Sierra

Sierra
Sierra

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Sunday, 10/02/11 Long Canyon/Gregory Canyon

4.19 miles/855 vert./1:18:36

Jumped in the van with Allison and the girls at the base of Flag. to carpool up to the Realization TH..  From there, we headed up Long Canyon to the top and back, going pretty casual and having a great time with the girls.  I of course petitioned to push on to the top of Green, but given the late hour, we really needed to get them home for dinner and bed.  The consolation was that I was able to run down Gregory back to the car which was a nice addition, especially since I did not think I would be able to get outside at all today.

Saturday, 10/01/11 Green Mountain

From Chautauqua
Up Mesa/3rd acc./NE/Greenman
Down Greenman/NE/1st acc./Saddle/Amphi

4.11 miles/2,426 vert./1:06:30 RT/151 avg. HR Garmin Data

Sent out the bat signal the day before and 3/4 of the invitees showed up which might be a record (at least in a long while)(Tony, Homie and Brandon).

Tony was anxious to show me how he perfected the route I introduced to him on our Tuesday hike/run up behind the 3rd Flatiron.  We went conversational pace much of the way, stopping occasionally to regroup and chat.  Brandon seemed to really be enjoying the steep trail to the back of the 3rd, then we told him that it had not really even gotten steep yet and that really seemed to excite him that much more.

Once on the Greenman Trail, Tony kicked it into the highest hiking gear I have ever seen.  I was hiking too and running occasionally, pushing hard to keep up and yo-yo-ed a bit off his pace.  He was hauling ass!  Again, we re-grouped on the summit, spending a few minutes there and then eventually headed down, taking the descent fairly casual, just talking a million words a minute all the way back.

This was one of the most enjoyable outings I have had in a long time, perfect morning, super fun route, but best yet, it was great to get out with 3 great friends whom I share so much in common.

Tony, Homie, Brandon







Homie getting after it

Brandon on a section of trail that looks steep, but is relatively benign compared to what is to come (see Garmin elevation profile)

It gets a bit steep




Return to Green after a few months away

The Masters

Friday, 09/30/11 Green Mountain

From Chautauqua:  Up Amphi/Saddle/Greenman Down NE/1st Flat acc./Saddle/Amphi
4.62 miles/2,456 vert./1:08 RT (37:50 up +4:59 across Chautauqua)

Started a bit before 7am and it was still feeling pretty dawn like and a bit chilly, 42 degrees.  It was my intent to push hard on this run and shoot for a decent time, but I was not feeling it at all.  My legs felt OK at best, but my stomach was unsettled, my breathing was labored, I felt stumbly and tired, all kinds of excuses.  I vascillated between attacking the hill and giving up and eventually made the summit in a very disappointing 37:50, which did not at all coincide with my 165 HR.  Not sure what was up with that, but maybe I just need to take it easy for a few days.

Later in the morning, we all piled in the van and headed up to RMNP for a scenic foliage drive and a few miles of easy walking around Moraine Park.







Amelie and Darcie

Allison and Isabelle

Allison



Isabelle LOVES this


Thursday, 09/29/11 Green Mountain

Up/Down back  5.4 miles/2,382 vert./2:25

My family is in town for the girls 1st birthday, so while the grandparents watched babies, Allison, my sister Darcie, Sierra and I were able to get out for a hike up Green.  Awesome morning, very cool and overcast, then clearing at the summit and became reasonably warm.  The foliage sure is getting good right about now.

Darcie, Allison