Willie & Chipotle, Back to the Start

Thanks Coldplay! You were a great musical, ideological, paradigmatic inspiration. While skeptics may point to the corporate sponsorship, it seems critical that we acknowledge (and applaud) socially (and ecologically, ethically, etc.) conscious corporate activities. Chipotle has long been a protagonist in the healthy (in the broadest, most encompassing sense of the term -- human, animal, environment, community, etc.) food movement -- what they call Food With Integrity. In short, Food With Integrity means working back along the food chain. It means going beyond distributors to discover how the vegetables are grown, how the pigs, cows and chickens are raised, where the best spices come from. These factors not only affect the flavor of the finished product, but also involve deep moral, humane, environmental, and dietary implications (Narratively enriched by yours truly with help from Chipotle’s mission statement and history). Now, let us rejoice whilst enjoying delicious burritos. Oh, and don't forget to watch the super rad video (maybe buy the single too; it's also super rad).

"Coldplay's haunting classic 'The Scientist' is performed by country music legend Willie Nelson for the soundtrack of the short film entitled, "Back to the Start." The film, by film-maker Johnny Kelly, depicts the life of a farmer as he slowly turns his family farm into an industrial animal factory before seeing the errors of his ways and opting for a more sustainable future. Both the film and the soundtrack were commissioned by Chipotle to emphasize the importance of developing a sustainable food system."

Download the song "The Scientist" by Willie Nelson now available on iTunes for $0.99. Label and artist proceeds benefit The Chipotle Cultivate Foundation.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-scientist-single/id458479961

60 and 75 -- A Tale of Things Remaining

Surging toward the finish at 2011 Bozeman Classic 10k

With the calendar now reading 9 August 2011 (how did this happen?), a mere two months remain until the 34th running of the Chicago Marathon. As a number, 60 is a fair amount. Sixty dollars goes pretty far at the grocery store. Sixty minutes is more than enough time for an entire class session (for those thrice weekly Monday, Wednesday, Friday courses). Sixty feet is a descent height for bouldering, free diving, and about the same distance as the 20 yard box on a football pitch. In a runner's world however, 60 represents an all too brief training period (that is, when it is not representing 60 miles -- which is a whole lot of distance in [this] runner's world). Most training regimens for distance running suggest around 5 months (the revered Hal Higdon usually works on an 18 week schedule) weeks to adequately prepare a runner's mind and body for the marathoning experiences.   I think this rather poignantly marks what you might call "crunch time."  With training days vanishing -- only 5 (or perhaps 7 depending upon my scheduling ability) runs over 17 miles remaining -- I am focusing on the quality, speed, and altitude of the training days available.

Don't worry, there's still time to contribute to my charitable endeavors (on behalf of the Chicago Fire Foundation). If you're ready, willing, and able, please take a few moments to visit my fundraising page and make a donation. Since I'm aiming (i.e. contractually obligated) to raise a lofty $1000 (with a hefty $755 remaining [approximately 75% of my total fundraising commitment]), I will greatly appreciate any and all contributions. Don't forget -- every penny helps (no amount is too small [nor is any amount too large]). Click here or click on the Chicago Marathon logo at the top of righthand column to access my fundraising website.

With most of the past month spent in (or en route to) Bozeman, I was fortunate enough to spend some time training at (or above) 5000 feet. About twice as high as my typical training environment in Blacksburg, I am relatively confident that thinner air more than compensated for the diminished weekly mileage. The lung and leg burning elevation not only made for unique training camp of sorts, but also provided a (humbling) pre-marathon test of race fitness. My stay in Bozeman conveniently coincided with (among other things [including the Bite of Bozeman and the Sweet Pea Festival]) the annual running of the Bozeman Classic 10k (for more details about the race check out this article from the Bozeman Daily Chronicle [click here for a batch of photos]).  

Pre-race seriousness

Pre-race excitement.
Who knew that August would be sweatshirt weather in Bozeman?
Check out the new Moby Dick warm up apparel! Geeky chic at its best.

