I recently read a report that the grizzly bears of Yellowstone are out and about already this season.  For those who are unfamiliar, Yellowstone is very, very cold and snowy in winter.  And what do bears do in winter?  That’s right, hibernate.  But with the recent warm spells they are lured from their slumbers into their spring routines.  As am I.  The Rockies have had an exceptionally warm past few weeks, and although deep down I know this is a symptom of global warming, there is a little part of me that has really enjoyed a little warmth on my skin.  As many people who know me will attest, I do not run on snow (why run downhill when you can ski downhill after all?  And the footing, oh the horror!).  In fact.  I usually take the time from November to April to allow my legs and running dreams to hibernate a little.  But this year was a little exceptional in that I discovered (dun dun dun) mountain biking.  Yes, mountain biking.  I tried this during vacation in September and then ceased to run again for the season because I was Sold. On. Biking.  So I basically mountain biked until the snow started falling in November!  Maybe it’s because I stopped running early this year that I am feeling the urge to get back to running a little early.  I have come out of hibernation and am ready to run.  What makes this even more crazy?  I just bought a new touring ski.  To paraphrase: I just bought new skis, it’s February, and all I can think about is running!  WTF.  I won a pair of trail shoes in a race this past fall and I have taken them on their maiden voyage in the very same week as the inaugural run on the Voile Vectors.  Now I’ve seen everything.  Maybe it’s just that I’m finally embracing Salt Lake, where on (m)any given day(s) you can ask yourself if you want to train run, bike or ski?

In any event, in a fit of passion and excitement for dirt beneath my feet I have arranged the following line up for 2016.  Feeling super excited!  Behold:

Prickly Pear “Don’t Fence Me In” 12 or 30K (the jury is out!),  May 7

Wasatch Steeplechase 17mi,  June 11

WURL July- September sometime

The Rut 28K, September 3

Big line up!  It’s too late to go back into hibernation now… unless it dumps… Then it’s another story.