Yoga Journal Article

While reading my current issue of Yoga Journal that just arrived, I was reminded of a great article they wrote a couple of years ago about the Women's Ski and Yoga Retreat and thought I'd share. You can read the article here. While it's still a few months off (March 1-3), I'm really looking forward to a few days of skiing and yoga with a fun group of women. Each time I host a camp, I feel so lucky to get to know inspiring women while doing my favorite things.

It's snowing in the Methow, getting everything ready to go! 

Another day, another run

 We have been having amazing fall weather. Although the peak of the changing colors passed, there is a crispness to the air that only an autumn day can bring. I love the area off of Twisp River Road, but living in Mazama makes for a long drive to get to an area that, as the crow flies, is quite close. I decided to explore some maps and realized I could get over there from Bridge creek, where the PCT goes south from Hwy 20. I've only ever done an out and back on that section and haven't been terribly impressed with as I am with the section heading north.

I was glad I took a map, as I still managed to go up a wrong trail for about a mile before realizing it wasn't doing what it was supposed to do. It was fun to explore a totally new part of the mountains. I'd been to Copper Pass once before and remembered liking it, but yesterday's run proved to be one of the best loops I've done since being here. I accidentally took a climbing trail back, which plopped me at the highway a mile sooner than I wanted; that explained the less maintained trail I followed, but also meant I had the pleasure of ending a 21 mile run with a mile of road running. I did see several people I knew driving back to Mazama, though, so that was fun.

I simply loved this run. The pictures, despite my photography skills, will have to convey what my words cannot.

Lots of green on the way up to Twisp Pass

Out of the trees, after a couple of hours of lovely forest running

I wasn't expecting those peaks. From here on out I had to remind myself to keep going, and that one picture every several miles is ok: I don't need 400 pictures of one run.

Heading up the steep trail up to Copper Pass from Twisp River

BLUE!

Almost to the pass

Several mountain goats. I would have liked to get closer, but have heard too many stories of gored dogs or dogs being chased off of cliffs. No thank you.

Heading back to the PCT

Looking across the valley

Maple Pass

Maple pass is one of my all time favorite places. Nestled in the North Cascades right at Rainy pass, it's easy to get to, you get up to the alpine really quickly, and the views are amazing. Going clockwise around the loop you ascend quite steeply, then enjoy a lovely downhill through beautiful open ledges and cedar forest. Sam wanted to go counterclockwise, which I had never done, making the loop a completely new run. It made for a longer uphill but the views were astounding in a slightly different way.

Before we know it the snow will start falling, and we can come here to ski before the highway closes. Until then, the mountains are in their prime. Get out there!

Family picture!

Looking north, toward Cutthroat

Rainy lake, way down there

Women's Ski and Yoga Retreat

Another bluebird day on the trail (Photo by Sun Mountain Lodge)

We are excited to announce that we are hosting the 11th annual Women's Ski and Yoga Retreat at Sun Mountain Lodge! Join us March 1-3 for a fun-filled, relaxing time in the Methow's own winter wonderland. Whether you are brand new to the sport or are an experienced skier, there is something for everyone: our expert coaching team will help you become more proficient in both skate and classic skiing in a friendly, supportive environment. 

Each day we'll start with yoga practice, fuel for the day with a delicious breakfast, then have morning and afternoon ski sessions (with a break for more delicious food, of course) on portions of the 65 kilometers of beautifully groomed ski trails Sun Mountain has to offer. Top it off with a post-ski stretch, and relax with new friends.

During your free time, sit with a good book at the fire; take in the beautiful mountain views with a soothing soak in the hot tub; or get a reviving massage for your tired muscles. With ski and yoga instruction for every level, everyone can treat themselves to this wonderful weekend.

The retreat cost is $325 and includes: ski instruction, trail passes, yoga sessions, breakfasts and lunches, and Friday night wine and hors d'oeuvres. Rooms and other activities are additional. Sun Mountain Lodge offers a special room rate for retreat participants of $110 + tax per night, single or double occupancy. Additional persons are $10 per person, per night (four person maximum per room). Call Sun Mountain Lodge directly to make room reservations at: 800-572-0493.

Home for the weekend. Photo by Sun Mountain Lodge

To register: email or mail this form with your check or credit card number to:

Methow Endurance, PO Box 196, 

Winthrop, WA, 98862        

alison.naney (at) gmail.com

Registration deadline is Friday, February 1, 2013. Please note, no refunds will be given after this date.

Check our Facebook page for carpooling options and other updates. Let it snow!

Fall Mountain Festival

Don't miss next Saturday's Fall Mountain Festival at our very own Goat's Beard! Mark Allen will have a slideshow of his recent expedition on the Lacuna Glacier in Alaska. It will be sure to get you excited for the upcoming season. Food, music, mountains...what more could you ask for? See you there!

Fall Running and Training Clinic

In order to accommodate more people for our upcoming clinic in October, we changed the fall camp a bit. Rather than having a multi day format, we are now offering a one day running and training clinic on Saturday, October 13, and doing a hill climb on Sunday, October 14th.

Saturday will be a fun and information packed day complete with technique work, strength, intensity workouts and a big lunch to keep us fueled. It will be a mix of both talking through concepts and how to incorporate them into your schedule; and doing a shortened version of the workouts so you really learn how to perform them correctly and effectively.

Here are some of the aspects we'll plan to hit on Saturday's clinic:

• Nutrition for athletes and an active lifestyle
• Strength training that fits your schedule
• Running technique
• Key workouts for your regimen

We think this one-day format will provide a great, concentrated opportunity to pick up a lot of knowledge and skills which you can transfer into your fitness regime. What better way to spend a beautiful fall day in the Methow?

Got friends? Get a $5 discount for every friend you bring along! Email samuel.naney@gmail.com for more info.

Registration is available under the "Events" link on this website. Direct link is here.

Driveway Butte Hillclimb

School started today, meaning it's the magnificent season of fall. Each October we do a low key, no frills time trial up one of our favorite local trails. This year we decided to try to get more participants, and thought it would be a great way to raise money for our friends Jim and Jan Erickson. Jim was in a bike accident in May, leaving he and Jan unforeseen medical bills. The least we can do is burn our legs and lungs to help them out.

The view from the top. This year's climb is a couple weeks sooner, so there won't likely be snow.

Since it's also ski training season, we're offering a discount for Methow Valley Nordic members, as well as all participants under 18.  Run, ski walk, bound, hike, crawl, the two plus miles up to a lovely vista, catch your breath and cheer others on, then mosey back down to your car where some yummy food awaits. We love friendly competition, so we'll have prizes for the top three men and women, as well as the top male and female under 18.

The happy runners!

October 14, 2012            

8am    Klipchuck Campground

Mazama, WA

Entry:

Ages 18 and under: $10

Ages 18 plus: $15 

MV Nordic members: $12

To keep entries cheap, we are going old school: register here. 

 

A big thank you to our sponsors for this event: