Happy Holidays

Just in case I forget to write it later:  Happy Holidays everybody.  2010 is very close, and with it comes a whole lot of exciting stuff.  I am very anxious to get my "Endurathon" underway.  Any and all support will we greatly appreciated!  Currently, all attention is aimed at paying off the balance to climb McKinley, and acquiring the last of my gear.  Tick tock, tick tock.  Cheers to a wonderful new year!

Heading out of town for X-Mas

Hello all.  The Endurathon scene has been pretty quiet lately.  As the year wraps up, there's been a lot going on, so the name of the game has been "just keep pushing on".  After the new year, the countdown begins for the half marathon on January 17th.  I should be able to get in a few more training runs, then the goal is to get my time down under 2 hours (hopefully even closer to 1:50).  We'll see how it works out.  McKinley is less than 6 months away, and the only thing standing between me and my mountain is work and money.  It will all work out fine, and when it does, the trip is gonna be awesome.  I am looking forward to 2010 and all the many adventures ahead.  I hope to be able to share it all with you.  Keep checking back because the Endurathon is only months away from beginning.  Catch ya later.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING..........Hike Profile: mcdowell mountain superloop!

Happy Thanksgiving to any of you out there that actually check out my blog!  This morning I needed to take some "me" time to go off on a new hiking adventure.  So, I figured out a nice long loop in the McDowells, threw on my shoes, and hit the trail.  The hike started at the Gateway Trailhead.  I started off on the Gateway loop, then linked that to the Windgate Pass trail, which intersected the Tom's Thumb trail, which lead me to the East End trail, which dead-ended into the Bell Pass trail, which finally brought me back to the Gateway loop and the trailhead.  I estimate the total mileage to be around 12 miles, and the whole loop gains about 3000 feet over the course of the entire hike.  There are many of these "superloops" you can create in the McDowells, but this one looked most appealing.  The weather was perfect today, which is typical in Phoenix this time of year.  So under blue skies, with the Ipod fully charged, I knocked this hike out in just under 3 and a half hours.  Cruisin baby.  Now, I feel no regret about stuffing my face full of thanksgiving dinner.

Hike Profile: windgate pass trail

          In the McDowell Mountains, the hike combinations are almost endless.  This particular hike starts at the Gateway trailhead, and follows the Gateway Loop for a while, until it intersects the Windgate Pass trail, ultimately taking you to your destination of Windgate Pass.  Windgate Pass is a saddle between the north side of McDowell Peak, and the East End ridgeline.  This is another truly great hike in the McDowells.  The roundtrip distance is just shy of 8 miles, and the elevation gain is well over 1000 feet, possibly even approaching 1500 feet.  The Gateway trailhead has a ton of information on the hike, including a topographic map detailing all of the trails in the area.  You could branch off in so many different directions, or even create your own loop by linking together several of the trails.  To access the trailhead, just head east on Bell Road, east of the 101, until you hit Thompson Peak Parkway.  Hang a left at the light, and the trailhead is about a mile up the road on the right hand side.  If you haven't ventured into the McDowells yet get a move on it!

Working hard to realize the dream.....

Just a quick update:  life has been crazy busy lately with all the work going on around here.  I've begun training for the half marathon in January, but other than that, the usual training has been lighter than usual to compensate for all the extra work we're doing.  My part time job consumes a lot of the weekend, and my full time job has a lot of special projects in the works, so that takes up my week.  We've had visitors popping in and out of our condo the last few weeks, which has been nice, but it causes even more work.  Lacie is working on getting her "cake side project" up and running, so I've been involved in helping her get that started.  We also threw a halloween party, so of course we had to do nice food for that.  With the holidays coming up it's been a challenge figuring out who's going to be where, and trying to make sure everyone's feelings are taken into consideration there, which has the usual drama attatched to it.  It's just been plain busy.....but hopefully all of it is pulling me closer to the ultimate goal of raising the money I need to climb my mountain.  The remainder of 2009 should be pretty quiet in "The Endurathon world", but 2010 has a lot of excitement just around the corner.  Stay tuned.....

