All's quiet...

Not Axel.

I got a head full of evil thoughts... ~ 50 Cent

...aside from the demons in my head of course. I am not a proponent of cold-turkey in any of its forms (particularly, well... the turkey one) but I must say that running practically daily for 4 months straight then stopping on a dime may not be the best plan for everybody. And by "everybody", I mean "me" since I am so awesome, I might as well be everybody (except for that Megan Fox rose kid, he's got way more game than me).

Anyway, I think that immediate cessation of virtually any activity, Dungeons and Dragons aside, is bad for one's mental state and mine has definitely suffered of late. Pretty much everything either bums me out or pisses me off these days resulting in several soggy, dented ponies and one seriously f'd up Care Bear display. But I am augmenting my lack of running with copious amounts of research on how to be even more awesome once I get back out there. So it's all good.

In any event, lot's of good stuff going on including a two-peat at Western States by Hal Koerner and a very impressive domination of the women's field by Colorado's own Anita Ortiz who came in 9th OVERALL. There was some ass, and she apparently felt obliged to kick it. Congratulations are in order to all finishers and participants who endured Stu-melting heat on a bad-ass course. Not sure if the WS100 will ever be on my agenda but they put on a helluva race and provide some cool site features to let couch-surfers everywhere join in the fun. Where the WS100 site fell short, near constant tweets picked up the slack. Gotta love technology. Except for this laptop which is currently searing my thighs.

So in the meantime, I have been riding my bike, watching movies (Up is good. Doubt was as well. Paranoid Park, not so much.), and chasing down new business leads. I also need to give a special shout out to Dr. Stephen Paul of Boulder Orthopedics. He has helped me out numerous times and is well-acquainted with the inside of my right knee. I had an appointment scheduled with him next Monday and he called me today to let me know that I would be better served seeing one of his partners for my injury vs. seeing him and then followed up by distributing my MRI results for her review and having her nurse call to set up an appointment for me. Gotta love that patient care. If you don't have an orthopedic injury in need of treatment, I recommend jumping off a roof or something in order to have a reason to go see him.

Now leave me alone, I have to go glare at a kitten.

~stubert.

Western States 2009...

Gentlemen, start your engines. ~ That race starter dude

Well tomorrow it's on - The 2009 Western States 100. Last year the event was canceled due to fires in the area and this year some big guns are back in the mix including 7 start 7-win and current course record-holder, Scott Jurek. Scott is a fellow vegan so I'll probably be pulling for him to throw down another exciting win. Apparently Tony Krupicka isn't going to make it this year due to injuries. Last year, he was all teed up to go for the record then suffered a season-ending injury shortly thereafter.

Read Buzz Burrell's take on the action. And follow the race live.

One day...

~stubert.

Water running, not so fun...

Success isn't how far you got, but the distance you traveled from where you started. ~ Unknown

Hit the pool yesterday for some low-impact excitement. Well, "excitement" probably isn't the best descriptor but it was low-impact and definitely low on the fun meter. But it was good to keep things moving and to have an outlet that avoids the lightning that has been rolling in every afternoon. Now THIS is the weather Colorado summers are famous for.

Probably heading out for another road ride today and tomorrow. Plus I'd like to see Up soon so may have to put that on the list of to-dos this weekend. Really excited to get out for longer adventures but patience is a virtue, particularly at this stage of the game.

~stubert.

And the winner is...

You know what this is? This, is a perfectly healthy goat kidney. ~ Rach

It's been a wacky few weeks for sure. I have been feeling really strong of late but am still having ab issues. Seems I can really hammer for several miles then things start to creep up on me to the point where keeping any semblance of a steady pace is not much fun.

So today I headed to the doc for an MRI. Very expensive tube nap.

Results came back quickly and the preliminary diagnosis is Osteitis Pubis - commonly referred to as a Sports Hernia (ed: not true, these are completely different beasts... family docs aren't very well-versed in this stuff, apparently). Not the best news but at least we can move forward with improved confidence. I have an appointment with Dr. Paul in a couple weeks to review options and to learn more about the extent of the injury. The best part is that I thought it would be a good idea to check out the MRI images... like I knew what the hell I was looking at. Rach pointed out that if you showed me a photo of a healthy goat kidney, I wouldn't know the difference. Good stuff.

