3/10/08
~5.4 miles/~1,800ft
Took some of the back trails into Eldo, ran up Eldorado trail to the Rincon Wall climbing access, went East of the wall to a steep S. facing gulley, then went left up an East facing gulley to the top of the wall. Was surprised to see two climbers high on the wall. The gulleys were quite steep and the footing was terrible, lots of loose rock and a few class 3+ climbing moves. Was being careful to not mess myself up, as nobody knew where I was.
Would like to go back soon and explore some more.
Sierra
Sierra
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
"Platte Peak" 11,941
“Platte Peak” 11,941
3/08/08
~10 miles/3,681 vertical
From N. Ben Tyler Trailhead
Jeff and Allison Valliere, Dave Hale, Scooby, Shep and Sierra
In an effort to avoid the nasty weather predicted for the high country, we figured we would settle an old score with “Platte Peak” (since we completely missed it in the poor weather in early December and climbed Kenosha by mistake).We met up at the N. Ben Tyler TH a bit before 9 and were on the trail a few minutes after. We clomped along on packed trail/dry ground in our snowshoes for what seemed like quite a long time. We eventually got sick of this and removed them, only to find that we needed them again minutes later. Oh well, when you need them, you really need them. The snow got progressively deeper as we ascended and Dave did a great job breaking trail while I hung back and waited for Allison to tend to blisters.As the valley began to steepen, we decided that we would beeline it toward the summit and save us a bit of distance since the indistinguishable remnants of weeks old trail was quickly fading. It was here the real fun began as we trudged up through the ever steepening, bottomless, unconsolidated snow on North facing slopes. It seemed as if we were going nowhere and frequent checking of the GPS confirmed this in an oh so painful way. It was a very high level of effort to even make any forward progress. Every now and then, we just literally could not go up, so we would just traverse left until we found more solid snow, then head up again. Up, left, up, left..... as Dave and I took turns breaking trail.As soon as we were getting pretty fed up with this, we emerged from the trees and encountered an nice, bare, rocky, grassy slope. We stashed the snowshoes and then cruised on up to the ridge. It was still another 4/10th of a mile, but it was total easy street and we were quite proud of ourselves to make it here on account of the wallowing.We spent a little over 20 minutes enjoying the nice, calm summit and remarking that it looked a bit worse on the higher peaks.The trip down was a complete blast. Easy walking along the ridge, then world class snowshoe skiing as we picked a more direct and steeper line back down to the trail. We were glad to be in the trees and on generally safe terrain as we heard some good “whoomphing” from time to time, a first for me.We made it back to the car in 2.5 hours, vs. 5.5 for the ascent. This was quite the hard earned 11er, yet one of the more rewarding days in the last week at least.Pictures:http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r...Platte%20Peak/
3/08/08
~10 miles/3,681 vertical
From N. Ben Tyler Trailhead
Jeff and Allison Valliere, Dave Hale, Scooby, Shep and Sierra
In an effort to avoid the nasty weather predicted for the high country, we figured we would settle an old score with “Platte Peak” (since we completely missed it in the poor weather in early December and climbed Kenosha by mistake).We met up at the N. Ben Tyler TH a bit before 9 and were on the trail a few minutes after. We clomped along on packed trail/dry ground in our snowshoes for what seemed like quite a long time. We eventually got sick of this and removed them, only to find that we needed them again minutes later. Oh well, when you need them, you really need them. The snow got progressively deeper as we ascended and Dave did a great job breaking trail while I hung back and waited for Allison to tend to blisters.As the valley began to steepen, we decided that we would beeline it toward the summit and save us a bit of distance since the indistinguishable remnants of weeks old trail was quickly fading. It was here the real fun began as we trudged up through the ever steepening, bottomless, unconsolidated snow on North facing slopes. It seemed as if we were going nowhere and frequent checking of the GPS confirmed this in an oh so painful way. It was a very high level of effort to even make any forward progress. Every now and then, we just literally could not go up, so we would just traverse left until we found more solid snow, then head up again. Up, left, up, left..... as Dave and I took turns breaking trail.As soon as we were getting pretty fed up with this, we emerged from the trees and encountered an nice, bare, rocky, grassy