Hike Profile: squaw peak circumference trail

Squaw peak is a very popular mountain in Phoenix.  The summit trail is the main trail that people go to the park to do.....but there is a trail that is longer, has just as much elevation gain, has beautiful scenery, and sees about 10 percent of the traffic that the summit trail sees:  the circumference trail.  The trailhead is the same as the summit trail, but you can access the trail from almost any of the parking areas in the Squaw peak park.  The trail is a 3.5 mile (approx) loop that circles the entire mountain, and it gains about 1000 total feet, but it's broken up into 2 main climbs.  I love this hike.  The trails sees wayyyyyyy less traffic than it's popular neighbor, so in this crowded park in this crowded city, you still get a feeling of solitude.  If you ever go to hike the summit trail, and the crowds prove to be too much, give the circumference a try.....you won't regret it.

The Endurathon: minor updates

There's not a whole lot to report right now on my project.  The first event (McKinley) is still months away, starting on June 8th, 2010.  My buddy Mark is competing in his first "half-ironman" triathalon this month, and he's the one I'll be doing mine with next year.....this same event in fact.  So, he's doing it this year, so I can get the run-down for next year.  It's still way too far in advance to apply for my Grand Canyon permit.  I'm planning on doing a "warm-up" hike in The Canyon in May, and it's still too early to even apply for that permit.  The half marathon is coming up in January, but that's no big deal.  After the event passes, however, the registration will open up for the next year, so I'll be able to register for my 2011 full marathon (the final Endurathon event).  I am still outside training about 6 days a week.  I've had to give up working out on fridays, because of my part-time job.  For the most part, my training consists of a lot of hiking and biking, a little running, and some pull-ups.  I am working about 18 hours a weekend at my part-time job, and the pay is not very good, but it's great experience.  I have a few other money making opportunities on the horizon, but I'm waiting to see if they work out.  All this extra cash is going DIRECTLY to help pay for my upcoming adventures.  Once I get the money I need, I'm done with all this extra work!  That's really about it.  The rest of 2009 will probably be pretty chill.....I'm really just in a holding pattern for the moment.  Things should start to get exciting as we move into 2010 though, so please keep checking back and supporting The Endurathon -- I'll need all the help I can get!

Ride Profile: reach 11 recreation area

The Reach 11 Recreation Area is a huge plot of land that stretches from Cave Creek Road, north of the 101, all the way to Scottsdale Road.  This park is odd, because the western portion of it is a well developed sports complex with a bunch of soccer fields, restrooms, parking lots, etc, but then, as it stretches eastward, it leaves any signs of development behind, and it just kinda wanders through the desert, crossing an occasional road, or going under a highway underpass here or there.  I have seen more rattlesnakes on this trail (by far) than anywhere else in my travels, and other people have mentioned the same thing.  I prefer to ride my bike here, and sometimes I'll do some training runs in the park, but it's wayyyyyy too tame for a hiking trail (boring).  A lot of people seem to like to ride their horses here as well.  There are a variety of wide, well groomed trails to choose from, and you can do any distance you like, from a mile or two, up to 16+ miles.  My ride of choice is about 12 miles long, and pretty flat.  I actually just ride my bike to the trail from my house for a little extra distance.  I go from the trailhead on Cave Creek Road, all the way to the underpass at 56th street, and then turn around.  There are so many options for variations.  Another one I like is closer to 15 miles, and it branches off the trail at the Highway 51 underpass, then heads south on a paved path all the way to a little park just south of Thunderbird Road, and east of the 51.  The moral of the story here is:  it's a huge recreation area, with tons to do; from sports, to horses, biking, running, wildlife watching, etc, and it's easy to get to.....grab your bike, and hit the trail.

