Hog Loppet

The Hog Loppet is a 30k non-competitive wilderness experience (read: cross county ski race) that  starts at the top of Mission Ski area and ends somewhere in Blewett Pass. Matt and I have been interested in participating in this race the past few years, however, something always seemed to keep us from it.  IT seemed like this year might be our year.  However, due to Matt's pelvic pain battle he didn't want to sign-up too much in advance since there is no telling if he will be functional or on the couch. 

Last weekends ski tour was his trial run, and it went well.  No pain, although the skiing really took it out of him.  He did amount of snoozing over the next 24 hrs.  Anyhow, based on how the trip went we decided it was a go - we were Hog Loppet bound!  We decided to opt for day of registration since bad weather was moving in and we weren't sure we would make it over the pass.  Friday afternoon I took a gander at their website and the event was almost full.  Crap...  Thankfully Matt got a hold of his buddy who lives in Wenatachee and was kind enough to  sign us up.  Problem solved.

Friday after work we loaded up the truck and headed out to sit in traffic.  Yep, that's what we do around here, sit in traffic.  It is infuriating.  Finally traffic was moving and we were off, all the while wondering if we were going to make it over the pass.  As we got closer the signs started to loom - traction tires needed, no over sized vehicles, and the most ominous - avalanche control at 8:45.  This in an of its self was not the problem, the problem was it was 8:10 and if we didn't hurry the road would be closed while they blew up snow.  Don't worry, we made it.

We finally rolled into Wenatachee sometime after 10, had some beers, did some visiting, and headed of to bed.  At 5:30 am the alarms started to buzz and everyone was out of bed and getting ready.  A few short minutes later we were packed in the car off to catch the bus to Mission Ridge.  Finally, we are going to get to do the Hog Loppet!  We load ourselves on the bus, ride up to the ski area, disembark and are told the event has been canceled due to high winds and avalanche danger. 

Not to be dis-swayed, once we got back to the car we headed up to Blewett Pass for a ski tour of our own.  Sure, the Hog Loppet may not have happened but we still had a great time. 

Trails

Trip to the Brick (Northern Exposure)

Face plant

I can be a jerk...

It seems like everyone in this town gets tomorrow off, I am not so lucky...  But, I did make the most out of my two days. 

Saturday didn't start out too hot.  I woke-up to my alarm and the pouring rain.  Not the most motivating start to a run.  This is one (of many) reasons I love running with the group.  They think I am going to be there, so, I get dressed and head out into into the torrential downpour. 

Photo Credit: Dave Molenaar

We headed down the trail, however,  after awhile we had to jump off the trail and head-up a logging road due to  trees across the trail.  Perfect timing for trail work, which we did after the run.  A few hours later, most of the trees and the rivers of water that forced us to change course were lopped and diverted into submission.

Today (Sunday) Matt and I met-up with Patrick for some cross-country skiing around Mt. Rainier.  I am the first to admit that I am not very skilled on skis, but I really enjoy it.  Today started off well enough.  I know that there is no point in going any speed other than mine, so I set off and did a fair amount of skiing by myself, which I am totally fine with.  It was a beautiful day, the sun even poked its head out a few times.

Matt and Pat chasing me.

 Our route took us up to Copper Hut.  One of the neat things about the backcountry around Rainier, is they maintain a pretty impressive hut system.  Unfortunately, I doubt we will ever have an opportunity to plan a trip to tour between them, they fill-up lightening fast.

We made it up to the hut without incident and went inside to eat lunch.  Afterwards we headed back to the car via a slightly different route.  The trail was not very well packed, narrow, and steep.  As I was chasing after them there was a moment when Matt waved at me and I summoned all my self-restraint to not flip him off.  I am fine with a challenge, I hate feeling like  I suck at something compared to the people I am with.

Copper Hut

Inside Copper Hut

I finally caught up with them and it was decided to head back the way we came.  Great, just wanted I wanted, to go back down the trail I worked so hard to get up.  Again, if I were by myself I would have been happy.  But, I was with other people that are far me competent that I and it killed me that they weren't haveing any issues as I struggled along.  I know awful (please note the title). 

Getting back down that part of the trail proved to be my undoing.  The guys took off and waited at the end while I made it down in fits and starts.  As in, I would start, fall, and have a fit.  It wasn't the falling that irritated me, I am good at it and accept this.  The fits were because the first fall ended with me  twisting my knee into an unnatural position.  Consequentially each fall thereafter was not pleasant feeling. 

