The plan was to meet Tony at the Gregory Canyon TH at 7:30am and run up Green with him as he was beginning his 43 mile day. At the last minute, Lucho signed on, as did Brandon, but opted to start a little ahead of us. I got there a little early GZ style and ran up Gregory a ways, bumped into Brandon on my way down, ran back up with him for a very short while, then cruised through Chautauqua hoping to intercept Tony.
We eventually convened at the TH and began the run. I was feeling decent, until we started up the icy bobsled run, otherwise known as trail above the cabin. I was really wishing for screw shoes at the very least, as seeking out pine needles, bumps of frozen slush, rocks, twigs, patches of dry ground and such for traction was really inefficient. Lucho eventually had enough and bailed (can't blame him as conditions were probably the worst I have seen in a long time). Tony and I continued on, but pace was dictated and slowed by all the ice.
Made the summit in 38:30 where Brandon was waiting and spent a long while chatting it up. Brandon and I headed out the much less treacherous W. Ridge to Superflag and ran the road until we could catch the trail, which was much more enjoyable.
Up: 38:30 (169 avg. HR)
Down: 43:??
Sierra
Sierra
Monday, April 12, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Thursday, 04/08/10 Green via Bear Canyon
Took it somewhat easy today. Started at Chautauqua, Mesa Trail S. to Bear Canyon up to Green and then back down Ranger/Gregory. Trails are drying nicely in many spots, but there was still some long patches of snow/ice/mud in Bear Canyon and on Green/Bear, but hopefully will disappear in the next week or so.
Up in 1:08:19 (avg. HR 149/max 161)
Down in 33:49 (avg. HR 123/max 152)
Up in 1:08:19 (avg. HR 149/max 161)
Down in 33:49 (avg. HR 123/max 152)
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Wednesday, 04/07/10 Green via Flagstaff
Not sure what to expect with the fresh snow, I was fired up to give my legs a good spin today and figured Flagstaff would be a good bet. Much to my satisfaction, all of the new snow had completely melted off the Flagstaff Trail by the time I started my run at 4:20pm.. It took me a while to warm up (maybe all of Flagstaff?), but my legs were feeling pretty good and I was making decent time considering how little I was putting into it. Made the top in 18:23 and headed down the road, crossed Flag and kept going toward the Ranger Cabin.
The fresh snow from the previous night/morning became increasingly evident and did a nice job of hiding the ice underneath. With no traction today, I just picked my way through and made the most of it. As expected, the amount of snow increased as I ascended. First, a thin layer over ice, then mashed potatoes over ice, then finally drifted fresh snow on the old trap door snow pack near the 4-way. I was pushing a little more than usual, but the pace/effort just felt good in general and it did not feel like I was knocking myself out. Sank deep, up to my knees in a few spots approaching/at the 4-way jct., maybe into old holes or perhaps making my own new ones, hard to tell, but it caused me to tread lightly for a bit.
I pushed hard up the final rocky steps to the top, just seeming to float up the big steps that have lately been giving me pause. I was surprised to have topped out in 45:39. I am not entirely sure, but that might be a PR for me running Green via Flag which was especially encouraging given the conditions.
Knowing the trail back down to the cabin would be treacherous, I took it pretty conservative and even so, took some huge slips mimicking the guy on the wet floor sign, but managed to land each one with style and grace. I felt cat-like, but tried to not let it get to my head and focused on the task at hand. From the Ranger cabin, I opened it up the remainder of the way back down Gregory, super-computer computing. This was just one of those days where everything physically and mentally just came together. Now if the stinking snow would just go away!
Splits:
Flagstaff: 18:23
Crossed main Flagstaff road: 21:53
Ranger Cabin: 24:13
4-way: 42:35
Summit: 45:39 (avg HR 168, max 180)
Descent: 24:55 (avg HR 146, max 167)
The fresh snow from the previous night/morning became increasingly evident and did a nice job of hiding the ice underneath. With no traction today, I just picked my way through and made the most of it. As expected, the amount of snow increased as I ascended. First, a thin layer over ice, then mashed potatoes over ice, then finally drifted fresh snow on the old trap door snow pack near the 4-way. I was pushing a little more than usual, but the pace/effort just felt good in general and it did not feel like I was knocking myself out. Sank deep, up to my knees in a few spots approaching/at the 4-way jct., maybe into old holes or perhaps making my own new ones, hard to tell, but it caused me to tread lightly for a bit.
