tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21979315876150932782011-12-29T08:44:45.666-07:00Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.comBlogger1311100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-91081776281465230072011-12-25T10:04:00.002-07:002011-12-25T10:15:40.730-07:00

I've enjoyed some seriously amazing winter trail running over the last couple weeks in these mild Utah December conditions. I ran nearly 50 miles this past week which I think is the most I've done without pacing or racing this whole year! This picture was taken a few weeks ago and is in the new Altra Spring 2012 catalog. I ran the same trail yesterday in perfect Christmas conditions. Loved it

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-1439450177198166382011-12-16T20:55:00.002-07:002011-12-16T20:59:04.955-07:00

I did not get into the Hardrock or Western states lotteries for 2012. Hoping that my 3rd application gets chosen. Registered for Wasatch 100 today! Won't find out for 7 weeks if I get in or not but I sure hope 2012 is another Wasatch finish!

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-60293978863779175152011-12-03T20:05:00.004-07:002011-12-03T21:55:01.495-07:00

As co-founder of Altra and being heavily involved in the development process, a review of my own shoe is more or less irrelevant. However after spending the last 2 years creating and testing The Lone Peak, below are my thoughts:This shoe was built to run the Wasatch 100. We wanted a light flexible and nimble shoe that was tough enough and protective enough to handle any terrain. I believe we

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-83072355013418584142011-11-26T09:00:00.003-07:002011-11-26T09:41:34.991-07:00

Turned 30 this week. A little odd since I don't feel a day over 20 but oh well. To celebrate I went and ran 30 miles on Tuesday. It was awesome until I ran out of food and water. Not the best planning on my part but I only suffered for a few miles. It was nice to get out since I haven't had much of a chance.Two days later...Ari and I went and ran the Turkey Trot in Orem. I ran the 4

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-14912382438128582012011-11-05T09:38:00.002-06:002011-11-05T09:55:06.396-06:00

Yes as winter approaches I'm dreaming of next Spring. I love aspects of Winter but since I didn't train or race much of 2011 I'm not ready to give it up. I'll enjoy the Winter and will be traveling quite a bit but I'll be dreaming of getting back into race shape. I have or will be applying for Hardrock, Western, and Wasatch. I'd love nothing more then running Hardrock and Wasatch next year but

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-13957980094513533712011-09-29T11:38:00.005-06:002011-09-29T12:14:19.655-06:00

I had the amazing opportunity to pace Ben Corrales for nearly 40 miles at both Hardrock 100 and Wasatch 100. Both were amazing experiences. Since I chose not to do a 100 miler this year, from these two experiences I am satisfied yet chomping at the bit to hopefully do both next year!Hardrock really impressed me on the rugged nature and beauty. It was surreal. From expansion views,

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-86331073902948573402011-09-07T22:16:00.004-06:002011-09-07T22:28:22.688-06:00

Finally getting out for some quick adventures this year. Did a fun day hike with my family in the High Uintahs followed by a 2 night fastpack trip where I covered 45 miles in 3 days and caught over 100 fish. Epically awesome!

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-24861927119620738262011-09-03T14:20:00.003-06:002011-09-03T15:24:07.549-06:00

Last weekend I had the chance to do an adventure run in the Sawtooth Mountains of central Idaho. 25 miles, 3 mountain passes, and some great flyfishing. Beautiful terrain.

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-64500087402730918332011-06-22T09:00:00.002-06:002011-06-22T09:30:16.515-06:00

June is almost over and the days are getting shorter. Average weekly mileage is hanging around 20 which usually means one 10-15 miler and one or two 4-6 milers. Really sad but life is busy. Here's a few places I've been and fun things I've done recently.Marked the middle out-in-back section of Squaw Peak 50. (I've yet to hear a wrong turn story on this section although I'm sure its out there.

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-78114552636466106092011-05-15T21:04:00.002-06:002011-05-15T21:38:25.545-06:00

Been home for a week and finally feeling back to normal. Being on the road for 41 of 47 days is way to much. However it was quite awesome seeing the entire country coast to coast. Lots of work and a great response to Altra!From Charlottesville, VA I headed to Richmond, VA then down to Durham and Raleigh North Carolina. Went on a great trail run in Umstead State Park. Smooth single track...

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-61735880048220157002011-04-24T05:25:00.003-06:002011-04-24T05:55:54.292-06:00

In promotion of my shoe company Altra, I filled my car only 6 days after returning from my California trip and headed east. Aside from 2 isolated trips, I'd never been east of Denver in the US. I'd seen many airports on my way to Europe but actually experiencing the cities of the midwest and east were new to me. I left with Jeremy my partner who would be with me for the first 10 days. We

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-62075171700438887372011-03-20T23:33:00.003-06:002011-03-20T23:53:53.470-06:00

Rain, wind, and mud mud mud... With a week's worth of rain, unknown to me when I signed up for this race Thursday night, I lined up for this California ultra. Not much to say about the race aside from mud. Having run in some epically muddy races (BSTM '06, Squaw '08, Timp '10) this one was worse. Ever step a battle. Wet cold and windy many didn't finish or were pulled off the course for

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-39377477668393405532011-03-06T11:23:00.003-07:002011-03-06T11:34:18.719-07:00

Went out and ran on Antelope Island yesterday. Must have been nearly 100 runners out on the Island! There were people everywhere. I ended up running with a new group comprised of Craig, Dan, Matt, Kelli, and Scott. We also ran sections with the likes of Shane Martin, Eric Manning, and even Mr Antelope himself, Jim Skaggs.Weather was perfect, company was great, trails were immaculate, and the 25

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-1949291920709388052011-02-26T12:36:00.002-07:002011-02-26T12:54:51.375-07:00

I have been pleasantly surprised to have my best week of running so far this year. Four runs for 48 miles, topped by a 13 mile 3 1/2 hour snowshoe journey this morning. Decided that I would embrace this late snowstorm and pull the snowshoes back out. Ended up having a great run with friend Ben Corrales.On a separate note, in the back of my head I had been thinking about doing Leadville 100.

