Total distance: 18.2 K
Participants: Greg
Highlights: Lots of skiers enjoying Snowflake despite the cold temps. Very fast trail conditions.
Detailed stats and interactive map
Recap: Perfect night for the last ski of 2008. Hope to see you next week!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Skiing at Snowflake - Encore (recap)
Total distance: 18.2 K
Participants: Greg
Highlights: Lots of skiers enjoying Snowflake despite the cold temps. Very fast trail conditions.
Detailed stats and interactive map
Recap: Perfect night for the last ski of 2008. Hope to see you next week!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Skiing at Snowflake - Encore
Date: Tuesday, December 30, 2008 (6:00PM)
Meet Location: Snowflake Ski Center
Activity: Skate Skiing
Weather: Cold / 2F updated forecast
Trail Conditions: Currently well groomed with excellent cover
Required Gear: Skate Skis, poles, boots and $3 for Snowflake
Anticipated Distance/Time: 60 minutes
Activity Details: We'll be out skiing tonight. This will be the most likely activity in the weeks to come with all of the snow, unless we throw in a snowshoeing option.
Snowflake has a lit 5k loop. We will do this loop at least twice, but anyone can opt out after the first one or can continue beyond the second (headlamps may be required after 7 p.m.).
Snowflake has an after 5pm rate of $3, which is pretty cheap. Alternatively, they also have a "pay what you can afford" rate for their season pass. Last, they have equipment you can rent as well if you don't have skate skiing gear. So, no excuses for anyone that is even slightly inclined to stop in tonight!
Meet Location: Snowflake Ski Center
Activity: Skate Skiing
Weather: Cold / 2F updated forecast
Trail Conditions: Currently well groomed with excellent cover
Required Gear: Skate Skis, poles, boots and $3 for Snowflake
Anticipated Distance/Time: 60 minutes
Activity Details: We'll be out skiing tonight. This will be the most likely activity in the weeks to come with all of the snow, unless we throw in a snowshoeing option.
Snowflake has a lit 5k loop. We will do this loop at least twice, but anyone can opt out after the first one or can continue beyond the second (headlamps may be required after 7 p.m.).
Snowflake has an after 5pm rate of $3, which is pretty cheap. Alternatively, they also have a "pay what you can afford" rate for their season pass. Last, they have equipment you can rent as well if you don't have skate skiing gear. So, no excuses for anyone that is even slightly inclined to stop in tonight!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Time to Ski
Date: Tuesday, December 23, 2008 (6:00PM)
Meet Location: Snowflake Ski Center (map)
Activity: Skate Skiing
Weather: 8-12F and snow - updated forecast
Trail Conditions: Currently well groomed with excellent cover
Required Gear: Skate Skis, poles, boots and $3 for Snowflake
Anticipated Distance/Time: 60 minutes
Activity Details: We'll be out skiing tonight. This will be the most likely activity in the weeks to come with all of the snow, unless we throw in a snowshoeing option.
Snowflake has a lit 5k loop. We will do this loop at least twice, but anyone can opt out after the first one or can continue beyond the second. Snowflake has an after 5pm rate of $3, which is pretty cheap. Alternatively, they also have a "pay what you can afford" rate for their season pass. Last, they have equipment you can rent as well if you don't have skate skiing gear. So, no excuses for anyone that is even slightly inclined to stop in tonight!
Meet Location: Snowflake Ski Center (map)
Activity: Skate Skiing
Weather: 8-12F and snow - updated forecast
Trail Conditions: Currently well groomed with excellent cover
Required Gear: Skate Skis, poles, boots and $3 for Snowflake
Anticipated Distance/Time: 60 minutes
Activity Details: We'll be out skiing tonight. This will be the most likely activity in the weeks to come with all of the snow, unless we throw in a snowshoeing option.
Snowflake has a lit 5k loop. We will do this loop at least twice, but anyone can opt out after the first one or can continue beyond the second. Snowflake has an after 5pm rate of $3, which is pretty cheap. Alternatively, they also have a "pay what you can afford" rate for their season pass. Last, they have equipment you can rent as well if you don't have skate skiing gear. So, no excuses for anyone that is even slightly inclined to stop in tonight!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Wow is it COLD!
Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Our regularly scheduled outdoor gathering will be cancelled this week due to the cold conditions, among other things. We still plan on meeting the last two times left this year. After the recent snow, be ready for some skiing.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Duluth Duathlon - Winter Style (recap)
Total distance: 5.92 miles
Participants: Keven, Greg, and Bill S. (along with canine companions Scout and Bear)
Highlights: Snow covered trail system was well packed, clear night with bright moon offered great visibility, the attendance of Bill and Bear.
Detailed stats and interactive map
Recap: We ran a portion of the SHT and then did a lap around the swamp trail and guardrail. After the run we headed back to the parking lot to grab our ski gear and skate a few laps on the pond. Unfortunately, our slow "transition" time in sub-freezing temps ultimately resulted in several cases of frozen fingers. By the time we completed one lap around the pond we decided that it's not much fun skiing when you can't feel your hands, so we decided to call it a night. The skiing conditions were excellent, so we might have to try it again sometime soon when the temps are warmer.
Overall, antoher great night enjoying the outdoors. Embrace winter!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Duluth Duathlon - Winter Style
Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2008 (6:00PM)
Meet Location: Hartley Nature Center - main parking lot
Activity: Trail Run & Ski
Weather: Single digits - updated forecast
Trail Conditions: Unknown but presumed snow covered
Required Gear: Running shoes and headlamp / Ski gear and headlamp
Anticipated Distance/Time: 60 to 120 minutes
Activity Details: We'll start with a trail run on the Hartley trails (guardrail and swamp trail) and if conditions allow, follow up by skiing on the pond for a while. In the event that the pond does not look suitable for skiing, we'll just keep on trail running.
For those with time commitments, there will be options to cut the run short and/or skip the ski part of the outing.
Given the cold forecast, it might be a good idea to bring a change of clothes for the transition from the run to the ski.
Hope to see you there!
Meet Location: Hartley Nature Center - main parking lot
Activity: Trail Run & Ski
Weather: Single digits - updated forecast
Trail Conditions: Unknown but presumed snow covered
Required Gear: Running shoes and headlamp / Ski gear and headlamp
Anticipated Distance/Time: 60 to 120 minutes
Activity Details: We'll start with a trail run on the Hartley trails (guardrail and swamp trail) and if conditions allow, follow up by skiing on the pond for a while. In the event that the pond does not look suitable for skiing, we'll just keep on trail running.
For those with time commitments, there will be options to cut the run short and/or skip the ski part of the outing.
Given the cold forecast, it might be a good idea to bring a change of clothes for the transition from the run to the ski.
Hope to see you there!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Ski Trails sans Skis (recap)
Activity Overview
Distance: 6.69 Miles
Ave./Max HR: 154/176
Calories Burned: 815
Detailed Stats & Interactive Map
** PLAYER VERSION **
Garmin Connect will be down on 12/4/08
Narrative Recap
As 6PM drew near, I started receiving a few calls indicating that some would be unable to attend. A few minutes after 6PM, I headed out on the Piedmont Ski Trails solo. I don't mind solo running, but it isn't my first preference. After a half mile, I got into a groove and really began enjoying the bit of solitude and headlamp lit surroundings.
I'd gone just over two miles when a pair of eyes flashed the headlamps light back from the trail ahead. I was a bit apprehensive after some wolf stories I'd heard a couple weeks back, though mentally certain that they had all taken place in the Amity area.
As I planted my feet and tried to insure that the animal was friendly, another shape quickly bounded behind it...Bill S! I'd missed Bill by a few minutes and he and Bear, his canine running partner, were running the ski trails counterclockwise and without a headlamp. It was a blessing to have Bill along and we swung back to my vehicle to grab the spare headlamp for the balance of the run.