slope. We stashed the snowshoes and then cruised on up to the ridge. It was still another 4/10th of a mile, but it was total easy street and we were quite proud of ourselves to make it here on account of the wallowing.We spent a little over 20 minutes enjoying the nice, calm summit and remarking that it looked a bit worse on the higher peaks.The trip down was a complete blast. Easy walking along the ridge, then world class snowshoe skiing as we picked a more direct and steeper line back down to the trail. We were glad to be in the trees and on generally safe terrain as we heard some good “whoomphing” from time to time, a first for me.We made it back to the car in 2.5 hours, vs. 5.5 for the ascent. This was quite the hard earned 11er, yet one of the more rewarding days in the last week at least.Pictures:http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r...Platte%20Peak/
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Sanitas
3/06/08
5 miles
1,800 vertical
18:48
173bpm
Had a great little warm up from the hospital, over red rocks to the bike path and back. 19 minutes at 129bpm ave. Got to Sanitas and intended to go moderate and stuck to my plan. Went somewhat easy on the steeper sections and aimed for a bit of speed and turnover on the flatter sections. I was able to keep my HR at a very consistent rate and the effort seemed easy, fluid and well regulated. I felt as though I could have held a conversation most of the way. Funny how I went 38 seconds faster at 2 more bpm on Tuesday, but felt as though I was giving it just about my all, but today I felt like I was hardly giving it anything.
On the summit, I was pleasantly surprised to bump into my good friends Steve Hoffmeyer, Gerry Roach and Jennifer Roach. We had a bit of a chat and started down. Soon Gerry and I got a bit ahead of Steve and Jennifer and conversation with Gerry as always made the time go fast. I wanted to wait for Steve and Jennifer, but poor Sierra had been enduring many long hours of boredom, so I felt the need to get home quick.
I am so stoked on the progress my knee has made. I am still aware of it, but only SLIGHTLY, it may just be a touch of paranoia, but it has caused me no pain, discomfort or weakness in nearly a month and I have gone hard uphill and down several times without a hitch. I am really getting sick of the snow and cold and long for warm sunshine and shorts.
5 miles
1,800 vertical
18:48
173bpm
Had a great little warm up from the hospital, over red rocks to the bike path and back. 19 minutes at 129bpm ave. Got to Sanitas and intended to go moderate and stuck to my plan. Went somewhat easy on the steeper sections and aimed for a bit of speed and turnover on the flatter sections. I was able to keep my HR at a very consistent rate and the effort seemed easy, fluid and well regulated. I felt as though I could have held a conversation most of the way. Funny how I went 38 seconds faster at 2 more bpm on Tuesday, but felt as though I was giving it just about my all, but today I felt like I was hardly giving it anything.
On the summit, I was pleasantly surprised to bump into my good friends Steve Hoffmeyer, Gerry Roach and Jennifer Roach. We had a bit of a chat and started down. Soon Gerry and I got a bit ahead of Steve and Jennifer and conversation with Gerry as always made the time go fast. I wanted to wait for Steve and Jennifer, but poor Sierra had been enduring many long hours of boredom, so I felt the need to get home quick.
I am so stoked on the progress my knee has made. I am still aware of it, but only SLIGHTLY, it may just be a touch of paranoia, but it has caused me no pain, discomfort or weakness in nearly a month and I have gone hard uphill and down several times without a hitch. I am really getting sick of the snow and cold and long for warm sunshine and shorts.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Sanitas
3/4/08
7.2 miles
2,450 vertical
18:10 up Sanitas S. Ridge
11:39 down Sanitas S. Ridge
29:49 RT
175bpm ave HR on the ascent
I felt so good yesterday, I knew I had to give Sanitas a quick run today, just to see where I am at. I did a 1.5 mile warm up, went back to the car to swap out for a lighter jacket and I was off.
I started off at a seemingly fast pace. I really cranked, but soon found myself power hiking on the first steep section. I quickly went back to a run and was feeling OK and keeping a good tempo. At about the half way point, I started to feel as though I was fading a bit and was hacking up a lot phlegm (I think due to the cold air). I kept plugging away, trying to maintain a good pace, but there was no denying it, I was progressively fading. I tried my best to not look at my watch, and only looked at it once at 14:39 before the very short downhill where there is always that puddle. I knew focusing on the watch would not help, if anything it would discourage me.