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-72147028560790436612011-02-06T20:12:00.002-07:002011-02-06T20:41:24.228-07:00

As I was having a perfect run yesterday up Rock Canyon in 2 inches of fresh snow, my mind was brought back to a humbling experience nearly 12 years ago. It was when I realized that regardless of winning or losing, fast or slow, up or down...that I loved to run.I had just finished my senior season of cross country. My state meet had ended in awful fashion. Having tripped on a hairpin turn

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-6919161338654795972011-02-01T09:51:00.004-07:002011-02-14T11:04:22.971-07:00

I decided to take a bit of a challenge to start off 2011. Having run the 25k for the last two years at the Kahtoola Bigfoot Snowshoe Festival I chose to go to the next level. The marathon consists of three 10k groomed loops through the golf course with an additional 2k (1.2 mile loop) during the middle 10k, as well as two steep mountain 5k loops. Total elevation gained is about 5,000 ft....in

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-23211857565708822912011-01-17T12:33:00.005-07:002011-01-17T17:25:23.469-07:00

I had two great runs this weekend. I really enjoy winter running. There is little pressure to put the miles in, just relaxing runs. I've been doing a lot of miles on snowmobile paths with my Kahtoola Microspikes. It's been great.Saturday however I decided to do the Kahtoola snowshoe marathon on Jan 29th so I buckled up my snowshoes and ran the Days Canyon to Kirkmans Hollow loop I did a few

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-26697832811204414362011-01-03T08:07:00.004-07:002011-01-17T17:22:49.941-07:00

Ended 2010 with a bang! A group of us met at Jolley's Ranch up the Right Fork of Hobble Creek and headed up the canyon. We ended up going up Days Canyon and down Kirkmans Hollow for a cruel yet incredible loop. The person in front could usually only last 5-6 minutes due to the exorbitant amount of powder. The whole loop is packed down now which I hope is the case for the remainder of the winter.

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-9637291691775283352010-12-10T11:25:00.002-07:002010-12-10T11:58:30.865-07:00

So I up and did a road 5k the other day. No speed work, just left over ultra training. I went out uber conservative. After half a mile I picked up the pace and after the first mile I decided to go for it. I passed person after person. Once I had the 3 mile marker in site I kicked as hard as I could passing 3 more people. I finished in a time of 17:56. I was quite proud of myself.

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-34566620176098144622010-11-23T17:42:00.003-07:002010-11-23T18:14:34.581-07:00

I've had a bunch of people ask me recently how many ultra marathons races I've run. I couldn't answer as I've never counted until now. My first was Goblin Valley 50k only 4 weeks after running my first road marathon. Hardly even touched the road for training purposes since. So in 5 years of ultra running here's my tally:3 --100 milers (started 4 but DNF'd Bear '08) '07, '09, '104 --100k's '

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-38510537761444865742010-11-09T08:43:00.006-07:002010-11-10T12:58:31.330-07:00

I signed up for this race Wednesday night. It was one of those things where I just had the urge. After Wasatch I'd hardly trained but had been feeling good and getting in some nice runs. Mostly maintaining fitness and having fun. Antelope Island was just a spontaneous urge I had. My wife was out of town visiting her family so I drove up and stayed the night at the start. I slept great! Maybe is

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-24110236328753491722010-10-28T21:34:00.002-06:002010-10-28T21:46:40.021-06:00

So Ari turned one yesterday. He is extremely active and already running (literally...his motor is churning 100 miles per hour!). Loved the birthday snow he got to play in and generally makes a mess of everything. Great kid!

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-82754263340464087012010-10-21T10:28:00.003-06:002010-10-21T11:56:55.043-06:00

After Wasatch it seems like my running is drastically reduced quantity wise, but the quality seems to be the best of the year. I moved up Hobble Creek Canyon which has remote singletrack trails in every direction. I've bagged several Peaks including Mahogany Mtn and Spanish Fork Peak. Took a trip to Portland and went on a couple great runs in The Gorge. I love the trail conditions, the

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-53892465553815862622010-09-13T15:45:00.008-06:002010-09-13T22:34:47.004-06:00

This race couldn't come soon enough. I was so excited about it but the previous two weeks had been so stressful that I desperately needed an outlet. I awoke at 2:30 am so I could get ready and travel up to the race. The further north we drove the harder it began to rain which made me a bit nervous. By the time we got to the the start it had stopped raining and people were everywhere. I was

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-47421745164958891332010-09-07T14:02:00.004-06:002010-09-08T09:02:56.582-06:00

As the nervous excitement mounts in the days before Wasatch, I carefully prepare everything I can think of. I probably over-think the whole process but I am amazed at how much preparation is needed. The amount of calories consumed is astronomical...plus the cost of the food, entry fee, crew time and gas, etc. It really is a huge process. Then you start calculating splits, crew logistics,

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-91595466931859288462010-08-24T17:16:00.002-06:002010-08-24T19:55:54.810-06:00

