The top of Slate Canyon looking toward Provo Peak

We had a group of over 30 this morning—not bad considering it’s the first 6am run of the year and there were a lot of people at races or recovering from Salt Lake last week. Our drawing winner for a free pair of shoes was Ron Seamons, AGAIN. He remarked that he might have to fill out a 1099 with all the free stuff he’s winning! Most of the group took on the LA Freeway while a few “lucky” or shall we say adventurous souls decided to try the “Ultra Route.” We started with the group and then at the Shoreline trail, broke off and headed for Rock Canyon. We headed up Rock Canyon and then took the Slide Canyon break off trail. Since it’s on the North Face, we ended up post holing in the snow for a bit which provided for a few funny moments and a few choice words being said. A definite highlight of the run was when Brian (Beckstead) yelled way down the canyon to the ladies “Having Fun?” while they were post holing in the snow. Amid a few distant shrieks, we heard a very clear I….HATE….THIS! 10 minutes later, on top and in the sun, everyone was magically in fine spirits again. We had a mad dash down slate canyon and back to the park. All in all a great run. Much thanks to Greg, our New Balance Tech Rep who brought the new 873 trail shoes for everyone to take on the run. Hope to see everyone next week at South Fork…

(Video Below from the Top…”I’m going to hurt you!”)

New Balance 873 Off Road

Saturday will be New Balance Day at the Sojourners Group Run sponsored by Runner’s Corner & New Balance. Greg, the New Balance Tech Rep, will be bringing 30 pairs of shoes for the group to try on during the run. He will be bringing the new 873 Off Road Shoe and the new 1061 for the road—No Catch! Get there early (before 6), get your size, and take them for the duration of the run. Meeting time is 6am at Memorial Park in Provo so show up early if you want to make sure you get your size! We have two runs, leaving from the same location so take your pick:

• LA Freeway 8-14 miles Meet at Memorial Park – 800 E. Center St. Provo
• Alternate/Ultra Route – From Memorial Park take the Bonneville Shoreline Trail to Rock Canyon. Run up the right fork of Rock Canyon then head South up to and over Y Mtn. Come down Slate Canyon and then back to Memorial Park. Bring plenty of water and energy gels. 20 tough miles!

Hope to see you there!

Golden, Krystal, Cheryl, Hawk, Summer, Mason,& Brett

7 runners, 5 top ten finishes, 1 course record. Such is the stat line from the HURT Series Top of Tantalus Mountain trail race in the mountains of Oahu. The course was a grueling muddy, rooty, rocky mess with massive long climbs and incredible views. Golden Harper set a new course record by five minutes en route to the overall win while Krystal Harper was second overall. Summer and Cheryl Harper were also in the top ten as was Brett Stephenson on the men’s side. Mason Isom destroyed everyone in his age category, as did Summer—and Hawk Harper had a solid showing as well. All in all, a great day and a great race!

Sojourners on the Run

30+ brave Sojourners met at the Mouth of Provo Canyon to take on the brutal Provo Canyon headwind. Ron Seamons won the drawing of a Gift Certificate at Runner’s Corner as well as a case of Gleukos sport drink. It ended up being a beautiful run especially when we got above the wind. Thanks to everyone who came out and had a great run. See you next week at the North Orem Soccer Park 1200 N. 800 E. Orem for a trip out to the waterfall at Battle Creek.

Brian Sporting the New Ultra Team Jersey

A late race report! Sojourner & Runner’s Corner employee Brian Beckstead finished 2nd over the weekend at the Antelope Island 50k. Brian was leading the race until he cramped up at mile 23. He managed to push through it and hold on to second place despite having to stop several times to rub out the cramps.

Down but not out! We\'ll be back for more.

A great close to a great month. We had around 35 people at the LA Freeway on Saturday. A few random notes—Group run participation averaged over 30 for the month, maybe we can push that up around 40 for April.

Do you ever get close to something great only to be shut down? Well, if you’ve ever run a trail that died just before the top you know the feeling. Add a comment and let us hear your story of such a time. Feel free to comment on anything else as well, we’d love to know how the runs are going for you.