Sierra
Sierra
Friday, August 6, 2010
Thursday, 08/05/10 Green Mountain #100
Today I celebrated my 100th ascent of Green Mountain thus far in 2010 and GZ and Sierra were kind enough to join in the festivities, which really added to the enjoyment. Took George up a new route (for him) that he was impressed with, got to start hitting this one more. I think I had 43 on the up from Gregory over the convoluted route, spent some time enjoying the summit, then came down Ranger/Gregory, not sure how fast, as I was too busy chatting to look at the watch or care. Another awesome day in Boulder.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
08/04/10 Green Mountain #99
Hit up Green this morning with Sierra, as she has obviously been itching to get out for some exercise. Up Gregory/Ranger very easy, down the front very easy. Sierra was busy checking out all the new changes ("improvements") on the front side, it was interesting to see her stop and say to herself "what, where are the rocks that used to be here? This log is new..... torn up ground? This was never here before..."
Today was trip #99 up Green for me this year, #361 since I began accurate record keeping in December of 2004. A careful guestimate puts me at ~520 total ascents since I moved to Boulder in 1996.
If anybody wants to celebrate trip #100 for the year with me tomorrow, I plan to start from Gregory at 6:30am (easy dog jog).
Up: 44ish?
Down: 26?
Today was trip #99 up Green for me this year, #361 since I began accurate record keeping in December of 2004. A careful guestimate puts me at ~520 total ascents since I moved to Boulder in 1996.
If anybody wants to celebrate trip #100 for the year with me tomorrow, I plan to start from Gregory at 6:30am (easy dog jog).
Up: 44ish?
Down: 26?
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
08/03/10 Green Mountain
Met GZ at Chautauqua at 5:45am and headed up Gregory/Ranger, easy pace, chatting the whole way of course. We slowed to walk a short section and of course got busted by Tony. Chatted with him for a bit. 53 up from Chautauqua, 1:33 RT (I never stopped the timer for social stops/dog stops/summit break). Great morning.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Monday, 08/02/10 Green Mountain
Had a most excellent run this evening after work. Started up Amphi/Saddle/Greenman around 4:25pm, it was sprinkling a bit and nice and cool. Went easy up Amphitheater, got to the jct. in a very unpressed 6:39 and upped the pace a little bit. 14:53 to the overlook, 19:mid to the Greenman jct.. I felt as though I was getting stronger the higher I went, instead of the recent fading from the start. Made the summit in 33:34 which I was happy with given the distinct lack of effort, the heavy shoes and the floppy hiking shorts.
It was raining pretty steady on the upper half of the mountain, but it was so refreshing and invigorating, I took the long way back via W. Ridge to SuperFlag, then down Long Canyon to Gregory. 11 to SuperFlag, 22 to the cabin, 33:07 down, just barely quicker than my ascent time. Even the 35 minute drive home (should have been 12-15, but there was a major traffic jam on 36) could not dampen my mood.
It was raining pretty steady on the upper half of the mountain, but it was so refreshing and invigorating, I took the long way back via W. Ridge to SuperFlag, then down Long Canyon to Gregory. 11 to SuperFlag, 22 to the cabin, 33:07 down, just barely quicker than my ascent time. Even the 35 minute drive home (should have been 12-15, but there was a major traffic jam on 36) could not dampen my mood.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Saturday, 07/31/10 Green Mountain
Up/Down Gregory/Ranger
Took Sierra up Green, started at 7:17am and it was already starting to get pretty warm. Allison dropped us off at the TH and she drove further up to hike Long Canyon, but Sierra could not be convinced that she was not following behind, so Sierra would continually stop to wait. I ended up doing a lot of stopping, backtracking and encouraging. Total time to the top was 53 minutes, a solid 10 of which was spent waiting/backtracking. She was still slow on the descent as it warmed, 35 down.
July stats:
182 miles
77,680 vertical
7 14ers
1 12er
1 11er
12 x Green
3 x Bear
2 x SoBo
Yearly stats thus far:
1143 miles
429,665 vertical
96 x Green
13 x Sanitas
12 x Bear
10 x SoBo
21 x 14ers
160 total summits
Took Sierra up Green, started at 7:17am and it was already starting to get pretty warm. Allison dropped us off at the TH and she drove further up to hike Long Canyon, but Sierra could not be convinced that she was not following behind, so Sierra would continually stop to wait. I ended up doing a lot of stopping, backtracking and encouraging. Total time to the top was 53 minutes, a solid 10 of which was spent waiting/backtracking. She was still slow on the descent as it warmed, 35 down.
