Excellent day at Union

The picture doesn't do justice to the phenomenal firework display which finished off the night. The day started with a 33k, relaxed bike ride, and then later in the day I did a hard 45 minute treadmill workout at a 15% grade.

Our D-Phi group was well represented with: Chip, Leftie, Harry, Rich, Fred, Sandy, Ted, Klink, and Dick, present for all, or part of the festivities.

50th College Reunion

President David Harris addressing the Union alumni from the class of 1974. He was supposed to go on our bike ride this morning but Dick and Ted frightened him off with their talk of cadence and speed in kph.

Slovak Direct on Denali

https://youtu.be/QUMHPnV8qz0?si=pTOhRlosLErV1Fx-

A GREAT ESSAY … Is skimo as silly as it seems

http://t-dawgspeaks.blogspot.com/2015/11/is-skimo-as-silly-as-it-seems.html

A possible PR on yesterday’s run up Mount Van Hoevenberg

Hard to tell exactly, as I have no frills version of Strava, and I was not taking the most direct route to the state trail. But, it surely was a good run, and a great view.

BLAST FROM THE PAST … the blatten chapel

Lenny and I stopped in, during our hike up to Furi in March 2023.

The Blatten chapel, called the "Maria Rosenkranzkönigin" is always open.  The chapel stands on a small rise, on the "Blatten" – a rock ledge in the eponymous hamlet below Furi, at an altitude of 1,740 m. This chapel is one of the best known in Zermatt.

The baroque chapel with recessed choir was built in 1640. The entrance was originally located on the north side, where its outlines are still clearly visible. It was moved to the east side in 1704 and protected with a porch, and massive pillared arcade. 

The interior and exterior of the church were renovated in 1983.
The stone-vaulted chapel is dedicated to Mary, Queen of the Rosary. The small altarpiece is from the early baroque period.
The altar is crowned with a simple statue of St Joseph. 

The original Madonna is missing; it was replaced long ago by a plaster figure. The Zermatt priest Oswald Perren made the chapel a gift of its current Madonna from southern Italy. A simple Stations of the Cross without inscriptions decorates the chapel nave.

Lots of rain but managed some good training

In between bouts of rain, this past week I managed to log 14.5 hours of exercise, on 149k (114k bike, 32k run, 3k ergometer), and 4100' vertical. I also managed two strength workouts and two yoga sessions.

What does fatigue resistance depend on?

It's worth clicking on the link to the second study conducted with pro cyclists, and the full research abstract that is provided.

https://www.outsideonline.com/health/training-performance/endurance-and-fatigue-resistance/

BLAST FROM THE PAST … old sketchbook and planner

I found this stored in the Fossil Cabin, it dates back to the summer Jon was born, when I ran the Adirondack Trail Improvement Society's, summer day camp. That was also the summer I met Ben Runyon, a Rutgers student, who was a counselor on my staff. After his final semester the following fall, Roger Loud hired Ben as an NCS teacher.

Nice run on the Jackrabbit Trail

Some great bouldering possibilities if the glacial erratics were cleaned up!

Excerpt from Rick Ridgeway’s book

https://www.patagonia.com/stories/life-lived-wild/story-102412.html?utm_source=em&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=050324_nomader&utm_klaviyo_id=01GQMSY133HGKT7KSCB0CMAK2H&_kx=VOA8zu5fg4rURwSosHy2WlWapQ1Ue6IQgCg0iNyBd8g.YgU9me

Another book from the Hock Alpine Library .., Ultra- marathon Coffee Table Book

A profile of 13 of the world's best races (100k-160k), 16 portraits of elite runners, and 13 short essays about important issues in the sport. But, a slew of terrific photographs!

All are well out of my range, so no doubt I will gift it to my daughter, who did her first ultra foot race last weekend. However, I still hope to be on hand again for another UTMB week to run out on the course and watch all the action. I also have on my bucket list, to camp out in Silverton for a few weeks before Hardrock, so I can run the trails, and rub shoulders, with everyone as they acclimatize.

Potential Adventure Goals For 2024-25

In this post, I'll just list some of the options which are further afield, more or less, they are all on my bucket list. Just hoping to find partners and the necessary cash!

NORWAY … attend the Holmenkollen World Cup, ski hut to hut, or do the Birkie
CHAMONIX … various trail runs, climbing at Gaillands, as well as some bouldering
ZERMATT … summer/fall ski, VK trail race, climb Breithorn and maybe Pollux
CASCADES … nordic in Bend, skin Mount Bachelor, and some of the Three Sisters
COLORADO … Gothic Mountain, various skimo races, or trail running at Hardrock
BANFF … Film Festival, Frozen Thunder, and backcountry ski touring
YOSEMITE … trail running on Valley floor and ski touring Glacier Point and Badger

Lucy Wins The Big A 50k

Lucy jumped into a 50k on Saturday, just as on over distance workout. She won, with the third fastest time in the 13 year history of the race.  The race had just under 6000' vertical climbing.

