Running through Salt Lake City

Running through Salt Lake City

Had the opportunity to spend two days in Salt Lake City on a little business trip.  Unfortunately, when my plane landed at 5pm, it was 97 degrees outside.  Regardless, I still laced up the Free's and went for a run.  Asking the lady working the front desk of my hotel where to run, she directed me to the Murray Parkway Trial which happened to be only a block from where I was staying.

I was told that this was a nice, paved run that runs along a river that runs through the entire valley for miles and miles.  I was also told that it was probably the coolest (temperature wise) spot in the valley as well.  So I thought, what the heck.

I took a quick jog on down to where I would be joining the trail and made a little loop down through the tunnel.  There were several tunnels along the trail and each was decorated with some urban artwork...if you know what I mean.
Once through the tunnel, I ran along a nicely paved trail.  There were a few runners out as well as bicyclists.  In the below shot, you can see the trail as it runs along the river.  You can kind of see the river in the background.

The trail continues on and I eventually get to a marsh area.  As I approach, I notice that the trail turns into a planked trail.

This wound on for a good half to three quarters of a mile.  It wound on through tall grasses, trees,  and wetlands. 

Toward the end of the tall grasses, came more of the wetlands, and I think we were actually running over water at this point.  I still had the planked trail, but now there were railings to keep me safe.

It was very nice and cool, probably a mid 80's type of day at this point in the shade.  But not too bad at all.
After getting off of the planked trail, I ended back on the paved surface.  We slowly work our way close to the water, and further away, and close again.  At a couple points, you actually cross the river.

There were numerous planked bridges over the river.  And the river itself was flowing nicely.

All in all, it was a nice little find that I did a couple of times in the two days I was there for about 4 miles per run.  Always good to get out and hit the pavement.

Happy Running!
Dave

#running  #saltlakecity #vegan #therunningfisherman

Slaughter Pen Bentonville Arkansas

Slaughter Pen

I generally make two trips to Bentonville Arkansas per year.  This is where Wal Mart is based, and since they are my largest single customer, I get out there when they come a calling.  At first, Bentonville didn't have a lot to do.  At least I never thought so.  After doing some research a couple years ago, we happened upon a little running area called Slaughter Pen.  This is a pretty cool little park area dedicated to mountain bikers, and the occasional runner.  There are all kinds of terrain features, ramps, hills, berms, jumps, and other fun stuff.  I'm generally here during the week, and it doesn't seem to be too crowded. 
Here is a shot walking up to the starting area for the trail.  I'm not sure what the name of this little creek is, but it sure is pretty.

 

 

 From here, you actually go through a trail entrance.  There are lots of trail maps and signs posted letting you know what events are upcoming.

 

The trail I ran was about 1.75 or so winding miles up and down hills and through lots of trees each direction.
I jumped on the Tatamagouche trail, and off I went for a SLOW, steep, winding run.

As you wind through, you start to come across some of the fun features like berms and other planked trail sections.

There are all kinds of these sections throughout the park. It is pretty cool.

Once you complete your one way direction, the trail opens up into the free ride area.  This is a BMX/mountain bike area.  There are quarter pipes, a regular BMX type track, as well as lots of jumps.

From here you can either keep going for a shorter, easier loop back to the beginning, follow your original path back, or jump on one of the numerous other trails in the park.  I think there are roughly six total within this phase of the park. 
I chose to jump on a little more difficult trail running back to finish up the run.
Here is a shot of me deep in the woods.

 

After being sick for almost a full month, it was great to get out and get some fresh Arkansas air in the lungs.
Here is a look at my winding 3.5 mile run.  It was slow and hilly, but felt great.

I was able to get out and do the run two days in a row.  Felt really good, as I had to miss the Pasadena Half last month. 
Time to build back up to another long run!

Happy Running.
Dave

Sick, Sick, Sick, and a Steelhead

Well, I am finally over what so many have had.  Actually I am just passing day 24 of being sick.  I still have a little cough, but feeling better.
I haven't been out for a run in a bit, but plan to shortly.  In fact, The Slaughter Pen is in my near future.  Fun running trail that I hope to write about in the next couple days.
In February I had one quick chance to make it out fishing.  Made it out with a buddy of mine, Carmen, and we drifted the Clackamas.  What a great trip it was.  We landed three steelhead for the day.
Here is the one I caught.

Oh well, back to running and fishing this month.

Hope to post again soon.
Dave

Ala Moana Diamond Head Circle Run

There really is nothing like an early afternoon run in Honolulu.  Except for probably a run in just about any other beautiful island community.  I was in Honolulu for a quick distributor show, and after setting up the Okuma booth, had an opportunity to get out and squeeze in a few miles. 
Started the morning off with some fresh papaya that the Aunties gave to me.

