Debated getting out today, but after I finished my chores and errands, I decided I would get out and play in the snow, at least for Sierra's sake.
Started from Cragmoor. Put on the Microspikes at the car and wore them the entire time. The trail was well packed to Mesa, packed OK into Fern, then was less consolidated and deeper as the trail climbed higher. Though the Microspikes were helpful at times, snow conditions all around sucked, as it is so cold and it has not had a chance to consolidate yet. Given the conditions, I walked a lot and only ran a little, going pretty easy on the up and down.
Made it to the summitpost after 51:10, carefully negotiated my way to the true summit, then broke trail down the other side with plans to head to S. Boulder. The trail in that direction had not yet been broken, so I decided to save it for another day.
Went easy on the down, as conditions were especially tricky.
51:10 up
36:02 down
1:27:12 RT
Sierra
Sierra
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Tuesday, 12/01/09 Sanitas
18:43 up, moderate effort. Caught a runner near the top going pretty casual. He started the descent ~10 seconds ahead of me and I figured I would just pass him before long, but he kept up a pretty fast pace and I had to work a bit to catch up. Once I got close, I did not have to push too hard to keep up and was just kind of coasting at times, but it would have been more than I wanted to bite off to pass, especially in the fading light. I was being cautious to not do anything stupid, but I noticed he had a few potentially serious stumbles and I winced thinking he would eat it, so I suspect he was pushing himself to the limit. To my surprise, we made it down in 10:30, which might be a descent PR for me in dry conditions. I offered up a "nice job, great pace" or something to that effect and did not get much in return, he looked pretty worked over from the effort. Either way, he pushed me to a faster than normal descent. Hats off to whoever that was.
Monday, 11/30/09 Sanitas x 2
First lap (18:33) felt like I was going on the easy side of moderate, never pushing. For a change, I was chasing Sierra the entire way up, not entirely sure what was up with that, but I suspect it had something to do with getting her tail slammed in the back door of the Element, eliciting ear piercing shreiks of pain and an anal gland mess all over herself and the ground. It was a complete and honest accident. After careful examination (and profuse apologies) I have determined that luckily her tail was not broken and I am positive that just her long fur at the end of her tail got caught. I felt absolutely aweful though and almost just went home without running.
To top off the excitement, I got reprimanded by a grouchy old bearded dude for "going off trail", though I was only taking the more direct line of trail where the trail splits around a pine tree, totally well travelled and legit, I do it every time I run Sanitas up and down, 50+ times per year and half the other people I see do the same (the tree at the top of the second to last steep pitch).
I paused, not believing what I was hearing, especially since that by his definition, he was even more "off trail" than I was on the same side of the tree. What a dick I thought as I continued the few minutes to the top, only in Boulder. He should have seen the deer skip across the trail just a minute prior, it went WAY off trail, imagine that.
I came up with all kind of snappy remarks to give him when I would surely pass him on the descent, but when I casually confronted him, acting like I did not hear what he had said, his tone changed and he was very friendly. I respectfully disagreed with his opinion and pointed out the fact that he too was "off trail" by his definition. I thanked him for his concern and was on my way. I'm rarely a jerk, unless myself, wife, dog or others I am with are threatened, so I just counterattacked with kindness, yet was not going to agree with him. WTF?
As I neared the bottom, I bumped into Scott E, so I turned around, just planning to walk with him for a ways, but ended up doing a whole second lap with him, as it was great to catch up. On this lap, I realized (confirmed) that my little flashlight sucks and I need a new one.
To top off the excitement, I got reprimanded by a grouchy old bearded dude for "going off trail", though I was only taking the more direct line of trail where the trail splits around a pine tree, totally well travelled and legit, I do it every time I run Sanitas up and down, 50+ times per year and half the other people I see do the same (the tree at the top of the second to last steep pitch).
I paused, not believing what I was hearing, especially since that by his definition, he was even more "off trail" than I was on the same side of the tree. What a dick I thought as I continued the few minutes to the top, only in Boulder. He should have seen the deer skip across the trail just a minute prior, it went WAY off trail, imagine that.
I came up with all kind of snappy remarks to give him when I would surely pass him on the descent, but when I casually confronted him, acting like I did not hear what he had said, his tone changed and he was very friendly. I respectfully disagreed with his opinion and pointed out the fact that he too was "off trail" by his definition. I thanked him for his concern and was on my way. I'm rarely a jerk, unless myself, wife, dog or others I am with are threatened, so I just counterattacked with kindness, yet was not going to agree with him. WTF?