So on Saturday I ran the first 40 miles of the Wasatch 100 course. With the race being 3 weeks out it was perfect to get that last long run in. I had only ran that section once when I ran Wasatch in '07. I remember it being extremely tough and nearly put me out of the race. Luckily I held it together and finished but this year I wanted a refresher.We started at 5 am. Pace was conservative

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-21516273987257499292010-08-17T09:32:00.005-06:002010-08-17T10:26:27.810-06:00

Went and hit Kings Peak again this year in the High Uintahs. It was a quick 3 day trip but we did a gnarly loop. Starting at China Meadows we hiked up to Lower Red Castle. Caught a bunch of fish both in the stream and various lakes. We camped just about Smith Forks Lake.Next Morning we hiked over Smith Forks Pass then cut cross country to the base of Anderson Pass. Dropped the packs for an ascent

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-55276489091792785762010-08-08T21:06:00.007-06:002010-09-01T09:26:17.750-06:00

When I entered Katcina back on Dec 1st for Bozungs ultra cup, I knew I would regret it. I spent most of the year dreading this race. In fact, I dreaded it so much that in the month of July I totally blocked it from my thoughts. However, the 2010 addition ended up being one of my personal favorites and best performances during my time as an ultra runner.With no taper and a laissez-faire mentality

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-27071655046665754432010-08-01T09:30:00.005-06:002010-08-01T11:03:27.703-06:00

So again I decided to run another short race. This one was probably my favorite course. The beautiful singletrack up Big Springs is nearly perfect! I started conservative going up the first several hills. I worked my way up the pack a mile into the race before the trail narrowed. I then got into a nice rhythm rolling my way up to the Springs. As I got to a crucial turn I hesitated and veered

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-63377183922733942062010-07-17T18:44:00.004-06:002010-07-22T20:45:18.582-06:00

So after not running Wed or Thurs this week I decided late Thursday night to get my butt in gear and run this 1/2 marathon on Saturday. It was the first running of the Northern Utah Trail Series 1/2 Marathon. I have been working on leg turnover for the last few weeks and decided to try another short race. I was ill prepared due to a late sign up and from being at a party with friends until

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-88968506557261913542010-06-28T17:04:00.002-06:002010-06-28T17:25:02.972-06:00

So I decided to check out my speed over the weekend and run an 8k. This wasn't any 8k though. The Gruesome Grizzly boasts a couple of huge climbs and some gnarly terrain. I was quite proud of myself finishing 4th out of almost 100 participants. I got out-kicked for third! My legs felt fine and I felt like they could have kept going, but my lungs got crushed. My legs did feel a little slow

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-7837109390411723272010-06-23T08:37:00.002-06:002010-06-23T09:15:09.019-06:00

June is possible my favorite month of running. There are never any looming races after Squaw, the trails are clear and not overgrown, the streams are still full for cooling baths, the wild flowers are out, the weather is warm but not blistering hot, and the mountains are green green green. Yesterday I ran an absolute classic Utah County run and it was incredible. I started at Grove Creek and

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-56378199698499201142010-06-07T11:58:00.007-06:002010-06-10T15:23:50.792-06:00

Squaw Peak 2010 was probably my most disappointing Squaw. Here's how it went down:Great pics from Norrander Trail Shots!It was warm at the start. I took the first mile and a half easy before surging and getting into position on the singletrack. The next several miles I was with Todd Schmidke, Shane Martin, Dave Hunt, and Karl Jarvis. This didn't change too much for the rest of the race in all

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-50978998497195004062010-06-01T18:13:00.003-06:002010-06-03T09:14:53.196-06:00

It's always difficult to gauge the results of a race but it seems like there are fewer competitive guys in the race this year but the chase pack is large as always. Meltzer is out, the MRC guys are injured or focused on different races, and I'm unaware of any green uber fast marathoner or Colorado guy showing up. If I'm missing anyone please let me know and I'll get this list updated!1st- Kevin

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-8021595840816938532010-05-29T18:50:00.005-06:002010-05-29T20:03:43.666-06:00

I have now run most of the course over the last 10 days and here's I'm my final repot. The conclusion is that no matter how hot it gets in the next 7 days, there will be lots of snow. Several of my runs were after storms so the course will be drier then the pics indicate but the ground is saturated and the snow-pack is dense.I was particularly surprised by how icy and deep the snow was on my run

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-85278086060106929312010-05-23T09:13:00.008-06:002010-05-23T11:35:58.900-06:00

The inaugural Timp Trail Marathon turned out to be quite the event.  Having rained all night in the city we headed to the start hoping for better luck.  My friend Greg had come down from Ogden to run his first marathon...in fact he had never raced anything over a 5k!  All we found was more rain and a bunch of insane people lined up to run 26+ miles through the mud.  We got in line and off we went

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-61054879411525653882010-05-17T21:31:00.003-06:002010-05-17T21:45:09.678-06:00

My training has been great for the month of May and here I go into another race. Aside from having to travel to California over the weekend AND having a nasty head cold which keep me from running all weekend, I am feeling very prepared and excited for these next couple of races.Timp Trail Marathon is in its first year and looks to be a classic. Race directors are Marc Sanderson and Shaun

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-27347180967742921352010-05-09T21:19:00.005-06:002010-05-09T21:40:13.105-06:00

Well it's official, I've moved back to Orem.  Finally got the internet up so I've got some catching up to do.  My training sucked last week with the move but since May 1st I've been dedicated to my Squaw Peak prep and it's going better then I had hoped.  My whole focus this year is to get under 9 hours and PR.  My training is where it needs to be so we will see how it all goes.Course: I ran a

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-64806051663665124012010-04-20T09:38:00.005-06:002010-04-20T10:36:17.839-06:00

Finally completed the mecca of ultra running. Having run R2R twice, I've never turned around and headed back across the abyss. This past weekend changed that! I went down with Tara Tulley and Jim Skaggs to do a double crossing. It was another epic adventure.We started at 5am. Dark and cold we headed down into the canyon. It warmed up quickly though and within a few miles was getting light.

