mbcracken

Again congrats on a great climb. As usual, a very entertaining TR to read. Cheers, Mike

FWIW, I only know of one individual that had this surgery. He is back to climbing and XC skiing but does it with a completely numb left foot.

Nice!

Thanks for the clarification on whether they were in Kempers or not. Again, I was given this information 3rd hand. Very sad story. -mike

Completely un-comfirmed but hearsay info comes from a pretty good source. The skiers went down Kempers to do a ski to the 410, a fun and challenging route. Apparently, Kempers has no snow/avy managment performed on it all year and there was a fairly large cornice at the top. Also reported is that Kempers has been roped off all season with plenty of warning signs. My condolences go out the the victims friends and families. -Mike

Having gone thru stress fractures and nueromas, I have had all sorts of "orthotics" ranging from prescribed hard ones to prescribed soft ones to a set that I picked up at local running. I can't recall the brand I picked up at the running store but for me, these have been the most useful for me. I find for my feet (narrow and high arch) the support from prescribed footbeds seem to be too stiff for me. I think it would be helpful to be able to offer footbeds that are different stiffness. Kind of along the same thought that you adjust a footbed for sideways support, you could offer different stiffness's of footbeds. Mike

Very well said. I had thought there was some development on powdered delivery of albuterol. googling turned up... http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=1983040 I know it was was done by those whacky frenchies, but stil looks promising for a way to deliver Dry Powder Inhalers (PDI) that are not affected by pressure. Interesting study to see the difference between the MDI (Meter Delivery Inhalers (pressurized) vs. PDI ( Not sure how the powder would work with moisture and cold though... Do you know if your primary trigger worstened by altitude? Or is it just whenever it is cold? My asthma is very mild these days as long as I prevent exposure to allergents (horses, cats, dogs, etc...). I hjave noticed over the last 3-4 years that after a hard 2 hour XC skate session I seem to develop some mild asthma over the next couple hours of recovery. Does not happen during summer (warm weather) workouts. Cheers, Mike

Isn't there now a way to disperse the drug in a powdered form? I know that for a while I was using a powdered asthma drug that was not for immediate intervention but a drug used more as a way to helpthe lungs build up strength. Singular or something like that? -Mike

Any TR that starts 12 years ago is a really long TR! Great job guys! -Mike

Very nice...I guess "she" made you earn this one. -Mike

I was just up in Mazama last weekend. There were a couple groups of roadies out there. I did notice that all the road sand and gravel is still on the shoulder of the road so if you're on a road bike you'll be riding in the road. Not sure if that concerns you or not but thought it might be helpful to no that. I'm not sure when the road crews are going to start sweeping the shoulders but it is usually around the time that they open up the highway. -Mike

Small Fries in Fall City, but the name contradicts the size for one order of fries. If one needs to fatten-up before some big trip then go there. Their shakes are good tasting too. The place is small, the service sucks and don't expect the place to look like it can pass any health inspection. But the food is worth it. The downside to this place is that it's too close to my house. -Mike

I second the concern for over training. The fact that you are a climber as well a hiker, like myself. I tried to continue to do some afterwork power hiking without backing off on some portion of my training. I ended up with achilles problems and stress fractures in my feet. I was able to nurse my achilles along but the foot pain convinced me to see the Doc with just 3 weeks left before my first marathon. He highly suggested that I not run it and I took his advice. I would also stay off pavement as much as possible. Running is just plain hard on the body. My $.02. -Mike

Will do... BTW Polar s720i Thanks -Mike

The 30% is still holding true. I think I'll go with the Polar. I appreciate your feedback. Thanks -Mike

I am currently using a Polar Accurex II that I finally killed this last weekend. I have been looking at some of the newer watches that have altimeters and the HR data gathering. I have been comparing the s710(now s720) with the Suunto X6. Quick facts... Suunto's X6 = $350 Polar s720 = $250 I was wondering what kind of experience people have had with these watches. I was especially interested in the accuracy and reliabilty of the Polar altimeter functionality. I chose these two models because I like to download and track my HR zone training while running/cycling/XC skiing/climbing/... Thanks, -Mike

Try Alpental Ski Patrol web site There are also more pics there.

The problem is that the bridge also carried the communication lines and the sewage pipes! It'll be a while before they can get those pipes setup again. -Mike

I was in a pair of Salomon's last year, but I really didn't like the laceup strap. I could'nt get it snug for my whole foot. My foot doc recommend'd Asics Eagle Trail II to me last time I was in. I picked up a pair a couple months ago and am pretty happy with them for trail running. They are a little wide for my narrow foot, but I like the tread. I'll let you know if the tread falls off in another 4 months.

Sound like you definitely have a canting issue. The solution usually starts with having a good boot bed for your AT/Alpine boots. If your feet aren't flat in a boot then how can you expect to keep a proper ski edge. If that doesn't help then you might have to change the base of your boot some. My pa-in-law had 5 degrees ground off the bottom of his Alpine boots to get his leg straight. Some of the best boot fitters I know of are up in O'Canada. "Snowcovers" and I am not getting any kickbacks for this shameless ad. They are in Vancouver and Whistler(Next to the IGA) I have both AT and Alpine boots and ski's. I agree with going with used alpine ski's for AT gear. You will tear them up quickly. I also use my AT boots(Scarpa Tomba) when I go alpine with my daughters. BTW, the freshies are coming. There was snow in Montana at Big Sky on one of the webcams. -Mike

I agree... I use a Commpocket made by camelbak that attachs very nicely to most shoulder straps...Add a small bungy cord as a leash and you always have it available. At least it works for me. This does only work when it is warm. Cold camera's never do very well. On a side note...I did just get the Canon S400. Great camera that fits all of my needs. I do like the sound capture for the video. -Mike

Why not do it as a solo? -Mike

What are the race details? -Mike

I would say that is true for most injuries but would offer a clarification that areas such as the achilles/ankle/foot still benefit from icing during the whole healing process. I have found that those areas do not have a lot of blood flowing and icing seems to help increase the blood flow there. Just my 2 cents... I am still trying to recover from my achilles tendonitis which involves lots of icing. -Mike

I am sad to see Base Camp close it's doors. Many years ago, I was honored when Frank invited me on a "easy" ski day just outside Baker's ski boundaries. Does anyone know if Frank is "retiring"? -Mike