I am not sure if there is such a thing as too warm.  I grew up in Maine and learned at an early age the wonders of down as an insulator.  My childhood winters were spent skiing, snowmobiling, sleding and even ice fishing.  We never really thought about the cold it was just there.  The other thing that was always there was a down jacket.  Fast forward a few years (ok decades) and I find myself spending my winters still skiing, snowshoeing and playing outside (ice fishing, not so much) in the comparatively warm winters of Utah.

I have not really though of my beloved puffy coat until this Christmas when my awesome girlfriend got me a Mountain Hardware Sub Zero down jacket . The heavy, clumpy puffy coat of my youth has been updated into a lightweight, packable, insanely warm jacket in equally at home walking into your local brew pub as it is summiting Mt. Rainier. The jacket comes with Taslan reinforced shoulders and arms to resist abrasions and a stuff sack for easy packing. It is really too warm to wear while skinning up but it packs down so small and is oh so warm for the well earned turns when you get to the top. My favorite feature is the fleece lined pockets, they are perfect for warming numb hands wet hands before putting your gloves back on. For cold days skiing inbounds and riding the lift this jacket cant be beat. It is also nice to have waiting at the car after a long run or snowshoe.

In the short time I have had it the Mountain Hardware Sub Zero has become my most prized winter possesion. Everytime I put it on it brings me back to those winter days long ago whooping it up in the woods of Maine.

- I drink water from a glacier in Europe and scientifically designed sports drinks for optimal performance. Lucy drinks from the toilet.

- I eat a carefully planned menu of complex carbs, quality proteins and supplement with vitamins that cost as much as cancer medication. Lucy eats kibble and rolls in smelly things.

- If I focus on my breathing, stay in my optimal heart rate zone, and maintain good technique, I can run 10k in under 37 minutes. Lucy chases birds, stops to sniff things, takes bathroom breaks and ends up running at least 15k in under 36 minutes.

- After a hard ride or run I cool down, stretch, and sip a recovery drink before my glycogen window closes to insure maximal recovery. Lucy licks herself.

- I have $100 shoes with custom orthotics that I replace every 2 months. Lucy runs barefoot.

- I sleep on a $1200 posturpedic mattress designed by a team of doctors and engineers. Lucy usually sleeps on a pile of my dirty laundry.

- I go to a massage therapist, apply an array of liniments, lotions, and essential oils. Lucy get washed with a hose.

If nothing else Lucy reminds me not to take myself too seriously, that getting out exercising is supposed to be fun. Remember, every day we are healthy and get to train is a gift.

See ya on the trails, I will be the one chasing birds

Don’t be fooled, she will crush you

February is the month so many have such a hard time with in four season climates. The winter has been long, with the days short and dark. Skiing, for many of us, is beginning to lose its charm. The anticipation of spring begins to drive the mind crazy. But, the mountain trails are still covered in snow, storms keep sneaking up on us and that darn cold air just won’t warm up. All that seems to be on the mind is biking and running and having a good time. Well Snowbasin Resort in Utah won’t be warm enough to rip the dirt, but how about ripping the snow by way of snow running, snowshoe running, snow biking, and skiing all in one glorious morning? Yes it’s true. Team Unlimited is producing the ultimate winter Xterra World Championship weekend in conjunction with the USSSA National Snowshoe Championship! Trust me it will make you glad winter stayed a little longer.

So here’s what Xterra has to say about the weekend:

The world-renowned XTERRA lifestyle is taking its show to the snow with the inaugural XTERRA Winter World Championship this March 7-9. It’s a 3 day-long, multi-event sports extravaganza at the site of the 2002 Olympic downhill competitions at Snowbasin Resort.

The XTERRA Winter World Championship is a first-of-its-kind, uniquely XTERRA multisport race combining the four disciplines of ski mountaineering (8k), mountain biking (10k), running (5k) and snowshoeing (5k).

The destination at Snowbasin Resort, just 40 miles from Salt Lake City, is epic and well known as home to the downhill competitions of the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Other featured events in the 3-day sports extravaganza include the PowerSox U.S. National Snowshoe Championships, citizen snowshoe competitions, a radical snowboard downhill dash-for-cash, ski mountaineering races and XTERRA Kids Zone activities.

Each night in Ogden XTERRA hosts parties with music, videos, great food and good vibes.

Plus, the award-winning TEAM Unlimited TV crew will be filming all the action for a half-hour sports special to air across the country via national syndication.

PARTY THE XTERRA WAY!

THURSDAY
Peddler’s Restaurant on Historic 25th Street
Free coffee and appetizers for all competitors, courtesy of Ogden/Weber Convention and Visitors Bureau

FRIDAY
6pm – XTERRA Kick-off Dinner at Eccles Conference Center
2415 Washington Boulevard
Ogden, Utah 84401-2315
(corner of Washington and 24th)

Great italian-style dinner is only $20 (tickets available at the door).
Program includes pre-race briefing for the XTERRA Winter World Championship and video highlights of Friday’s Ski Mountaineering and Snowboard races.

Registration and Packet Pickup will be available.

After dinner, check out “Adventure Night” at the Foursite Film Festival – next door at Peery’s Egyptian Theater

SATURDAY
8pm – XTERRA Party at Rumors Private Club, ground floor Hotel Ben Lomond

2510 Washington Boulevard (corner 25th St and Washington)

Music and dancing along with video highlights of Saturday’s Winter Multisport event.

$5 entry for XTERRA athletes, friends, family and volunteers.
$10 entry for general public.

Before the party, enjoy dinner on Historic 25th Street. XTERRA competitors will receive a voucher to present for special discounts at participating restaurants.

SUNDAY
6pm – XTERRA After Party at Roosters Brewing Company on Historic 25th Street

Bring your friends and family and celebrate with XTERRA at Roosters.
Highlights of Sunday’s snowshoe racing will be screened…and there’s great food and a wide range of brews to choose from.

If you think you are not ready for the run portions, not to worry. Elite Feet our favorite running site will have you more than covered. Check them out and find fantastic running tips, ideas, and training help along with great reads in general. For the rest of it, stay tuned, we’ll be back soon with help and gear tips to make certain you have the best weekend ever at the Xterra Winter World Championship weekend! Sign up now and we’ll see you there!