Hike Profile: H3 trail, thunderbird park (lacie's fav)

This trail is located a little further west in the valley than I usually hike, but it's worth the trip.  It's located in Thunderbird Park, off 59th Avenue, north of the 101.  The park contains a variety of well marked trails that could appeal to all levels of hikers, all of which are labeled by the letter "H" and then followed by a number for the corresponding trail (ie: H1, H2, H3, etc.).  This particular trail (H3) is a really nice hike, but it would also make a great trail run, or even a challenging mountain bike ride.  From the closest parking area in the park, the trail is a nice 3.5 mile loop, which only gains a few hundred feet of elevation.  The views are nice, and it provides a different setting than most of the east valley hikes I frequent.  I like the trail a lot, and my wife Lacie says it's one of her very favorites, so there you go.  Check it out.

Hike Profile: echo canyon (camelback mountain)

This is the one.  Of all the hikes in the Valley of the Sun, this is my favorite.  No matter how many times you hike it, it's always challenging.  It gains over 1,200 feet, and it's under 2.5 miles roundtrip.  It's steep, it's beautiful, and it can be punishing for all abilities, if you want it to be.  There are even rock climibing possibilities in the area from bouldering, to sport routes, to trad routes, to rappelling; it's got it all!  The trailhead is located just east of the intersection of Tatum and McDonald, on the Northwest corner of the mountain.  The one and only downfall of this trail is the CROWDS!  They are awful.  I hike this trail all summer long, in 110 degree heat, and I have it all to myself.....and then it cools off, and then the crowds flock to the mountain.  On some days you may find yourself waiting upwards of 30 minutes for a parking space, just to hike this wonderful trail with underexperienced idiots.  Search and rescue crews visit the mountain weekly during the busy season, always plucking off the latest victim.  I can't help but glare at all the hikers crowding up MY mountain.  I guess the upside is:  summer always returns, and the trail will be empty again.  Aside from that little chip on my shoulder, this hike truly is the best of the best in The Valley.

Hike Profile: pinnacle peak

Way up in North Scottsdale there is a very recognizable mountain called Pinnacle Peak.  On that mountain, you'll find a small visitors center, some rock climbing routes, and a 3.5 mile roundtrip hike, that gains a couple hundred feet.  The trail climbs and drops and climbs and drops very pleasantly for the entire length.  The scenery is very nice, the trail is well maintained, and it's a very managable hike for most people.  The trailhead is up in the "Troon" area, nestled back near the Four Season's Resort and the Pinnacle Peak Patio....there are signs that point the way.  It's a really nice hike.  In my opinion, the only real downfalls are:  it gets realllllllly crowded -- like camelback and squaw peak crowded, and because it's in North Scottsdale, when I'M on the mountain I feel like there's a small snootyness in the air -- from the hikers to the staff at the park (sorry), and it's a minor turnoff.  Those two factors aside, on a non-crowded day, it's a great hike to add to your repertoir.  Check it out, but be on your best behavior :o).

Hike Profile: taliesin overlook

.....a pleasant stroll, or mountain bike, through beautiful desert terrain. This is an easy one, which makes it a good starter trail, or a good trail to take out-of-town guests to. The trailhead is at Lost Dog Wash, which can be reached by heading north on 124th street from Shea until it dead-ends at the trails. There are several trail options from here, but this hike follows the Lost Dog Trail to the Taliesin overlook. The trail is just under 4.5 miles roundtrip, and it gains between 200-300 feet. You'll find yourself strolling through the desert on the well-groomed trails of the McDowell Mountains. The trail gives you a VERY distant overlook of a Frank Lloyd Wright project below, but that isn't the highlight of the trail, so F.L.W. fans can be prepared to be disappointed. The hike is worth doing when you want to nice easy day.

Hike Profile: camelback mountain (cholla trail)

When I think of hiking in Phoenix, there is one mountain that comes to mind above all others: Camelback Mountain. It stand as the tallest mountain within the city limits of Phoenix. There are two main trails that lead to the summit, coming from opposite directions. The Cholla trail ascends from the east, following the spine of the "camel's back". The parking situation is a little odd, since there is no parking at the trailhead. You actually have to park along Invergordon, and then walk about 1/4 mile to the trailhead. From that point, you're looking at about a 3 mile roundtrip that gains over 1,200 feet of elevation. This is one of the first hikes that started my life obsession with hiking. The trail is great, the views are awesome, and your heart will be pumping the entire hike. The only downfalls, in my opinion, are the parking situation, and the massive crowds that flock to the mountain in the cooler months. If you can stand the summer heat, there's nothing like having that trail all to yourself, drenched in sweat, standing alone on the summit. Call me crazy, but in the summer that mountain belongs to me.....all the pansies can have it when the weather cools off.