I finally caught-up with the guys and Matt asked how I was doing.  I don't recall my exact response but it was pretty jerky, hence the title.  Anyhow.  I snapped, threw my brief pity party and then headed downhill towards the car.  Here's the beauty of being active and outside, I was having so much fun and it was so pretty that my anger evaporated about as quick as it manfested.  I quickly apoligized and spent the rest of the trip saying "Weeee!!"  all the way down.

Next weekend is the Hog Loppit - a 30k cross country ski race that we are doing.  More practice on skinny skis!  My goal is to have fun and not get ticked because I am not as fast as I would like.  The first one will be easy, the second may require some work.

Weekend Roundup

• I fear I may officially be an adult (not to be confused with grown-up).  Last night I was like a kid at Christmas upon purchasing a carpet cleaner, yes, you read that right - a carpet cleaner.  You see, we have quite a bit of carpet in our house, and while it is is pretty good condition, upon move-in there were a fair number of stains.  I am happy to report that those stains are now a thing of the past.  
• Dirty hippy alert.  The past few months it seems that I have been having a allergic reaction to my shampoo, to try and fix this I switched do another brand.  Didn't work.  So, now I am trying something totally different.  My new shampoo is baking soda and I am using apple cider vinegar for conditioner.  So far, so good.
• I made potato chip cookies last night, they are delicious.  They taste similar to pecan sandies; I expected a bit more of a salty bite, next time I will add more salt and/or chips. 
• I am intrigued by tiny houses
• Matt is broken again...  I hate seeing him suffer.
• We have had nice weather for the past few days, today I took advantage and got out for a bike ride.  

I saw these two friends on my ride

• Happiness is a box of tea.  This may be my all time favorite, unfortunately, I have yet to find a store in Olympia that carries it.  I finally gave in and ordered a box.  Delicious!

Exercise is Bad for You!

You read that right, I am going to discuss why exercise is bad for you.  

Yoga
Lately I have seen a lot of press surrounding the damage yoga causes.  A few years back everything I heard was just the opposite, yoga is a miracle cure.  Tight legs, yoga.  Sore back, yoga.  Dandruff, yoga.  Okay, maybe not the last one, but you get the point.  Fast forward to now, according to Glenn Black, an experienced yogi, most people should quit yoga all together.  Why is it that something so many people have embraced is now seen as bad for you?  The short answer is that people see yoga as simple and try to twist themselves into a pretzel on demand, this inevitably leads to injury (1). 

When searching for articles I came along this gem.    According to Yinka Vidal (2), if you are a Christian, yoga is bad for you.  Jesus did not ask Christians to get in touch with their inner self.  By doing this you are idolizing yourself, which is contrary to the will of god. 

Spinning
I've never been to a spinning class, but I have heard from those that have what a great workout it is.  As I understand it, spinning is a pretty stout cardio workout.  This would lead you to think that you are blasting fat and rotating your legs to a skinnier you.  Right?  Wrong.  It would seem that spinning leads to fat, cottage cheese legs.  The general idea is that high velocity of spinning fatigues particular muscles and the body adapts by storing intra-muscular and subcutaneous fat in the thighs and hips to provide a more readily available energy source.  This effect could be combated by including higher resistance that would elicit positive body changes (3). 

Running
Ah, the grandaddy of them all - running.  It is possible that there is a more controversial activity, but my participation in this one has made me keenly aware of the controversy surrounding it.  I will start with my personal experience.  While in high school I went to see a podiatrists about my flat feet.  I do not remember much of the conversation, what I do remember is this. I was told "if you don't stop running you will not be able to walk later in life (it may not have been so doom and gloom, but this is what I remember)".  So, what is the main issue with running?  It is bad for your joints.  The constant pounding is going to break you down until you can no longer move. 

Weight Bearing Activities
This would be any activity that you preform on your feet that works your bones and muscles against gravity.  As with running it has been thought that these types of activities (in excess) lead to increase instances of arthritis and joint issues in middle and old age.

Conclusion
There you have it, my well informed write-up on why exercise is bad for you.  If you were not already a coutch potato I hope this is the incentive you need to make the switch.  

1) http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1668470,00.html
2) http://www.closerwalk.net/yoga.htm
3) http://www.functionalfitmag.com/blog/2012/01/31/top-10-ways-skinny-fat/