Excellent start to the new training year

Officially, it was a short training week, as the data was compiled into two different training years. However, if you lumped it together the full week yielded: 16 hours of exercise, 136k (99k bike, 34k run, 3k row), with just under 5500' vertical. I also logged two strength workouts and two yoga sessions.

Simple power test for fossils

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/22/well/move/strength-30-second-power-test-aging.html

TRAINING GOALS FOR 2024-25

Ideally, I would like to average about 15 hours a week of training, with maybe 4500' vertical, coupled with three stretching/balance sessions, and 2-3 strength sessions. Ideally, I would also like to have at least 120 days on snow, with the rest equal combinations of running, hiking, and biking. In annual numeric targets - given fluctuations from injury to periodization for big events - that means about 750+ hours, 225k vertical, 130+ stretching, plus 100+ strength sessions.

Within those basic parameters I would also like to add more ergometer warmups, climbing (bouldering and easy snow climbs) as well as MTB (rail trail recovery rides).

Outside magazine book review of EVEREST INC.

Seems like it might be interesting.

https://www.outsideonline.com/culture/books-media/history-guided-climbing-everest/?utm_term=ool&utm_campaign=ool-longreads&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8N0nTUdh8pI7RmLEoN7uXGXmnk_1qe9j7CB81p9G3EMli_nohWuk51cwi6GcmIJse-doMnBZ-3156UFJwbGO7k6lCwjw&_hsmi=305337974&utm_source=newsletter

Quick analysis of my 2023-24 training year

It was another good year, in that I met most of my goals. I exceeded important goal parameters in total volume (700+ hours), total accumulated vertical (200k+), total yoga sessions (120+), annual days on snow (110+), more yoga than previous years, and a 20% increase in strength sessions. Additionally, I continued to race, logging five events, and where I continued to perform well. My best race was the Stratton Skimo, where I finished sixth (but 4th to the top). I also finally got to bike in the Prouty with my buddies.

However, as always there were disappointments. Despite making the best of a very crappy winter and hitting the low end of my targets, it however was my "shortest ski season" in awhile. So, there was more cross training without vertical, fewer annual days on snow, incrementally less riding lifts (although I think my downhill improved, and with the exception of the toll road, almost no backcountry skiing!

Walmsley … excellent new video

Well, as they always say "fifth time is always the charm."  A great - full length - documentary about his journey. Wonderful race footage, superb scenery, and nice look at his taking up the sport of skimo, and becoming "one with the poles."  The video got me psyched for the Broken Arrow VK in June, and my trip to Chamonix in October. 

https://youtu.be/MbXwKTZoLQ4?si=4RN7o_WAO30RYaVX

Last day of 2023-24 training year

Yesterday, I managed some good training in between rain showers. I started the day with a PT strength session at Sports Med, then did intervals at Whiteface (he picture was looking out toward Vermont after my last lap). This afternoon I did a 25 minute warmup with Stash and then an hour on the exercise bike.

The top line data from last year's training log were as follow: 723 hours of exercise, 218,661' of vertical climbing, 118 days on snow, combined 264 running/hiking sessions, 264 biking workouts (MTB and exercise bike), 152 yoga sessions, and 62 strength workouts.

BLAST FROM THE PAST… Mark and Hock in Alaska

Recently, I was down at the Fossil Cabin drinking some whiskey with Larry, and was reminded of this photo on the wall. An article My son wrote when he was working for the local newspaper.

I know you have heard the story but thought you might want to read it again!

Another book from Hock’s Alpine Library

A dozen years ago, I bought this in Chamonix for its historical value, as the author, Anselme Baud, is considered the father of modern extreme skiing. Most of the terrain and descents covered are way out of my league.

On a different note, as a former nordic racer, my training year ends tomorrow on April 30th. I believe this is the first week since November where my log does not include some form of skiing!

My training week was a good one, indicating the successful change-over to this new season. Last week I logged just under 16 hours, on 136k (105k exercise bike and 31k run), with 3750' vertical ascent. I also managed 4 PT stretching sessions and one strength session.

The Caretaker … a video about the Harvard Cabin

Back in 1978 when I was a caretaker, there was no social media, no iPhones, or drones to make a digital film; but in most ways the job, and the place, is pretty much unchanged.  The one major cabin improvement is propane lights and a propane stove.

https://vimeo.com/902061803

Best cross country ski movie ever????

Who knew?  I skied in biathlon races with Raimond Dombrovskis  in the mid-1980s.  I remember my buddy Tracy Lamb - then an assistant coach with the U.S. Team - telling me that Raimond was going to do this epic rollerski, but I never heard anymore about it. I am planning to watch it, some rainy day, when I am on my exercise bike. I do remember those crappy roller skis though! 

https://fasterskier.com/2024/04/fasterskier-at-the-movies-the-best-cross-country-ski-movie-ever/

First Owl’s Head hike of 2024

A beautiful spring-like day, although it was 14 degrees yesterday morning!

The ski history of the Jackson Hole Air Force

An interesting full length documentary video.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?si=ydUI_gMmbNWd-8UL&v=n8t3o0sssGE&feature=youtu.be

Important part of my knee PT

Easy to do, with or without, implements.  I often do it on one leg for five rotations in each direction, before switching to the other leg.  I check her Instagram account every so often, as she always has great stretches and exercises to do.

