I'm still taking it easy on my achilles by taking time off and spending a lot of time over here getting in some great baby jogger walks and thoroughly enjoying it.
Thursday, 02/10/11: 2.5 miles pushing the baby jogger through un-shoveled sidewalks, snowbanks and slush.
Friday, 02/11/11: 3 miles with the jogger on dryer, but still often times snow covered paths.
Saturday, 02/12/11: Green Mountain from Chautauqua with Brandon, up back, down front. Casual pace, just catching up really and not pushing the achilles (51 up).
Sunday, 02/13/11: Green Mountain with Allison and Sierra (up/down back). Started late morning and the temp was warm, but the wind was cranking pretty good. At the last minute, I grabbed a few extra articles of warm clothing and sure was glad that I did, as the easy pace, combined with the howling wind made me really cold. Might have passed by Shad in Gregory Canyon, but realized it after the fact. The creaky trees were a bit un-nerving at times and I was nearly lifted off the ground on several occasions. Our summit stay was brief. (up in 1:07, down in 40). Sierra seems to be getting back to her old self, not sure what her problem was in the fall, but she is a stout mountain dog again and seems to recover well afterwards.
Sierra
Sierra
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
Saturday, 02/05/11 Green
Met up with Footfeathers for an easy trip up Green. Started at Chautauqua, up Gregory/Ranger, down Bear Canyon. Great to catch up with Tim.
Up 52:07 (avg. HR 143)
Down ??
Up 52:07 (avg. HR 143)
Down ??
Friday, 02/04/11 Green
Up/Down Gregory Ranger with Sierra. Sierra was great today, was like a puppy again in the snow and she was ahead of me the whole time waiting on my slow self. Took it very easy for the sake of my achilles.
48:46 up (149 avg. HR)
29:17 down (132 avg. HR)
48:46 up (149 avg. HR)
29:17 down (132 avg. HR)
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, 01/30/11 Green Mountain
Met up with Bill at the Gregory lot at 4pm. Went up/down Gregory/Ranger at a super casual pace, just chatting and catching up. The ice on the upper section of trail is getting pretty solid and my (dull) screw shoes were marginal on the descent. Bill had some SWEET Sportiva shoes with hobnails that really hook up. Might have to bite the bullet and try the hobnails (although I JUST bought 4 boxes of screws at McGuckins over the weekend).
49 up (136 avg. HR)
31 down (123 avg. HR)
49 up (136 avg. HR)
31 down (123 avg. HR)
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Saturday, 01/29/11 Green Mountain
To celebrate the girls 4 month birthday, Isabelle won the coin toss and got to join me for her first trip up Green Mountain. Started a little after 10am and bumped into Tony at the Gregory lot and chatted with him for a bit. Headed up the mostly dry Gregory Canyon, threw on the spikes at the top, as I knew from my run the previous day with Dave that it would be snow/ice most of the way to the summit (not easy to install the Microspikes with a baby on the front). It was not nearly as warm as the previous day where the temp approached 70 degrees, but it was still very pleasant, maybe low to mid 50s (very calm and warmish feeling though) and I quickly felt like we were over dressed.
We made good progress despite the snow/ice/added weight and were soon on the summit. I carefully negotiated the summit boulder, where Isabelle awoke just in time to check out the spectacular views of the Indian Peaks/Continental Divide and pointed out to her some of the different peaks that she and her sister will be climbing before long.
Isabelle slept most of the trip up, but was awake for a good part of the descent, so I continued to point out things along the way like rocks, trees, snow, doggys, etc... and just sang and talked quite a bit which she seemed to enjoy. Back in Gregory Canyon, we ran into Dave and Travis and chatted with them for a few minutes.
It was great to introduce Isabelle to Green Mountain and a few of my friends along the way. I had an awesome time with her and I know she enjoyed it too, as she either napped quietly, or stared wide eyed with her big blue eyes taking in her big new World. When I put her in her car seat back at the van, I expected her to fuss, but instead, she just gave me a big smile and was content for the rest of the day.
Splits:
53:41 up (158 avg HR)
48:42 down (105 avg HR)
We made good progress despite the snow/ice/added weight and were soon on the summit. I carefully negotiated the summit boulder, where Isabelle awoke just in time to check out the spectacular views of the Indian Peaks/Continental Divide and pointed out to her some of the different peaks that she and her sister will be climbing before long.
Isabelle slept most of the trip up, but was awake for a good part of the descent, so I continued to point out things along the way like rocks, trees, snow, doggys, etc... and just sang and talked quite a bit which she seemed to enjoy. Back in Gregory Canyon, we ran into Dave and Travis and chatted with them for a few minutes.
It was great to introduce Isabelle to Green Mountain and a few of my friends along the way. I had an awesome time with her and I know she enjoyed it too, as she either napped quietly, or stared wide eyed with her big blue eyes taking in her big new World. When I put her in her car seat back at the van, I expected her to fuss, but instead, she just gave me a big smile and was content for the rest of the day.
