Where Water Buffalo Roam

Clear Creek "Men hang out their sign indicative of their respective trades: Shoemakers hang out a gigantic shoe, jewelers a monster watch, and the dentist hangs out a gold tooth.  But up in the mountains of New Hampshire, God almighty has hung out a sign to show that there, he makes men."                                                                                                           -Daniel Webster, famed American statesman and scholar      "If I jump in the cold water I won't get Hepatitis B."  Stripping down to boxers and sox, for a second I believed him.  Shivering on a ledge covered by a sheet of ice and fresh dusting of snow, something didn’t feel right.  The flat mid-November light was turning to dusk and water gushed through a tight notch thirty feet below.      “You just have to jump in the middle of that dark green spot, I've  done it before.”  Alarm bells were ringing.  He was confident, then he was gone—and in that m

‘Exploring new terrain via human power’ Tweet me! Written by Deborah Stone    Andrew Fast Andrew Fast claims there are no big secrets to being an endurance athlete. The local man, an elite trail runner and triathlete with an oh, so apropos last name, says it’s basically about showing up and putting in the work. Most importantly, he adds, “Don’t take yourself too seriously. Laugh often.” Fast, who was born and bred in Woodinville, recently set the speed record on Haleakala, Maui’s highest peak and dormant volcano. He ran the 18-mile trail that goes from sea level to 10,000 feet in 3 hours and 37 minutes.  To give you an idea of how impressive this record is, previous attempts by others took double that amount of time. Fast’s achievement and recount of the run is featured in the February issue of “Trail Runner Magazine.” The local man’s interest in endurance sports was first ignited when he was a student at Seattle Un

Training plans : weekly/monthy Price : $199-$299 per month depending on plan.  Hourly consultation also available. Philosophy : Every athlete is unique and everyone has to put in the effort to race well. Background: I have ridden self supported across the southern tier of Asia, the length of Patagonia, and in many other beautiful desolate places. My knowledge base is centered on half iron and iron distance triathlon, mid distance trail races, and human powered expeditions. Member of prestigious La Sportiva Mountain Running Team.  Nuun Ambassador.  PowerBar Team Elite and Nutrition Pro.  Co-captain Woodinville Triathlon Team. Recent acomplishments: *1st O'all ChelanMan Olympic Triathlon *2nd O'all Yakima Skyline 25km *2nd O'all King of Sting (100km Mountain bike + 50km Trail Run) *7th O'all Vancouver International Triathlon (Half Iron) *FKT Haleakala (18 miles; sea level to 10,000ft) 3:37 Andrew Fast fastafast @gmail.com (206) 799-5374  

*Photos: Eddie Gianelloni --> Haleakala: The Fast W ay “Mainland, yea?”   Biting the top of her knuckle, the old wooden desk creaking as she leaned in heavy.   Pressing the phone to her ear and tripoding her elbows on the desk, she listened close for a few more seconds then looked up at me and asks: “So the dogs came after you?” her tanned forehead crinkling into the shape of a ‘V’.    “Well, no.   Not really.”   Pausing mid sentence and putting myself in the ranchers boots on the other end of the phone line; this must sound ridiculous.   A runner from the mainland with no shirt and short shorts wanders off his ranch into the Kaupo General Store and wants to know why his dogs, specially trained to protect the livestock, come after him when he runs towards the livestock. Meg presses the old phone back to her ear then leans back in her springy office chair: “Okay, thanks John, got it.”   I wander aimlessly in the cubical sized store.   Meg tilts her head, pin

Photos: Eddie Gianelloni