Life is Good!

.... even in Freezer, Utah.

Okay, there is no city in Utah called Freezer. Yet, it WAS the state of being from Wed-Sat. of this past week. Much to my surprise! - very refreshing. Part of the joy of living in Las Vegas is were centrally located to some great scenic and contrasting environments. Yes, many of our family trips find us living the beach life on the Cali Coast. This past Thanksgiving Family  gathering gave us Utah.

Primarily near the shadows of the mountain above, it was a great Holiday for us. Most who know Utah County (Provo, Orem, American Fork and Lehi) know this large, long, slab of granite called Mt. Timpanogas (or simply Timp). The name I believe means sleeping princess in the Ute Native American Language. I have climbed this mountain. I have hiked this mountain. I have run on this mountain. I have even been inside this mountain via the famous Timp Caves. Outside of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker, Mt. Adams, St. Helens and Hood I know this mountain well.

We spent three wonderful nights and 2.5 days a mountain range away. Nestled in a rural valley town called Eagle Mountain. No, not many Eagles there that I know of. Yet, lots of "nothing" according to Runner Dude 2. However, my in-laws are not ordinary. My wife's parents decided retirement was not a condo on a golf course in Florida or Arizona. It was to have a big house and the most land they could have around it.

They wanted a "gathering place". A place for all the family to come and go whenever they wanted. Plus, a place for sheep, goats, horses, chickens, ducks and a turkey. Currently they are goatless. Yet, plenty of the others populate the property.



No, the Turkey was not dinner. Yet, his name is Christmas. Which I am hoping doesn't mean ... ? Oh well, out of my control. It really was a beautiful bird though. As you can tell my kiddos had fun despite the single digit temps the first day on Thanksgiving.

Yes, I did say single digits. The drive up on Wednesday evening had us driving through long stretches of minus 10! I did say it was refreshing though. It was. Surprisingly, it felt warmer than Topeka, KS with similar temps when we lived back there. No wind and near zero humidity I think is the difference maker. The runner kiddos not bothered by the cold at all found lots of fun.

Okay? Maybe just barely enough snow for snow angels and snowball fights. Yet, some brrrr.... fun in Freezer, Utah none the less.

After the snow and barnyard animal fun, I did my Thanksgiving dare run. Yep, I am officially a runaholic. It was 8 degrees according to the Today Show/Macy Parade temp on the corner of the TV when I left. I am sure it heatwaved up to 10 degrees by the time I got back though. 12 miles in 8-10 degree weather.

Four layers on top (shirts, and Seattle Seahawk heavy windbreaker), two on the bottom (tights with a track/sweat pant over) plus gloves and skull cap was the frigid run attire. Yes, I felt out of my element the entire run. Temps and elevation (3,000 ft. higher than I am used too). Yet, it may go done as one of my most favorite runs. Beautiful and very peaceful place to run. Transcendental feelings along with numbing ones as well. I actually had icicles form on the rims of my glasses from the sweat dripping down from under the cap. Here is a few of the views along the route, which had a hunk of a hill to traverse with this sign posting at the top.

Funny it also had this waiting for me at the top as well.

Thankfully it was not needed. Given the temps baring anything - not wise :). Yet once on the other side of the Pass this awaits.

 I got to run with this view for another 3 miles, and more of just Mt. Timp. No, not on the asphalt pictured, but just to the side on a paved pathway just for me, other runners, walkers and bikers. 

This day, it was just for me. There were two others I saw along the path. Yet, based on their attire and pace, they weren't out for 12 miles, maybe half that. The above is also my view looking back down into the Valley my in-laws call home. Off in the distance the farmstead, my family and Turkey Feast awaits. I also get to see some more snow capped views on the return.

Yep, pretty rural. Out my element in locale, climate and elevation. I could get used to it. The best Turkey Trott ever.

We had a fantastic Thanksgiving this year. Fun each day and evening. Even a Birthday Party to celebrate  Runner Dude 2 turning 10. Great food, fun, and excellent company. All my wife's family were there except some from Texas. Plus, friends of the family as well. Perfect Holiday Gathering!

Hope all of you had one too?

What's next? Well, I finished November with near 130 miles run. All in prep for Tucson Marathon Dec 12th. Before that though - VEGAS Baby!

Las Vegas Rock and Roll Half Marathon this weekend.

Cheers!