Adventures in Onionism

I've long said I don't like repeating races (Western States and Hardrock aside) but I decided to do IMTUF again this year. I ran it in 2015 as part of my 400-mile Onion Slam [ race report ].  2015 was a fire year, so the course was significantly different than the standard at the time. The start was further north at Bugdorf Hot Springs, but the new "Super Course" starts at the sound end at Jug Mountain Ranch, which makes staying at a Bay Area friend's cabin nearby much easier, and made it nice for Amy to come along and make a weekend of it, and meant I'd only seen something like 40% of the course before.  2015 v 2025 course   I trained pretty well, maxing out at two 90+ mile weeks (90+ running, 120+ if you include biking) three and four weeks before the race. I tapered and was well-rested for the race. My goal was 30 hours, compared to 31:46 in 2015. To my pleasant surprise, my friend Zak from Washington state called me the day before the race and let me know ...

I just got back from running Scout Mountain 100, my 33rd complete 100-or-more mile race, outside Pocatello, Idaho. I also got to visit with a couple Utah friends since I flew through SLC, so it was a nice weekend. I'd say it's a good, tough course. It was unfortunately very hot (high of 89 in Pocatello Friday, 88 Saturday) and coming relatively early in the season that made the heat feel even worse, likely skewing my view of things. Endless field of mule's ears  The course has three major climbs and several additional smaller ones for 22K vert. Two of the big climbs take you to 8500'+ summits (Old Tom and the eponymous Scout Mountain) which had great views and still had a little snow on them, necessitating some fun glissades on Scout. Views are often open in other places even if you're in foothills rather than alpine terrain.  First Summit, Old Tom Friendly guy (whose name I hope is Tom) with big dogs on summit of Old Tom   The trails were in decent, if not wonderfu...

I just ran the inaugural Standhope 100 in Ketchum, Idaho. I was very excited for this race--it was billed as an "unforgettable single-loop trek completely circumnavigating the Pioneer Mountain Range of central Idaho" that is "NOT an easy course." I looked at the course map and elevation profile and expected gorgeous views , akin to the Hardrock of Idaho. Instead, I had a 90 degree F 6PM start along several miles of highway shoulder, subpar aid stations, subpar course markings, a lot of gravel road, pavement to the finish, one truly excellent high pass, and a lot of mixed feelings about the race. On the plus side, the race started and ended in downtown Ketchum, which was extremely convenient. I flew to Boise and rented a car, as I wanted to see extended family and visit gf's family inherited property on the trip. However, if you wanted, you could fly direct to Ketchum and you wouldn't even have to rent a car. On the negative side, this meant 4.5 miles of pav...

Here are a few photos from IMTUF 100. I spent Sunday evening after the race and all of Monday and Tuesday at my friend's adorable cabin in Donnelly, Idaho. It was amazing. The only bummer was that the road to the fire lookout was way on the other side of the mountain. Otherwise, it was completely dreamy and a great way to relax before heading to Utah for the Bear 100. Day before Morning of, ice in the beard Snow up high Top of the first big climb Box Lake, I think More Box Lake Loon Lake Someday, ICT, someday. I died and went to my friend's cabin. Where I didn't leave the breakfast nook for two straight days. Heaven.