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-19574109281960613302010-04-15T09:55:00.004-06:002010-04-15T10:22:18.007-06:00

I just finished teaching another course for Utah Valley University. It was the basic backpacking course which I never tire of teaching. This class was fantastic and it showed while on the mandatory trip.I chose an aggressive and rugged loop in the San Rafael Swell. We wanted to see how difficult the pass between upper Virgin Springs Canyon and Upper Canes Wash was. I nearly had a dozen heart

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-83774520798449086692010-04-03T22:03:00.002-06:002010-04-03T22:14:46.715-06:00

Went 6 miles today...barefoot. Farthest to date. Felt amazing. My feet are a little sore this evening but all-in-all I feel great about the run. Feet and legs are feeling super strong and I'm ready to start cranking out the mileage.Part of my ability to start cranking out the mileage is that I quit my job this week! I am no longer employed at Canyon Sports. It ended amiably and I will miss

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-5262536428389280462010-03-31T00:08:00.003-06:002010-03-31T01:53:16.647-06:00

2010 was truly an epic year for Antelope Island. Nearly every course record was broken during the day with a record 600+ participants. Although I didn't race myself, I volunteered then paced in the 50 mile race and had an awesome day.My runner Health Thurston ran his first ultra with great success. Running smart and strong from start to finish in a time of 7 hrs and 57 min. I paced him for the

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-42847647543877572662010-03-15T22:21:00.005-06:002010-03-15T22:33:32.129-06:00

So my son is almost 5 months old now. He is pretty cool if I say so myself. Healthy and happy we have tons of fun with him. Running has been solid. 45 miles per week of trails and barefoot running. I'm feeling really strong for how little miles I'm doing. I have made an effort to get a 15+ mile trail run in every week and 10+ miles of barefoot running. Feeling great! No pressure with no

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-12862557659957354492010-02-27T20:51:00.002-07:002010-02-27T21:04:52.712-07:00

Went running last weekend in Portland while on a business trip. It was pretty epic. 17 miles of amazing single-track. Went past tons of waterfalls and climbed to the top of Larch Mountain which had incredible views of Mt Hood. Loved the Oregon trails!I'm starting to do a few more long runs. With last weekends 17 miler and this weekends 20 miler I'm feeling pretty good. Mileage is hanging

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-21590833210624996362010-02-17T17:28:00.002-07:002010-02-17T18:04:49.800-07:00

I came across an interesting article a couple weeks ago that made me question (again) the way I hydrate during Ultra's. Over the last few years I've used primarily handhelds for the following reason:-I seem to drink more with handhelds since the water is quick and convenient.-The whole concept seems faster and more streamlined with a handheld.-Quicker aid stations filling up the handhelds.-I can

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-8562245265590295462010-02-07T17:13:00.004-07:002010-02-17T16:49:10.129-07:00

Well I did not get in to Hardrock 100 this year (which is a good thing!) but I did draw out for Wasatch 100 like planned! In celebration of this, I ran from the Start to Fernwood and back last night. I am very excited about getting another chance at Wasatch. I finished my first and only attempt in 2007 with a time of 29:53.44. I struggled through 70 miles of serious blisters and hope to take a

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-49560644653537919882010-02-01T20:18:00.002-07:002010-02-01T23:37:59.401-07:00

This years Kahtoola 25k race was even better then last years race. I was going to do the 50k but due to sickness and scheduling I opted for the 25k. Having run this in 2009 and being in much better shape this year I new I would have a great race.The 2010 Kahtoola Series fielded quite an increase in the 50k, marathon, and 25k yet fewer in the 5k and 10k. With the 50k and marathon starting an

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-73165002810421595622010-01-24T20:07:00.005-07:002010-01-25T20:04:50.894-07:00

So I've decided that everyone links to the same blogs. Don't get me wrong, there are great ultra blogs out there but I think that a bunch of great local blogs get neglected. This blog, aside from being my personal running journal, I hope to be the unofficial Utah Ultra Running Headquarters. I already try and blog about most of the Utah races and now I'll only link to local prominent Utah

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-17667022715181689372010-01-18T12:22:00.002-07:002010-01-18T12:28:58.538-07:00

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-70358459248799963022010-01-06T20:20:00.003-07:002010-01-06T21:14:54.071-07:00

Well it's all been sent. Now it's just waiting for the luck of the draw. If you have any plans on running Wasatch 100 this year your application must get submitted by January 9th. I have a good feeling about Wasatch this year both in my chances of getting in and how I will perform on race day.As a celebration of Wasatch 100, I ran from the Start to Fernwood and back today. I felt great over

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-3519212236142107002009-12-30T21:17:00.003-07:002009-12-30T21:32:02.324-07:00

Why is it so hard to train in the winter? Nearly every time I go running in the winter I have a blast yet I still struggle leaving my warm and comfy couch. The first 4-5 minutes are always tough but after that I'm usually great. I did a 2 hour snowshoes run up at Snowbasin today and that was awesome. Hard to run with this latest batch of snow but I needed a long session in the mountains.

