List of the most popular hashtags for theme #FINDYOURDIRT

Today we did one of our favorite runs in the Alps, the Mettelhorn, from Zermatt. In addition to being all blue sky, it was scorching hot. Scorching. While running up we discovered that there had been a glacial lake outburst event last night. A lot of water came down into Zermatt, washing out bridges and overflowing the banks. On the summit of the Mettelhorn the topic of conversation was about how the glaciers are just about done. For those who spend time in the mountains, anywhere these days, the telltale signs of a changing climate are clearly evident, and it doesn't look good.

It's time to make summer plans and experience running trails through the Alps. Our friends at @runthealps have all their offers available including the #ViaValais, Tour du Mont Blanc and special trips with stars @krissymoehl and @gobroncobilly Shop your dream trip at the link in our profile.

"There are no stars and it's super warm", I muttered as we clicked on our headlamps at 5 a.m. this morning. We planned to do one of our favorite big climbs up to the Hardergrat for sunrise, shoots some pics, lounge in the sun, relax on a summit. But the higher we got, the more the roar of high winds above us became apparent. It didn't sound so pleasant above treeline. Then, while still deep in the forest, the canopy of trees were silhouetted against a blood red sky. "Faster!".... @janinepatitucci @kimberly.strom and I raced upwards hoping to break into an opening to see what we knew we were missing. A gap between the clouds and the horizon was letting the sun work its magic. Once the light show ended and the sun was nowhere to be seen, we continued upward with every piece of clothing on that we'd brought, which wasn't nearly enough. Finally, we reached the ridge where we all stood shivering and wiping our dripping noses with the backs of our hands. "Let's get out of here....." The 1400 meter drop had us peeling layers until we could peel no more. It was all good fun, and the best part... it's trail running season!

Beste turen så langt i år • • #dolomites  #italy #travel #trailrunning #lasportiva #running #salomon #utno #utemafasinet #stiløping #liveterbestute #utpåtur #elevationalps #findyourdirt #runsteepgethigh #discoveraustria #trailrunningaustria

"The one who falls and gets up is stronger than the one who never tried. Do not fear failure but rather fear not trying." . . A #throwback to the vertical mile challenge trail race. This was definitely one of the hardest trail races I had ever done. I went into the race on a new blade. A blade I got a week before the race and so I hadn't even tested it on trails yet. The race was 1 mile vertical climb and 1 mile down on a single track trail and repeat 8 times. A total 16 miles (26km), going up and down. The climb was going to be the most challenging on the blade because it was up a rock face and I had no idea if my blade would actually have grip. . . I went into the race knowing I was either going to have to pull out of the race at the first climb, because I had no grip or I was going to kick some butt and have one heck of a journey. My blade did have grip and I had one heck of a journey. I finished that race with the biggest smile on my face and a few extra battle scars(see second photo) #dontbeafraidtofail #trailrunner #ilovetrailrunning

After a month away from home, and lots of people requesting condition reports, I can finally speak with, and share, firsthand knowledge. Thanks to the Alps' weekend heatwave, we have progress in snow melting. But, there is a lot of snow. We ran in the #JungfrauRegion above Lauterbrunnen Valley, on part of our Obersteinberg loop (see our site), and could only run trails facing south, and to about 2000 meters. North facing slopes are buried. The coming days bring more heat and dry weather. We're getting there.

It is finally race week and Saturday I will take on my toughest challenge yet. My first ever ultra (40 Miles/64km). It has been such an incredible journey getting to this point and every one of these photos tell a different story about my ultra/trail running journey so far(swipe right). I discovered my love for trail running, something I didn't think would be possible on a blade. I went from being absolutely terrified to finding my confidence. Trail running has taken me to so many wonderful places. I got to run at Badwater salt flats with temps at 118F (48C), my blade felt like it was on fire. I ran on so many beautiful trails up in the hills in California and North Carolina and I even got my 5 year old excited about trail running. . I can honestly say that whatever race day may bring, I've had one incredible journey getting to the start line. . Thank you so much to everyone for your encouragement and following my crazy ultra journey.

Most all of my closest friends have come through the work we do. Being connected to great people, and athletes, has been one of the things I appreciate most about being a mountain sport photographer. Last week, @blackdiamondequipment connected us with a fellow American living in the Alps, and the 2018 Sky Running Champ, @hillary_gerardi We ran a peak, shared a sunrise, drank coffee at a hut, and laughed, a lot! Boom! Another friend.

Sabrina Stanley is the first woman to reach the Grant Swamp pass. #trailrunner #trailrunning #findyourvert #findyourdirt