As I neared the bottom, I bumped into Scott E, so I turned around, just planning to walk with him for a ways, but ended up doing a whole second lap with him, as it was great to catch up. On this lap, I realized (confirmed) that my little flashlight sucks and I need a new one.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Saturday, 11/28/09 S. Boulder and Bear Peak
Thought I would spice things up today and go up S. Boulder Peak first, then Bear from the S. Mesa TH with Allison and Sierra. The trail is mostly melted out to the saddle, then Microspikes were helpful to from the saddle to the summit of SBP. Made SBP in 1:15, Bear in 1:30, took a ~10 minute stop here before heading down. 2:46 total at a casual pace.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Friday, 11/27/09 Door Bustin' Bear and S. Boulder
~7 miles
~3,500 vertical
42:11 Bear
54:54 S. Boulder
1:29:07 Total
I just can't get enough of Fern Canyon lately or this warm weather, as it must have been around 70 today and I was comfortable in shorts and a T.
Started from Cragmoor. The ice on the lower section is slow to melt, so it takes a little finesse to work through the initial ~3 minute connector trail (if it is not ice, it is sloppy mud). Hit the Mesa trail in 10:20, Slab at 14:4?, Saddle in the mid 27 range, where I sat for a 30-35 second Microspike installation break. The snow on the upper section was nice and tacky, coupled with the Microspikes made for magic grip. Tagged the post in 42:11, took ~20 seconds to remove the spikes and clip them to my HPL-20 pack and kept rolling over the summit, making a quick tag without even looking at my watch.
Did the short class 3 downclimb, and was cruising across the talus a ways when I looked at my watch again, 44:15. At the Bear/SoBo saddle, I once again sat for ~30 seconds to put on the spikes. Took off running (mostly) to make the summit in 54:54 and did an immidiate U.
Back to the saddle in 3:??, removed the spikes again for the trip to the Bear post. Once there at mid 1:03s, I sat again for a rushed but sloppy spike install job, so it took me a while to get them fixed up and secured properly, as I would be heavily relying on them for the steep trip down the N. ridge (I did not get moving again until 1:04:3?).
This was by far my favorite part of the day. I was jacked on adreneline, it was warm and the snow was mostly perfect for a fast descent. I ran as fast as I could safely go, contemplating my conversation with Homie last year about a helmet being a good idea for certain descents. I deliberately pinballed and swung off and around various trees, skipped over rocks, scratched down bulletproof ice and cruised to the far side saddle in 7:55, where I made my last Microspike stop for the day (~20 seconds to remove and pack away).
The remainder of Fern was pretty quick, but I really slowed to a crawl on the most treacherous bobsled ice sections. The run back to the TH seemed fast, but the time did not reflect it, mostly I think because of the ice in lower Fern and the ice/mud over the last stretch to the TH. Definitely one of the most fun runs in a while.
~3,500 vertical
42:11 Bear
54:54 S. Boulder
1:29:07 Total
I just can't get enough of Fern Canyon lately or this warm weather, as it must have been around 70 today and I was comfortable in shorts and a T.
Started from Cragmoor. The ice on the lower section is slow to melt, so it takes a little finesse to work through the initial ~3 minute connector trail (if it is not ice, it is sloppy mud). Hit the Mesa trail in 10:20, Slab at 14:4?, Saddle in the mid 27 range, where I sat for a 30-35 second Microspike installation break. The snow on the upper section was nice and tacky, coupled with the Microspikes made for magic grip. Tagged the post in 42:11, took ~20 seconds to remove the spikes and clip them to my HPL-20 pack and kept rolling over the summit, making a quick tag without even looking at my watch.
Did the short class 3 downclimb, and was cruising across the talus a ways when I looked at my watch again, 44:15. At the Bear/SoBo saddle, I once again sat for ~30 seconds to put on the spikes. Took off running (mostly) to make the summit in 54:54 and did an immidiate U.
Back to the saddle in 3:??, removed the spikes again for the trip to the Bear post. Once there at mid 1:03s, I sat again for a rushed but sloppy spike install job, so it took me a while to get them fixed up and secured properly, as I would be heavily relying on them for the steep trip down the N. ridge (I did not get moving again until 1:04:3?).
This was by far my favorite part of the day. I was jacked on adreneline, it was warm and the snow was mostly perfect for a fast descent. I ran as fast as I could safely go, contemplating my conversation with Homie last year about a helmet being a good idea for certain descents. I deliberately pinballed and swung off and around various trees, skipped over rocks, scratched down bulletproof ice and cruised to the far side saddle in 7:55, where I made my last Microspike stop for the day (~20 seconds to remove and pack away).