The ski trail provided for a good running route in that the footing was firm, provided some smooth undulating hills, allowed for side-by-side running, and had an occasional nice overlook. If you do run this route at night, be aware that there are still plenty of deceptive areas where a runner could roll an ankle if not paying attention. Also, the ski trail is intersected by the Superior Hiking Trail and the COGGS mountain bike trail system, so the more adventurous trail runner could add some variety without any difficulty if they didn't have a specific distance or time goal.
It was a great night for a run. No one should be intimidated by the current temperatures as you quickly warm up...just be sure to use layers. Now is also ideal in that there is sufficient snow to "light up" the trail but not so much to make it slippery. Until the snow really starts to fly, get out and enjoy the trails!
Distance: 6.69 Miles
Ave./Max HR: 154/176
Calories Burned: 815
Detailed Stats & Interactive Map
** PLAYER VERSION **
Garmin Connect will be down on 12/4/08
Narrative Recap
As 6PM drew near, I started receiving a few calls indicating that some would be unable to attend. A few minutes after 6PM, I headed out on the Piedmont Ski Trails solo. I don't mind solo running, but it isn't my first preference. After a half mile, I got into a groove and really began enjoying the bit of solitude and headlamp lit surroundings.
I'd gone just over two miles when a pair of eyes flashed the headlamps light back from the trail ahead. I was a bit apprehensive after some wolf stories I'd heard a couple weeks back, though mentally certain that they had all taken place in the Amity area.
As I planted my feet and tried to insure that the animal was friendly, another shape quickly bounded behind it...Bill S! I'd missed Bill by a few minutes and he and Bear, his canine running partner, were running the ski trails counterclockwise and without a headlamp. It was a blessing to have Bill along and we swung back to my vehicle to grab the spare headlamp for the balance of the run.The ski trail provided for a good running route in that the footing was firm, provided some smooth undulating hills, allowed for side-by-side running, and had an occasional nice overlook. If you do run this route at night, be aware that there are still plenty of deceptive areas where a runner could roll an ankle if not paying attention. Also, the ski trail is intersected by the Superior Hiking Trail and the COGGS mountain bike trail system, so the more adventurous trail runner could add some variety without any difficulty if they didn't have a specific distance or time goal.
It was a great night for a run. No one should be intimidated by the current temperatures as you quickly warm up...just be sure to use layers. Now is also ideal in that there is sufficient snow to "light up" the trail but not so much to make it slippery. Until the snow really starts to fly, get out and enjoy the trails!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Ski Trails sans Skis
Date: Tuesday, December 1, 2008 (6:00PM)
Meet Location: Piedmont Ski Trail Parking Lot
Activity: Trail Run
Weather: High Teens with Flurries - updated forecast
Trail Conditions: Firm footing with some snow
Required Gear: Running shoes and headlamp
Anticipated Distance/Time: 60 to 80 minutes
Activity Details: Although there is not sufficient snow for skiing, we can still use those trails. The Piedmont Ski Trail system has a number of positive assets. First, it provides some diverse terrain. Second, it is intersected multiple times by both the Superior Hiking Trail and COGGS biking trail systems. Third, it has some great overlooks of the city.
Beginners, newbies, and dogs are all welcome. We will be sticking completely to the trails, which is ideal for our canine pals. We will also be doing multiple loops, so those interested in half the distance (~5k) can join without hesitation. See you there!
Meet Location: Piedmont Ski Trail Parking Lot
Activity: Trail Run
Weather: High Teens with Flurries - updated forecast
Trail Conditions: Firm footing with some snow
Required Gear: Running shoes and headlamp
Anticipated Distance/Time: 60 to 80 minutes
Activity Details: Although there is not sufficient snow for skiing, we can still use those trails. The Piedmont Ski Trail system has a number of positive assets. First, it provides some diverse terrain. Second, it is intersected multiple times by both the Superior Hiking Trail and COGGS biking trail systems. Third, it has some great overlooks of the city.
Beginners, newbies, and dogs are all welcome. We will be sticking completely to the trails, which is ideal for our canine pals. We will also be doing multiple loops, so those interested in half the distance (~5k) can join without hesitation. See you there!
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