I went a fast pace on the downhill, but was still being a bit cautious. Afterward, I headed over red rocks toward Settlers, across Eben G, started up Flag, but it was muddy and I was not committed, then backtracked.
Overall, I was pleased with my improvement, as I was 33 seconds faster than I have done all year, but I am still a minute slower than I was in January 2 years ago which is not so good.
Even though I only averaged 175bpm, I felt that I gave it about 95% effort. Why not 100%? I tried, but don't have the fitness to give 100% right now if that makes any sense.
7.2 miles
2,450 vertical
18:10 up Sanitas S. Ridge
11:39 down Sanitas S. Ridge
29:49 RT
175bpm ave HR on the ascent
I felt so good yesterday, I knew I had to give Sanitas a quick run today, just to see where I am at. I did a 1.5 mile warm up, went back to the car to swap out for a lighter jacket and I was off.
I started off at a seemingly fast pace. I really cranked, but soon found myself power hiking on the first steep section. I quickly went back to a run and was feeling OK and keeping a good tempo. At about the half way point, I started to feel as though I was fading a bit and was hacking up a lot phlegm (I think due to the cold air). I kept plugging away, trying to maintain a good pace, but there was no denying it, I was progressively fading. I tried my best to not look at my watch, and only looked at it once at 14:39 before the very short downhill where there is always that puddle. I knew focusing on the watch would not help, if anything it would discourage me.
I went a fast pace on the downhill, but was still being a bit cautious. Afterward, I headed over red rocks toward Settlers, across Eben G, started up Flag, but it was muddy and I was not committed, then backtracked.
Overall, I was pleased with my improvement, as I was 33 seconds faster than I have done all year, but I am still a minute slower than I was in January 2 years ago which is not so good.
Even though I only averaged 175bpm, I felt that I gave it about 95% effort. Why not 100%? I tried, but don't have the fitness to give 100% right now if that makes any sense.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Sanitas
3/3/08
3 miles
1,300 vertical
19:50up
15 down
Ran Sanitas today and felt great, but went pretty easy on the first half, then moderate on the second half.
3 miles
1,300 vertical
19:50up
15 down
Ran Sanitas today and felt great, but went pretty easy on the first half, then moderate on the second half.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Mt. Sherman (14,036)
Mt. Sherman (14,036)
03/01/08
~12.4 miles
~3,400 vertical
Jeff and Allison Valliere, Dave Hale, Kevin Lund, Scooby, Shep, Sierra and Bullwinkle the Moose
Driving through Four Mile Creek valley at 8 am we call Dave to let him know we are just a few miles away. He informs us that he is sitting in his truck, stuck in a snow drift, observing a large bull moose near the Fourmile Campground 8 miles in. SWEET! Kevin steps on the gas and gets us there quick. We slow down as to not scare the moose, but he hears us and eases up the road a bit. We creep up to Dave’s truck and now get a good view of him. He is lingering 200 feet or so up the road and we take copious amounts of photos and gawk for a while. We all remark that if we turned around and went home now, it would be a worthwhile day.
Ah, but we are here to climb Sherman, so first things first, we have to get Dave’s truck out of the drift. We dig, push and tow with Kevin’s Jeep for some time and finally extract Dave's truck and park on the side of the road. We probably could have gotten through, but the drifts came in quick succession beyond and became continuously deeper, so there was no point in trying to go any further.
We finally got walking around 9:30am and the first mile or so went by quick as we followed the moose, keeping the dogs on leash and under control as we did not want to stress him out at all. Eventually he disappeared and we lost his track. What a large and impressive animal.The weather reports were calling for temps in the 30’s and high winds. The prospect of high winds got me a bit discouraged a bit late in the week, but we just decided to go for it regardless and were very well rewarded for our efforts. We started off the day in just light layers, ball caps and glove liners. I have been much colder in July before.
