the friends I've made through the Wasatch Mountain Wrangler group. Over the past few years as I have shared trails with people, bonds have been created. Bonds with the mountain, bonds with people and bonds with God. For me, trail running is in large part a spiritual experience, despite my often rough personality.


We got a quick sweeping view of the valley and the Wasatch mountains before the wind picked up and blew in some clouds and snow. As I crested the ridge the air was alive. It was extremely difficult to see and even move. I went as far as I dared without the necessary equipment to keep me from falling to my doom. I really need to purchase an ice axe.

Scott, after crossing the first knife edge.

I snapped a few pics of Scott traversing the knife edge ridge and decided to turn around. However, the wind got stronger and after taking a few precarious steps I decided to curl into a fetal position against the mountain in order to not get literally blown off. Ever so often the wind would change direction and I'd feel my body shift. It was scary and cold. After about 10 mins. or so Matt Pulsipher came upon my sorry huddled form and dragged me down to a safer spot. If he hadn't come by I may have been blown off into oblivion.

Melanie, pushing us around. Be careful, she's got balls.

After getting my snowshoes back on I quickly started down the mountain in order to catch Ben, Melanie and Greg. Stephen Lindsay and I ran/skied/slipped down the slopes. I had a few close calls but didn't do any krashs worthy of Chris Krash. If he were there it might be a different story. He seems to rub off on me when I'm with him.

I finally caught up with them about a mile down the trail. We had a fun time goofing off and seeing the incredible view of Utah Valley. We had to stop every ten steps to admire the view again and again. It was mesmerizing.

Timpanogos sandwiched between cloud cover and inversion. Made for an amazing shot.

By the time we took our snowshoes off I shared my kickstarter with everyone, we ate Melanie's balls and headed down the last three miles. I can only go so slow downhill, I mean so fast. Ben says he only has one speed, well so do I. Going downhill slowly is painful for me, so after about a mile I left the group and finished in just under nine hours. What an amazing day!

Map and Stats of Lone Peak.

2015 goals for Krash

2015 Hopes, Wishes, Dreams, and Goals!!!

2014 was a blast.  I consider last year my rookie year.  All most every thing I did last year was a first.  

Ran my first 100 miler

Climbed 30 different peaks for the first time

Climbed 25,000 ft in one run

Ran 375 miles in one month

Ran my fastest half marathon 1:19.30

Did a back flip off a rock...ok didn't do that one yet!

And the list goes on.

I would almost think I have done it all but I can't settle with that.  I know there is more peaks I haven't climbed, speeds I haven't reached, and places I haven't explored. I have met so many people this last year and look forward to the many more I will make this year.  I still have so much roadie in me and I would like to leave that way of life.  But its not going to happen.  I still enjoy a good road run and I live too far from the mountains to make it an every day thing.  My only hope for this year is to run a bit more trail and less road.  So with no further delays here's to 2015.

1. Run Wasatch 100 in under 24 hours.
2. If I don't get into Wasatch, run Bear 100 in under 24 hours.
3. PR 50 miler.  I will have to run under 7:40.
4. PR 50K. Will have to run under 3:23. I have already done this but I am not counting it due to the fact it was done on an indoor track.
5. PR half marathon.  I PRed at the Dino half marathon last year and won the race.  I want to defend my title and run faster. Looking to run 1:18:??
6. Bag at least 40 peaks and at least 10 new ones.
7. Do some more solo adventure runs.  I can only think of a few I did solo last year. Grandview peak, Cave peak loop, and some running in the butler fork area.
8. Sub 2 hour cave peak loop.
9. Help my friends achieve their goals. Training, pacing, pushing, and slave driving if needed.
10. I can't think of another one but 10 goals sounds like a great number.

Have I set my goals to high? NO! If you don't set lofty goals we will never know what we are really made of.  I know I have a lot of work to do and I have time to make it happen.  Training started long time ago for many of my goals for this year. 

Race Schedule

Revolution run Jan 1 Done.  50k road PR 4:03:??
Buffalo 50 miler  March
Dino Half marathon  May
OTM 101 May
West fest 5k or 10k June 
Wasatch 100 Sept
Goblin Valley 50 K Oct
Or
Antelope 50k in Oct
WVC Turkey Trot 5k Nov

Dispatches from abroad - Foreign Trail Monkey Year In Review

Oh the places you'll go!
by jake


February 2014 - Edmonton, Canada
Frozen Trail Monkey running in the Great White North

I was feeling a little left out of the 2014 OTM year in review, even a little envious of all the people, places, miles and milestones of the last 365.  To be honest, however, it was not for their lack of inviting me out.  I could easily blame missing running with the trail monkeys on a number of things this year...too much travel, too much work, not enough time, other responsibilities (coaching, church, xbox...whatever!), too cold, too hot, too early, too late...whatever the reason, I checked all those boxes!  I think I only went running with any OTM two or three times in 2014.  A nice New Year's flu even kept me out of the early morning New Year's Day run in 2015...so it's not the most promising start.

