Anniversary

   I was reading Self magazine today, the anniversary of the day that I fractured the top of my humerus while riding at Steamboat Springs. My accident happened on my last run before I stopped for lunch and a much-needed break. Unfortunately, I was really too tired to keep going, and ended up with a break of a different kind!

  In the magazine I ran across these two quotes from Olympians, and found both to be true and inspiring. 

   Here's to one more snowboarding trip in 2014, and here's to not breaking anything this time around!!! Can't wait to get to Winter Park in a couple weeks… forward!!!!!

Sunday Funday

   I woke up early-ish this morning and went for a 7 mile run, bringing my 2+ year grand total to 601.1 miles. I hit the 500 mile mark back on November 29 in Sonoma, California, so I've really increased my mileage per week since then! Going to try to keep it up as long as I can. Loving this cold, snowy weather, and of course the Sheebs love it too.

   Kismet, on the other hand, prefers to remain warm and cozy on my head. She is the weirdest/awesomeness cat ever.

   Later I met up with Polly and we drove downtown to pick up Michele & Ted, so we could all enjoy brunch together before they flew back to Columbus. We started out at eggtc. and had a huge meal, and then had dessert and coffee at Classic Cup on the plaza. It was so fun to catch up with them since I hadn't seen them since I visited Columbus in July for our reunion. Of course, this time was slightly less exciting since it didn't involve a ride in a classic Porsche. ;)

   Then I rounded out the day with more Olympics… What a surprise. Women's snowboard cross was on, and as expected it was full of mayhem and surprises.

   I can't wait to get out there and ride again!!!!!!! One of these days I might have to consider taking another lesson and trying to learn to do some jumps… get out there and show these whippersnappers how it's done.

Skiers vs. Boarders

    Jack sent me this side-by-side image and I have to admit, she does have my smile. But... she's a skier and I'm a snowboarder... we're from different worlds!

   The thing about skiers and snowboarders, I've learned, is that when you are on the mountain together, you can ride side-by-side in harmony, regardless of your mixed modes of travel. Except that the skiers get all pissy when they glide right off the lift and are ready to take off immediately. Their friends the snowboarders ride the lift with only their front leg strapped in, and have to dismount and simultaneously land their back foot in the middle of their board next to their back binding, hold their balance and not fall down like an amateur, causing the lift operator to stop the lift--which would embarrassingly leave all those people hanging in midair. And not only that, then the snowboarder has to pull over to a spot where they can stand or sit to strap in. As for me, I'm quick at that, but I have an additional pause at the top of every run for starting up my iPod so I have the proper riding music. Critically important. By then the skiers are either getting impatient, or they've already left without you.

   But the advantage of snowboarding over skiing (other than it just looking a helluva lot cooler, let's be honest) is that when you're tearing down the slopes and hit a bump or patch of ice or just pick up too much speed, and happen to crash? Well, the snowboard ain't goin' anywhere... It's strapped to your feets. When skiers crash it's a "yard sale" because all their wares (poles, skis) are strewn out along the mountain.
   I will say, though, that when I'm out riding I get a little jealous of the cute little snowbunny skier girls in their color-coordinated tight snow pants and tiny fitted jackets. They look super-cute and feminine... like I try to look in my street clothes.

   Snowboarders play a little rougher and have their own style, with longer jackets and baggier snow pants and thicker boots... and certainly all in louder colors.

   I also happen to look three times larger when dressed for snowboarding that I am in real life. ;)

When I'm out there, I'd rather look kick@** than cute anyway.

Proper Protection

   Just placed my order for all the safety gear I'll need to safely & properly start longboarding, to give me confidence and hopefully reduce the risk of injury. (I'd rather not spend four months of the year in an immobilizer again, thanks.)
   I also invested in better wrist guards for snowboarding. I was hunting for reviews online, and found a helpful forum. This comment made me LOL! Sounds perfect for me. Look out, Mike & Rafael!

Let the games begin!!!!!

Laying it on thick

A little wobbly, drawn on the bus. Based on actual events.

