2013 U.S. Ski Mountaineering National Championships

For the first time in a few years I missed the national skimo race in Jackson. I mainly did because I dreaded the idea of racing hard at 10,000 feet while coming from sea level. I know some of the Montana and Canadian boys do something close to that but they're tougher than me. 

Through the years I've never been comfortable racing "off the couch" or being unprepared for an event. If I'm going to put myself out there competitively, I want to do so with all guns blazing. No excuses on the line. With the kind of winter we've had here in AK, proper preparation has been impossible. 

So, I sat this one out but I was there in spirit getting the play by play on the website. It was an awesome event. The field just keeps getting deeper. 

Andy Dorais posted his take on the race here and I encourage you guys to check it out for the blow by blow. 

BTW, his brother Jason is going to win that race in the next couple of years. He nearly did last weekend. But his plate has been full lately with getting married (wahoo!), moving and doing the usual no-sleep thing pulling overnight shifts in the E.R. as a resident in training. Not exactly optimal lead up to the big event. But when he can dial it in for the day, he's going to be unstoppable. Mark my words.

Anyway, great job to everyone who got out there and suffered through a tough course and 8K vert. 

Christmas Presents

Santa was good to me. For all the missteps I’ve had in Alaska with the rainy summer and dry winter, last week’s trip to the Tetons made the world right. Once again, emotions got the better of me staring out the window of the United flight as I descended into the valley on Christmas morning. Perfect blue bird skies and nearly two feet of fresh snow greeted me when I debarked. I pinched myself.

Click to read more ...

All I Want For Christmas

Dustin Lemke nearing the top of the Ford Couloir, GTWell, the Tetons finally screamed loud enough that I hear them 3,000 miles away. Got a text from Dina today saying she needed a snorkel on Wimpy’s. Three day storm, lot’s of coverage, the usual Jackson goodness.

Click to read more ...

Shredded Skin Repair

Here’s a little skin maintenance tip I came up with recently. I’m sure others have done this but here it is in print, for what it’s worth.

Click to read more ...

Going and Knowing

Our high point for the day above Center Ridge, Turnagain Pass, AKYou don’t know ‘til you go. Isn’t that what we always say? It’s the war cry for leaving the house for an adventure when forces and opinions conspire against doing so. It was my mantra this morning as I walked out into frigid sub-zero temps under cobalt skies and headed to Turnagain Pass with Matt.

Click to read more ...