Splits:
53:41 up (158 avg HR)
48:42 down (105 avg HR)
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Friday, 01/28/11 Filming for Dateline on Green Mountain
I woke up this morning and had an e-mail in my inbox from Aron, asking if I were interested in possibly making a cameo appearance as his real life running partner for a Dateline NBC/Tom Brokaw special to air in February. I was of course eager to get out on such a nice day and at the very least, spectate and socialize.
Arrived at the Gregory TH around 11:20am and soon two big rental Yukon XLs pull in packed with camera gear, Aron, the producer, film guy and sound guy. They got us mic'd up and we soon started up Gregory Canyon for some sunshine and dry trail. They set up in several spots and had Aron and I run back and forth, having us just chat casually and act "normal" while they filmed.
We went as far as the first steep rocky section, where they then filmed Aron run back and forth a few times. Nothing too crazy exciting, but it was fun to see a $92,000 camera in action, fun to catch up with Aron and meet the film crew, but of course most fun to soak up the sun on a ~70 degree January day, where it was almost hot in the sun wearing a t-shirt and shorts.
As we were wrapping up, I got a call from Dave, who was on his way to the TH, so I joined him for a lap up/down Gregory/Ranger. Dave is really fit right now (when is he not?) and I was sucking wind trying to keep up and maintain some exhaly conversation. Eventually on the NW ridge below the flat spot, I cut the virtual tether and told him to keep on going, as I needed to walk a bit (I was defininitely pushing my achilles a bit beyond recovery pace). We met on the summit and then cruised back down together, taking it easy on the slush and ice.
Conditions update:
The trail is mostly melted through Gregory, but there is still a fair amount of well packed snow/ice above. Fortunately, it was warm and slushy enough that we were able to get by without traction (sketchy at times though on the down, studded shoe or spikes would be good from the cabin to the 4-way). If it were colder, the upper section would become a bobsled run.
An awesome day to be out with great friends.
Splits:
Up: 40:47 (166 avg HR)
Down: 28:29 (139 avg HR)
Arrived at the Gregory TH around 11:20am and soon two big rental Yukon XLs pull in packed with camera gear, Aron, the producer, film guy and sound guy. They got us mic'd up and we soon started up Gregory Canyon for some sunshine and dry trail. They set up in several spots and had Aron and I run back and forth, having us just chat casually and act "normal" while they filmed.
We went as far as the first steep rocky section, where they then filmed Aron run back and forth a few times. Nothing too crazy exciting, but it was fun to see a $92,000 camera in action, fun to catch up with Aron and meet the film crew, but of course most fun to soak up the sun on a ~70 degree January day, where it was almost hot in the sun wearing a t-shirt and shorts.
As we were wrapping up, I got a call from Dave, who was on his way to the TH, so I joined him for a lap up/down Gregory/Ranger. Dave is really fit right now (when is he not?) and I was sucking wind trying to keep up and maintain some exhaly conversation. Eventually on the NW ridge below the flat spot, I cut the virtual tether and told him to keep on going, as I needed to walk a bit (I was defininitely pushing my achilles a bit beyond recovery pace). We met on the summit and then cruised back down together, taking it easy on the slush and ice.
Conditions update:
The trail is mostly melted through Gregory, but there is still a fair amount of well packed snow/ice above. Fortunately, it was warm and slushy enough that we were able to get by without traction (sketchy at times though on the down, studded shoe or spikes would be good from the cabin to the 4-way). If it were colder, the upper section would become a bobsled run.
An awesome day to be out with great friends.
Splits:
Up: 40:47 (166 avg HR)
Down: 28:29 (139 avg HR)
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Thursday, 01/27/11 Sanitas
We had our first hike today as a family up Mt. Sanitas on a fine 55+ degree day. Took it really easy up and down and had a great time.
(50up/45dn)
Isabelle
(50up/45dn)
Isabelle
Allison and Amelie
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Wednesday, 01/26/11 Tour de Longmont (again)
Ran Mondays loop again nearly step for step, though I was able to find a bit more grass and dirt this time. I pushed a little harder than I did on Monday since I was solo and not trying to chat and also needed to get back quickly. Chased a guy on a bike for several miles who dangled just out reach while simultaneously catching another runner. I passed the runner solidly and never looked back. Caught the guy on the bike by the fairgrounds just as he went right and I had to go left. I figured the dude had to be at least 70, but was surprised to learn that he was probably 10 years younger than me and was surprised to have caught him. I started the run off pretty strong, lagged a bit in the middle (until I caught sight of the biker and the other runner) and then finished very strong, feeling like I could have maintained the pace much further. Pacing I think is my biggest weakness when it comes to running these flat miles. Though not a mountain, it was a satisfying workout none the less.
8.1miles
51:44
Avg. HR 167
Max 191
8.1miles
51:44
Avg. HR 167
Max 191
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Monday, 01/24/11 Tour de Longmont
Brandon met me at work for a lunch break foot tour of his home city. Crossed Diagonal, S. on 95th to creek path, then NE through little Japan, under 287, lapped around the Best Buy/ChikAFil plaza, then West along another creek to the fairgrounds and back S. along Hover, crossed a bunch of parking lots diagonally ending up back at work.