At Leavick, we donned a layer, as there were a few sporadic gusts of wind, but nothing too threatening whatsoever. We moved fast while we were moving, but stopped a few times and really lingered as it was absolutely enjoyable lingering weather. It was tempting at times to just kick back and lounge for the day.Above the highest mining cabins of the Hilltop Mine, we decided against taking the standard route to the saddle and up the ridge, so we angled right toward the Sherman/White Ridge saddle to avoid some steep snow and the sure bet of strong wind on the ridge.
At around 13,400 feet on our revised route, the wind kicked up a bit, but was at our backs fortunately and was balmy. At the saddle, we were eventually coaxed into our shells for the final dash to the summit. The wind occasionally created a good ground blizzard on the summit plateau, but let up some while we took 20+ minutes or so to take pictures and enjoy the crystal clear views from the summit. I believe we arrived there at 1:55ish.
This was probably the best day in the mountains we have had since last September. Warm, clear and calm for most of the day and when there was wind, it was hardly an issue. I felt amazingly fresh today, what a difference 2 weeks and better weather conditions can make. While climbing Bross 2 weeks ago, I felt like I was redlined and going nowhere. It felt as though I would never make the summit. Today I felt as though I was barely beyond idling speed and moving up the peak with extreme ease. The summit appeared surprisingly quick. Today we were all strong and well matched, nobody ever really got ahead or fell behind.
The trip out was a cruise and we stopped and lingered many times just enjoying the sun and warmth. We arrived back at the vehicles at 4:50 and said our good byes to Dave.
Now the real fun begins……On our way out, while still on the dirt road, we hear a belt squealing under the hood of Kevin’s Jeep. I dismiss it as just a minor squeal due to the slush puddles we just splashed through. Soon Kev’s power steering fails and we think that perhaps it just needs some power steering fluid. We limp into the Shell/Subway in Fairplay, pop the hood and realize that we have major problems. Anti-freeze is covering the engine and is now pouring out on the ground. We then notice that the serpentine belt has slipped off, shearing the tension pin in the process. This could be a late night.
Several calls, a few hours and lots of Pizza Hut later, Kevin’s brother rolls up to save the day. We make it home at 10pm tired, but no worse for the wear and are quite thankful to get home and thankful for such a great day in the mountains.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Green Mountain
7 miles
2,500 vertical (2,800 for the day)
42:10 up from Gregory TH
164bpm average
Great day out, spring is in the air. Started off thinking I was going to go fast, but quickly realized that I was not really able to get my HR up and my legs felt a little tired. I just plugged along at a hardish medium effort, getting in a good workout, but listening to my body and not trying to over extend myself. No sense in making things worse.
There was also quite a bit of snow, ice, slush today even though it was over 60 degrees (it is going to take a while for this to melt out, even if it did not snow again anytime soon). Even though I wasn't feeling great today, I was somewhat pleased with my time, as I was 5:40 faster than last time I ran this route on Feb 2nd where I thought I was giving it a good effort. My splits were 17:45 at the ranger hut and 38:?? at the 4 way jct before the summit.
Once at the summit, I did a immidiate u-turn to go meet Allison and Sierra who were not far back. Allison made it up in 54 minutes which was quite good I thought, as she was managing the dog.
2,500 vertical (2,800 for the day)
42:10 up from Gregory TH
164bpm average
Great day out, spring is in the air. Started off thinking I was going to go fast, but quickly realized that I was not really able to get my HR up and my legs felt a little tired. I just plugged along at a hardish medium effort, getting in a good workout, but listening to my body and not trying to over extend myself. No sense in making things worse.
There was also quite a bit of snow, ice, slush today even though it was over 60 degrees (it is going to take a while for this to melt out, even if it did not snow again anytime soon). Even though I wasn't feeling great today, I was somewhat pleased with my time, as I was 5:40 faster than last time I ran this route on Feb 2nd where I thought I was giving it a good effort. My splits were 17:45 at the ranger hut and 38:?? at the 4 way jct before the summit.