March 2014 - Jade Mountain, Taiwan
Having a moment of relief alone from the top of Jade.
"Covertly" circumvented the ranger station to get to
the top of this fairly restricted mountain range. 
The ranger was in the shower while we quietly
tiptoed through the check point. 

May 2014 - Tokyo Sunrise
Ran around Tokyo before the city had
come to life.  Beware of traffic that drives on the left
side of the street!

May 2014 - Tokyo - Imperial Palace
More from the early morning

But I still did my fair share of running in 2014!  And in some pretty unbelievable locations and destinations! Full Disclosure: I'm not nearly as dedicated to the Ultra-Distances and Peak-bagging extremes as the other OTM.  I do love to challenge myself on the trail and the road, love the views from such great heights, appreciate our close proximity to the unmatched terrain and scenery of the Rockies, and the sense of accomplishment when you do reach a summit for the first time is truly an emotional high.  No matter what your running goals, your speed, your ability, age, or where you are.  Just get out and run!  You'll feel better, you'll be happier, you'll make good friends.  There's always the next year, the next race, the next training run, the next step to look forward to... 

April/July/September 2014 - Portland, Maine
Running in the land of lobsters, L.L. Bean,
and Stephen King.
SLC Winters are cold enough for me!





August 2014 - Land's End, Los Cabos, Mexico
While the OTM ran the Quest for King's Marathon, I was
in Mexico, Running in the sand and surf!

October 2014 - Grand Tetons, Wyoming
Family Trip! 

November 2014 - Mount Namsan, Seoul, Korea
Even the leaves are raked into decorative piles
at this Urban "mountain" in the middle of Seoul!







November 2014 - Seoul Olympic Stadium
Flo-Jo, Carl Lewis, Jackie Joyner Kersey, juiced-up Ben Johnson, and now me. Early Saturday morning I snuck into the Seoul Olympic stadium and had a rainy solo run on the '88 Olympic track. I think my 100M times were about double theirs, but it was awesome to run around in an Olympic stadium all by my selfie, well before sunrise. To boldly go where no OTM has gone before...



Here's to celebrating the year in running in 2014 and looking forward more similar adventures in 2015! I hope to see you on the road or the trails, wherever you may be!  Even you, Sam.

Year 2014

What a great year it was. Goals were met, boundaries were pushed, limits were broken, and above all friends were made. Here's a few highlights of our year.

February - The Wedge 50K

February - The Annual Beard Campout, which was a Beard Blizzard

April - Zion 100, DJ's first 100

April - Zion 100K, Steve and Sam's furthest distance

June - Bryce 100

June - Squaw 50, DJ and Jeff

July - The Triple Traverse

August - The Triple Crown

October - Chris finishes the inaugural OTM 100.

November - Across the Great Salt Lake

Y Mtn - Slate Canyon Loop

UT County Runners on Melanie's Rock on our way up to Y Mtn summit.

From the rear: Nate, Brian, Ben, Aaron, Tommy.

by Sam

I had the great opportunity to go down to Utah County and again run to the Y summit (not the letter on the mountain, the summit up and beyond) and also loop around hitting some new trails I've never done in Slate Canyon. Last time I did Y Mtn was in June and the aspen meadows were amazing. I love them just as much in winter.

We parked at the Rock Canyon trailhead and ran over to the Y trail during the waning dark hours. The forecast was rain and snow, but we didn't get much of either, it was mostly just overcast. The deepest snow we encountered was only about six inches. It was light and fluffy save for one small portion at the top of Slate Canyon. The conditions were ideal for a winter run.

False summit jump at the Overlook.

Clearing just before the saddle to Y Mtn.

Y Mtn summit Dew. I believe that makes it the Lord's Dew.

As we neared the saddle to the city overlook and Y Mtn summit the fog rolled in. Unfortunately, we were unable to see the city or the beautiful view over Rock Canyon and Squaw peak. Personally, I really like the foggy mist. It's eerie but cool. The winter quiet stillness brought my favorite feeling of serenity. I love running high in the mountains in the crisp air and snow where not many people go.

The Lovely Ladies, Melanie, Lori, Kristi.

Map and Stats of Y Mtn and Slate Canyon.

Logan Trails

by Sam

About 10 years ago I started my undergraduate studies in Music Education at USU in Logan. I was not a trail runner yet, heck I wasn't even physically active. If I could go back in time I'd definitely spend my free time exploring the trails in Cache County. This past weekend I attended an honor band symposium with two of my junior high students at USU. Needless to say, I took advantage of my spare time and bagged some peaks.

Map and Stats of Saddleback, Temple Baldy and Little Baldy in Logan.

From the USU campus you can look directly east and see what looks like two large drive-in theater screens on the immediate peak/ridge. Those are radio repeater towers and there used to be some on Mt. Wire in Salt Lake, but they took them down before I ever summitted that peak. The trail up the mountain is called Saddleback and it climbs straight up, just like Wire. Coincidentally the mileage is similar as well. I will always think of this trail as Logan's Wire. I caught the sunset on the way up and just as I summitted the moon was rising on the other side. It was a sweet moment.

