Holy Snow!!!
So Saturday Justin and I headed out for a hike up on Mansfield, aiming for the summit. We took the LT from Stowe up to Taft Lodge, and then planned on hitting the summit via the Profanity Trail, which is more protected than the LT route up the north face of the chin. It was a pretty cold day (around 10 below in Waterbury in the AM), but not a bad day for a hike. We didn't think there would be all that much snow, and Justin, who was fed up with his snowshoes from last winter (binding problems), decided not to bring his. This was a choice he would soon regret. As you can see in this pic (looking from Taft south towards the nose, which you can see in the center), it was a gray day, with plenty of snow. I would guess at Taft there was around 3 feet of snow...

From Stowe up to Taft, we managed pretty well without snowshoes. We were the first up the LT, having gotten a fairly early start (and armed and energized with bagels from KC's, a fantastic bagel shop in Waterbury), but there was little fresh snow, and the deepest we postholed into the packed trail was probably ankle deep. No biggie. We hit Taft around 11am, and stopped to heat some water for some soup. As I said, it was cold, and stopping for a few minutes resulted in some dang cold fingers. Here you can see Justin "layering up":

From Taft we started up the LT, and quickly turned left onto the Profanity Trail. I had my snowshoes on, and let me tell you, the going was TOUGH. The trail was not really packed down, and there were times I sank up to my waist with my snowshoes on. Imagine Justin, with no snowshoes!!! He basically crawled up Profanity trail (and now we know how it got it's name, as we issues some pretty good profanities on the way up). To give an idea of how tough the going was, from Taft to the summit ridge (0.5 miles) took us over an hour!! On reaching the summit ridge, we encountered a west wind blowing about 15-20 miles/hour, with visibility in the 20-30 ft range. At this point, as the wind scoured away our trail before our eyes, we opted to bail before reaching the summit. Whatever, we've summitted before in the winter, and there were no views anyway. So, we turned around and proceeded to slide on down (I believe the technical term is "glissaded) to Taft, and from there back down the mtn. We made great time, and even had a chance to stop at the "horn for some wood fired wings and Otter Creek. Good times.

Overall it was a heck of a good hike, and man, there is a lot of snow up in them thar' mountains! Can't wait to get back out, maybe this weekend on the X-C skis (if I can find my boots...)

Grambo

A Public Service Announcement

From a Partnership for a Runs with Scissors Free World...


Sorry, I HAD to post this...

Greetings from the Octagon at the Top of the Quad...

Shhhh, don't tell my office. I had some extra time this morning so I layered up and blasted up the mountain for a few runs. It's only -20 at the top of the quad, you can't have ANY skin exposed or it gets almost instant frostbite and I have so many layers on I look like the marshmellow man in Ghost Busters. But, hey, I'm here...how do you like them apples?

I actually had to come inside to get warm because, well, my face hurts. No, I didn't have a hotpocket for breakfast.

These are the days I really wonder what the hell is wrong with me. But, you only live once, right? Seriously, it's not like its -30 or anything. Riding when it's that cold would be ridiculous.

Conditions are mint--perfectly groomed packed powder and so far, other than the lifties (who all look at me like I'm totally out of my mind) I'm the only one on the Quad. You know, in some ways, it's really worth tolerating the blistering cold, just for the solitude.

jg

Damn, it's cold out there!

Today is a beautiful, sunny day. And it's still only 4 degrees outside.

When I went to the gym this morning it was -16 degrees. When I left the gym this morning it was -14 degrees and when I got to work this morning it was still -9 degrees.

For a minute last night--actually, it was probably more like 15 seconds--I thought about running then or this morning. I'm glad I wussed out, because it is damn cold outside.

It was so cold outside this morning, I could see by breath inside the gym. Now, I can tolerate many, many things. All of Team Runs with Scissors is particularly capable of tolerating extreme physical exertion and temperatures, hot or cold. As Grambo has noted on these pages our gym has no AC, is all aluminum and gets crazy, Africa hot in the summer. Well, this morning it was a giant refrigerator. Seriously, it was maybe--MAYBE--40 degrees in there. Oh well, still had a good workout.

I hope the school gym is warmer tonight when we play B-ball.

JG

Team Runs with Scissors

Just thought I'd take a few minutes to post a detailed critique of the President's State of the Union and the following Democrat response.

Just kidding...this is a politics free zone.

I'm just about to hit the hay after a couple long days and was checking the news and, of course, the blog.

There's nothing of great importance to report tonight. I did get out for a much-needed run tonight--5.5 miles around town. It was dark and 24 degrees, so an extra upper layer, gloves, hat and headlamp were required. A good time. It helped clear the ol' noggin'.