The remainder of Fern was pretty quick, but I really slowed to a crawl on the most treacherous bobsled ice sections. The run back to the TH seemed fast, but the time did not reflect it, mostly I think because of the ice in lower Fern and the ice/mud over the last stretch to the TH. Definitely one of the most fun runs in a while.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thursday, 11/27/09 Bear Peak
Met Brandon for an early morning run up Bear before I had to head into work. We went a fairly casual pace, which was great, as my legs were not feeling much zip after going a little hard yesterday. I'm totally digging the uppermost section of Bear right now with the Microspikes, as I can cruise faster than I can in the summer (well, maybe I don't have the fitness for the up, but the down is very fast and fun). I would love to get conditions like January 2007, the perfect packed trough with the Microspikes, I think I could set a descent PR, hopefully we get a few good storms to make that happen.
Up in ~53, hung out on the top for a bit, then took it mostly easy on the down for a total of 1:37 RT (total, not stopping the timer). Thanks for getting out Brandon, it was great to have company this morning.
Up in ~53, hung out on the top for a bit, then took it mostly easy on the down for a total of 1:37 RT (total, not stopping the timer). Thanks for getting out Brandon, it was great to have company this morning.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Wednesday 11/25/09 Bear Peak/S. Boulder Peak
~8 miles
4,500 vertical
42:43 up Bear
2:59 total
Got out with Allison and Sierra today for a trip up Bear/S. Boulder from the Cragmoor TH. Went my own pace up Bear and made the summit in 42:43 which I was happy with considering the time of year, my fitness (lack of), trail conditions and I was not putting too much into it (steady tempo, but not really digging).
There was some ice dodging/negotiating between the start and the saddle, but conditions were mostly good. At the saddle, I put on my Microspikes, as they make a HUGE difference on the completely ice covered upper section and are way better than screw shoes in those conditions.
After topping out, I turned around and put the Microspikes to the test, making it down to the saddle in 7 minutes, where I met Allison and Sierra and went back to the summit with them. Allison topped out in 1:12, we took a break on Bear, enjoying the views and the sun, then headed over to S. Boulder, and then back the way we came.
After just one flat run, it felt great to get back onto my home turf. Even running flat stuff with friends, I feel very little motivation or enthusiasm for it. No surprise there, it is no mistake I gravitate toward the steep and technical trails.
4,500 vertical
42:43 up Bear
2:59 total
Got out with Allison and Sierra today for a trip up Bear/S. Boulder from the Cragmoor TH. Went my own pace up Bear and made the summit in 42:43 which I was happy with considering the time of year, my fitness (lack of), trail conditions and I was not putting too much into it (steady tempo, but not really digging).
There was some ice dodging/negotiating between the start and the saddle, but conditions were mostly good. At the saddle, I put on my Microspikes, as they make a HUGE difference on the completely ice covered upper section and are way better than screw shoes in those conditions.
After topping out, I turned around and put the Microspikes to the test, making it down to the saddle in 7 minutes, where I met Allison and Sierra and went back to the summit with them. Allison topped out in 1:12, we took a break on Bear, enjoying the views and the sun, then headed over to S. Boulder, and then back the way we came.
After just one flat run, it felt great to get back onto my home turf. Even running flat stuff with friends, I feel very little motivation or enthusiasm for it. No surprise there, it is no mistake I gravitate toward the steep and technical trails.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Tuesday, 11/24/09 Flat Run
~12 miles
90 minutes
Ran with JP and Brandon from S. Public Road TH, through Louisville, out to McCaslin Blvd. on the far side of 36 and back (Coal Creek Trail?). Pace was moderate mellow, but I was having a tough time seeing at times and was pre-occupied as my stomach was upset and I needed an outhouse (that I could not find). I think the chicken chile and fresh salsa we made last night was not sitting well. Though not my type of running (flat/non-technical), I had fun running with these two. Once back at the TH, I sped home to the comfort of my own toilet.
90 minutes
Ran with JP and Brandon from S. Public Road TH, through Louisville, out to McCaslin Blvd. on the far side of 36 and back (Coal Creek Trail?). Pace was moderate mellow, but I was having a tough time seeing at times and was pre-occupied as my stomach was upset and I needed an outhouse (that I could not find). I think the chicken chile and fresh salsa we made last night was not sitting well. Though not my type of running (flat/non-technical), I had fun running with these two. Once back at the TH, I sped home to the comfort of my own toilet.