As you can see from the photos, the Bozeman Classic 10k was graced by perfect running weather (pre-race temps in the high 40s/low 50s, slightest breeze, warming sun, and finishing temps around 60). With a nice (albeit surprisingly hilly) course, enthusiastic spectators, and post-race watermelon, oranges, and Great Harvest Bread products, it was a pleasant first Montana race. After chasing some very fit athletes around the streets of downtown Bozeman, I clocked in at 39:48.06 (a respectable 6:25/mile pace) good enough for 24th overall (8th in the 30-39 male category).

Additional incentives to visit Chicago on Sunday, 9 October 2011:

Olympian Ryan Hall to Run the 2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon has announced that U.S. Olympian Ryan Hall will compete in the 34th annual race on October 9, setting up a rematch against fellow sub 2:05 performer Moses Mosop of Kenya. Hall, who recorded a personal best 2:04:58 at the Boston Marathon in April, finishing behind Mosop’s 2:03:06, will match strides against the world’s best runners in Chicago as he begins his run up to the 2012 Olympic Games Marathon. Hall also announced that he will donate any prize money earned in Chicago to his non-profit organization, The Hall Steps Foundation (and here too when the site is repaired), to support anti-poverty programs in East Africa. 

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon presents an invaluable opportunity for Hall, the 10th place finisher at the 2008 Olympic Marathon in Beijing, to compete on a global stage with the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon and the London Olympics on the horizon.

Ryan Hall on his way to finishing 4th
at the 2011 Boston Marathon (2:04:58)
photo courtesy of Asics

Ryan Hall on running the 2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon for charity

"The joy of running for something more than yourself is contagious and totally satisfying, not to mention tremendously motivating in training. I am both excited and honored to take part in a race that realizes that it really is more blessed to give than to receive."

U.S. Women’s Soccer Stars to Lead Charitable Program

Soccer stars Abby Wambach, Hope Solo and Alex Morgan who spearheaded the U.S. women’s team to the World Cup final will be part of the race weekend activities at the 2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. The trio will be part of a charity relay team on race day at the October 9 event. 

“The opportunity to partner with Bank of America and the Chicago Marathon is a thrill for us,” said U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo. “There’s going to be such a tremendous spirit of camaraderie - from the public and private organizations working together to stage the event to all the athletes and their supporters pursuing a personal best or advancing a community cause. It’s going to be a great weekend.”

Not sure what all the marathon hoopla is all about? Check out this great highlight video from last year's Chicago Marathon for a better picture of the dedication and enthusiasm synonymous with marathoning.

Hope to see everyone cheering from the sidelines as I grit out a (hopefully) respectable time for 26.2 miles.

Please don't forget to take a look at my Chicago Fire Foundation Marathon Fundraising site. Donations are welcome 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, until 7:30am on 9 October 2011 (i.e. race day). You can access the fundraising page here or via the link in the righthand column of the blog (just click the Bank of America Chicago Marathon logo).

Montana marathon training also included a day hike on
Hidden Lakes Trail, hovering around the 9000 ft mark

"Running" Bozeman's M Trail

photo courtesy of AllBozeman.com

Veer right at the trailhead and you'll quickly find a rather nondescript sign warning, "Steep trail, hike at your own risk" (or something to that effect -- verbatim memory of the exact words has been overwritten [sort of like a mental palimpsest] by memories of a dehydrating, scree-scrambling run up a near-vertical trail). Gazing up from the parking lot, the College M certainly appears far away, but not impossibly so. A runner is likely to find reassurance from the easy pitch and nicely manicured surface. At least for the first few meters. If not deterred by the sun blazoned white sign with foreboding black text (oddly reminiscent of a sign one might find along a seldom traveled country [most likely gravel] road), the runner will be rewarded with a short, albeit lung scorching and leg burning, ascent to one of the finest views of the Gallatin Valley. A quick drive from downtown Bozeman (approximately six miles north/northeast of downtown), the College M Trail is relatively accessible to nearly all tourists, students, and full-time residents. Despite its proximity, the trail should not be confused with a casual Sunday stroll. That said, there are a few trail options with varying degrees of difficulty. Depending upon your fondness for steepness and/or desire for shaded switchbacks, there are a handful of approaches to suite nearly all fitness levels. Water, sturdy footwear, and a positive attitude should suffice (you can probably leave the bear spray at home for this excursion). Speedy traverse and elevated heart rate are negotiable (or at least the specific numbers).

view from the seemingly innocent trailhead

I'll leave the details to the experts:

Description from TripAdvisor.com

"The large white M that overlooks Bozeman from the south slope of Baldy Mountain is accessible from a trailhead and trails managed by the Gallatin National Forest. The trailhead is located on Rt 86 at the mouth of Bridger Canyon. The 250-ft long letter M was made from whitewashed rocks built by students from Montana State University in 1915. 