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-75728675065386440882009-12-04T10:06:00.003-07:002009-12-04T11:40:24.893-07:00

Yes I did it. It was not well thought out and totally impulsive but while signing up for Squaw Peak 50 on December 1st I signed up for Bozung's Ultra Cup races. A 32 miles snowshoe race in 8 weeks is probably the most nerve-racking. I am obviously excited about Squaw, like every other year, but dreading another crack at the burning hot Katcina Mosa 100k. Should be another exciting year of racing!

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-64262538898844706562009-11-22T09:05:00.002-07:002009-11-22T09:34:36.586-07:00

So I've mentioned several times that I would write about how over the last 5-6 months I have evolved my running. So here goes:Yes, I have embraced the barefoot movement. In fact some friends and I have created a new website that I think you all should check out. barefoot-running.com In fact I just published a personal article about how my ultra running has been affected by barefoot running.

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-9623418645584430042009-11-10T21:00:00.003-07:002009-11-10T21:32:13.076-07:00

Ran Ben Lomond for what will probably be my final time for the year. If was nice to get out for a long run in the mountains while the weather was nice. Despite warm weather there was still a bunch of snow on the backside of the mountain which made things exciting. It got a bit dark on the way down but ended up being a perfect Saturday afternoon run. It was my sixth time to the top this year.

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-62216043584504248422009-11-06T17:31:00.003-07:002009-11-06T17:45:27.715-07:00

So Ari and family are doing great. Zanna has recovered incredibly well and I've been able to squeeze a couple runs in. How do you pass up this weather!? I don't find many babies attractive but I'm pleased to say my baby is better looking then most...honestly. Personal bias and emotion involved and I think he is amazingly beautiful. Here are some professional pictures taken 18 hours after

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-80330265091784427152009-10-30T19:22:00.004-06:002009-10-30T19:52:01.655-06:00

Zanna and I had our baby! Ari Emerson Beckstead was born on Tuesday October 27th at 5:20pm. He was 6 lbs 12 oz, 20 inches long and healthy. I have never been happier.Many people have already asked where the name came from so here you go. It's a long explanation and probably lame but we like it. The direct translation for Ari in Hebrew is lion. Ariel is a common name in Israel, and in Judaism in

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-74109388572287496542009-09-30T21:43:00.004-06:002009-10-30T18:41:01.450-06:00

Another year and another 100 mile race. This year was different. As Roger Smith and I would say for the next 27 hours...we are always on time. I had splits but A: it didn't matter because I wasn't going to worry or care if I was fast or slow and B: we hit nearly every split within minutes! It ended up being a super rewarding and dare I say easy(ier)? 100 mile race.The first climb we just got in

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-52615378595430836832009-09-22T21:06:00.003-06:002009-09-22T21:49:47.758-06:00

It draws near...100 miles. It's always such an anxious feeling. This year in particular as I have had two tough 100 milers over as many years and without a huge base it makes me a bit unsettled. The nice thing is that I have decided to begin at a very conservative pace. No grandeur goals this year. My tentative splits put me at 27 hrs but that is after a slow start. To achieve that goal I will

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-35702059331742343132009-09-15T19:45:00.003-06:002009-09-15T20:56:35.174-06:00

This years Wasatch was unique in so many ways yet despite the fact I didn't run it, I feel so much closer to it. It started with the need to get my volunteer work for the Bear 100. I sent an email to the Wasatch race directors and found out that they needed help at the Sessions Lift Off aid station at mile 28.3. I contacted Kent Cravens the aid captain and we were off on quite the off road bumpy

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-69449613078354799462009-09-08T21:55:00.005-06:002009-09-08T22:24:04.010-06:00

After a long weekend of work (aka huge Labor Day Sale), I was aching to get out on a nice run. Quite literally actually as I had tweaked my back slepping a kayak around at work. So I hit my favorite trail...Ben Lomond. I went out at a conservative clip but felt solid and just maintained the effort. 45 minutes into the run I realized I hadn't walked a step and still felt great. On a whim I

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-65719980952010360722009-08-30T22:05:00.003-06:002009-08-30T22:42:08.045-06:00

I just hadn't been feeling well most of the year. I couldn't put my finger on it but my body was off kilter. After taking most of June off running I started back slowly in July but most runs would end the same...massive stomach aches a mere 25-30 minutes into each run. As I would walk back to the trailhead I would curse my misfortune but I didn't know what was wrong. Aside from stomach issues an

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-37356577708476847102009-08-18T20:35:00.010-06:002009-09-18T22:25:22.114-06:00

The group on top of Kings PeakThe Uintah Mountains were epic as usual. This trip was especially fun as I hand picked a unique route that led us over some of the most remote and highest spots in Utah. I call it the "Beckstead Grand 8 Route" as we did a gnarly figure 8 through some of the best terrain in the world. Two people bailed just days before and it ended up being Shane Martin and myself on

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-60790503805198584592009-07-28T22:08:00.004-06:002009-07-28T22:50:36.118-06:00

So my yearly fastpacking trip is coming up and I've talked to several people who are interested in coming along so I thought I would throw out the invitation to anyone who is in shape and up for a challenge. The trip this year is a unique loop composed of some of the highest sections of the Uintah Mountains in Northeast Utah. The trip will be from August 11th-17th and will total 65-70 miles. We

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-1997022830282957962009-07-26T14:20:00.003-06:002009-07-26T15:51:13.745-06:00