I pushed hard up the final rocky steps to the top, just seeming to float up the big steps that have lately been giving me pause. I was surprised to have topped out in 45:39. I am not entirely sure, but that might be a PR for me running Green via Flag which was especially encouraging given the conditions.
Knowing the trail back down to the cabin would be treacherous, I took it pretty conservative and even so, took some huge slips mimicking the guy on the wet floor sign, but managed to land each one with style and grace. I felt cat-like, but tried to not let it get to my head and focused on the task at hand. From the Ranger cabin, I opened it up the remainder of the way back down Gregory, super-computer computing. This was just one of those days where everything physically and mentally just came together. Now if the stinking snow would just go away!
Splits:
Flagstaff: 18:23
Crossed main Flagstaff road: 21:53
Ranger Cabin: 24:13
4-way: 42:35
Summit: 45:39 (avg HR 168, max 180)
Descent: 24:55 (avg HR 146, max 167)
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
A shout out to the Granite State Yo
OK, this has nothing to do with Uphill Adventures, but since I got started in NH, I figured I would share. You might appreciate it a bit more if you know NH, especially if you have lived there, but it is funny regardless (watch the second video as well that it is spoofing).
http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=bX7nQrCgALM
http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=0UjsXo9l6I8
http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=bX7nQrCgALM
http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=0UjsXo9l6I8
Monday, April 5, 2010
Monday, 04/05/10 Green Mountain
Yesterday I was a bit grumpy with the slushy and slippery snow that still offered an opportunity for an unexpected post hole or two and plenty of inefficient toe-off and sliding (Gregory/Ranger route).
There is too much intermittent dry ground to bother with Microspikes or Yak Trax (unless you don't mind destroying them or removing them for each section), but it kind of sucks at times without. Today I was more accepting of the conditions and was looking at it from a glass half full perspective, as I am noticing significant improvement each day.
Went mostly easy today, just enjoying the fresh air and Sierra's company. I upped the pace a little over the final 7 or 8 minutes, but the snow was governing my efforts and pace somewhat.
Cabin: 17:35
4 Way: 37:??
Summit: 40:47 (avg HR 152)
Descent: 28:50 (avg HR 120)
There is too much intermittent dry ground to bother with Microspikes or Yak Trax (unless you don't mind destroying them or removing them for each section), but it kind of sucks at times without. Today I was more accepting of the conditions and was looking at it from a glass half full perspective, as I am noticing significant improvement each day.
Went mostly easy today, just enjoying the fresh air and Sierra's company. I upped the pace a little over the final 7 or 8 minutes, but the snow was governing my efforts and pace somewhat.
Cabin: 17:35
4 Way: 37:??
Summit: 40:47 (avg HR 152)
Descent: 28:50 (avg HR 120)
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Saturday, 04/03/10 - Sunday, 04/04/10
Saturday, 04/03/10 Eldo/Walker
~17 miles/4,500 vertical
Met up with Tim and headed over to Eldo. The wind was just cranking and was threatening to steal my motivation, but I was eager to get in a good run. We started off easy, heading into Eldo via the Fowler shortcut. Easy pace, 13:36 to the start of the Eldo Trail. I upped the tempo on the switchbacks a bit and knew my legs were going to feel good for the day. I was rolling along pretty well, not digging at all, just going with a tempo that I knew I could hold for a long time. Made the Walker Loop in 33:46 and went clockwise. The steep stairs are mostly melted, aside from a few steps where caution is mandatory. The remainder of the loop is similar to what it has been for the past month +, lots of dry trail and also some significant stretches of snow. The weather was quite variable, sunny and warm one minute, windy, cloudy and snow squalls the next. I completed the lap in an OK for the conditions and lack of true effort 1:09:40 (avg. HR 159), took a 2 minute break, then started counter clockwise back up the hill to meet with Tim. This RT took 16:17 (avg. HR 144). I felt great and strongly considered another lap, but I was not inspired by the weather and my focus shifted to getting home to catch up on things. We took it pretty casual on the return trip, 38:24 back to the canyon (avg. HR 145) and another 9:54 (hr 132) back to the car, for a total of 3:03:37 with stops and backtracking.