Once at the summit, I did a immidiate u-turn to go meet Allison and Sierra who were not far back. Allison made it up in 54 minutes which was quite good I thought, as she was managing the dog.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Sanitas x 2.5
9 miles
3,100 vertical
Got out for 2 and a half laps on Sanitas today. First lap I took a bit wide going up Dakota ridge and up the East side. Went moderately easy taking 29 minutes at an average HR of 145. Did another half lap on the S. Ridge while waiting for Allison, then she, Sierra and I did another very casual lap. All in all a great day out, except for Sierra rolling in poop. We just gave her a nice bath on Sunday and she was all shined up and fluffy. Apparently dogs do not like being clean and just can't wait to get into feces or animal carcass. She earned herself a merciless high pressure hosing and shampooing in the back yard in the fading light. She never seems to learn, but we have since made up. Unconditional love.
3,100 vertical
Got out for 2 and a half laps on Sanitas today. First lap I took a bit wide going up Dakota ridge and up the East side. Went moderately easy taking 29 minutes at an average HR of 145. Did another half lap on the S. Ridge while waiting for Allison, then she, Sierra and I did another very casual lap. All in all a great day out, except for Sierra rolling in poop. We just gave her a nice bath on Sunday and she was all shined up and fluffy. Apparently dogs do not like being clean and just can't wait to get into feces or animal carcass. She earned herself a merciless high pressure hosing and shampooing in the back yard in the fading light. She never seems to learn, but we have since made up. Unconditional love.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Flagstaff
Flagstaff
~4.5 miles
~1,500 vertical
19:50 up/15 down
Chipping away at my Flagstaff time. 24:44 on Feb 6th, 20:53 on Feb 13th, 20:06 last week and now I did a 19:50. I was pretty happy with todays effort, as the conditions were probably the worst of all 4 trips. I started off doing my best to avoid the big patches of sticky mud, but even so, managed to accumulate several extra pounds of mud per shoe. I felt like a fly on fly paper. I was sure that I would not have a PR for the month, but I just kept plugging along. I felt pretty good despite the poor condtions and things quickly started to shape up. The trail turned from mud and slush to all snow after the first road crossing. Even though I did not have studded shoes, the snow for the most part provided a somewhat solid grip. At each "toe off", I would lose a bit of traction, so efficiency was not the greatest, but I never felt as though I was going to slip and bust a$$ like on recent trips. The snow was a real hinderance for the final few hundred feet from the last trail junction to the top, but I managed to keep a good tempo and made it to the finish in 19:50. Still not a time to be proud of, but I worked for this one and I am happy that I am starting to see progress. Can't wait for the trails to fully dry out so I don't have any excuses.
~4.5 miles
~1,500 vertical
19:50 up/15 down
Chipping away at my Flagstaff time. 24:44 on Feb 6th, 20:53 on Feb 13th, 20:06 last week and now I did a 19:50. I was pretty happy with todays effort, as the conditions were probably the worst of all 4 trips. I started off doing my best to avoid the big patches of sticky mud, but even so, managed to accumulate several extra pounds of mud per shoe. I felt like a fly on fly paper. I was sure that I would not have a PR for the month, but I just kept plugging along. I felt pretty good despite the poor condtions and things quickly started to shape up. The trail turned from mud and slush to all snow after the first road crossing. Even though I did not have studded shoes, the snow for the most part provided a somewhat solid grip. At each "toe off", I would lose a bit of traction, so efficiency was not the greatest, but I never felt as though I was going to slip and bust a$$ like on recent trips. The snow was a real hinderance for the final few hundred feet from the last trail junction to the top, but I managed to keep a good tempo and made it to the finish in 19:50. Still not a time to be proud of, but I worked for this one and I am happy that I am starting to see progress. Can't wait for the trails to fully dry out so I don't have any excuses.
Weekend Wrap Up
Saturday 2/23
House chores galore, plus I am spanked from the run the previous day. 2 miles of hiking and 200 vertical. Just a walk to get the dog out really.
Sunday 2/24
Sanitas
~5.5 miles
1,850 vertical feet
Hiked/jogged Sanitas from Scott Carpenter Park via the West side route with Sierra and Allison, came down the S. Ridge. Went easy.
House chores galore, plus I am spanked from the run the previous day. 2 miles of hiking and 200 vertical. Just a walk to get the dog out really.