Only 9.5 miles to go to meet this week's minimum.

Time for bed!

A report from the woods...

Went for a few runs at the mountain today. It was beautiful. Sure, it was about 5 degrees at the base and -2 at the summit with a little wind, but it was crystal--and I mean crystal--clear. You could see all the way East to Mt. Washington and south to Killington with no problem.

It was so nice I had to check out some of the woods shots. I expected them to be very sketchy, but, as it turned out, they were great. Upper and Lower Tombos, Angel Food, that section off of Switchback...they were all awesome. 14-18 inches of fresh powder in some places. There's no doubt about it, we got some serious snow in the last week. It was just what the doctor ordered.

Which reminds me, Team Runs with Scissors really needs to get out on the Nordic and do some snowshoeing. In fact, we should probably spend some time in the Bolton, Cotton Brook, Trapps, Little River areas. Guys, we've got to get on that. We should also discuss a winter camping trip.

Today was beautiful.

(Photo Courtesy of Ski Vermont. www.skivermont.com)

THE STEAKMAN STRIKES AGAIN!

So, the way I see it, it's all Sonnick's fault.

Long, long ago, at a Cumberland Farms far, far away there was a man. Not just any ordinary, mortal man--a steakman! Keeper of the greatest late night sub ever conceived.

The steakman is both friend and foe. See, you know you shouldn't--especially when you're training for a race--but at some point you just can't resist. Sometimes it's just so good to eat something so bad. And this sub is very bad.

Picture it: Grade D, possibly F, shaved steak smothered in mystery cheese, peppers, onions, pickles and barely contained in a large, soggy roll. Who could resist that?

It's about 2,000 calories of heart stopping deliciousness. Now, it's true that they make this sub at gas station delis all across America, but there's really only one Steakman--and he's here in Waterbury.

So, as I was saying, my total lack of self control is really Sonnicks fault. Last night, I think he mentioned the Steakman 42 times in a single sentence. A little later, there I was, walking home after a few games of pool, minding my own business and enjoying that quietness that only occurs when it's snowing heavily at night. Then it hit me--I'm going to walk by the Steakman. I wonder how he is? Maybe I should just drop in and, you know, just check things out...say "hello." What could possibly go wrong?

Well, turns out the Steakman had the night off and his understudy, we'll call him Steakman in training, was filling in. I had to sample his handy work, right? I mean, what choice did I have, really? I'm a connoisseur, for crying out loud.

Steakman in training hooked me up with what was probably the best Steakman sub ever. It was huge. I ate half of it, with some pringles. Ah, the memories.

Damn you Sonnick, it was delicious!

The contents of the other half found their way into an omelet this morning.

Now, how the hell am I going to burn that thing off?

JG

Team Runs with Scissors

PS--We got a more snow than forecast in the previous post. There's more like 8 inches at our house and about 14 inches on the mountain.

TODAY'S HEADLINES:

MORE WINTER -- FINALLY!

IAN ADAMSON VISITS TEAM RUNS WITH SCISSORS!!

THIS IS FOR THE BIRDS!!!

It's snowing again and it's accumulating. We started with about 6 inches on the ground and it's been coming down steadily all day. More importantly, the mountain(s) is looking better and better every second.

This little nor'easter may dump 6 inches or more on the lower elevations over the next day or two, with double that in the hills. The mood in Vermont has improved dramatically from a few weeks ago.

Grambo and I went out for a run today after work. We probably did a little over 4 miles. I'll have to check it with my car this weekend to find out for sure. It's fun to run in the snow.

Now on to the big news of the day: Ian Adamson, the world's most successful adventure racer added a comment to our post noting his retirement. You should check it out!

This is huge for us. I can't even explain how huge it is. It's like getting a note from the president--but with better grammar. Or, say you're a NASCAR fan. This would be like hearing from your favorite driver. You know, like Ricky Bobby or something.

Anyway, it's very cool. Thanks Ian--you're a class act. And you should seriously let us know when you're next in Vermont--we'll roll out the red carpet. Or, at least buy you a brew at the pub.

Finally, I've posted a photo of the bird house my dad made for me and Mrs. G. It has been an excellent addition to our back patio area and definately improves the view. Plus, I think the little critter we have on the way will like to watch the birds too.

Sorry the photo is a little blurry, I took it through the sliding glass door a few mornings ago--it was -8 degrees (that's minus 8 degrees!). Not that cold, really.

jg

Blah!!!