Overall, I felt great on this run and feel as though if the trails were completely dry and the weather was a bit more cooperative, I might have been able to PR on the lollipop. Either way, it gave me great confidence for the upcoming RRR.
Sunday, 04/04/10 Green Mountain
I was feeling yesterday's run in my legs a bit, but the weather was great and I had nothing else going on after work, so Sierra and I headed up Gregory/Ranger. I carried Yak Trax, as I planned to put them on at the cabin, but was lazy and just kept going. The snow was slushy and slick, but I knew there was some dry sections ahead, so I just decided to forego traction altogether, as we were just taking it super easy anyways. Lot's of slipping and sliding going on. Made the cabin in 17:??, the 4-way in 38:?? and the summit in 42:33 (avg. HR 147). Took it cautious on the down, using my skiing skills to the max as I negotiated the slush with Yak Trax in hand. 28 (119 avg. HR) for the descent.
~17 miles/4,500 vertical
Met up with Tim and headed over to Eldo. The wind was just cranking and was threatening to steal my motivation, but I was eager to get in a good run. We started off easy, heading into Eldo via the Fowler shortcut. Easy pace, 13:36 to the start of the Eldo Trail. I upped the tempo on the switchbacks a bit and knew my legs were going to feel good for the day. I was rolling along pretty well, not digging at all, just going with a tempo that I knew I could hold for a long time. Made the Walker Loop in 33:46 and went clockwise. The steep stairs are mostly melted, aside from a few steps where caution is mandatory. The remainder of the loop is similar to what it has been for the past month +, lots of dry trail and also some significant stretches of snow. The weather was quite variable, sunny and warm one minute, windy, cloudy and snow squalls the next. I completed the lap in an OK for the conditions and lack of true effort 1:09:40 (avg. HR 159), took a 2 minute break, then started counter clockwise back up the hill to meet with Tim. This RT took 16:17 (avg. HR 144). I felt great and strongly considered another lap, but I was not inspired by the weather and my focus shifted to getting home to catch up on things. We took it pretty casual on the return trip, 38:24 back to the canyon (avg. HR 145) and another 9:54 (hr 132) back to the car, for a total of 3:03:37 with stops and backtracking.
Overall, I felt great on this run and feel as though if the trails were completely dry and the weather was a bit more cooperative, I might have been able to PR on the lollipop. Either way, it gave me great confidence for the upcoming RRR.
Sunday, 04/04/10 Green Mountain
I was feeling yesterday's run in my legs a bit, but the weather was great and I had nothing else going on after work, so Sierra and I headed up Gregory/Ranger. I carried Yak Trax, as I planned to put them on at the cabin, but was lazy and just kept going. The snow was slushy and slick, but I knew there was some dry sections ahead, so I just decided to forego traction altogether, as we were just taking it super easy anyways. Lot's of slipping and sliding going on. Made the cabin in 17:??, the 4-way in 38:?? and the summit in 42:33 (avg. HR 147). Took it cautious on the down, using my skiing skills to the max as I negotiated the slush with Yak Trax in hand. 28 (119 avg. HR) for the descent.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Friday, 04/02/10 Green Mountain
48 up (avg HR 143)
31 down (avg HR 121)
Tim, Sierra and I got out for a casual lap on Green this morning. The temps last night in the low 20's (or less up there) really froze the snow into some great hardpack. We went pretty easy, just catching up on the last ~year since Tim has been away living in Cali. It felt as though he had only been gone a few weeks and was great to be back on the trails with a good friend. For grins, I tested the strength of the crusty snow off the trail and it completely held me, even when stomping downhill. With Microspikes on my feet, it was somewhat reminiscent of biking the Slickrock Trail in Moab. It would be a real blast to make up some routes early in the morning if it stays cold enough.
