Chris, thought you might enjoy this video series on Youtube detailed Cody Townsend's project to ski the 50 classic descents of North America. https://www.youtube.com/@CodyTownsend/videos
Hey Chris, current skinning gear? I'm currently using a heavy setup that is great for skiing downhill and only having to take one setup for resort and uphill days. I figure I can lose the weight on me first before the gear.
I have 2 sets, one optimized for downhill and one optimized for up. I bought new sets of each last season. I far prefer the uphill optimized set. >90% of the day skinning is up and I find going as light as possible to be the right compromise. Downhill it is little problem at 80% of my maximum speed. Beyond that they feel chattery and insubstantial compared with the best downhill skis, but not horrible. Also my uphill set is better for expeditions as it is more durable. I have a set of Volkls with S/Lab bindings. I showed them to someone who is helping me prep for Vinson Massif and he asked where the nearest Solomon shop is in Antarctica if they break. My lighter set is the DPS Pagoda Tours (https://www.dpsskis.com/collections/pagoda-tour/products/new-powderworks-tour-110-c2). I am crazy about them. Super comfy uphill / solid downhill. Five stars. Super light Solomon pin bindings that are virtually indestructible (famous last words). Extremely comfortable and light Scarpa boots with specialty custom inserts -- by far the best boots I've ever worn. I can keep up at a resort, but this is a great backcountry set up. Can go into more detail. Interestingly, the resortish set was bought at a ski shop that is 95% resort-focuses clientele and the real backcountry set was bought at a ski shop that is more like a third skinning, a third nordic, and a third resort. I should have started there but for great selection you need to be at a place that focuses on backcountry sports.
Thanks very much for the info. Friends have all recommended lighter gear as they're more into backcountry than me so this is more good info that I should look into it more seriously. I'm currently doing mostly inbounds skinning for the fun and exercise (and early powder) but would like that to change. Plenty of good stuff out here CO.
Thanks! Currently still gathering notes and information on skis/bindings etc. Current goals are focused on getting my fitness to a better place and then see how I feel about my current gear, what's in the market etc.
That is wise. A lot of guys could skip the carbon fiber and go with far cheaper and almost as good options that weigh a few more ounces and net out the same weight after a few solid weeks of no refined sugar or booze!
Regarding gaining strength/muscle do you deadlift heavy? For a very long time I regarded it as something specialized and not beneficial to making gains other being able to deadlift more. In my fifties I gave it a try, lifting near max every other week and trying for an new max at least four weeks between. After several months I was surprised and pleased with the results. My chin/pull-up reps more than doubled and the benefit to all pulling movements was dramatic.
50% protein (could slide down to 30% but 50% is currently where it is) / 40% fat / 10% carbs. A lot of eggs, a lot of red meat, a lot of whey shakes. Sardines and sprouts. Snacking on berries.
3 days per week. We cycle through chest, back, and shoulders (with arms added on various days) in a progression from high to medium to lower weights and commensurate low/medium/higher reps. It is less skills, speed, and compound barbell work than CrossFit, trying to just slow down a bit, take adequate rests between sets, and get stronger and build muscle. My CrossFit WODs are heavily geared to lower body so we skip leg day.
Sounds like a great addition to crossfit and trail running. I'm glad you mentioned Mark Rippletoe in another post, I like the Starting Strength protocol and recommend all his content for people starting or restarting a weight training program. I'm enjoying the blog, its an informative read.
I lived in Park City Utah in the late 1990s. On several occasions I had the opportunity to hike up and ski down the mountain. It was a wonderful 3 winters I spent out there. I worked on the slopes teaching skiing but on our off days we would ski other resorts and had some amazing experiences and deep powder skiing. I'll never forget it.
An extraordinary journey you're on, bordering on the obsessive (not criticism). My inherent laziness prevents me from even remotely consider this. I do envy the impact your regime must have on your psyche. Good luck
Not sure I'm even close to the border! A problem with moderation for me is that some of it is where I'm substantively focused (currently weight training 1-on-1 with my trainer is really where I want to make progress) but because my schedule gets flipped around for training, it is also my only social outlet so I never want to miss trail runs or CrossFit or BJJ...
An extraordinary journey you're on, bordering on the obsessive (not criticism). My inherent laziness prevents me from even remotely consider this. I do envy the impact your regime must have on your psyche. Good luck
Chris, thought you might enjoy this video series on Youtube detailed Cody Townsend's project to ski the 50 classic descents of North America. https://www.youtube.com/@CodyTownsend/videos
Mostly the videos are on doing the lines but some are on gear which I thought on topic. E.g. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZL-Y-U90dY
Thanks! I look forward to watching those.
Hey Chris, current skinning gear? I'm currently using a heavy setup that is great for skiing downhill and only having to take one setup for resort and uphill days. I figure I can lose the weight on me first before the gear.