Sunday 2/24
Sanitas
~5.5 miles
1,850 vertical feet
Hiked/jogged Sanitas from Scott Carpenter Park via the West side route with Sierra and Allison, came down the S. Ridge. Went easy.
Friday, February 22, 2008
S. Boulder Peak/Bear Peak (Bill Loop)
2/22/08
~10 miles/~3,500vertical
167 bpm average for S. Boulder ascent
54:44 up S. Boulder, 10 minutes to Bear, 1:48 total
Hooked up with Dave at the last minute for a trip up S. Boulder. We started off at conversational pace, but I was quickly panting and finding myself giving quick one word responses and waiting for just the right moment to say anything more than one word. Dave makes it look so easy and talks casually, you forget how hard you are going, until you glance at the HR monitor. We kept this up until the log steps 1/3 of the way up Shadow, but he slowly kept creeping ahead. There was not much I could do and did not want to completely blow, so I just maintained my own pathetic rhythm. Dave got the summit in 51:?? and I was about 3 minutes back.
He then talked me into making a loop out of Bear. 10 minutes later, we were on the summit of Bear and hardly paused as we took off down Fern. Lots of snow and ice the entire way down. I was going fairly quick I thought, but still cautious enough to not break my neck. Dave of course kept getting ahead, but would graciously wait periodically.
This was a great run, and the hardest I have gone in months. I felt pretty slow and out of shape, but I guess most people feel that way running with Dave no matter when and I also have to remind myself that I am barely through my second week of anything resembling "training". It will come.
~10 miles/~3,500vertical
167 bpm average for S. Boulder ascent
54:44 up S. Boulder, 10 minutes to Bear, 1:48 total
Hooked up with Dave at the last minute for a trip up S. Boulder. We started off at conversational pace, but I was quickly panting and finding myself giving quick one word responses and waiting for just the right moment to say anything more than one word. Dave makes it look so easy and talks casually, you forget how hard you are going, until you glance at the HR monitor. We kept this up until the log steps 1/3 of the way up Shadow, but he slowly kept creeping ahead. There was not much I could do and did not want to completely blow, so I just maintained my own pathetic rhythm. Dave got the summit in 51:?? and I was about 3 minutes back.
He then talked me into making a loop out of Bear. 10 minutes later, we were on the summit of Bear and hardly paused as we took off down Fern. Lots of snow and ice the entire way down. I was going fairly quick I thought, but still cautious enough to not break my neck. Dave of course kept getting ahead, but would graciously wait periodically.
This was a great run, and the hardest I have gone in months. I felt pretty slow and out of shape, but I guess most people feel that way running with Dave no matter when and I also have to remind myself that I am barely through my second week of anything resembling "training". It will come.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
S. Boulder Creek
~8.5 miles
~500 vertical
1hr, 8 seconds
152 bpm average
For kicks today I thought I would run some flat trails. I started at the S. Boulder Creek TH, ran Southwest to the Mesa trail, South to the S. Mesa TH, crossed Eldo road and ran the ditch back to 93. From 93, I continued East along the ditch for a while, then looped back to the 93/Marshall road jct and followed 93 back to the car. I ran at a good pace, but nothing too crazy. I would run fast for a bit, then catch myself started to slack off, where I would again pick up the pace. It is hard to maintain a steady effort on the flats. On steep hills, I am used to just having to gun it to try and defy gravity. Downhill can be a controlled freefall, but the flats take some practice to maintain good cadence. I did feel as though I was maintaining good form, cadence etc.... Need to do this once per week at least, I think it will help make me a better runner.
~500 vertical
1hr, 8 seconds
152 bpm average
For kicks today I thought I would run some flat trails. I started at the S. Boulder Creek TH, ran Southwest to the Mesa trail, South to the S. Mesa TH, crossed Eldo road and ran the ditch back to 93. From 93, I continued East along the ditch for a while, then looped back to the 93/Marshall road jct and followed 93 back to the car. I ran at a good pace, but nothing too crazy. I would run fast for a bit, then catch myself started to slack off, where I would again pick up the pace. It is hard to maintain a steady effort on the flats. On steep hills, I am used to just having to gun it to try and defy gravity. Downhill can be a controlled freefall, but the flats take some practice to maintain good cadence. I did feel as though I was maintaining good form, cadence etc.... Need to do this once per week at least, I think it will help make me a better runner.