31 down (avg HR 121)
Tim, Sierra and I got out for a casual lap on Green this morning. The temps last night in the low 20's (or less up there) really froze the snow into some great hardpack. We went pretty easy, just catching up on the last ~year since Tim has been away living in Cali. It felt as though he had only been gone a few weeks and was great to be back on the trails with a good friend. For grins, I tested the strength of the crusty snow off the trail and it completely held me, even when stomping downhill. With Microspikes on my feet, it was somewhat reminiscent of biking the Slickrock Trail in Moab. It would be a real blast to make up some routes early in the morning if it stays cold enough.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Monday-Wednesday 3/29 - 3/31/10 and March Summary
I’m starting to feel a bit burdened by feeling that I have to blog daily, as I am sure is obvious with my posts. In my mind, they have morphed into a “just the facts” training log to help me to remember what to plug into my excel spreadsheet and to satisfy my legions of fans (3 or 4 regular readers i.e. sympathetic friends). I’ve considered just stopping all together, who really cares that I ran up Green, yet again in X amount of minutes. Some things are just more important, like reading how many times my friends ran up Green Mountain and how long it took them. I might just start posting every few days, or each week unless something really exciting comes up.
Monday 3/29/10 Green Mountain
Up Gregory/Ranger in 49
Down Greenman/Saddle/Amphi in 32
Started off with Aron and just went easy pace with him through Gregory Canyon to the cabin (24 minutes/avg. HR ~115). From the cabin, I went ahead, a little quicker, but not too fast as conditions sucked and I was not feeling too snappy or motivated (25 from the cabin to the summit, avg HR 147). After tagging the top, I gingerly picked my way down the trail and met Aron about halfway down the switchbacks. I just hiked back to the top with him and we headed down Greenman/Saddle/Amphi route. The snow was super soft because of the warm temps and was super slippery even with the Microspikes, not to mention you never knew whether or not you were going to stay on top, or sink into the snow up to your knee. The descent was a very slow and cautious 32 minutes with an avg. HR of 95. Bumped into Tony as he was heading up Amphitheater for his second lap of the day.
Tuesday 3/30/10 Green Mountain/Flagstaff
Felt great today, in part aided by the ~80 degree temperatures. I first intended to do a few laps on Sanitas as I was sick of the snow, but some last minute change in plans saw me at Green again, as I just can’t help myself and I knew Sierra would appreciate the snow on a warm day. It was the first day I felt as though I could confidently leave behind gloves, arm warmers, wind breaker or things of the like.
I ran a decent pace through Gregory Canyon, pushing at times, holding back some at other times to wait on Sierra or at least make sure she was still on pace. Passed the cabin in 16:20 and knew the upper half would not be comparable, so I kept up a steady pace, but didn’t really knock myself out as the snow was a bit of a governor.
Made the top in 39:55 (165 avg. HR), spent a moment or two drinking in the beautiful day and then cautiously made my way down through the soft and sometimes trap door snow.
The descent took 28 minutes (avg. 132 HR) and I still did not feel at all satiated. I contemplated a second lap, but due to time concerns, I decided to go with Flagstaff instead. The trail was in excellent condition, dry all the way to the last ~2 minutes. Made the top in 19:59 (avg. 165 HR) Back down in 13:36 (avg. 142).
Wednesday 3/31/10 Green Mountain
I was to meet my good friend Nate for a trip up Green, to kick off his training for his first Pikes Peak Ascent this coming August. A last minute meeting at work had me getting out the door 30 minutes late, so I called Nate and told him to get started (did not get on the trail until 5pm). Not sure how far ahead he was, I pushed a little at first hoping to catch him, but my legs did not feel all that springy, so I just backed off a bit and went a comfortable pace. The day was 20+ degrees below the predicted high which was a bit of a disappointment after the near 80 degrees on Tuesday, but the sun came out on the upper half to bolster spirits a bit. I found Nate a minute or two below the summit basking on a rock, as he had been waiting up there for quite some time. I tagged the top in 41:52 (avg. HR 155) and we then picked our way down through the trap door snow past the 4-way (still knee deep or more in spots if you punch through). The descent was a casual 30:08 (avg HR 124).