Reunited and it feels so good

   Southwest airlines located my snowboard bag (with all my gear inside) and it was delivered at 1:30 AM. I know this because the courier left it on the front doorstep. The dogs heard his car in the drive, and barked up a storm. Let's just say I didn't get much sleep after that.

   Very glad to have my board back, as it's my first--the only one I've ridden, save the lessons I took on rentals. I think it's about time to retire it and hang it on the wall, and upgrade to a higher-grade board. A little treat for all the progress I've made. I can blame Brett for this idea; at Solitude he suggested that I'm hitting a point where my beginner board may impede further progress.

   And now that I'm watching night one of the Olympics featuring the slope style competition, I already can't wait to get back on my ride again. It's only been two days, but that's two days too long. My heart is definitely in the mountains!

Solitude, Indeed

Photo by Brad B

   Brett, Rafael, Brad and I spent Monday and half a day today at the aptly-named Solitude. It's a small resort, and since these are weekdays, we REALLY had zero lift lines, and the slopes to ourselves. And the slopes, as it turned out, were fantastic: wide-open rolling groomers and bowls. It was another bluebird day, and there was a great number of fun and fast blue runs. I even hit a couple of blacks. Learning to carve down the steeps still—it's intimidating, but I'm getting better. I've come a long, long way on this trip.
   Many of the lifts were the old-style ones that whip around at the ends, but fortunately I had gotten over my acute fear of those on day 1 at Park City Mountain Resort. You just have to be ready to get off those things FAST. The first time I rode one, at Breck a couple of years ago, I was riding up with a stranger on skis who didn't move quickly, I got tangled, lost my balance and slipped, and the lift grabbed my right arm and nearly tore it off. Fortunately the operator was vigilant. I wasn't clamoring to get on another one like it, but had no such trouble this time. Progress!

   On Monday we rode like crazy from 9-4:15, then hit the Porcupine for a massive pile of gourmet nachos and beers, before we headed back home. Later, Brad picked me up and gave me a tour of downtown SLC. The coolest part was grabbing a coffee to abate the chill, and walking around the Mormon temple, tabernacle, gardens, conference center, reflecting pool, and statuary. It is a stunning complex, right down to the ornate iron gates surrounding the grounds.

Walker Center tells the weather!!!

   Tuesday morning the Tres Amigos loaded up all our things and headed back to Solitude to ride for a half day. Our only option was a full-day lift ticket, so we rode like mad men to get the most out of it. I really dig the Eagle Ridge to Sunshine Bowl to Grumble run. Super long, rolling groomers with long, flat, FAST stretches in between. I've made peace with speed and we are amigos now. And I have the windburn on the exposed areas of my face to prove it.
   Now we're at the airport hoping to catch our flight from SLC through Denver to KC. All three cities got significant snow last night (all my coworkers seem to be working from home!), so it will be interesting to see if we actually make it tonight as planned. I have to admit, it wouldn't break my heart to be stuck in a ski town for an extra day. Have board, will ride.  :)
   You don't see pictures on these last few posts because, apparently, the cold in Utah was too much for my old iPhone 4s. Said a prayer, steeped it in rice, prayed again, didn't work. So I'll have to get some photos from my friends to add in later.

Snowbird, Day 3

   By this morning (4 am to be exact), it was clear that I had more than a cold. Richard graciously offered to take me to urgent care and to pick up my prescription, so the other three boys could get on with their day. Sinus infection confirmed, I got on my meds and debated on whether to take it easy at the condo or head to the 'bird. The decision was easy: fresh powder yesterday, and a gorgeous, sunny, bluebird day today. To the mountain!
   We arrived by 11:00 when the crowd was already thinning for lunch & the Superbowl, so I was able to get a lot of riding in. My head began to feel much better, and much to my relief, I was able to focus 100% on having fun again. By 1:00 the slopes were empty; we nearly had all the runs to ourselves. Thank you, football!!!! We rode until 4:30 when the lifts closed and made a beeline home to the beef stew we'd thrown in the crock pot this morning.
   I was thinking, as crummy as it is that I'm not feeling well, I'm well enough to ride, and THANK GOODNESS it hit me on this trip and not when I was in Roatan. Here in Draper, a great urgent care facility was 2.5 miles away, and the pharmacy next door. I could ride with a head cold. In diving, however, there would be no such luck: congestion means no diving, there was NOTHING else to do at our resort, and good luck finding urgent care on the tiny, remote island of Roatan. So I'm very grateful things worked out the way they did!

