Monday, June 16, 2008

Cross training

On Saturday morning, I went for my run in my parents' neighborhood. They live on the opposite side of the valley from where I live, right at the "mouth" of Little Cottonwood Canyon. Running there gave me the opportunity to tackle some hills, and even some trails. After a difficult uphill run, I started back down the canyon. A car passed me, which wasn't abnormal, except that on the top were strapped 2 mountain bikes and 2 snowboards. Apparently the occupants of the car were headed to the mountains, uncertain about the activity they would be undertaking. That is one of the things I love about living in Utah - the limitless opportunities for outdoor recreation. At any givine moment, there are about 6 different world-class recreational opportunities within a few minutes drive from my house. Right now, there is still 100 inches of snow mid-mountain at Snowbird. In fact, they were still open on Father's Day for skiing and snow boarding. But while I love skiing, that isn't the activity that was luring me this weekend - I wanted to be on my bike.

So, Ben, my brother, and I strapped our bikes to the car and headed for the Pipeline Trail, argubaly the most popular mountain biking trail in the valley. Its a wonderful single-track ride along the edge of the hill. There are lots of places where the trail runs under the tree canopy, and other areas with amazing views, where the trail runs along the edge of the mountain.

My only complaint of the day is that the trail was too short.



It was the perfect afternoon.

14 comments:

Ruhiyyih Rose said...

Awesome! Way to get outside and enjoy the sunshine, while also getting some training in. When I was researching the XT - cross training option for preparing for a marathon, I was not sure where to start! Hmm. Power shopping count? :)

tiburon said...

That is one of the reasons I love living here too :)

Chelsea said...

That looks so fun! You're right, Utah is a haven for outdoorsy folks.

Oceanchild said...

That looks so fun. I'm trying to get better on my bike so I can ride to work and prove to Jeff that I won't kill myself on it.

I would love to do a dinner with my blogger friends! I really appreciate your comments on my last couple of posts.

carrie said...

Christie...I think it's amazing that you do so many great athletic things. I admire that. Plus, I'm sure Ben loves being able to go WITH you. I haven't been on a bicycle forever.... well, one that doesn't stay in place. ha ha Glad you had a fun weekend.

Unknown said...

Good Ride Cup Cake girl!

Kristine said...

Wow, that is beautiful! Kinda makes me wish I had a bike! ;)

Notme said...

I think you should change your name to Super Mom. You seem to do it all and I am so jealous! What a great area! How pretty.

Misty said...

It looks beautiful. I hope you had fun.

Gina said...

Christie...I love that you run and bike ride and do all the great outdoor stuff. Our family needs to do a little more of that!! I love the pictures of the mountains...can't wait to see them, they are one of the things I miss!! Hope to see you in July!!

Heather said...

Hey Christie,it's Heather, your book swap partner. I'm a "marathon Mom" too, although I haven't run one for about 3 years! I still love to run. We just moved to WA (right outside Portland, OR) so I'm enjoying all the fun outdoor stuff too. The pictures look beautiful!

Witz End said...

Isn't that the trail next to the old temple quarry? I love walking aroud there because it is so shady and beautiful and my girls can chase lizards around the rocks.

janae said...

I so admire what you do! You are awesome.

Omgirl said...

I wish I was a more athletic type so I could take advantage of all the stuff Utah has to offer. but I'm just not. I love a quiet walk in the woods or in the mountains, but that's about my limit.