Despite the copious amounts of snow blanketing the trails, March was a pretty good month for me. I have been particularly motivated to get myself into reasonable fitness for the upcoming RRR on April 17th and was able to get out for a run all but a few days where life got in the way, or I felt as though I needed a rest day.
Though sometimes I feel like a bit of a slacker comparing my speed/numbers to Tony (I can’t forget that he is one of the handful of the most elite at this stuff), this was my biggest March ever and 3 biggest month ever. I am in the best shape I have ever been in leading up to the Grand Canyon and certainly the most fit I have been in March. I feel as though the snow is now my most significant limiting factor at this point and my enthusiasm is as high as can be. It also helps to have great partners to share the journey with, Brandon, Tony, Homie, Wayne, Aron, Mike O, Nate, Allison, Sierra (wish Dave M. was still here).
By the numbers:
80,350 vertical feet
212 miles (seems like double that though as most of that was in/on snow or mud)
24 Green Mountain Ascents
1 Bear
1 S. Boulder
1 Sanitas
2 Flagstaff
1 14er (Antero)
1 Skyline Traverse
2 trips out to Walker Ranch from Eldo
Monday 3/29/10 Green Mountain
Up Gregory/Ranger in 49
Down Greenman/Saddle/Amphi in 32
Started off with Aron and just went easy pace with him through Gregory Canyon to the cabin (24 minutes/avg. HR ~115). From the cabin, I went ahead, a little quicker, but not too fast as conditions sucked and I was not feeling too snappy or motivated (25 from the cabin to the summit, avg HR 147). After tagging the top, I gingerly picked my way down the trail and met Aron about halfway down the switchbacks. I just hiked back to the top with him and we headed down Greenman/Saddle/Amphi route. The snow was super soft because of the warm temps and was super slippery even with the Microspikes, not to mention you never knew whether or not you were going to stay on top, or sink into the snow up to your knee. The descent was a very slow and cautious 32 minutes with an avg. HR of 95. Bumped into Tony as he was heading up Amphitheater for his second lap of the day.
Tuesday 3/30/10 Green Mountain/Flagstaff
Felt great today, in part aided by the ~80 degree temperatures. I first intended to do a few laps on Sanitas as I was sick of the snow, but some last minute change in plans saw me at Green again, as I just can’t help myself and I knew Sierra would appreciate the snow on a warm day. It was the first day I felt as though I could confidently leave behind gloves, arm warmers, wind breaker or things of the like.
I ran a decent pace through Gregory Canyon, pushing at times, holding back some at other times to wait on Sierra or at least make sure she was still on pace. Passed the cabin in 16:20 and knew the upper half would not be comparable, so I kept up a steady pace, but didn’t really knock myself out as the snow was a bit of a governor.
Made the top in 39:55 (165 avg. HR), spent a moment or two drinking in the beautiful day and then cautiously made my way down through the soft and sometimes trap door snow.
The descent took 28 minutes (avg. 132 HR) and I still did not feel at all satiated. I contemplated a second lap, but due to time concerns, I decided to go with Flagstaff instead. The trail was in excellent condition, dry all the way to the last ~2 minutes. Made the top in 19:59 (avg. 165 HR) Back down in 13:36 (avg. 142).
Wednesday 3/31/10 Green Mountain
I was to meet my good friend Nate for a trip up Green, to kick off his training for his first Pikes Peak Ascent this coming August. A last minute meeting at work had me getting out the door 30 minutes late, so I called Nate and told him to get started (did not get on the trail until 5pm). Not sure how far ahead he was, I pushed a little at first hoping to catch him, but my legs did not feel all that springy, so I just backed off a bit and went a comfortable pace. The day was 20+ degrees below the predicted high which was a bit of a disappointment after the near 80 degrees on Tuesday, but the sun came out on the upper half to bolster spirits a bit. I found Nate a minute or two below the summit basking on a rock, as he had been waiting up there for quite some time. I tagged the top in 41:52 (avg. HR 155) and we then picked our way down through the trap door snow past the 4-way (still knee deep or more in spots if you punch through). The descent was a casual 30:08 (avg HR 124).