July stats:
182 miles
77,680 vertical
7 14ers
1 12er
1 11er
12 x Green
3 x Bear
2 x SoBo
Yearly stats thus far:
1143 miles
429,665 vertical
96 x Green
13 x Sanitas
12 x Bear
10 x SoBo
21 x 14ers
160 total summits
Friday, July 30, 2010
Friday, 07/30/10 S. Boulder/Bear Peak
Casual dog jog, more of a dog hike really.
Started with Sierra from S. Mesa at 8:10am, headed up Homestead to Shadow. Jogged super easy to the mouth of Shadow, hiked up to SoBo, jogged to Bear and then jogged casually down, waiting often for Sierra and taking long stops at the creeks.
Shadow: :25
Saddle: :55
S. Boulder: 1:02
Bear: 1:14
Finish: 1:55
Started with Sierra from S. Mesa at 8:10am, headed up Homestead to Shadow. Jogged super easy to the mouth of Shadow, hiked up to SoBo, jogged to Bear and then jogged casually down, waiting often for Sierra and taking long stops at the creeks.
Shadow: :25
Saddle: :55
S. Boulder: 1:02
Bear: 1:14
Finish: 1:55
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Thursday, 07/29/10 Grays and Torreys (PR!)
Grays and Torreys
07/29/10
12.5 miles/5,600 vertical
Partners: Nate Bahrenburg, Dan England
For my weekly installment of 14er running, Nate and I, along with Dan headed up to Grays and Torreys. Both Nate and Dan are preparing for their first Pikes Peak Ascent. After an enjoyable drive getting to know Dan and talking about mountains and twins/kids (Dan has twin girls), Nate dropped me off in Bakerville and I got running at 7:22am as he and Dan continued on to the summer trailhead.
After some recent lackluster training runs in the mountains, I was not sure what to expect today and certainly did not have my hopes up for a great run, I just figured I would take it one step at a time and see how the run would unfold with no real expectations. I left the heart rate monitor at home and figured I would time my run, but not really get too focused on splits and just enjoy the day.
I felt good, but not great running up the road and just enjoyed the warming up process. The air was cool, but not cold and I was thankful that the sky was overcast, perfect running conditions. I was having recollections of our run 2 years ago, where Justin and I started off WAY too fast and was in no danger of doing that again today. I reached the TH in 30:58, stashed some bottles and was on the far side of the bridge at 31:30, feeling much stronger than 2 years ago and ready to up the tempo a bit on the upper half. The trail was quite wet from recent rains which required some puddle and creek dodging, but it was actually kind of fun. My feet were moving quick and accurate, I felt great and was moving toward that level of bliss that can only be achieved on those perfect days when everything comes together.
Eventually, I caught and passed Dan beyond the Kelso cutoff, then Nate, not too long after. The trail steepened and instead of trying to fight it, I just leaned over and settled into a good power hike. Occasionally I ran, but was concentrating on shifting gears frequently, keeping as efficient as possible.
As always, the watch sped up with altitude and I was not entirely sure where I would end up. It seemed more and more likely that I might be able to sneak in under 1:30, but it all just seemed too good to be true. I dug in over the final ~500 vertical and hit the summit in 1:29:29, a full 4:03 faster than my run with Justin 2 years ago. It all just felt too easy. I am inclined to say I could have pushed harder, maybe at times, but I’m not sure pushing harder would have led to running a faster ascent. I paced myself really smart today, conditions were perfect and my head was in exactly the right place. If only every day could be like today.
I’m trying not to put too much stock in what I did today, just like I try to not let a bad day get me too down either. It is what it is, but it sure does feel good!