So until then, we'll play things by ear, see what the plan is and probably start riding more. I talk with another doc tomorrow to see what his short-term thoughts are. Hope to know more in the coming days.

On the plus side, I went over to Gunnison for Dad's Day and just want to go on record to say that the PGA is in no danger of me coming in there and ruining their image. As usual, I am a horrendous golfer. But it was fun to get out with my pops - even if I was an embarassment. I did hit a few pretty decent shots but I don't envision a career on the links in my future. Immediate or long-term.

I did have a relatively decent run while in Gunny. Just jammed out on the street for 11 miles. Felt awesome for 7 or so then things went downhill a bit. I definitely went out too fast but also the ab wackiness kicked in with a vengeance starting shortly thereafter and was in full effect by mile 10. It was fun to go fast again, if only for awhile. Street and dirt are two different beasts.

So I'll keep the reports coming. Keep your fingers crossed.

~stubert.

Rough week...

RIP Jonny (image from adventurefilm.org)

At the end of life, let them say I truly lived. ~ me

Well this week has been a bit rough. As you have read, my thoughts have been focused on the search for three missing climbers in China. Unfortunately, that search has thus far come to a tragic end. The body of my friend, Jonny Copp, was discovered at about 4000m in avalanche debris on the slopes of Mount Edgar. Words really do not do justice to this loss. The search for Micah and Wade continues.

Jonny and I first became friends while working together at Planet Outdoors. Say what you will about PO (hell, I probably said it along with you) but the people who worked there did become a bit like a family. Sometimes a dysfunctional, scary family, but a family nonetheless. I made some great friends at PO. Those friendships have changed as people have grown up, moved around, had children, married, divorced, married again and some remain stronger than others. Jonny and I, though not the closest of friends, always seemed to come back together in one capacity or another. Whether climbing in Veedavu, plotting a new project, shooting in the backcountry or just hanging out, Jonny was always ready with an awesome story and his infectious smile.

Shot of me skiing courtesy of Jonny Copp (coppworks.com)

After the demise of Planet Outdoors (actually, I believe it is still an active site in some form but without any of its original employees), Jonny and I continued to see each other from time to time. Though I was a vastly inferior climber (who wasn't, really?) Jonny did let me tag along on occasion and always encouraged me with positive reinforcement, no matter how much I was just dangling in mid-air. This was Jonny's way. Always smiling. Always encouraging others to reach for the stars.

When Jonny started work on the Boulder Adventure Film Festival, he contacted me to help out as both a member of the selection jury but as webmaster for the site. We screened hundreds of flims over the years some good, some great, some REALLY bad and laughed through it all. Jonny was one of those people who always put back more than he took out. He inspired others through his athleticism but did not stop there. His thoughts always seemed to come back to wishing to encourage others to love the outdoors and cherish the earth. That was the message of the Festival and Jonny's message to us all.

I was thinking of a quote that best sums up Jonny and really had a tough time finding anything that does him justice. So I started thinking more about how he lived life and decided that maybe that would be the best way to honor him. Jonny really lived. At the end of my life, I hope others will say the same of me.

~stubert.

Pulling for Johann...

Southeast face of Mount Edgar. Cough 'em up, man!

Throw me a friggin' bone, here. ~ Dr. Evil

My buddy - Jonny Copp - renowned, world-class climber and all-around good guy could use your help. He is usually a pretty independent fella but right now he and his climbing partners, Micah Dash and Wade Johnson could use some support. They are overdue by about 4 days after an attempt on Mount Edgar in the Western Sechuan Province of China.

There are several teams of climbers on their way to the same area but any help you can provide to help fund the trip would be most welcomed. If you would like to learn more, the Boulder Adventure Film Festival website has set up a blog where updates are routinely provided. Or you can donate here.