Saturday, 11/21/09 Burning Bear Peak (12,070)
6 miles
2,575 vertical
Allison, Sierra and I were joined by Pete K, Dave and Emily, Shep and Kiefer for a mellow trip up Burning Bear Peak in(near) Mt. Evans Wilderness. The first ~mile was on trail, then was a fun bushwhack up the ridge to treeline in several inches of snow. I used microspikes as a convenience more than a necessity, but everyone else did just fine without. The dogs had a blast in the snow and the weather was perfect, warm, clear and sunny. For the 10 minutes to the summit from treeline though, the wind was howling and seemed pretty bitter. I toughed it out to the summit, then hid behind some bushes to put on a bunch of layers. Up in ~2.5, down in ~1.5 for a ~4hr RT. Easy pace with lots of breaks.
2,575 vertical
Allison, Sierra and I were joined by Pete K, Dave and Emily, Shep and Kiefer for a mellow trip up Burning Bear Peak in(near) Mt. Evans Wilderness. The first ~mile was on trail, then was a fun bushwhack up the ridge to treeline in several inches of snow. I used microspikes as a convenience more than a necessity, but everyone else did just fine without. The dogs had a blast in the snow and the weather was perfect, warm, clear and sunny. For the 10 minutes to the summit from treeline though, the wind was howling and seemed pretty bitter. I toughed it out to the summit, then hid behind some bushes to put on a bunch of layers. Up in ~2.5, down in ~1.5 for a ~4hr RT. Easy pace with lots of breaks.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Friday, 11/20/09 Sanitas x 2
6.5 miles
2,600 vertical
20:08 Ascent 1
18:58 Ascent 2
Met Brandon today for two laps on Sanitas. The plan was for me to pace him to a sub-20 ascent, we came really close, I had him at 20:08 by the time he tagged the pole, which I think tied his PR, or was within seconds of it one way or the other. I think we went a bit to fast over the first steep section, hard to tell for sure. Good effort though, especially so soon after his 40 minute 10k PR.
We went pretty conservative down (19:45) the East side which was a bit icy near the top and very muddy down lower, taking no chances of a repeat performance of yesterday.
For lap two, I started off pretty moderate, then bumped into Adam Massey who was preparing to do some bouldering, so I stopped to chat with him for a bit. I then chased down Brandon who had got ahead and stuck on his heels for a while. I gradually upped the pace and made the top in 18:58. Brandon was not far back and we spent a few minutes on the summit before a casual descent of the S. Ridge (I did not get the time on the last descent, but I am guessing 17 or 18?). It was a nice, warm, sunny day and was a treat to wear shorts just a week before Thanksgiving.
2,600 vertical
20:08 Ascent 1
18:58 Ascent 2
Met Brandon today for two laps on Sanitas. The plan was for me to pace him to a sub-20 ascent, we came really close, I had him at 20:08 by the time he tagged the pole, which I think tied his PR, or was within seconds of it one way or the other. I think we went a bit to fast over the first steep section, hard to tell for sure. Good effort though, especially so soon after his 40 minute 10k PR.
We went pretty conservative down (19:45) the East side which was a bit icy near the top and very muddy down lower, taking no chances of a repeat performance of yesterday.
For lap two, I started off pretty moderate, then bumped into Adam Massey who was preparing to do some bouldering, so I stopped to chat with him for a bit. I then chased down Brandon who had got ahead and stuck on his heels for a while. I gradually upped the pace and made the top in 18:58. Brandon was not far back and we spent a few minutes on the summit before a casual descent of the S. Ridge (I did not get the time on the last descent, but I am guessing 17 or 18?). It was a nice, warm, sunny day and was a treat to wear shorts just a week before Thanksgiving.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Thursday, 11/19/09 Walker Ranch
11.5 miles
~2600 vertical
Allison, Sierra and I headed out to Walker for a lap. Decided for whatever reason to go clockwise, maybe thinking it would be better to ascend the steep section in icy conditions instead of descending it. Six of one, half dozen of another.
The trail was mostly dry for the first rolling section, but as expected, it became snow/ice covered for the switchbacking, North facing descent through the trees, so I put on the Microspikes which helped tremendously. Once down near the T junction, I removed them, as I knew they really would not be of much help for a while.
Here the trail became extremely muddy. Not the type that sticks to your shoes, but really slippery stuff, so viscous that it created an odd form of levitation unlike anything I have ever experienced and I could barely stay upright on level ground. I was tiptoeing gingerly, but still having a majorly tough time, so I decided to step up to the right onto the grassy buffer. In an instant, I was down on the ground, the wind knocked out of me with my shin smashed against the only substantial rock within a 100 foot radius. I was not even going fast, just gingerly making my way through, but I went down so hard and quick, like the guy on the "Wet Floor" sign, but sideways.