Oh yeah, the rest of the day….. I waited on the summit of Grays for Nate, who was not too far back. We hung out waiting for Dan, who we still could not see and decided to head over to Torreys without him. I went fast, but was not really knocking myself out and made it to Torreys in a few seconds over 16, waited a few minutes for Nate and we headed back down to the saddle, where we bumped into Dan. He did not want to hold us up and decided to bail on Torreys, but we encouraged him to go for it, as we were not in any hurry. Nate and I decided to wait for him at the car, then wait at the saddle, then before we knew it, we simultaneously decided to accompany Dan back up Torreys. From there on it was very casual, conversational pace hiking up and running down (maybe just under an hour back to the TH? I did not really look).
Splits:
Bakerville: 0:00
Far side of bridge at summer TH: 31:30
Grays Summit: 1:29:29 (57:59 split from summer TH to Grays)
Grays to Torreys: 16
07/29/10
12.5 miles/5,600 vertical
Partners: Nate Bahrenburg, Dan England
For my weekly installment of 14er running, Nate and I, along with Dan headed up to Grays and Torreys. Both Nate and Dan are preparing for their first Pikes Peak Ascent. After an enjoyable drive getting to know Dan and talking about mountains and twins/kids (Dan has twin girls), Nate dropped me off in Bakerville and I got running at 7:22am as he and Dan continued on to the summer trailhead.
After some recent lackluster training runs in the mountains, I was not sure what to expect today and certainly did not have my hopes up for a great run, I just figured I would take it one step at a time and see how the run would unfold with no real expectations. I left the heart rate monitor at home and figured I would time my run, but not really get too focused on splits and just enjoy the day.
I felt good, but not great running up the road and just enjoyed the warming up process. The air was cool, but not cold and I was thankful that the sky was overcast, perfect running conditions. I was having recollections of our run 2 years ago, where Justin and I started off WAY too fast and was in no danger of doing that again today. I reached the TH in 30:58, stashed some bottles and was on the far side of the bridge at 31:30, feeling much stronger than 2 years ago and ready to up the tempo a bit on the upper half. The trail was quite wet from recent rains which required some puddle and creek dodging, but it was actually kind of fun. My feet were moving quick and accurate, I felt great and was moving toward that level of bliss that can only be achieved on those perfect days when everything comes together.
Eventually, I caught and passed Dan beyond the Kelso cutoff, then Nate, not too long after. The trail steepened and instead of trying to fight it, I just leaned over and settled into a good power hike. Occasionally I ran, but was concentrating on shifting gears frequently, keeping as efficient as possible.
As always, the watch sped up with altitude and I was not entirely sure where I would end up. It seemed more and more likely that I might be able to sneak in under 1:30, but it all just seemed too good to be true. I dug in over the final ~500 vertical and hit the summit in 1:29:29, a full 4:03 faster than my run with Justin 2 years ago. It all just felt too easy. I am inclined to say I could have pushed harder, maybe at times, but I’m not sure pushing harder would have led to running a faster ascent. I paced myself really smart today, conditions were perfect and my head was in exactly the right place. If only every day could be like today.
I’m trying not to put too much stock in what I did today, just like I try to not let a bad day get me too down either. It is what it is, but it sure does feel good!
Oh yeah, the rest of the day….. I waited on the summit of Grays for Nate, who was not too far back. We hung out waiting for Dan, who we still could not see and decided to head over to Torreys without him. I went fast, but was not really knocking myself out and made it to Torreys in a few seconds over 16, waited a few minutes for Nate and we headed back down to the saddle, where we bumped into Dan. He did not want to hold us up and decided to bail on Torreys, but we encouraged him to go for it, as we were not in any hurry. Nate and I decided to wait for him at the car, then wait at the saddle, then before we knew it, we simultaneously decided to accompany Dan back up Torreys. From there on it was very casual, conversational pace hiking up and running down (maybe just under an hour back to the TH? I did not really look).
Splits:
Bakerville: 0:00
Far side of bridge at summer TH: 31:30
Grays Summit: 1:29:29 (57:59 split from summer TH to Grays)
Grays to Torreys: 16
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Tuesday, 07/27/10 Green Mountain
Up Gregory/Ranger 41:44
Down Greenman/Saddle/Amphi ~25
It was pouring rain when I left work and was hoping it would continue. It had rained hard in Boulder it appeared, but was tapering off when I started at 4:08pm. Before long, the sun was burning through the clouds and it was warming, but probably only into the 70's (up from 66 when I started), a nice surprise, as it must have been in the mid 90's when I stepped outside at lunch. Went super easy on the up and down, just light jogging and some hiking really.