Hike Profile: gateway loop

This is another hike on the wonderfully manicured trails of the McDowell Mountains, in Scottsdale, AZ. The hike begins at the newly opened Gateway Trailhead, off of Thompson Peak Parkway, just north of Bell road. The loop is very hiker friendly. It is well marked, the elevation gain is gradual, and there are no overly difficult sections of the hike. All told, the loop is a little over 4 miles long, with only a couple hundred feet of elevation gain. The McDowell's, despite the signage and well groomed trails, have a real sense of the wild Sonoran Desert. The environment is pristine, and there are miles and miles of options for all levels of hiking and biking. Get out there and hike those trails!

Endurathon: McKinley Update

I figured it might be nice to start posting some of the details of the Alaska trip. I am officially registered to climb Mt. McKinley (aka Denali), starting on June 8th of 2010. I will be climbing with a company called Rainier Mountaineering Inc. The cost of my climb is $5,700 dollars, of which I have paid the initial $1,500 deposit. The remaining balance is due in March of 2010, and it cannot be paid by credit card...hence the need for my part time work to get the cash to pay for this thing! The cost does not cover my airline ticket, the majority of my gear, some additional fees here and there, some further transportation considerations, and I need to provide all of my lunches and snacks (RMI provides dinner and breakfast for the trip).

The trip could last anywhere from 3 to 4 weeks, depending on details like weather, the strength of our group, luck, etc. Mt. McKinley is the highest point in Alaska, the highest point in the United States, and the highest point on the entire North American continent. The elevation is approximately 20,320 feet above sea level. I have no doubt that this will be one of the hardest, if not THE hardest, thing I've ever done. I am including a link to Rainier Mountaineering Inc. in case you want to read a little more about the company and what they do. There is much more to talk about, but this will at least begin to fill in the gaps. More soon.

Hike Profile: lookout mountain

Short. Steep. Easy to get to. Uncrowded (usually).....These are all good descriptions of the summit trail at Lookout Mountain, Phoenix, AZ. The trailhead is located on 16th street, south of Greenway, where 16th dead-ends into the mountain. The trail is only 1 mile roundtrip, and it gains a couple hundred feet of elevation. It's actually pretty steep, and rocky in places, but the short distance makes for a quick-heart pumping workout. I actually like to go and do it multiple times (2 or 3), so I am assured a good workout. You can see in every direction from the summit, so as usual, the views are nice. If you're short on time, but you want a quick workout, this trail is a great option.

Hike Profile: squaw peak summit trail

This trail is a Phoenix hiking icon. Located in downtown Phoenix, AZ, this is probably one of the busiest trails around. Despite the crowds, I love this hike. It's about 2.5 miles roundtrip, and it gains about 1100 feet of elevation. The summit is jagged and rocky, the climb is sustained, and the views are great. It's an awesome climb, and a great workout. Also, easily seen from several places around the valley, I think that Squaw Peak is one of the prettiest of the peaks in town. A few years ago it was renamed Piestewa Peak, but it will always be Squaw Peak to me. This one is definitely worth your time, but try to avoid the weekends during "the season", or you'll be waiting a long time to find a parking space.

Hike Profile: shaw butte

Shaw Butte is located in downtown Phoenix, AZ. The trailhead I use is located off of 7th street, south of Thunderbird. The mountain is part of the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, and the trails are well traveled. The roundtrip distance of the route I use is about 4 miles, with an elevation gain of less than 1000 feet. The route uses several different trails, but they are all well marked, and the majority of the route follows a dirt service road to the summit. After a pretty flat 1/2 mile warm up, the next 1.5 miles are consistantly uphill, but nothing too rough. The views from the top are nice, and it gives you a great shot in every direction of the ever-growing valley below you. However, there are several un-sightly radio towers up there, so if you can ignore them, it's all good. This isn't my favorite hike in the valley, but it's convenient, and it's worth doing. Check it out.