Snowbird, Day 2

   Day 2 at the 'bird was a bit more trying... After two hard days of riding, my legs were beginning to talk back, making my form sloppy and falls more eminent. It snowed all day, with visibility greatly reduced for much of it. Thank goodness Brett loaned me his low-light goggles, so I had a snowball's chance of seeing where I was going! Mine are only for sunlight. While we were cold and vis was poor, fresh pow is always welcome.
   I also woke up feeling lousy, and suspected a sinus infection. Huge bummer to be sick on vacation, but I wasn't about to let that stop me. I rode from 9-2:00, until my head was pounding so hard I simply couldn't continue. Then I sat in Creekside Cafe at the base under a warm heater, drinking 50/50 hot chocolate & coffee, and chatted it up with the locals. Had an invitation to join a couple of guys in their hot tub but figured I'd better decline.  ;)
   We all cooked dinner tonight at the condo: Mexican extravaganza! Made chicken enchilada soup, fresh black bean salsa, and fresh guacamole. Big hit. (Thanks to Ginny for the mixes that made it even easier.)

Snowbird, day 1

Los Tres Amigos!

   Snowbird proved to not be as difficult of a mountain as everything I've read... Either that, or I'm becoming a better rider! Spent all day on the blues and some greens. Great day to ride, with the sun and even a little blue sky peeking out at times, near white out at others.

   Met up with Brad & his family briefly and then went back up to kill it some more.

   Traveling with five dudes + others met along the way = awesome

Dinner in Draper

   "Live underwater"?! Of course I'd find the scuba cart at the grocery store on a snowboarding trip to Utah!

   Extensive beer selection at the condo. Thinking of Trish!

   Putting Brett to work. Shopping & cooking for 5 is harder than for 1, it turns out.

Buckeye and Luckyboy

   Greetings from on high #jenandrafael #snowboarding #buckeye #luckyboy

I feel right at home here in Park City. In fact, I love it!!!!!!

Giddyup!!!!!

   Heavy snow as we touched down... Double-digit fresh pow overnight! Pow all day long. Power to the Pow-Pow! Yesssssssssssssssssssssssss

DM vs. SM

   I finally did my two favorite sports on the same day!!! Now I just have to add eight more crazy things and I'll have my own personal decathlon!

   That's me in the lower center, demonstrating mask-clearing and regulator-recovery techniques with the group. Both very important for a fun and safe dive. The students--and the Divemasters--today were great!

   The only photos I took on the "mountain" are these delightful mascots that someone created for the children ski area. I wish I knew who it was, but Snowcreek's website doesn't give any information… props to you, whomever you are!

Snow Cat

   Sketch for David B's thank you card (he procured the Gold Passes for us on our recent ski trip). This is his kitty, Sosa, and I call it "Snow Cat". I'm really excited for him to get it. He loved the card I drew for him last time with Sammy, the dog he hoped to get someday. But he actually has Sosa already! It was such a bummer he was unexpectedly unable to join us on this trip. Here's hoping my body is back to 100% and ready to shred up a storm next season!