Thanks in advance. We gotta get Johann Kopenski back home. (Rach is convinced "Jonny Copp" is a fake name and gave him this one years ago.)

~stubert.

Flyin' solo...

You get your ass out there and you find that fucking dog. ~ Billy Madison

Rach is covering the House Rabbit Society this week while her co-manager, Nancy, is visiting Maine so I am flying solo for the week. Just me and the critters up here at the casa - and quite a few less critters than normal. Rach took down all the critical care guys so the house feels a little empty. I have moved my motorcycle, ski and bike collection in to fill the void and get a little Spring tune-up action going so that is filling the now-empty space. (I kid, I kid.)

On the running front, I am still at it though with ill-definined goals currently. I took Tuesday off to rest and went to see Star Trek, which was entertaining. JJ needs to relax a bit on the lens flairs but it featured an entertaining story, capable acting and good action with just a fine schmear of cheese. And what would Trek be without some cheese?

I ran short on Wednesday and did some surges which got me a couple of thumbs up from passing motorists on the Beav'. I felt great, actually and was able to keep my form solid throughout my run, which is precisely what we are after. So mission accomplished. Short, meet sweet.

Thursday got away from me a little bit with some work wackiness then a quest to find Rach a new headset so that she can actually get some work done while fielding calls at the shelter. I then went to see Sandy to get a little work done on my never-en ading ab problem and by the time I got home, my desire to run had wained quite a bit. I finally levered myself off the couch and just said, "Man, get your ass in gear and go run." And I listened! Go figure. Usually I buck authority.

The first half of the run was decidedly unpleasant. My poor attitude was coupled with really not feeling well at all. It was late (I didn't start until after 7p) and I had wacked down some ill-advised snacks just prior to the run. Plus I was feeling a bit exhausted in general. So I ran/walked up a trail near my house with the ultimate goal of reaching Golden Gate Canyon State Park. Clunkiness continued for about 2.5 miles until I started to feel it. The second half of the run went really well and I turned on the heat to finish up with a total time of 1:04 and 6.5 miles - all on dirt and technical trails. I think this is actually as fast as I have ever done this loop so all's well that end's well. The lesson learned is "get off your couch, jackass... you might be missing your best run ever!" (Not that this was my best run ever per se, but it could have been and I could have missed it, jeez.)

So I am off again today and have to roll down to Boulder for a meeting. I may try to catch another movie... not sure. Tomorrow is the big race that I am not doing (ugh). I am going to volunteer at Aid Station 3 so say "hi" as you run by or just come out to watch everyone else running the Dirty 30. Sunday I volunteer at the shelter and then am shooting some video for the shelter then am going to figure out how to work in an 11-miler. May turn into my first night run of the season. We'll see.

On a less awesome note, I ask everyone to employ their good juju and point it toward the mountains of China for a bit. My buddy, Jonny Copp and two climbing partners are past due returning from a first ascent attempt of Dojitsenga, a 5,700-meter peak in the Kangri Garpo range. They are currently at least two days late. This is not really something new for J to the C but any good thoughts you might send his way couldn't hurt. Read more about it.

As always, I'll keep you posted.

~stubert.

That's a wrap...

Let the dream die. ~ Captain Ed

Well, I think my shot at Leadville this year may be landing a bit short. Due to my ongoing abdominal problems, I have been instructed to reign it in, which most likely means I'll be on the sidelines in August when the shotgun blast sounds. Or musket. Or whatever the hell they use to start that thing.

So I am out this weekend as well. If anyone wants my Dirty 30 entry, just let me know. The plan is to really cut back the mileage and get consistent, pain-free running in at lower miles then start to work back up. C'est la vie.

I felt awesome today. No pain... did some surges... Janet said I was doing well so that was pretty cool. We'll just play the rest of the summer season by ear and see how I progress. I may get the green light for the Leadville Marathon on July 11th and am kinda secretly hoping to be able to pace someone in the 100. Keep that on the DL.

~stubert.