With just over a week to go before my race in Abu Dhabi, Ian, Juniper and I headed to the desert one more time to squeeze in more biking, paddling and running. This time we had a great four-day Thanksgiving weekend to pack in as much training as possible. We got to Moab on Wednesday night and arrived at our condo just a few minutes behind Michael and Jenny Tobin, who had driven nine hours from Boise with their kids Mikella (age 4) and Jack (16 mos).

Jack and Juniper in the Chariot with Ian and Michael while the girls were out running.
I got up early on Thursday morning and went on a nice 1.5 hour run up the Porcupine Rim trail with Jenny, who finished seventh at the Xterra Worlds last month, and is a super-fast runner. Afterwards, Micheal and I loaded up our tandem sea kayak and paddled for about two hours on the Colorado river. It was pouring down rain like I’ve never seen before in Moab, and it was spectacular to watch new waterfalls spill off the canyon walls. Jenny cooked us a terrific Thanksgiving meal with all the fixings and we turned in early, exhausted and content.
(click any photo to enlarge)
Blank
On Friday, Jenny and I enjoyed another morning run on Moab Rim and then Michael and I paddled for another couple of hours. In the afternoon, Juniper and I enjoyed a long ride in the Chariot while Ian rode the Slickrock trail.
On Saturday morning, our third teammate, Mike Kloser drove in from Vail to meet us, along with Jay Henry, who is also racing in Abu Dabhi on Richard Ussher’s team. We set off in the cold for a long, six-hour paddle, which was pretty monotonous but definitely time well spent. I actually felt really good for the whole session and even managed to find the energy for a quick 45-minute trail run when we got back.

My paddling 'burkha' - ready for the Muslim women in Abu Dhabi.

It was cold on Sat. morning - about 40 degrees and the clouds were still low in the canyon.

Nice poggies Michael! But hey, his hands stayed warm.

Ian and Juniper hiked in Arches on Sat. with Jay's wife Cynthia.

Under the Morning Glory Natural Bridge
blank
Finally on Sunday, Jenny and I got up early and ran the 2.2 mile Negro Bill trail to the beautiful Morning Glory Natural Bridge. When I got back, Ian joined Michael, Mike and Jay for a great ride on the Sovereign Trail while I packed and loaded up the Suby. To top off the weekend, I rode out the Colorado River Road for about 20 miles until Ian and Juniper met me for lunch at Fisher Towers.
blank

Me, Ian, Mike, Michael and Jay after the Sovereign Trail

Finishing my road ride with the Fisher Towers in the distance.
Final tally for the four days: about 10 hours of paddling, five hours of running and three hours of biking. All in all, it was a great weekend and it reminded me of all that I have to be thankful for: my wonderful family, friends and teammates!