After a very stressful week at the Outdoor Retailer (more on the highlights later), I decided it was time for a nice long run. I had yet to summit the looming Ben Lomond Peak, located above North Ogden, and I decided today would be the day. My running has been casual this past month. Consistent 25-30 mile weeks but I hadn't done any long runs. This would be a bit of a test. Minutes out of the

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-67617670106550546562009-07-13T17:22:00.003-06:002009-07-13T20:18:13.100-06:00

The Uintah mountains are home for me. I have such fond memories of the Uintahs. In fact some of the earliest and most distinct memories of my life occurred when I was 5 years old while my family was horse camping/backpacking at Mohican Lake in the Grandaddy basin. I carried my first backpack (clothes, sleeping bag, and foam pad) when I was 8 years old on a 7 mile trip into Duck Lake. Although

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-27737330023045521442009-07-06T20:36:00.003-06:002009-07-06T21:17:14.146-06:00

I've been in such a slump since Squaw Peak. The weekend of June 28th jumpstarted me as I hit a last minute backpacking trip to the Uintahs which was amazing. I did a round-a-bout loop to the Cuberant Basin off the Mirror Lake Highway. It was only about 7 miles total but was a fantastic rejuvination physically and emotionally. The trail and terrain were wet and sloppy the whole way but it helped

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-20146818006092001552009-06-19T20:30:00.002-06:002009-06-19T21:09:07.082-06:00

8:05:32- Winning time by Scott Jaime.3- The number of 50+ year old men that kicked my butt on race day.4- Degrees warmer at the start and degrees cooler at the finish then historical averages.237- Record number of starters on race day.226- Record number of finishers.95- Record percentage finishing rate.8:07:50- New Masters Record set by 2nd place finisher Kevin Shilling.19- Number of grammatical

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-2579205947750636922009-06-09T21:43:00.007-06:002009-06-19T20:30:12.395-06:00

Well, it never did rain. I had hoped for some rain. The weather was nice though and what a competitive year! It was fun seeing so many familiar faces and spending time with such quality people. I'm also quite proud of my race predictions. If Christian Johnson hadn't taken a wrong turn I would have been even closer. Of course I didn't hit my goal time but I'm OK with my race. I broke the

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-79201906701133594952009-06-03T21:26:00.004-06:002009-06-03T22:25:59.562-06:00

With a little over two days until Squaw Peak I am making all my final preparations for race day. Last week I ended up with 31 miles which I focused on speed and climbing in attempt to fine tune for race day. Monday I ran 10 miles easy with Shane Martin and I felt like I was chomping at the bit. Tomorrow I intend to run 5 miles easy to loosen the legs.Also if you have any last minute questions,

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-86811793157090751922009-05-28T10:55:00.006-06:002009-05-28T20:59:44.079-06:00

The 2009 Squaw Peak 50 looks like another great one! The competition should be fierce and course conditions fast. Unfortunately with Karl Meltzer and Allen Belshaw withdrawing from the race the front pack will be small but the chase pack looks larger than ever. Here are my picks for the mens race:1st Scott Jamie- Hasn't run the race over the last few years but in the meantime he has been cranking

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-38302405720849174642009-05-24T11:25:00.002-06:002009-05-24T12:52:50.545-06:00

The course is in great condition!  On Friday, I started at mile 2 and ran to mile 26.  The snow has melted quickly, however there is one major problem.  An avalanche slide path at mile 8 is not going anywhere.  It was 7-8 ft high and 30 ft wide.  This means the Rock Canyon Aid Station (#3, 10.4) must move back over two miles.  It shouldn't be too big of a problem since the Horse Mtn Aid Station (

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-43391731133648574722009-05-17T20:47:00.004-06:002009-05-17T21:17:10.247-06:00

I arrived home from Israel on May 5th. With Squaw Peak 50 getting close, I immediately began a relatively aggressive training schedule. Due to my lack of base and need for quick strength I have chosen to go vertical. In the last 12 days I have run 122 miles which in and of itself isn't that great, but it was with roughly 26,000 feet of vertical over 100% trail! Shockingly I feel decent although

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-71825608616389344512009-05-13T20:52:00.005-06:002009-05-13T21:49:33.076-06:00

Pictures say a thousand words! I won't say much about the Middle East but it seemed to me such a turbulent place with an amazing history both old and new. The center of three of the worlds most historic religions, it brought so many thoughts ranging from spirituality to politics. Does it get more polarized than that? Mt Arbell GethsemaneOur trip started in Ammon Jordan although we spent the

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-34195055579056853582009-05-06T22:04:00.003-06:002009-05-06T22:27:00.830-06:00

Just got back from a two week hiatus from the Middle East yesterday. Had a fantastic time which I will write about at a later date.I also starting training yesterday! My monthly total for April was....65 miles. How pathetic is that? Injury and then being out of town played huge roles of course. After the vacation/time off running, I feel invigorated both physically and mentally. I've had two

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-68596726438581579082009-04-15T21:02:00.002-06:002009-04-15T23:10:12.006-06:00

So as I mentioned in my last random semi-uncalled for outburst of a post, I am unhappy with my running and even worse...injured. Most of the pain seems to have dissipated with focused massage and stretching but that nagging right hamstring, which kept from me from running early last season, continues to be painful. I had several years without injury so I guess you just do what you can and deal

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-48442221944591819332009-04-10T18:29:00.000-06:002009-04-10T18:31:07.850-06:00

In case you haven't heard...Zanna is pregnant. The due date looks to be October 30th. This does not bode well for the child since it's chances of being a freak are already alarmingly high.I'm dealing with the pregnancy quite well. Aside from my sleep being interrupted by the sound of vomiting I have felt no ill effects as of yet. Zanna claims to have this disease called morning sickness.