The vertical elevation from trailhead to the top of the M is approximately 850 ft. The elevation  at the M is approximately 5,800 ft. Elevation at the trailhead is approx 4,950 ft. There are multiple trails ranging from medium to hard. The western trail (turn left at the trailhead) is easier, with many switchbacks and a more meandering trail to the top. There are some very nice outlooks over the Gallatin Valley from this trail. Part of the trail cuts through fir and juniper forest. There are some alternate trails up this side. 

The eastern trail runs up the ridge, and is a more direct and shorter route. However, the steep slope on rock requires more caution, hiking boots and possibly walking stick(s).This trail offers better views of Bozeman and the surrounding area and mountains. Hiking down this trail is hazardous because of loose stone and rock, use caution. The main trail up through the Bridger Mountain Range branches off from this route about halfway up. 

Plan on up to 2 hours for up and down trip with time at the top to rest and take pictures. Trails are not marked, but well worn paths are sufficient for non-winter hiking. A water bottle is suggested. Winter hiking is not suggested without proper equipment and training."

these colorful caterpillars are frequent running companions along the M Trail
can anyone identify the species?

summit photo after a leg burning 12 minute,
16 second "run" up the eastern branch of the trail  

Sampling of informative warnings from AllBozeman.com

The right fork leading to the M is steep, following the ridge. The left fork to the M is a kinder, gentler ascent, via switchbacks. 

Located on the south side of Baldy Mountain overlooking Gallatin Valley, the “M” trail is accessed via the trailhead at Route 86 in Bridger Canyon. The “M” rock letter formation sits about 6,000 feet high from the roughly 5,000-foot high trailhead. 

Winter can make hiking the M more difficult due to low temperatures and snow so take any necessary precautions and wear appropriate gear. Early summer through fall is the most popular time to hike the M and hikers are advised to bring water, a hat, wear sturdy shoes, and watch for sliding rock.

photo op at the M before running down the longer, but less
steep, more switchbacked, and nicely shaded western trail

Awesome Food, Awesome Idea -- Micro Grants for Major Changes(?)

awesome URL: awesomefood.net

Reposted from The Daily GOOD:

Our current food system is decidedly not awesome: it subsidizes food that makes us sick and makes it difficult to get ahold of anything fresh. But a micro-grant foundation, called Awesome Food, that launched last week is trying to make it better. Starting next month, it intends to give out $1,000 per month to “further food awesomeness in the universe.” If you get your application in by August 5, you could be the winner of the first round of money. 

According to the website, the “no-strings attached grant” could fund a variety of projects—everything from “educating the public about DIY farming” to “creating an ad-hoc eatery in a subway car." 

"We’re not entirely sure what ideas we’ll get—that’s part of the fun of this!” said Jeff Potter, a food writer and foundation trustee. “But we’ll know awesomeness when we see it.” 

Awesome Food is a chapter of the worldwide Awesome Foundation, a microgrant funder that launched in Boston two years ago and now includes chapters in cities around the world. (The food chapter is the first issue-based one). Awesome Food’s board of trustees includes an all-star set of foodies including Dan Barber of Blue Hill Farms in New York and food journalist Jennifer 8. Lee. They've set a high bar for awesomeness, so step up your game. According to Lee, they've already received a bunch of great applications.

One of the many places for awesome food in downtown Bozeman!
Largely unrelated to the Awesome Food microgrant program, but if you
find yourself in search of delicious food while exploring downtown Bozeman,
MT, be sure to explore the bountiful selection (both prepared foods and
take-home groceries) at the Bozeman Co-op Downtown