After some fresh fruit and the set up, ran back up to the room and made a quick change into the running gear.  It was a beautiful afternoon.  Here is a view from my room at the Ala Moana hotel overlooking the harbor.  We had whales crossing in front of the harbor all week.  It was great.

After looking out at the whales and ocean for a bit, it was time to head out.  Here is a shot looking up as I was leaving the hotel.

And a quick shot looking across the street from the hotel.

From the hotel, I head on over to the Ala Wei canal and start the run towards Diamond Head. Here is what I am looking at as I head down the Canal.

Lots of interesting things in the canal.  This year I saw multiple shopping carts, a mattress, probably the biggest puffer fish I have ever seen, and various other objects that I couldn't decipher. 

Once you get to the end of the canal, about mile two, you head past the Honolulu Zoo and head through the park.  This is what it looks like when you get to the end of the canal looking toward Diamond Head.

From here you keep heading straight until you get to Diamond Head street. From there I like to head to the right and keep the ocean on my right side.  No particular reason. 
There is a little incline when you actually get near the water and head up past Diamond Head.  Once you get to the crest of the street, there are some spectacular views.
Here is a shot looking where I just came from.

And a shot of where I am headed.

There is a nice little bluff when you get to the crest that I like to stop for a quick stretch.  At this point you are at roughly mile 4-ish.  This year I stopped to watch the humpback whales playing just outside the surf.  Unfortunately I couldn't get a good picture of them, but with the help of Instagram, I did manage a pretty nice shot overlooking the sea.

Once you leave the crest of the road, you start to head down the other side and around the back of Diamond Head.  You complete your circle and get back on Paki road and then rejoin the Ala Wei Canal and work your way back to the hotel. 
All in all it was a 9 mile run and felt really good.

This was a good little training/prep run for my upcoming Rock N Roll Pasadena Half that is coming up in a few weeks. 
Of course, after a nice long run you should generally reward yourself for a job well done.  I did just that.  Here is my reward from Shimazu Store on School Street right next to H1 just short of Liliha Street.

This was the Strawberry Colada and Pina Colada combo.  Yummy!

It was a great trip and a successful show for Okuma.  Our new Ulua reel was a hit.

Happy Running!
Dave

Lake Wilson Bass Fishing Oahu Hawaii

Just returned from a business trip to Hawaii.  I know, tough job!  I hear it all the time.  I had a quick opportunity to get out with Stan and Chris Wright from www.hawaiibassfishing.com.  What a great day on the water.  Beautiful day, but unfortunately with the recent rains, the water was high and cool.  In fact, here is a shot from the launch ramp area overlooking the little cove off to the left.  Pretty high water.

The guys really like the water a little lower, and quite a bit warmer.  In fact, we were out looking for Peacock Bass and they like the water temperature in the 76-78 degree area, and we were showing about 68.  Kind of chilly.
We had a sort of grey-ish day to start off, but beautiful none the less.  Who would have thought there would be a freshwater lake, with pine trees around.

The fishing was a little slow in the morning, but got better in the afternoon.  Almost as soon as the sun came out I was able to land this Largemouth Bass.  Not bad for Hawaii!

Here I am a little surprised that I actually caught a LMB.

We did manage three Peacocks on the trip.  Here is a picture of Chris with one of his "under 10lb" peacocks, as he called them.

They do actually get them at the lake up to 8lbs or so.  I guess I'll have to go back and try for one of the big guys.  

Aloha!  

Dave

#bassfishing #hawaii #aloha #bass #Okuma

Evening Fullerton Run

Had a chance to get out and do a little afternoon trail run on the Hiltscher and Juanita Cooke trails in Fullerton.  It was a very beautiful afternoon with lots of people out enjoying the great weather.  Though it was a little chilly, chilly for California at least, it was gorgeous.  People were running and out walking their dogs.  Apparently everyone hasn't given up on their new years resolutions yet.
Here is a shot of the trail.

Knocked out a quick 3.25 trail miles, but it was very nice.  Good to be out enjoying the brisk, clean air.

Happy running!

Long Beach Breakwall Calico Fishing

Had a little chance to get out and try for a few evening Calico Bass out at the Long Beach Breakwater. Conditions were excellent and the fish were on the chew.  Fished a few Savage Gear Sand Eel baits and had a great bite going.  We managed over 20 bass each as well as over 20 Sculpin each.
Here is a shot of one of the better bass that I managed.  Okuma

The Okuma Serrano and Cedros Inshore rod did the trick.  The Long Beach Breakwall is an amazing place.  It often holds aggressive Calico Bass, and the night time bite is a magical time.

Happy Fishing!


#bass #fishing #Long Beach #Okuma #SavageGear #Swimbait