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-50707148555752449652009-03-29T18:18:00.005-06:002009-04-15T23:18:22.020-06:00

What was not meant to be.Going into this event I was nervous. Not that excited nervous like before Squaw Peak or Wasatch, just plain nervous. It was from my lack of confidence. When the race started I reminded myself to just go out slow and have a good time. I started out in 14-15th place. I watched the lead group's headlights bobbing way out in front. After 4-5 miles I passed a bunch of runners

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-1107713663065334012009-03-27T11:30:00.003-06:002009-03-27T11:43:42.905-06:00

Call me crazy, call me blessed but I couldn't resist the urge. With Thursday morning off work and 21 inches of fresh powder on March 26th, I headed up the mountain for what will probably be the last powder day this season.Regardless of my upcoming 50 mile race, less than 48 hours before I toe the line, the powder called my name. Although a bit heavy, it was amazing! After a few great runs on John

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-45593975008759138642009-03-23T20:34:00.003-06:002009-03-23T22:33:20.605-06:00

So we are only a few days away from the Antelope Island races. Now the largest trail event in Utah with nearly 500 participants. With three events going on at once it should be quite exciting!I'm excited to see what type of shape I'm in. Aside from my DNF at the Bear 100 I haven't raced since June of 08. Although my training has not been what I originally anticipated, I still feel like I can run

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-16771379304971358912009-03-15T22:05:00.002-06:002009-03-15T22:13:43.414-06:00

My weekly mileage has not been what I would like. However, on my day off during the week I have been able to put down some solid 18-25 mile runs which should hold me over pretty well as I head into the ultra racing season. I do feel like I'm in the best shape I've ever been in for mid-March. That doesn't say much since I'm somewhat of a wuss when it comes to the cold. I have such a hard time

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-42515349512046030432009-03-02T21:15:00.003-07:002009-03-02T21:35:11.487-07:00

Biggest week of the year so far with 56 miles! With this last warming trend I went out to Antelope Island for 21 miles of beautiful dirt single track. Feeling great I kept up the pace and ran the out-and-back section of the 50 mile course in 2 hrs and 40 minutes averaging a 7:45 pace. I was happy with how I ran and it gave me some confidence for this upcoming 50 miler. A couple more long runs and

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-70227951891486110542009-02-24T21:58:00.003-07:002009-02-24T22:22:36.403-07:00

Wow, time continues to blow by! My running has been solid but not quite enough. The last two weeks have included 17 and 18 mile runs which have been nice but the consistency hasn't been where I want it to be. However, I did take my camera on one of the Antelope Island runs so enjoy the recent pics!Seriously though, I can't wait to lay down some sick miles on actual dirt. This current warming

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-84946019490103865862009-02-08T19:15:00.003-07:002009-02-08T19:20:27.750-07:00

Great week of training. After racing well last week I got a bit excited and ran a bunch this week and it felt fantastic. Mild temps helped. Aside from a small stomach thing that went through my system in 48 hrs, I ran every day and felt great. Weekly total: 50 miles, all but 4 were on trails.

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-3028078922596226372009-02-01T14:18:00.004-07:002009-02-01T15:14:45.208-07:00

So after a long run last weekend I felt strong enough to race. John Bozung also had been hassling me to come run his snowshoe race, so three days before the race I signed up. I opted for the 25K which I felt would be a good distance. I got there early to talk with all the 50k runners who would start an hour earlier and to help out with the race. I was surprised by how many people were signing up

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-67338585828911847312009-01-25T19:15:00.007-07:002009-02-01T12:03:01.517-07:00

After going to the winter 2009 outdoor retailer I've compiled a top five list of 2009 release trail shoes. I've seen and tried who knows how many trail shoes but this list is what I believe to be the top selling and/or most influencial shoes of 2009. It is not necessarily in any particular order but it is actually quite exciting with some drastic changes for a couple of companies. Anyway, here

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-59639155967406980352009-01-18T21:18:00.004-07:002009-01-25T19:14:07.775-07:00

It was great to start training again. I've been itching to get out but haven't found the time. With my schedule balancing becoming better, I am determined to find the time to train and make 2009 a great year.This week was a balance of treadmill, road and trail totaling exactly 30 miles. It culminated with a great 11 mile trail run on Saturday. I'm feeling a few aches and pains but overall I feel

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-89919228057653766572009-01-12T18:04:00.007-07:002009-01-14T21:32:57.689-07:00

So 2009 is here and already moving swiftly onward. It brings forth a whole year of anticipation for upcoming trips, runs, and adventures. I've accumulated quite the list so far and I'm excited. After what was a transition year in 2008 for me, I'm excited to be in a more stable part in life that hopefully will allow me to focus on what is really important in life....running!Ok, maybe I can work on

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-76159963975086001302008-12-17T05:02:00.003-07:002008-12-17T05:36:43.894-07:00

So my hiatus as a university faculty is over.  This past fall I had the opportunity to teach at Utah Valley University and loved it!  1st block I co-taught whitewater kayaking and 2nd block I taught a section of backpacking.  This posed a problem with my move to Ogden as the weekly Wednesday commute to Orem on my one day off grew tiring but it was a fantastic experience and I had a great time.I