Down Greenman/Saddle/Amphi ~25
It was pouring rain when I left work and was hoping it would continue. It had rained hard in Boulder it appeared, but was tapering off when I started at 4:08pm. Before long, the sun was burning through the clouds and it was warming, but probably only into the 70's (up from 66 when I started), a nice surprise, as it must have been in the mid 90's when I stepped outside at lunch. Went super easy on the up and down, just light jogging and some hiking really.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Monday, 07/26/10 Bear Peak
Up/Down Fern Canyon
Started from Cragmoor at ~6:10pm. It was very warm, bordering on hot, mellow to moderate pace the entire way. Surprisingly enjoyable despite the heat.
42 up/25 down
Started from Cragmoor at ~6:10pm. It was very warm, bordering on hot, mellow to moderate pace the entire way. Surprisingly enjoyable despite the heat.
42 up/25 down
Monday, July 26, 2010
Sunday, 07/25/10 Green Mountain
Up Gregory/Ranger 37:55 (avg HR 169/180 max)
Down Greenman/Saddle/Amphi: 25
Started off easy at 4:09pm, with no intentions of pushing whatsoever, as it was very hot and I have been sluggish as of late. To my great surprise though, even with the heat, my easy effort was producing decent splits. I passed the cabin in 16:27 and upped the effort a bit, made the 4 way in low 34:1? and pushed a bit to the top (but faded and powerhiked most of the steep stuff). HR was a little high for the finish time, but I was satisfied with my effort given the heat and relative lack of effort (at least in the early part).
Down Greenman/Saddle/Amphi: 25
Started off easy at 4:09pm, with no intentions of pushing whatsoever, as it was very hot and I have been sluggish as of late. To my great surprise though, even with the heat, my easy effort was producing decent splits. I passed the cabin in 16:27 and upped the effort a bit, made the 4 way in low 34:1? and pushed a bit to the top (but faded and powerhiked most of the steep stuff). HR was a little high for the finish time, but I was satisfied with my effort given the heat and relative lack of effort (at least in the early part).
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Friday, 07/23/10 Shrine Mountain (11,888)
This was easily the most enjoyable and fulfilling day I have had so far this summer and it did not involve running a step. Allison, Sierra and I, along with our friend Jack, who is a longtime professional outdoor photographer (John Fielder type) drove up to Shrine Pass (above Vail Pass) for a casual hike to check out the famed wildflowers that we have heard Jack rave about for years.
The hike was short (~5 miles/800 vertical) and we went very casual, as Allison is now 6 months pregnant and Jack is over 70 with a rebuilt hip. I was more than fine with the casual pace, as the wildflowers were absolutely out of control and I would not have gone much faster on my own, as I was so busy snapping photos. Sierra really seemed to like it too, as she was going absolutely nutty running around through the willows, flower and tall grass. So much fun. I'll let the photos tell the rest of the story.
The hike was short (~5 miles/800 vertical) and we went very casual, as Allison is now 6 months pregnant and Jack is over 70 with a rebuilt hip. I was more than fine with the casual pace, as the wildflowers were absolutely out of control and I would not have gone much faster on my own, as I was so busy snapping photos. Sierra really seemed to like it too, as she was going absolutely nutty running around through the willows, flower and tall grass. So much fun. I'll let the photos tell the rest of the story.
Thursday, 07/22/10 Pikes Peak
Another training run on Pikes in the books with Nate. While running up Pikes, I had a several thousand word blog post scripted in my mind, but the days since have been too busy for me to sit at a computer for more than a few minutes and I have forgotten most of it since (but the resounding theme above Barr Camp was "the pace calculator is BULLSHIT!").
I knew before I started running that my legs were not feeling great. Odd, as I only ran Green twice during the week, somewhat easy or moderate at most, vs. 4 or 5 times before my previous run up Pikes where my legs felt great.
I started at 6:55am and felt clunky right away. My plan for the day was to stick to splits for 2:46:10 (PR) the best I could and I hoped to push a bit beyond, as my 2:57 the week prior felt very relaxed and reserved. I pushed hard and my HR monitor was showing the added effort, about 5-10 bpm faster than last week on average, but the effort seemed exponentially greater. I hit the top of the W's in 33:07, about 9 seconds slower than last trip, but it seemed like soooo much more work.
