Canadian Rockies Slideshow

We just got back from 8 days in the Canadian Rockies - Banff, Mt Assiniboine, Lake Louise, Jasper. We flew up to Calgary, rendezvoused with friends who flew in from Atlanta and Buffalo, then rented a car and headed into the mountains for a week of trail running and hiking.

It was a fantastic trip that deserves more documentation and details, but with additional trips on the agenda for the next couple weeks (San Francisco, China?!?, Maine), I won't get around to sorting through pictures and blogging until sometime in August. So for now, here's a brief slideshow:

Saucony Nomad TR Shoe Review

Nomad TR - Wasatch tested and approved

Last month one of Saucony's brilliant technical reps told me about the brand's new trail running shoe - the Nomad TR. He said it was so comfortable that he was even wearing it casually throughout the day. I've been wearing the Peregrines for several years, but have tended to just wear my Kinvaras on most non-technical / non-rocky terrain, as I like the comfort and flexibility of the Kinvara over the Peregrine. And let's face it, the trails I like to run are of the smoother variety. I've had a pair for a few weeks, enough to give them my seal of approval.

The Nomad strikes the balance between the Kinvara and a more traditional trail shoe, with a couple of really nice upgrades...

1. The Nomad is built on the Kinvara's last, so you are starting off with exceptional geometry. But look at that toe box width - the oblique shape gives a little more room for the toes to spread out naturally... especially great when running downhill.

2. The PWRTRAC outsole is a new kind of rubber - more traction, and supposedly more durable. The outsole pattern is unique and won't get clogged up with sticky mud/clay.

3. FIT!!! Saucony is killing it in this category lately. The Nomad TR has a one piece upper with high end materials and a sock-like feel. I'm not going to say it has the luxurious feel of the Triumph ISO, but I'd say this is as good as you are going to get in a trail shoe.

I think the Nomad will be great for winter/snow running in addition to being my go-to for trails, dirt roads, and hiking! 

Cosmetics are a definite winner for this model as well for both genders.

Pipeline, Mid-Mountain, and Wasatch Crest Trail Runs

Andrea running the Pipeline Trail in Millcreek Canyon

We have been hitting the trails a bit more this summer, as Andrea has been building up her running and I need to quench my overwhelming thirst to be in the mountains as much as possible. Here's a few of the runs we have been loving this summer...

Pipeline Trail - Millcreek Canyon

Proximity to home makes this a great before work option. In our opinion, best done as an out and back from the Burch Hollow trailhead (about 9 miles roundtrip if you run west). It's a flat run. You can make it a bit longer by starting at Elbow Fork, or adding on another out and back to that point. We like running this trail early in the morning, while the rattlesnakes are sleeping.

Mid-Mountain Trail - Park City

We've run Mid-Mountain more than any other trail this summer, because its awesome. We like starting at the Empire Lodge (Montage Deer Valley) and heading north. The trail winds through Aspen forests and across the ski slopes. You could easily do this as a point-to-point and take the free buses back to the start, dropping down to Park City via Jenni's / Spiro / Armstrong, or simply take it all the way to the Canyons Resort.

Despite how much we love this run, we only have one picture!

Wasatch Crest Trail - Big Cottonwood Canyon

Possibly our new favorite run. A nice 10 miler starts at Guardsman's Pass - take Scott's Bypass and then run up Puke Hill to the Crest. The trail, which undulates between 9,500 - 10,000 feet, is very smooth and provides unlimited scenery. At 5 miles you reach an overlook, and the return trip is just as great as the way out.

Pfeifferhorn

Some photos from a hike up the Pfeifferhorn today. As you can tell from Andrea's attire... it's July 4th weekend!