The almighty dollar.....

I spend a lot of time thinking.....watching, analyzing, reflecting..... and in my short life of 28 years, I've noticed a few things. I have found that in a society that seems very concerned about what label we're wearing, or what type of car we're driving, or how big our houses are, I feel like an outside observer because I feel no connection with the need to have the biggest, best, and newest material possessions. Don't get me wrong, when it comes to being comfortable, or needing to purchase a new piece of backpacking/outdoor equipment, I will search out the best, but it's truly a matter of function-over-form to me. I know we all have different values in life, and what's important to some couldn't mean less to others. But to me, wealth is measured in the experiences we have and the obstacles we overcome; the events that we face in our life, and the stories we have to tell. I know to some, you may read this and think that you'd take a Mercedes Benz over a great adventure any day, but I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree on that one.

Anyway, stepping off my soap-box now, because of this lack of desire for the material, and this great desire to really LIVE my life, I work a job that I love, that pays enough to get by, and allows me plenty of time and a wonderful schedule to pursue all the trips/events/adventures that I could possibly want. Unfortunately, that doesn't include enough money to climb mountains like Mt. McKinley in Alaska, which is the first event in my "Endurathon". So, after much regret, I have been forced to......... get a part time job.

Yes, I must sacrifice some free-time to earn the money to climb my mountain. So, from now until April, I will be soaking up all the catering events and part time hours I can get my hands on, so that when June rolls around, my trip will be paid off, and I can climb my mountain. I have officially begun working for Chef Kevin Binkley, the owner/chef of Binkley's Restaurant, and Cafe Bink. There are probably a lot of easier ways to earn extra money, but I figured if I'm gonna do this, I might as well challenge myself with work as well. He's a visionary chef, really pushing the boundaries of the culinary scene in Arizona. Check out this link: Binkley's. For now, my training is going to have to be balanced with a little extra work. It's a means to an end, and that end is Mt.-fuckin-McKinley, so it's worth it.

Hike Profile: sunrise peak

This hike is in the McDowell Mountains, near the Scottsdale/Fountain Hills border, AZ. I really must say that they have done a WONDERFUL job with the trail construction in the McDowell's. The trails are great, the signage is helpful, and there are a variety of loops to create by linking the trails.....my hat is off to you. Anyway, this particular hike is located where Via Linda dead-ends into a gated community. It's about 4 miles round trip, and gains right around 1000 feet. The views from the top, as usual, are great. You get a great vantage point of the Superstitions, and the Four Peaks area. It's definitely a trail worth checking out.

RNRAZ 2010

Every year in Arizona, during the month of January, The "Rock and Roll Arizona" marathon, and half-marathon, is held. It is a huge event, with thousands and thousands of people entering from around the country, and around the world. Since it began, I have entered 3 half-marathons, and 1 full marathon. In my opinion, it is a great event, and very well put-together.
This year I have entered for my 4th "half" (13.1 miles). My wife Lacie is also registered, as well as our friend Stacey Needham. Hopefully, a co-worker/training partner of mine, Mark Maccherola, will also be running with me. I'm also very happy to announce, that my life-long friend, SEAN ELLIS (see picture), and his wife Kim, have also registered, and will be coming to AZ all the way from the DC area!
The date for this year's event is January 17th, 2010. Anyone who is interested in running, I would highly recommend checking out the website: RNRAZ. It is perfect for the experienced runner, or for anyone looking for their first time. As the date draws closer, I'll keep you posted with the training routine and further details. This should be a great warm-up for the busy Endurathon year to follow.....

Hike Profile: 40th street to summit

This hike is located in the Phoenix Mountains Preserve, in central Phoenix, AZ. The trailhead is located where 40th street dead-ends, a mile south of Shea Blvd. I have never been able to find any official statistics on this hike, but I believe it to be about 3 miles round trip, and the trail gains a little less than 1000 feet of elevation. The first 2/3 of the trail is relatively flat, and then it shoots up nice and steep for the last 1/3. The summit is the highest point on the ridge line, and it offers great views of Camelback and Squaw Peak, as well as the rest of downtown Phoenix. It's easy to get to, the scenery is great, and the end will surely get your heart going.