I let out a loud barrage of expletives and tried to shrug it off. I examined my shin and it was bloody and starting to swell instantly. For a moment I thought it was broke, but I knew better deep down. I paced for a bit, debating whether or not to keep running, wait for Allison and hike, or just make my way back to the car and lick my wounds.
Forward I went, at a slow and even more cautious hobble. Conditions improved, as did my leg, so I decided to not let it ruin my day. The remainder of the loop was mostly snow and ice, plenty of mud and a little dry ground. Microspikes went on/off several times as necessary to aid progress. The final climb back to the car was entirely dry, so I upped the pace from hard easy to mid moderate, finishing in a glacial 1:18:20. I then backtracked 2 miles (down, across the river and a good part of the climb back up to the far parking lot) to meet Allison and Sierra who were taking their time. By the time we got in the car, I was cold, hungry, beat up and ready to be done.
My shin is still throbbing as I write this. This was my first crash trail running in years and certainly my most painful. It was also probably the first one that nobody saw, as the few times I have gone down in the past were due to me being momentarily distracted by others on the trail.
~2600 vertical
Allison, Sierra and I headed out to Walker for a lap. Decided for whatever reason to go clockwise, maybe thinking it would be better to ascend the steep section in icy conditions instead of descending it. Six of one, half dozen of another.
The trail was mostly dry for the first rolling section, but as expected, it became snow/ice covered for the switchbacking, North facing descent through the trees, so I put on the Microspikes which helped tremendously. Once down near the T junction, I removed them, as I knew they really would not be of much help for a while.
Here the trail became extremely muddy. Not the type that sticks to your shoes, but really slippery stuff, so viscous that it created an odd form of levitation unlike anything I have ever experienced and I could barely stay upright on level ground. I was tiptoeing gingerly, but still having a majorly tough time, so I decided to step up to the right onto the grassy buffer. In an instant, I was down on the ground, the wind knocked out of me with my shin smashed against the only substantial rock within a 100 foot radius. I was not even going fast, just gingerly making my way through, but I went down so hard and quick, like the guy on the "Wet Floor" sign, but sideways.
I let out a loud barrage of expletives and tried to shrug it off. I examined my shin and it was bloody and starting to swell instantly. For a moment I thought it was broke, but I knew better deep down. I paced for a bit, debating whether or not to keep running, wait for Allison and hike, or just make my way back to the car and lick my wounds.
Forward I went, at a slow and even more cautious hobble. Conditions improved, as did my leg, so I decided to not let it ruin my day. The remainder of the loop was mostly snow and ice, plenty of mud and a little dry ground. Microspikes went on/off several times as necessary to aid progress. The final climb back to the car was entirely dry, so I upped the pace from hard easy to mid moderate, finishing in a glacial 1:18:20. I then backtracked 2 miles (down, across the river and a good part of the climb back up to the far parking lot) to meet Allison and Sierra who were taking their time. By the time we got in the car, I was cold, hungry, beat up and ready to be done.
My shin is still throbbing as I write this. This was my first crash trail running in years and certainly my most painful. It was also probably the first one that nobody saw, as the few times I have gone down in the past were due to me being momentarily distracted by others on the trail.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Wednesday, 11/18/09 Sanitas
Went Sierra pace today, waited several times, bumped into a friend and chatted for a bit, even backtracked to make sure Sierra was still coming (she had made a doggy friend). The trail is melting out well though, any remaining snow/ice is not a factor on the up, but wet shoes slow things a bit on the down, though I was going slow anyways.
20:22 up
17 down
20:22 up
17 down
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Tuesday, 11/17/09 Sanitas
18:46 up
13:55 down
Still some ice/slush. More of an issue on the down, but should be gone in a day.
13:55 down
Still some ice/slush. More of an issue on the down, but should be gone in a day.
Monday, 11/16/09 Sanitas
Met up with Aron for a lap on Sanitas. Though he has run Leadville, he is not big into running, so we just hiked today, which was fine, as it was good to catch up (plus conditions were pretty icy in many spots). We spent most of the ascent talking about his upcoming movie. Sounds pretty cool, can't wait to see it.
Coming down, it got pretty dark on us, so we went slow and cautious as to not die on the ice. We did get to see a herd of deer on the trail which is unusual and there was hardly anyone out there which was cool. The view of the city lights was an added bonus. Time to start carrying the headlamp.
28 minutes up.
26 down
Coming down, it got pretty dark on us, so we went slow and cautious as to not die on the ice. We did get to see a herd of deer on the trail which is unusual and there was hardly anyone out there which was cool. The view of the city lights was an added bonus. Time to start carrying the headlamp.
28 minutes up.
26 down
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