On part of my long run today, I did the Adams Gulch Trail, which is basically a 9 - 10 mile extension of the classic Adams Gulch Loop, and I have to admit that it was a bit of a challenge. Even though it's part of the high volume,
tourista paradise of Adams Gulch, it is clearly the trail of least use. For a good chunk of the six mile climb from where it separates from the classic Loop, it was either overgrown and quite narrow or made up of loose shale that was not doing my already tired legs any favors. The payoff for the rough and slow climb, though, was a spectacular, football field-sized hillside of yellow and
lavender lupin near the top of the climb, just before you connect to trail 142 to head back to the Loop. With
Harpers and the Fox Creek loop added, I got in about 25 - 26 miles today - 20 of which were hard fought. But, I feel good right now, and think I'll even be looking forward to Saturday's long run out Deer Creek. Cheers. --Hank
Start (Photo © Glenn Tachiyama)
Brad blazing into Corral Pass (mile 16) (Photo © Glenn Tachiyama)
Hank coming into Sun Top (mile 37) (Photo © Glenn Tachiyama)
Beck at Corral Pass (mile 16) (Photo © Glenn Tachiyama)
Wardian into Sun Top (mile 37) (Photo © Glenn Tachiyama)
The annual single track speed fest that is the Elephants Perch Backcountry Run stayed true to form for 2008 (race site). Blazing fast times took both the 10 mile and 16.5 mile races. Though final results are still pending, US Nordic Team member, Morgan Arritola, won the women's ten miler in a dash over an hour, and standout Sun Valley Ski Education Nordic skiers, Mike Sinnot and Taylor Sundali took one, two in the 16.5 miler, with accomplished ultra runner Brad Mitchell showing good post-injury return to form with a solid third. To feel like you were there, check out Brad's Addicted2Running post (post).