Miserable weather, VT just can't seem to catch a break!! After a forecast of up to 10 inches of snow, we wound up with just a couple inches before the snow inevitably switched over to rain, and ice. Makes for some pretty bad commutes to and from work. Apparently the ski areas did OK for snow, and with the onset of cold weather for the next week or so they should be able to blow plenty more, but how long has it been since we've had a real dumper? Ages!!

Anyway, I went for a 3 miler yesterday evening, in the rain/snow/ice. Took longer than normal, but I got a pretty good workout, dodging the icy patches and such, and also because I opted to wear my Salomon trail shoes, which are heavier than my normal running shoes. Should be a little better out today, although colder (it's currently 13 degrees and dropping in Wbury). Fun times...

Grambo

I have this to say about the weather:

WOOOOHOOOOOOOO!

JG

Old School Training...

Well, it's been a while since I've posted, but I haven't been completely idle. My training plans for the early part of this year were thrown for a bit of a loop when I didn't rejoin the gym (the $$ I had allocated for that went down the drain, literally, for an emergency plumber to unclog our main sewer line), so my training thus far in '07 has consisted of primarily running. I am making some progress, and plan to get to 15 miles/week this week. After that, I hope I will quickly reach 20 miles/week, and then on up from there. Eventually I will re-join the gym (can't stay away from Coach Troy for too long), but I am finding that I do enjoy running outside. Should be challenging today, with the 10 inches or so of snow that is forecast. Good "training" in the fine art of suffering...

In other news, talking to some friends this weekend, I got word of a very cool road race at the end of March, the Eastern States 20 Miler. The cool thing about this race is that it is 20 miles through 3 states (Maine, NH, and Mass), and it runs along the ocean on rte 1A the entire way. Will we be in good enough shape for a 20 miler by March 25? 69 days to go til then...time will tell...but I hope so.

Well, back to work, as I hope to get out of here early today to avoid the crazy folks on the roads. Conditions look to be bad and getting worse out there (although they are probably great for Jason, out on the slopes enjoying the holiday. Gottta get me one of them cushy state jobs!!).

Grambo

FINALLY!

Word on the street is the winter pattern change we need is on it's way!

Atleast, that's what the weather experts, like Jim Roemer, have to say. And, as I've noted before, I believe Roemer.

I'm looking forward to a great, long weekend of riding. In addition to some snow showers Saturday and Sunday, it's suppose to snow pretty good on Monday. More importantly, the prospect of above average temps is diminished. That's precisely what we need. More snow, more cold air and more runs.

So, if you need to find me this weekend, I'll be on the mountain.

jg

Is it retirement, for real? Or is it more like Michael Jordon or Roger Clemens? Only time will tell...

Check out this press release from Ian Adamson:

Ian Adamson, seven time adventure racing world champion and three time world record holder for endurance kayaking, announced today that he is retiring as a full time professional athlete.

Adamson, who twice captured the Guinness World Record for endurance kayaking in 1987 and 2004 by paddling 262 miles in 24 hours was recently named one of Men's Journal Adventurers of the Year in 2006. His career spanned two decades during which he had three Eco-Challenge and Primal Quest wins, two Raid World Championship and Adventure Race World Championship victories, and gold, silver and bronze medals at the ESPN X-Games and Ford Adventure Games.

As an iconic figure in the world of adventure sports, Adamson balanced his athletic career by directing international endurance events, was the senior contributor at Adventure Sports Magazine, published the seminal "Runner's World Guide to Adventure Racing" and appeared on television shows including Men's Journal Adventure Team, Morry Povich, Regis & Cathy Lee, ESPN and CNN World Sports.

"I have always wanted to retire from professional athleticism on a high note and on my own terms" says Adamson. "2006 has been a banner year for our team, with repeat wins at Primal Quest, the Adventure Race World Championships and Raid World Championships, so now is the perfect time to retire. I will remain active in sport through Team Nike, and as a race director and journalist."

With his focus squarely set on giving back to the sport and community, Adamson is producing the world's first 24 Hours of Triathlon in Denver, CO and re-igniting his corporate speaking and training career.

For information visit IanAdamson.com or 24hoursoftriathlon.com

Ian, Team Runs with Scissors wishes you all the very best--you crazy bastard.

If you're looking for something to do, you're always welcome to come to Vermont and whip our sorry asses into shape!

"If your legs aren't burning by the end of this workout, you did it wrong."

--Coach Troy

Yo:

40 minutes of chest, shoulders and tri's + 5.5 miles on the treadmill.

You like apples? How 'bout them apples?

Team Runs with Scissors

The Frigid Infliction is just, uh, about 7 weeks away and Team Runs with Scissors is rockin' and rollin'.