Hike Profile: black mountain

This hike takes you to the summit of Black Mountain, in the north valley, near the town of Cave Creek, AZ. It's a 2.5 mile round trip hike, that gains over 1000 feet of elevation. The first 1/4 mile, or so, follows a rough road, but after that you hit the trail and it's good, steep hiking all the way to the summit. From the top the views of Cave Creek and the surrounding area are fantastic. As far as hikes in the valley go, it's definitely worth a try.

Endurathon: the general concept

So, what is The Endurathon? There will be stories to go into more details soon, and there are many more details to work out, but for now, here's the plan..... At this point, I am planning to do 4 very major challenges over an 8 month period starting in 2010 and stretching into 2011. I have decided to name this quest The Endurathon.

As of now, the challenges include climbing Mt. McKinley in Alaska, entering a half ironman triathalon, doing a 4-day/50 mile backpack in a remote part of the Grand Canyon, and attempting to complete my 3rd full length marathon. I decided to start this blog as a place where my friends and family can follow along with me. I'm certainly not looking for a pat on the back, and there is no vanity behind this whatsoever. If anything, I want to share my passion, and this experience, with the world. If along the way I manage to inspire anyone else to join, or to undertake a challenge of their own, then that's just a wonderful bonus.

As more information unfolds, and more details work themselves out, I will post whenever possible. But even right now, I am always training, and always looking for like-minded individuals to train with me. Anyone feel like joining the fun?

The new face of ACI :o)

check it out: www.azculinary.com

Birthday shout-out

I just wanted to wish my brother a very happy birthday: 26 years old today. He is without a doubt, one of my very favorite people on this earth. Happy brithday bro.

What will define you?

What defines a person? How do you define a person? How would you define yourself? Are we defined by our jobs? Then I am but a lowly cook. Are we defined by our possessions; our house, our cars, the clothing we wear? That would be a shame, because I would only be a condo, or a Saturn, or workout clothes. Could it be the degree we have, or our level of education? A mere associate's degree for me. How about our religious affiliation, our political party, our age, our marital status, the pets we own? I would be an outcast, partyless, 28 year old, husband, with a few cats. Man, if this is how society defines a person, I feel as though I may be missing something..... I prefer to think that we are defined by our actions, the passion that burns inside of us to achieve something, the driving forces that make us different from each other, and the deeper meaning of what gets us out of bed in the morning. So often we look to celebrity, to TV, to movies to get our inspiration and find our role models. Is that really what we should be? Is that really what we want to be? I guess I'm lucky then, because I have found so many people in my everyday life that inspire me. How about a woman who stands up to her family and her religion to find true happiness and to marry the man she loves? How about a guy who still lives in his home town, has a wife, 2 baby girls, and is a self-made successful business owner who is passionate about the work he does every day? How about a girl, fresh out of college, that moves to New York City by herself, and is now working during the day to support her Improv life at night, and making it on her own? How about a guy that gives up his job, to move away so that his wife can get the job of her dreams, while he tries for months to find a new job of his own in an economy that isn't hiring? Maybe a guy that goes hiking in the Grand Canyon for the first time, and gets absolutely devestated by the terrain, and then two years later goes BACK to do a three day backpack, just to prove that he can do it. If that's not enough, how about a guy that tries for years to get hired by the fire department, applying year after year after year, until he finally makes it and realizes his dream? That's inspiring to me. These are people in my everyday life that do these amazing things. That is truly the definition of the human spirit to me. So, I find myself wondering: What can I do to inspire others? What are my actions going to say about me? When it's all over, how will I be defined as a person?

The beginning

All the pieces are still being put into place. As of right now, The Endurathon is just an idea, still in it's infancy. There is much work to be done, many details to be organized, and a lot of time to think about it all. For now, just sit back, get ready, and prepare to be a part of something extraordinary.