Despite the copious amounts of snow blanketing the trails, March was a pretty good month for me. I have been particularly motivated to get myself into reasonable fitness for the upcoming RRR on April 17th and was able to get out for a run all but a few days where life got in the way, or I felt as though I needed a rest day.
Though sometimes I feel like a bit of a slacker comparing my speed/numbers to Tony (I can’t forget that he is one of the handful of the most elite at this stuff), this was my biggest March ever and 3 biggest month ever. I am in the best shape I have ever been in leading up to the Grand Canyon and certainly the most fit I have been in March. I feel as though the snow is now my most significant limiting factor at this point and my enthusiasm is as high as can be. It also helps to have great partners to share the journey with, Brandon, Tony, Homie, Wayne, Aron, Mike O, Nate, Allison, Sierra (wish Dave M. was still here).
By the numbers:
80,350 vertical feet
212 miles (seems like double that though as most of that was in/on snow or mud)
24 Green Mountain Ascents
1 Bear
1 S. Boulder
1 Sanitas
2 Flagstaff
1 14er (Antero)
1 Skyline Traverse
2 trips out to Walker Ranch from Eldo
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Sunday, 03/28/10 Green Mountain
Spring is back, low 60's today which is slowly melting the snow. Bumped into Brandon who was returning from the summit after running there from home, the bumped in Rex and Caroline. Much of Gregory Canyon is melting out, above that it is all snow, but the trail is getting a bit wider and seeing more traffic. Footing was decent with Microspikes on the up and I felt more efficient than in days past. I went pretty casual, just enjoying the day and going Sierra's pace.
As Brandon warned, the down was really slick due to the sloppy slush and soft snow, so I just went very easy on the down as well.
Up Gregory/Ranger: 44:01 Avg. HR 143, Max 158
Down Gregory/Ranger: 29:10 Avg. HR 115, Max 133
As Brandon warned, the down was really slick due to the sloppy slush and soft snow, so I just went very easy on the down as well.
Up Gregory/Ranger: 44:01 Avg. HR 143, Max 158
Down Gregory/Ranger: 29:10 Avg. HR 115, Max 133
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Saturday, 03/27/10 Green Mountain
Allison and I were looking for a tidy morning workout, so what better than Green?
Her plan was to just hike Amphi/Saddle, then at the Greenman jct., head down toward Ranger and I would go to the top and catch her on the way down.
Though my quads were slightly tired from 3 laps on Green the previous day, I felt surprisingly good and was making OK time despite the conditions and moderate effort. After our stomping the trail yesterday and those who had packed it afterwards, condtions were pretty good in spots, although a bit loose and narrow on the upper 1/4.
I made the summit in 41:20, spent a moment on the summit rock and then ran back down Greenman until I met up with Allison at the Greenman/Ranger jct.. Running downhill, I realized that my downhill muscles were a little sore (vs. my uphill muscles only being a little tired). My arms and shoulders were also a little sore, maybe from all the balancing in the narrow track.
I was dressed just right for running, but shortly before meeting up with Allison, the brief spell of sunshine we enjoyed on the ascent faded and it began to snow lightly. Once my run morphed into a hike, I got really cold and was glad to get back to the car and blast the heat. Had I been solo, I might have considered a second lap just for grins.
Her plan was to just hike Amphi/Saddle, then at the Greenman jct., head down toward Ranger and I would go to the top and catch her on the way down.
Though my quads were slightly tired from 3 laps on Green the previous day, I felt surprisingly good and was making OK time despite the conditions and moderate effort. After our stomping the trail yesterday and those who had packed it afterwards, condtions were pretty good in spots, although a bit loose and narrow on the upper 1/4.
I made the summit in 41:20, spent a moment on the summit rock and then ran back down Greenman until I met up with Allison at the Greenman/Ranger jct.. Running downhill, I realized that my downhill muscles were a little sore (vs. my uphill muscles only being a little tired). My arms and shoulders were also a little sore, maybe from all the balancing in the narrow track.