I have 2 sets, one optimized for downhill and one optimized for up. I bought new sets of each last season. I far prefer the uphill optimized set. >90% of the day skinning is up and I find going as light as possible to be the right compromise. Downhill it is little problem at 80% of my maximum speed. Beyond that they feel chattery and insubstantial compared with the best downhill skis, but not horrible. Also my uphill set is better for expeditions as it is more durable. I have a set of Volkls with S/Lab bindings. I showed them to someone who is helping me prep for Vinson Massif and he asked where the nearest Solomon shop is in Antarctica if they break. My lighter set is the DPS Pagoda Tours (https://www.dpsskis.com/collections/pagoda-tour/products/new-powderworks-tour-110-c2). I am crazy about them. Super comfy uphill / solid downhill. Five stars. Super light Solomon pin bindings that are virtually indestructible (famous last words). Extremely comfortable and light Scarpa boots with specialty custom inserts -- by far the best boots I've ever worn. I can keep up at a resort, but this is a great backcountry set up. Can go into more detail. Interestingly, the resortish set was bought at a ski shop that is 95% resort-focuses clientele and the real backcountry set was bought at a ski shop that is more like a third skinning, a third nordic, and a third resort. I should have started there but for great selection you need to be at a place that focuses on backcountry sports.
Thanks very much for the info. Friends have all recommended lighter gear as they're more into backcountry than me so this is more good info that I should look into it more seriously. I'm currently doing mostly inbounds skinning for the fun and exercise (and early powder) but would like that to change. Plenty of good stuff out here CO.
Another worth considering (probably my next pair after I craft a convincing answer to an inevitable spousal inquiry regarding why one needs three pairs of touring skis): https://www.majestyskisamerica.com/collections/2023-touring-skis/products/superscout-carbon-touring-skis-2023?variant=43500736807135
Thanks! Currently still gathering notes and information on skis/bindings etc. Current goals are focused on getting my fitness to a better place and then see how I feel about my current gear, what's in the market etc.
That is wise. A lot of guys could skip the carbon fiber and go with far cheaper and almost as good options that weigh a few more ounces and net out the same weight after a few solid weeks of no refined sugar or booze!
Hey Chris,
Regarding gaining strength/muscle do you deadlift heavy? For a very long time I regarded it as something specialized and not beneficial to making gains other being able to deadlift more. In my fifties I gave it a try, lifting near max every other week and trying for an new max at least four weeks between. After several months I was surprised and pleased with the results. My chin/pull-up reps more than doubled and the benefit to all pulling movements was dramatic.
I love deadlifts and they're (slowly/too slowly) getting heavier. That is really interesting and encouraging to hear how they help other things.
What's your macro breakdown (fat/protenin/carb)?
50% protein (could slide down to 30% but 50% is currently where it is) / 40% fat / 10% carbs. A lot of eggs, a lot of red meat, a lot of whey shakes. Sardines and sprouts. Snacking on berries.
what kinda sprouts?
Radish, broccoli, kale, pea shoots, red cabbage and borage mix https://app.barn2door.com/3R0Jd/all/njwmO
ty sir!
What lifts do you do with your trainer and how many days a week do you lift?
3 days per week. We cycle through chest, back, and shoulders (with arms added on various days) in a progression from high to medium to lower weights and commensurate low/medium/higher reps. It is less skills, speed, and compound barbell work than CrossFit, trying to just slow down a bit, take adequate rests between sets, and get stronger and build muscle. My CrossFit WODs are heavily geared to lower body so we skip leg day.
Sounds like a great addition to crossfit and trail running. I'm glad you mentioned Mark Rippletoe in another post, I like the Starting Strength protocol and recommend all his content for people starting or restarting a weight training program. I'm enjoying the blog, its an informative read.
Thanks! I'm a big fan of Rip's and enjoy his (often cranky but always useful) pod: https://startingstrength.com/radio
I lived in Park City Utah in the late 1990s. On several occasions I had the opportunity to hike up and ski down the mountain. It was a wonderful 3 winters I spent out there. I worked on the slopes teaching skiing but on our off days we would ski other resorts and had some amazing experiences and deep powder skiing. I'll never forget it.
What a perfect place to live. I love Utah. That sounds as if you had a terrific experience.
Happy Birthday, Chris! 🥳 Happy trails to you on the continuation of your journey
Thanks! Excited to spend the birthday morning with my trail running family.
An extraordinary journey you're on, bordering on the obsessive (not criticism). My inherent laziness prevents me from even remotely consider this. I do envy the impact your regime must have on your psyche. Good luck
Not sure I'm even close to the border! A problem with moderation for me is that some of it is where I'm substantively focused (currently weight training 1-on-1 with my trainer is really where I want to make progress) but because my schedule gets flipped around for training, it is also my only social outlet so I never want to miss trail runs or CrossFit or BJJ...
An extraordinary journey you're on, bordering on the obsessive (not criticism). My inherent laziness prevents me from even remotely consider this. I do envy the impact your regime must have on your psyche. Good luck