Flagstaff
Flagstaff
2/20/08
~3.5 miles
1,200 vertical
20:06 up
167 HR
Fun run up Flag today. Wore the HR monitor on the trail for the first time since last spring. Once I am fit, I don’t really bother with it, but this time of year, it is interesting to monitor my progression as I increase my fitness. It seemed to take me a long time to warm up today, maybe 1/3 of the way until I got into the 160’s, then was in the 170’s for the final ¼ or so and feeling pretty good. There was still a good bit of soft mud and ice on the trail, but it was definitely better than last week. I thought it would be a given that I would go under 20, but came up just shy at 20:06. The detours around the mud and ice (no studs today) definitely slowed me down a good bit. I think if it were totally dry, that would have saved me a good minute or more. Excuses, excuses, I just have to face the fact that I am a bit out of shape. It is so fun this time of year to train hard and shave large chunks of time. It is only February after all and a year ago, I could barely get down the stairs, so I am just happy to be out and feel minimal to zero discomfort.
It is funny how your body needs to warm up more and more as you get older. Even as recently as a few years ago, I never really needed a warm up. In my 20’s, I could literally go from sleeping with my HR around 30, to 180 or 190+ bpm in a matter of minutes. Max HR really drops dramatically as well. I can no longer reach or maintain the high numbers I used to and my max hr has dropped roughly l bpm per year. I am slow to catch on to this and each year I have to re-program myself to take account of this fact. Despite all of this, I seem to become faster, fitter and more efficient each year, it just takes a bit more work and requires you to be a little smarter.
2/20/08
~3.5 miles
1,200 vertical
20:06 up
167 HR
Fun run up Flag today. Wore the HR monitor on the trail for the first time since last spring. Once I am fit, I don’t really bother with it, but this time of year, it is interesting to monitor my progression as I increase my fitness. It seemed to take me a long time to warm up today, maybe 1/3 of the way until I got into the 160’s, then was in the 170’s for the final ¼ or so and feeling pretty good. There was still a good bit of soft mud and ice on the trail, but it was definitely better than last week. I thought it would be a given that I would go under 20, but came up just shy at 20:06. The detours around the mud and ice (no studs today) definitely slowed me down a good bit. I think if it were totally dry, that would have saved me a good minute or more. Excuses, excuses, I just have to face the fact that I am a bit out of shape. It is so fun this time of year to train hard and shave large chunks of time. It is only February after all and a year ago, I could barely get down the stairs, so I am just happy to be out and feel minimal to zero discomfort.
It is funny how your body needs to warm up more and more as you get older. Even as recently as a few years ago, I never really needed a warm up. In my 20’s, I could literally go from sleeping with my HR around 30, to 180 or 190+ bpm in a matter of minutes. Max HR really drops dramatically as well. I can no longer reach or maintain the high numbers I used to and my max hr has dropped roughly l bpm per year. I am slow to catch on to this and each year I have to re-program myself to take account of this fact. Despite all of this, I seem to become faster, fitter and more efficient each year, it just takes a bit more work and requires you to be a little smarter.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Sanitas
2/18/08
4 miles total
1,600ft
20:12 up
George and I got out for a great run today up Sanitas. Started off at a quick pace, but then settled into a good conversational pace. Bumped into Allison, Sierra, Stevo and Terri about 1/3 of the way up. Funny, all the days I run out here in the cold by myself, today I meet George and then bump into my wife, dog and 2 friends. When it rains it pours I guess.
4 miles total
1,600ft
20:12 up
George and I got out for a great run today up Sanitas. Started off at a quick pace, but then settled into a good conversational pace. Bumped into Allison, Sierra, Stevo and Terri about 1/3 of the way up. Funny, all the days I run out here in the cold by myself, today I meet George and then bump into my wife, dog and 2 friends. When it rains it pours I guess.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)