I was dressed just right for running, but shortly before meeting up with Allison, the brief spell of sunshine we enjoyed on the ascent faded and it began to snow lightly. Once my run morphed into a hike, I got really cold and was glad to get back to the car and blast the heat. Had I been solo, I might have considered a second lap just for grins.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Friday, 03/26/10 3 Laps on Green Mountain
Tony and I had been discussing options for a Friday long run throughout the week, but the storm on Tues/Weds had us considering a few laps on Green depending on conditions. Thursday I spent a few hours stomping down the trail with snowshoes hoping to make it suitable for reasonably paced laps. That and afternoon traffic set the trails up to be in reasonable shape.
Lap 1: We headed up Gregory/Ranger to the ridge together chatting away with me setting pace. My new HRM and my thighs were telling me that if I have any hope of 3 laps, that I should back off the pace a touch. I let Tony pass and he got a minute or two ahead and was nice enough to wait for me on the summit. For a change of scenery, we headed down Greenman/Saddle/Amphi. The upper part of the trail was one foot width wide and was a bit of a balancing act in spots, but eventually widened a bit and actually made for good running.
Lap 2: Same a lap 1, but I was about a minute slower (same pace or maybe a little faster, but I stopped countless times to adjust my microspikes that just don't fit well on my lighter (smaller) shoes. Tony was a bit quicker on this lap and started to open the gap on me at the top of Gregory and was once again nice enough to wait on the summit for me.
Lap 3: After a quick bite of food at the Element aid station, some water and a change of shoes (for me), we decided to take different routes to the summit. Since I knew I might be walking a bit more, I would rather walk up steep, so I went up Amphi/Saddle/Greenman while Tony opted for more of the same. I felt surprisingly good (though not really moving that fast) and felt progessively better as I went up, but started to lose a bit of steam near the talus field ~2/3-3/4 of the way up, at about the same time trail conditions deteriorated a bit (hard to notice on the way down, but very evident on the way up when tired). As expected, Tony was on the summit waiting and we headed back down the way I had just "ran", enjoying the now sunny day and enjoying good conversation. We contemplated a second lap, but ultimately decided that 3 was enough with the snow, maybe when things pack down more or dry out.
An awesome day, great workout and great company. Thanks to Tony for pushing me, it would have been tempting to bail in the middle or at least slack off even more than I did had I been solo.
Splits:
Lap 1 Ascent: 44:15 Avg. HR 166, 176 Max
Lap 1 Descent: 22:??
Lap 2 Ascent: 45:?? Avg. HR 171, 180 Max
Lap 2 Descent: 22:41 Avg. HR 158, 165 Max
Lap 3 Ascent: 46:54 Avg. HR 168, 174 Max
Lap 3 Descent: 22:13 Avg. HR 156, 168 Max
Lap 1: We headed up Gregory/Ranger to the ridge together chatting away with me setting pace. My new HRM and my thighs were telling me that if I have any hope of 3 laps, that I should back off the pace a touch. I let Tony pass and he got a minute or two ahead and was nice enough to wait for me on the summit. For a change of scenery, we headed down Greenman/Saddle/Amphi. The upper part of the trail was one foot width wide and was a bit of a balancing act in spots, but eventually widened a bit and actually made for good running.
Lap 2: Same a lap 1, but I was about a minute slower (same pace or maybe a little faster, but I stopped countless times to adjust my microspikes that just don't fit well on my lighter (smaller) shoes. Tony was a bit quicker on this lap and started to open the gap on me at the top of Gregory and was once again nice enough to wait on the summit for me.
Lap 3: After a quick bite of food at the Element aid station, some water and a change of shoes (for me), we decided to take different routes to the summit. Since I knew I might be walking a bit more, I would rather walk up steep, so I went up Amphi/Saddle/Greenman while Tony opted for more of the same. I felt surprisingly good (though not really moving that fast) and felt progessively better as I went up, but started to lose a bit of steam near the talus field ~2/3-3/4 of the way up, at about the same time trail conditions deteriorated a bit (hard to notice on the way down, but very evident on the way up when tired). As expected, Tony was on the summit waiting and we headed back down the way I had just "ran", enjoying the now sunny day and enjoying good conversation. We contemplated a second lap, but ultimately decided that 3 was enough with the snow, maybe when things pack down more or dry out.