Only slightly deterred, I pressed on, hitting No Name in 48:48, which was about on par with last week, but still, the effort felt too high. Hoping I could at least maintain, I continued pushing, but I got to Barr Camp in 1:25:??, roughly a minute behind now. I lost another 2 minutes by the Bottomless Pit switchback and even then felt like I was at my limit. I then gave up and walked. A minute or two of this though, I was annoyed and started fighting again with renewed vigor. Then I blew and walked again. I repeated this process all the way to the 2 to go sign and realized that pushing myself was only going to dig me deeper into a hole long term.
It seems that for the last 4-6 weeks (or more), my performance has been very flat and my willingness to dig deep has been minimal at best. Between lack of sleep, planning for twins, long work days, hot summer temps, keeping up with the Tour, stress at work, on top of running mountains has been wearing me thin. I often times feel this way, but it typically only happens maybe one day every other week or so and a day off, or easy days cures all, but this time it seems to be running a little deeper. Even a few days in a row does very little to help. Hopefully I can turn things around soon, as Aug. 21st is closing in quickly.
Oh yeah, I made the top in an abysmal 3:09:49 (avg HR 167/max 179). Ouch.
I knew before I started running that my legs were not feeling great. Odd, as I only ran Green twice during the week, somewhat easy or moderate at most, vs. 4 or 5 times before my previous run up Pikes where my legs felt great.
I started at 6:55am and felt clunky right away. My plan for the day was to stick to splits for 2:46:10 (PR) the best I could and I hoped to push a bit beyond, as my 2:57 the week prior felt very relaxed and reserved. I pushed hard and my HR monitor was showing the added effort, about 5-10 bpm faster than last week on average, but the effort seemed exponentially greater. I hit the top of the W's in 33:07, about 9 seconds slower than last trip, but it seemed like soooo much more work.
Only slightly deterred, I pressed on, hitting No Name in 48:48, which was about on par with last week, but still, the effort felt too high. Hoping I could at least maintain, I continued pushing, but I got to Barr Camp in 1:25:??, roughly a minute behind now. I lost another 2 minutes by the Bottomless Pit switchback and even then felt like I was at my limit. I then gave up and walked. A minute or two of this though, I was annoyed and started fighting again with renewed vigor. Then I blew and walked again. I repeated this process all the way to the 2 to go sign and realized that pushing myself was only going to dig me deeper into a hole long term.
It seems that for the last 4-6 weeks (or more), my performance has been very flat and my willingness to dig deep has been minimal at best. Between lack of sleep, planning for twins, long work days, hot summer temps, keeping up with the Tour, stress at work, on top of running mountains has been wearing me thin. I often times feel this way, but it typically only happens maybe one day every other week or so and a day off, or easy days cures all, but this time it seems to be running a little deeper. Even a few days in a row does very little to help. Hopefully I can turn things around soon, as Aug. 21st is closing in quickly.
Oh yeah, I made the top in an abysmal 3:09:49 (avg HR 167/max 179). Ouch.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Tuesday, 07/20/10 Green Mountain
Up Gregory/Ranger: 37:39 ahr 166/mhr 179
Down Front: 22:28 ahr 144/mhr 160
Felt better this morning (5:45am start), pushed the intensity up a bit, felt like the high side of moderate/low side of hard, but a bit labored for the meager time.
The down was a snap, my feet felt accurate and spot on, a stark contrast to yesterday where I felt stumbly and like I may as well just hike down.
Down Front: 22:28 ahr 144/mhr 160
Felt better this morning (5:45am start), pushed the intensity up a bit, felt like the high side of moderate/low side of hard, but a bit labored for the meager time.
The down was a snap, my feet felt accurate and spot on, a stark contrast to yesterday where I felt stumbly and like I may as well just hike down.
Monday, 07/19/10 Green Mountain
Up Gregory/Ranger: 40:50 AHR 147/MHR 166
Down Front: 26:33 AHR 118
Tired and not too into it at 5:30am. Easy effort.
Down Front: 26:33 AHR 118
Tired and not too into it at 5:30am. Easy effort.
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