Photos from a Week in Seattle

all photos @ Copyright Coaching Endurance LLC

Video view from the skin track last week in the PacNW. Skinning up under Kendall Peak in Snoqualmie backcountry.

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Use MattHartCE discount code to get 10% off SFH Omega 3 Oil

Wasatch PowederKeg Ski Mountaineering Race 2012

Thinking of Running An Ultra? Training Peaks Piece

TrainingPeaks.com is a website after my own heart.  If they hadn't created it, I probably would have myself.  It's core functionality allows us coaches to see our athlete's training logs and schedule them future workouts, but it does far more than that.  

They also have a very diverse and interesting blog where they publish articles from prominent coaches.  I was lucky enough to be asked to write a piece on ultrarunning.  So I wrote "Things to Consider" if you are planning to run an ultra.  Check it out.

Less Stuff, More Happiness

Does your stuff own you?  Are you so trapped by the boat, SkiDoo and the mortgage that you couldn't even think about chasing a risky dream?  What about the fancy china you received as a wedding gift and have never actually never used?  

It seems like this country has a consumption problem. I'm struck by how few people are on board with less is more. I'm totally there. It's part utility caused by my transient lifestyle, and it's part an attempt to live simple and be happier. Following the American dream of the deferred life means, if you are (conventionally) successful, at some point the stuff you own starts to own you. Requiring your constant attention, be it time or finances - likely both.  Ridding yourself of non-essentials will of course free up more time and more finances.  "Making room for the good stuff".  Have the basics and get rid of the rest. Trust me, it feels good.

This video is what inspired this post.  It's pretty spot on.
Also check out this piece called "Living in a Pop-up Tent Trailer in Baja Mexico".

Paleo Power Balls

For really long ultras, backcountry skiing or anything where I am going slow enough to eat some real food I like to take these Power Balls with me.

Ingredients:   (makes 10 balls or 6 bars)
   * 1 Cup Almonds (soaked)
   * 1 Cup Raisins'
   * 1 Scoop 100% Egg White Protein - Or SFH Whey (MattHartCE discount code)
   * 2 tsp. Cinnamon
   * 1 tbsp Shredded Coconut
   * 1 tbsp Cocao (optional)

Directions:
- Soak the almonds for at least 4hrs.
- Rinse the raisins with some water.
- Toss them in a food processor with the other ingredients & blend until smooth.
- Roll the balls in the shredded Coconut until covered.
- Store in the Freezer.

Next Level:
- To add some crunch to them throw in additional almonds, macadamia, brazil nuts, or cashews to the original batch after it's fully blended. Then give it a quick blend in the food processor so the nuts are chopped up, but not blended.

** Thanks to wonderful Paleo Nutritionist Amy Kubal for the original recipe which I've slightly altered.