An awesome day, great workout and great company. Thanks to Tony for pushing me, it would have been tempting to bail in the middle or at least slack off even more than I did had I been solo.
Splits:
Lap 1 Ascent: 44:15 Avg. HR 166, 176 Max
Lap 1 Descent: 22:??
Lap 2 Ascent: 45:?? Avg. HR 171, 180 Max
Lap 2 Descent: 22:41 Avg. HR 158, 165 Max
Lap 3 Ascent: 46:54 Avg. HR 168, 174 Max
Lap 3 Descent: 22:13 Avg. HR 156, 168 Max
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Thursday, 03/25/10 Green Mountain
Today's plan was to spend the day hiking with Allison and use my snowshoes to stomp down a nice packed trail. We started around 11am up the Gregory Canyon Trail, where I put the snowshoes on at the second wood bridge. There had been enough traffic through here that using the snowshoes helped pack the trail a bit, but were mostly a formality. Above the ranger cabin, footprints quickly diminished, until the Greenman/Ranger junction, where there eventually were Kraig's post hole tracks from yesterday and his fresh footprints from this morning in his old tracks. I made deliberate and forceful small steps, pounding down the snow the best I could, making several passes in spots and widening where necessary. Higher on the ridge, I was amazed at how much snow there was and the depth and placement of the snow drifts, as the most recent storm blew in from the North. The snow got so deep, I could tell that Kraig had been struggling his last two trips, must have been an epic battle, as evidenced by his "sack tracks".
We eventually made the top and took a very long break on the summit rock before heading back down. I was able to admire my handiwork on the descent and further pack the trail with even better affect with more forceful downhill impact (though I ate it a couple of times getting caught up in my snowshoes) and warmer temps to pack the snow.
Planning on taking advantage of my handiwork tomorrow with a few laps.
We eventually made the top and took a very long break on the summit rock before heading back down. I was able to admire my handiwork on the descent and further pack the trail with even better affect with more forceful downhill impact (though I ate it a couple of times getting caught up in my snowshoes) and warmer temps to pack the snow.
Planning on taking advantage of my handiwork tomorrow with a few laps.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Wednesday, 03/24/10 Green Mountain
Homie joined me for a trudge up Green Mountain in the ~2 feet of fresh snow we got last night. There was one set of footprints to follow to the top via Amphi/Saddle/Greenman (actually two, but #2 walked in the tracks of the first), I am guessing it was Kraig and/or Tony. They were up only tracks and they were somewhat helpful, but near the top, footing was tricky and there was some post holing going on.
We backtracked the same way and the two of us descending did the trail a lot of good, as descending helps pack the trail more that ascending. Hoping to head out there with snowshoes tomorrow to really pack things down and get it set up for laps on Friday.
Up in an easy/conversational 58
Down in a cautious ~28
We backtracked the same way and the two of us descending did the trail a lot of good, as descending helps pack the trail more that ascending. Hoping to head out there with snowshoes tomorrow to really pack things down and get it set up for laps on Friday.
Up in an easy/conversational 58
Down in a cautious ~28
Monday, March 22, 2010
Monday, 03/22/10 Green Mountain
Started off easy up through Gregory Canyon, Sierra and I were in perfect sync, just cruising along. My legs and lungs felt great and I felt as though I could push harder if I wanted, but just above the cabin, I started to bonk big time. All I could think about was food and how much I regretted not bringing a GU and Microspikes, as traction was not nearly as good as yesterday. The descent was slick and my energy levels were quickly dropping. I was slipping all over and uncoordinated on the snow and ice, then my feet were having trouble getting over and around the rocks back through Gregory. Luckily I had some food in the car which prevented an emergency trip through the Wendys drive through (I never do this, but was contemplating it seriously for a while).
Splits:
Cabin: 17:55
4-way: 39:44
Summit: 43:26
Descent: 32
Splits:
Cabin: 17:55
4-way: 39:44
Summit: 43:26
Descent: 32
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