Another book from Hock’s Alpine Library

The United Nations declared 2002 to be the International Year of Mountains. This collection of essays grew out of the summit that Banff Center convened called "Extreme Landscape: challenge and celebration." Dipping into a few, I was particularly impressed with Edwin Bernbaum's "Mountains of Inspiration." An essay that ranges from the wisdom of Tibetan Buddhist Milarepa to the Lakota medicine man Black Elk; passages from the Bible give way to the poetry of Li Po and Yeats; the paintings of Hokusai and Cezanne, lead to the stories of Rousseau, Hemingway, and Mann, as well as the mountaineering struggles of Mallory and Herzog.

Well worth the time if you can find a copy.

At the Yankee game with Lenny

A long day, but great to catch up with my long time buddy, eat an amazing amount of delicious food (no stadium franks today), and watch the Bronx bombers. 

On a different note, I had a pretty good week of training, as I transition out of winter. I logged 14.5 hours, on 120k (86 bike, 28k run, 6k ski), and 4250' vertical.  I also managed three sessions of PT stretching, and one strength session … I do wish I had added one more ski in this week. 

Union lacrosse game

I went down to Schenectady to meet up with Harry, Klink, and Sue to watch Union (9-3) annihilate Vassar 19-9. Fun time, and good weather, although it was snowing by the time I got home.

The memories of all those soaks in hot springs out West

No mention of the Travertine Queen though! 

https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/cult-hot-springs-west/?utm_term=ool&utm_campaign=ool-longreads&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_fIc0NchSZhK6BQsk3_I69Uq_Nl6dnEXQTIwaimD6Lgpi78zNKbWwJzV48cw63RstpjQQUK4kBPqa-hNmco9bZs-hN6g&_hsmi=301098114&utm_source=newsletter

Zermatt wasn’t always a premier winter resort

It's hard to imagine, but until 1927 Zermatt and traffic up the valley from Visp, was pretty much was shutdown all winter. An interesting short article, on the first "tourist trip" up the Gornergrat during the winter. 

https://www.gornergrat.ch/en/stories/geschichte-first-winter-expedition-gornergrat

Another illustration from Summits Of Samivel



Looks like spring is finally coming our way



Another episode of the Ninety Pound Rucksack has dropped

a well produced, extensively researched, and very entertaining look at the origin and rise of the 10th Mountain Division, it's impact on the war, and subsequent impact on the outdoor industry. 

https://christianbeckwith.com/

A crappy winter, and a decent week in April

At the the moment my total stands at 117 days on snow this season, however I suspect I might log a day or two more before May 1st. Both Mount Van Hoevenberg and Whiteface closed this weekend, but both still have lingering snow … not to mention Killington or Tuckermans Ravine.

This week I logged just over 15 hours, with 115k (63k bike, 35k ski, 17k run), and 5100' vertical ascent. I also managed three PT stretching sessions and one PT strength session for my shoulder.

Core Strength Training from The Uphill Athlete



Yesterday was a nice spring ski … but MVH just closed for the season

Hopefully, I'll get another day or two somewhere on snow before my season ends. 

Just before totality when we took the glasses off

The Edge Of Never … superb video on history of extreme skiing in Chamonix

 https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=shared&v=R6SKpjjg5UU

I am also re-reading the book by Willam Kerig, which is also worth your time,and available on Internet Archive. (The quote below is featured at the start of the book.)

The Grand Traverse … still on my bucket list

But, I am not getting any younger, so I better get after it!

BLAST FROM THE PAST … 2008 Union alumni lacrosse game



Beautiful ski this morning

The awesome total eclipse was followed up by a wonderful, warm, and spring-like day.

OH, AND LAST WEEK WAS MY 110th DAY ON SNOW THIS SEASON

Samivel … the first ascent drawings

Samivel has a delightful and funny way of uncovering some of the foibles in the alpine sports we love.  Here, he exposes a key truth in many sporting endeavors: how hard it was to hook the big fish; how many tackles you broke to score the winning touchdown; or how tough that first ascent was versus how the tale was told.

Great week, even before winter returned

I think this was the biggest storm of the winter; I know it was the first time I have been on nordic racing skis three days in a row! Also, a great 36 hours at Killington, logging laps, seeing college buddies, and watching NCAA and NIT basketball.

I logged just over 14.5 hours, on 112k (63k bike, 43k ski, 6k run), with just under 5200' vertical. I also managed four PT stretching sessions and one strength session.

Tomorrow is the total solar eclipse; keeping fingers crossed for clear viewing.

Another book from the Alpine Library

Beautiful, insightful, and humorous, Samivel's line drawings and watercolors speak to alpinists and ski mountaineers. And should you be over in the Chamonix region, go visit the Samivel Garden in Les Contamines.

65 words for different types of snow

https://skimo.co/words-for-snow

A bit of humor about skimo by a big time ultrarunner

https://runthealps.com/blog/dakota-jones-tight-skimo-pants?mc_cid=429ef2059f&mc_eid=c79c623384