I wonder how I should take the message CTR graffittied onto the tower.

Wimmertree.

I prefer Trail Junkie, and I love the spelling here.

Who's out there?

Running in the dark often provides many opportunities to be aware of the surrounding animals. I probably saw about 50 deer coming down the mountain. Their glowing eyes used to spook me a lot, but now I grown accustomed to them. However, when I get closer to the city or the BST and I see eyes glowing at me lower to the ground I fear greatly. Dogs are as good as their owns teach them to be. I've got better luck than my trail momma Jen because I've never been bitten, however, I've had a few close calls. Tonight was one of those. It always amazes me how the dialogue turns out:

Dog owner (after a menacing bark): Rover, come here girl. Oh don't worry she's friendly.

Me: So am I, most of the time. (I stopped dead in my tracks and start looking for big rocks to throw at the dog, just in case. Meanwhile the dog keeps barking and the owner casually walks along making little to no effort to restrain the animal)

Dog owner: It's ok girl, come here. She's usually not like this, you spooked her with your headlamp.

Me: (Biting my tongue so I don't say anything that's coming to my mind because it's just not nice)

Cody Draper and Me on Little Baldy. Providence Canyon behind.

Cody Draper, a local Logan trail runner, was nice enough to get bronchitis two weeks ago, which slowed him down to my speed, most of the time. He led me up to Temple Baldy and Little Baldy the next day. It was a hard climb with much post-holing the higher we got. The clouds obscured the sun most of the morning but we did see the Wellsville's bathed in sunlight for a moment. It was a good day.

The Wellsvilles.

Temple Baldy was Dew'd. Is that sacrilegious?

Looking at Little Baldy on the left, taken from Temple Baldy.

Summit monkey on the Repeater Towers.

Snow Basin Sardine Peak Loop - Trailskatoriing

By Steve

Snow Basin Sardine Peak Loop Map and Stats



Beautiful trees on Sardine switchbacks

Once the snow begins falling for the year, trail running becomes a new sport entirely.  It becomes a mixture of running, ice skating, skiing, snowshoeing, and mountaineering.  Let's call it trailskatoriing.  One way to survive the winter while trailskatoriing is to find trails that are generally tracked out most of the winter.  Some of my favorite trails include  the Bonneville Shoreline trail, Mueller Park, Mt. Olympus, Grandeur, The Pipeline trail, and a handful of trails that surround ski resorts where people go snow-shoeing at locations where everyone else already goes snow-shoeing, and thus, ironically, completely absolving oneself of the need for snow-shoes at all.   One such area is the sardine trail and summit that is directly to the north of the Snow Basin slopes. 

Sam, Chris, Jackie, and I met at the bottom of Wheeler creek by the Pineview Dam in order to see if we could extend our loop to 20 miles.  It turns out with warm weather combined with a snowy trail that has had too much foot traffic has the same effect as a Zamboni.  The entire width of the Wheeler creek trail was as icy as the floor of the Olympic skating oval.  After shuffling for a mile and a half, we turned up Icebox canyon, which completely lived up to its name by being in pretty much the same condition. 



View of Snow Basin Ski Resort

Once the sun came up and we were of the shadow of the mountain, the rest of the journey was a mixture of muddy and icy stretches.  Generally, this is a great trail that was well built, with long slow switchbacks.  As you get close to the summit of Sardine Peak, you hit a fork in the trail, which effectively runs a circle around the summit.  With as much mountain biking, hiking, and snow-shoeing traffic as this area receives, it is quite surprising that there is not a trail from that loop around the summit which doesn't require bushwhacking through shrubs to actually get to the summit.  It appears most people summit from the west, but that is based only on a slight decrease in shrubs on that side.

On our descent towards Snow Basin, the running was fantastic and speedy, even with the snow, ice, and mud.  We took a 1.25 roundtrip detour to get out to the Ogden Overlook to add in the extra mileage and take a gander at the view.



victory chug

Reaching Snow Basin, and about 12 miles into our run, we began to figure out the best way to get over to the Green Pond trail without crossing any ski slopes.  We decided to take the main road south for a mile where we could then take a service road for 200 yards up to the single track.  The road was an uphill climb, and Chris and I had a good laugh at Sam who has come to believe that running on pavement gives you cooties.  Once we were back on the single track we headed south towards Green Pond. 

To my surprise, the section of southbound single track between Snow Basin and the Green Pond junction was not tracked out at all.  Once we reached the pond though, the running was again good and the trail tracked out.  We took the longer, East Fork route back down to Art Nord, and then once again braved the skating rink for the 1.75 miles back down Wheeler Creek.  So as far as trailskatoriing mountain runs go, I'd say this one is a good loop that, assuming you have good traction, should be a good one all winter long.


World famous Jackie leap

Running through a clearing, Sardine summit on far left