Tim at GMARA just sent a message to everyone reminding us to register. GMARA members get a $20 per person discount, that's a savings of $60 per team. This year's Frigid Infliction is also USARA sanctioned. That means the winning teams earn points toward the national championships.

Tim also said, "Old Man Winter thinks you're a wuss. Prove him wrong." Turtle, are you going to take that kind of trash talk from the old geezer?

GMARA race discounts are just one great example of why the $25.00 annual membership fee is a GREAT deal. But wait, there's more.

You also get a ton of other cool discounts and FREE--yes, FREE--rentals and a constant 15% discount at EMS. How cool is that?

In addition, Matt and the team at EMS in South Burlington go out of their way to take care of you. (I'm sure the Rutland staff is as helpful, but not nearly as cool.)

I went in recently to purchase a High Gear altimeter watch (more on this way cool watch some other time) and they were ultra helpful. So, thanks Matt and team for all that help and for your support of GMARA. Now we just need you guys to get into a race! Maybe Old Man Winter thinks you're a wuss too?

Incidentally, Grambo has the same watch. Turtle has a Sunnto that is so pimped out, if you press the right combination of buttons, it will actually make you levitate, or beam you to the mother ship.

Team Runs with Scissors

PS--My living room is at 655' and the barometric pressure is 29.55" and falling. I love this thing.

Holy cow!

No, I'm not talking about the awesome IPA at The Alchemist.

Check this out: A 50 mile winter mountain biking race in Newport Vermont! It's organized by the maniac who runs the Jay Challenge. Check out the site for yourself.

Hmmm, should we do it?

I think we have to...

I mean, really, what could possibly go wrong?

jg

This is really ridiculous...

Okay, I've just about had it with this frickin' weather. Yesterday, Grambo and I met up for a 4.5-5 mile run through downtown Waterbury, up into the nearby mountain bike trails and back downtown to our neighborhood. It was a great road-trail combo, with lots of hills and slippery ice and slush in the woods that makes you engage your core muscle a lot. (Screw abs of steel!)

As we were running along, however, I noted one advantage of the horribly unseasonable weather was our ability to run outside. Grambo said he'd been running outside all along, even in the cold and dark. (Show off.) He even suggested that we might need to get the Kona's out. That would be fun. Weird, but fun.

I've lately been making all sorts of excuses about not running outside, and instead going to the gym. It's too cold. I can't find my gloves. What about ice? The gym has more cardio options. It's on my home from work. I could lift too, the have tv...and the list goes on and on...

But, as we were running along yesterday, it occurred to me that the real reason I haven't been running outdoors more is this: I'm in denial. Complete, total denial.

In my mind, I'm thinking: "There's no way I can run outside, it's January for crying-out-loud!It's winter. It's the snowy season."

Well, save for a few 6 inchers, and the occasional 1-2 inch dusting, we've not gotten any snow to speak of. (Although Mount Mansfield got a good amount last week.) In fact, right now it's about 60 degrees--yes 60--and it's pouring rain...ughh...

Wait, Mrs. G and I have to get to the gym before it's too late--it closes at 1:00 p.m. today. More after a break from our sponsors....

We're back. Had a good workout, for a soggy Saturday. Right before we left, the pouring rain stopped, and the sun started to peak through the clouds. (Why must you torment me, Ullr?) In the spirit of the unseasonable, I decided to run to the gym. That converted the workout to a 4.4 mile run, split evenly by about an hour and 10 minutes of lifting.

The way home was surreal. I was dripping with sweat, in only shorts, t-shirt and shoes--it's 64 degrees now and sunny!

Just made a protein shake. It's one of my classic recipes: 1 cup of strawberry yogurt (Cabot, of course), about a cup or two of frozen blueberries, a few frozen strawberries, a table spoon of all natural peanut butter, 6 oz. of skim milk and 1/3 a cup of vanilla flavored soy protein. It's great; haven't had one of these since, well, the fall when it was still 60 degrees out.

(Sigh.) It really needs to snow, a lot, for real--very soon.

Wait, this just in: It's cloudy and raining again. Happy Saturday!

jg

Happy New Year!

Yesterday's 5K and festivities went well. We were reminded how far 3.1 miles can be when there's a very big, very steep, mile+ long, right in the middle of the course and you haven't been running outside as much as you should...despite this quad-burner, a good time was had by all.

Now, we're only about 9 weeks from the Frigid Infliction--it's time to go all Emeril and kick things up a notch, or two.

jg

PS--We finally have a good amount of snow in these here hills...