Super Foods

   さいきょみそ black cod (sablefish) with caramelized balsamic portobello kale. I have to thank my Aunt Marty as well as my Alaskan friends Greg & Peggy for this feast. Greg shipped a huge box of the fish to Marty for Christmas, and she passed half of it on to me. Most black cod goes straight to Japan, as it is too pricey and not as valued by Americans. It swims deep and is harder to catch. It is truly the best cooked fish I've ever had (usually, I vastly prefer my fish raw). The flavor super-rich and buttery, yet mild, perfectly accented by the miso/mirin marinade.
   I am trying to foster a love for kale, as it is supposedly very healthy—a "superfood". I love that it keeps seemingly forever in the fridge—I've at times kept it for more than a week and it was still perfectly crisp and bright. Kelley got me into it when I visited her in LA for Sean's birthday back in October. She throws a handful of kale into smoothies. I've grown to like the flavor, though it does turn smoothies a medium concrete-gray which is a little strange. I've found that it's truly delicious with frozen peaches, blueberries and banana and a splash of milk. 
   I needed a big, healthy dinner tonight, after spending a total of 3.5 hours shoveling 12+" of very heavy snow today. That brings me to 6 hours of shoveling in as many days. And although I LOVE the snow, my lower back is ready for a little break. But I'm very thankful that I am healthy enough and strong enough to do the work—it is fantastic exercise. And the neighborhood looks beautiful enveloped in a heavy blanket of snow.

All clear!

   It took a total of 2.5 hours to clear the 14" of snow off the driveway. My lower back is not totally happy about that. But I keep reminding myself that strong arms and back = a strong rock-climber, so count me in. And I may have finished just in time for the next big snow (fingers crossed). KMBC said six to ten inches. And NPR just said eight to TWELVE inches! Bring it!!!

Time to get Rugged, Maniacs!!!

Frost on the grass, as well as a patch of man-made snow...

   From the event's information page: NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART, FRAIL OF BODY, OR WEAK OF MIND, RUGGED MANIAC WAS DESIGNED WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF NAVY SEALS TO PUSH YOUR LIMITS AND DETERMINE HOW RUGGED YOU TRULY ARE.
   This five kilometer course traverses some of the most rugged terrain the region has to offer, including a ski mountain, which we’ve amped up with barbed wire, fire, tunnels, mud pits, pools of water, barricades, cargo nets, scrambles, swinging pendulums and a host of other obstacles that make this course one rugged gauntlet of glory! After you've conquered the course, you'll have the right to declare “I am a Rugged Maniac!” and you'll get an awesome t-shirt to prove it. So come on out, push your limits and then celebrate with live music, food, beer and other like-minded maniacs!   

   You'd have to be a little rugged (and by "rugged" I mean "stupid") to run a 3.2 mile course with 19 obstacles--many involving water & mud--when it's 25 degrees. I fully intended to do the smart, adult thing and skip the water obstacles, thus avoiding chance of hypothermia--the announcer admonished this of us at the starting line. But in the face of chickening out on the very first, very cold mud pond, all sanity had vanished and I couldn't bring myself to run around it. I also couldn't allow a group of cops to beat me, so I managed to keep up with them. It's tough being a maniac.

Mechanical BS: I think I figured out why my adductor muscles are screaming...

Best costume of the day. Runner up: Super Mario

Quick snow angel break!!!

   After the race we changed into dry clothes and warned ourselves in front of the fireplace inside the lodge, then headed back out to watch the runners. We met a guy with an 180-lb Neopolitan mastiff named Duck. And despite his head (complete with ginormous jowls) and paws being massively larger than mine, his fearsome appearance belied the heart of a teddy bear.

Oh, look--a Duck!

   An awesomely fun day with old & new friends, including Captain Rich's team of police officers and his Chief, Charlie, & Charlie's charming wife Vicki. Charlie was hardcore: he flew through the race easily, waiting up for the rest of us as we straggled along, numb from the waist down from the icy mud-water, hoping to place each footstep securely on the rocky hills and slimy wooden obstacles, despite (potential frostbitten) tingly toes with served by seemingly useless nerves. All the nerve was in our heads and our hearts, and we conquered!
   I placed 556th overall out of 2250 competitors with a time of 52:12.9. Slower than Warrior Dash and Ruckus, but considering how steep the hills were (everyone walked—no one we saw even attempted to jog up them!), not too bad. Difficulty-wise, the course was the hardest for running due to the hills (which seem SO TINY when you're snowboarding DOWN them!), and it was second-hardest in terms of obstacles, after Ruckus. Warrior Dash was the hardest for the run portion due to the heat (over 90 degrees), and had the easiest obstacles. Kind of fun to try them all to compare... and I wonder what will be next for me!