summer of fitness-south superior

The natural liberty of man is to be free from any superior power on Earth, and not to be under the will or legislative authority of man, but only to have the law of nature for his rule.

-Samuel Adams-

The law of gravity rules in the mountains.

My preference is to blog about doing cool stuff. The last few months have been spent punching keys on the computer working on the next film and training. I don’t consider training that cool, but it’s what I’ve been doing. My methods are far from scientific or strictly regimented, but I’ve been very happy with the results. I’ve never really trained in a consistent or intelligent manner before my ACL tear in 2012. I’m trying harder. This year was dedicated as “summer of fitness” in hopes of “enlightenment”. It seems the best training for climbing and descending mountains is climbing and descending mountains. So, that’s what I’ve been doing.

Dylan Freed freeing this Wasatch classic.

This year I’ve been running trails, lifting in the gym, running Hidden Peak and climbing S Superior on a regular basis. I like South Superior because it’s an all out ass kicker and you get to engage the upper body. I’ve been using it as a test piece and a recovery day. Go balls out for one and mellow for the other.

My earliest speed round was Sept 2009 1:12. Last year I logged a 1:06. And last night I pushed hard for a new PR of 53 minutes.

The route starts across from Snowbird and ascends the skyline ridge to the summit.

There are a ton of variations, but I’ve established my favorite way and stick to it for speed attempts. Knowing it well makes for a faster and safer experience.

Byron Pittam gives it one thumb up as he works the transition to rock.

Tommy Chandler gets an early start for the LCC Traverse.

Once on the rock, going fast is really fun since the ridge is covered with great holds. Put your head down and motor!

The crew practices the crawl!

Inspiration on all levels.

I prefer the temperatures and beautiful light in early morning and late evening.

It’s right around 2,600ft over about a 1.5 miles. It’s good scrambling that doesn’t require any rope work if you’re comfortable with exposure. Riley getting her 5.4 on.

Jimmy Hopper and Byron Pittam riding the ridge.

No better spot than the summit to catch your  breath.

Tommy Chandler on the final push.

Hard to beat the combination of squashing the lungs on the way up and crushing the quads on the down!