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-89472680239060515452008-11-26T19:29:00.002-07:002008-11-26T20:13:21.415-07:00

So this past weekend was my birthday.  At 27 I feel that life has finally caught up to me.  Rather than school stress, care free parties, and hours of running I now have bills, insurance, and 12 hour work days...every day.  Life could be worse of course and in fact things are looking pretty good.  I'll explain:I like my job.  It's a salaried position with great benefits.  In a couple of months I

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-69516614946915141482008-10-26T16:19:00.004-06:002008-10-26T16:52:40.952-06:00

So it's been a month since the Bear 100 DNF and lots of things have happened. The most consuming part of my life has been my move to Ogden. I am super excited about the move. Frankly, I need a change. I love Orem but most of my life has been there. I will always have fond memories of Runner's Corner but again, it was time for a change. It should be fun exploring new trails, new ski resorts, new

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-4643486612406845522008-10-04T09:22:00.007-06:002008-10-04T11:21:17.427-06:00

So the Bear 100 was last weekend. I didn't have the race I wanted but the course was beautiful, although poorly marked, and had great crew accessibility. Several people had great races especially Ty Draney and Eric Storheim. Congrats guys! I dropped out at mile 70. If interested you can read my report despite my not finishing this race. The race started at 6:00 am and by the time we got to the

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-6018758501878450392008-09-23T08:59:00.004-06:002008-09-23T10:17:05.421-06:00

Wow, it's come quick! The Bear 100 is only three days away. I've been ready to run this thing for the last two weeks! (I hate tapering) Anyway, it looks like it's going to be an exciting race both in terms of terrain and competition. The autumn colors have turned and this new course looks fantastic. Lets hope it's marked well. I like the crew accessibility and what looks like a beautiful course

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-24745145615777668272008-09-16T18:37:00.004-06:002008-09-16T19:25:25.237-06:00

So a few months ago I took my wife Zanna whitewater kayaking down the Provo River. We had a great time. That evening we were telling Richard, my father-in-law, about our experience and how how we thought he would like kayaking, especially sea kayaking, which my wife and I do as often as we have the chance. Next thing we know Richard is on-line looking up places to go sea kayaking. We ended up

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-9703962254608042142008-09-13T11:01:00.003-06:002008-09-13T11:30:05.295-06:00

Although I was merely pacing Wasatch this year, it was great to be part of the experience which is the Wasatch 100. I wasn't able to get to Lamb's Canyon until later than I wanted but I was able to see a great group pass through, most of them friends I've met through Runner's Corner or in the ultra world: Phil Lowry, Shane Martin, Shaun Christian, Greg Norrander, Scott Kunz, Jim Skaggs, and many

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-59394349287874091272008-08-24T18:59:00.015-06:002008-08-30T20:35:22.333-06:00

July 24th 2008 THE DRIVEThe trip had finally begun. After much preparation we (myself- Brian Beckstead and Golden Harper) left Orem, Utah at 7:00 am for our long awaited John Muir Trip. The drive was long and boring as we drove through the Utah/Nevada desert. It didn't get much better until the rolling hills of California and the rollercoaster road of CA-120. As we began to rise up into the

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-88581457065437729852008-08-05T09:22:00.004-06:002008-08-07T17:41:44.115-06:00

It was conquered! The entire length of the John Muir Trail is behind me...and it was amazing! Golden Harper and I completed the official length, Yosemite Happy Isles to the top of Mt Whitney, in 8 days 5 hrs. More details to come.I think I will give a day by day account in a two part series over the next few days. There will be pleny of pictures and even audio clips. Needless to say, we had a

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-4716973131624154292008-07-22T18:06:00.008-06:002008-07-22T23:08:05.715-06:00

So in final preparation for the John Muir Trail we had a trial run. We wanted to test our gear, our fitness, and our minds. Could we really average 25 miles per day for 9 days on the Muir Trail? We decided to try 60 miles in 2 days along the Wasatch Front. Our course would consist of 27 miles of the Wasatch 100 course and then continue following the Great Western Trail around Mt Timpanogos and

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-11135950834603510122008-07-14T20:42:00.006-06:002008-08-05T09:34:34.258-06:00

Argued as the most beautiful trail in America the John Muir Trail runs from Yosemite National Park, through Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and finishes atop the highest mountain on the continental United States, Mount Whitney 14,505 ft. It's length is approximately 225 miles.Over the winter I was approached by a friend to fastpack this amazing trail in a mere 10 days. I jumped at the

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-37301534613944733972008-07-06T16:29:00.004-06:002008-07-06T16:56:53.422-06:00

So one of my many time consuming and expensive hobbies is whitewater kayaking. Although I don't get to go as often as I would like, I am still able to squeeze in a few nice runs now and again. Recently I went up to Sixth Water and finally got some pics! Sixth Water is actually an artificial river which diverts water from Strawberry Reservoir into Diamond Fork. It's pretty fun Kayaking and as

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2197931587615093278.post-21857740678040641082008-06-29T17:04:00.007-06:002008-08-10T22:21:24.876-06:00

So last week I was still sick. After Squaw Peak 50 I ended up getting sick for over a week. I suspect is was from getting cold, wet, and exhausted from Squaw Peak and then going white water kayaking on back to back days in icy cold snow run-off. It sucked. Lets just say that since Squaw Peak I had run 6 times for a grand total of 50 miles. Pretty pathetic. Then in an effort to force my lazy butt

Brian Becksteadhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747927866800436635noreply@blogger.com1