Pace was moderate (for me) and these runs always remind me that I am just a reasonably quick mountain climber and not really a true runner. Running flats always feels un-natural and forced and I have to dig within to find motivation to move forward, much less push (where on/in the mountains, I can hardly contain that motivation and enthusiasm). To help compensate, I tried my best to run on dirt, grass, mud and snow whenever possible.
It was great to get out on a fine day though (I quickly realized I was over dressed after teasing Brandon for wearing shorts) and was good to catch up with Brandon, as it seems like it has been a while since our schedules have lined up.
We went a touch over 8 miles in exactly an hour. Avg HR 151.
Pace was moderate (for me) and these runs always remind me that I am just a reasonably quick mountain climber and not really a true runner. Running flats always feels un-natural and forced and I have to dig within to find motivation to move forward, much less push (where on/in the mountains, I can hardly contain that motivation and enthusiasm). To help compensate, I tried my best to run on dirt, grass, mud and snow whenever possible.
It was great to get out on a fine day though (I quickly realized I was over dressed after teasing Brandon for wearing shorts) and was good to catch up with Brandon, as it seems like it has been a while since our schedules have lined up.
We went a touch over 8 miles in exactly an hour. Avg HR 151.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Sunday, 01/23/11 Sanitas x 2
After hiking Sanitas on Friday and Saturday with Amelie and Isabelle, it gave me a renewed sense of interest, mainly because of the relatively dry trails and the lure of a little bit of sunshine after work.
Headed over for a lap up/down the S. Ridge and resolved to just take it super easy no matter what. I was proud to stick to my plan and kept the effort much lower even than when I hiked with the girls the previous two days, keeping my HR low and making it a point to not over extend my nicely healing Achilles. I just jogged the flatter to less steep sections and hiked the steeper stuff making short steps. Went really easy on the descent as well, but really felt good and wanted to open it up (again, I resisted). Once back down at the shelter, I realized that the run was just too fun and a little too short, so I headed up the valley, then the (much snowier) East side ascent and back down the S. Ridge, again, super easy. I really wanted to get in a 3rd lap, but figured I should probably get home.
Splits:
Lap 1 (up/dn S.)
21:18 up (156 avg HR)
14:58 dn (127 avg HR)
Lap 2 (up Valley/East, dn S.)
25:46 up (157 avg HR)
15:02 dn (131 avg HR)
Headed over for a lap up/down the S. Ridge and resolved to just take it super easy no matter what. I was proud to stick to my plan and kept the effort much lower even than when I hiked with the girls the previous two days, keeping my HR low and making it a point to not over extend my nicely healing Achilles. I just jogged the flatter to less steep sections and hiked the steeper stuff making short steps. Went really easy on the descent as well, but really felt good and wanted to open it up (again, I resisted). Once back down at the shelter, I realized that the run was just too fun and a little too short, so I headed up the valley, then the (much snowier) East side ascent and back down the S. Ridge, again, super easy. I really wanted to get in a 3rd lap, but figured I should probably get home.
Splits:
Lap 1 (up/dn S.)
21:18 up (156 avg HR)
14:58 dn (127 avg HR)
Lap 2 (up Valley/East, dn S.)
25:46 up (157 avg HR)
15:02 dn (131 avg HR)
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Saturday, 01/22/11 Amelie's First Mountain, Mt. Sanitas
Not to be out done by her younger sister, Amelie finally got her chance for a trip up Sanitas today. We had an excellent time and like her sister, made for an excellent hiking companion.
We left the house a bit before 10am and stopped by Little Mountain kids gear shop and checked out some baby sunglasses, but found they were a bit pricey (especially x 2), so we decided to shop around a bit before we commit. We briefly contemplated Green Mountain, but the wind was worse today than yesterday and also a bit cooler, so the decision to head to Sanitas was a no brainer (3 miles/1,300 vertical with a summit of 6863ft. vs. 5-6 miles/2,400 vertical with a summit of 8144ft. with a lot more snow and exposure to wind).
Homie kindly decided to join us for our semi-casual hike which made for great company. I pushed a little harder than yesterday, but Homie and I were so busy chatting, I was struggling at times to catch my breath and maintain conversation and even bonked a bit toward the summit (I was glad to have packed a GU Roctane along with the Neosure formula). We spent a few moments on the summit, until a quick snow squall moved in and then headed back down at a careful pace.
Even though it was a bit cool and breezy, Amelie did great with very minimal fussing. I just wish I could get them both out there at the same time.
Afterwards, we headed over to the hospital to visit with Mom and the nurses and had some lunch while there. Afterwards, we headed over to Homie’s house to visit with Anya and Mia who have been anxious to see babies (again). All in all a very busy, yet successful day for Amelie. Hopefully this tires her out.
Splits:
25:?? up
26:?? down
Relaxing on the summit
Heading down
Homie and Amelie back at the lot
We left the house a bit before 10am and stopped by Little Mountain kids gear shop and checked out some baby sunglasses, but found they were a bit pricey (especially x 2), so we decided to shop around a bit before we commit. We briefly contemplated Green Mountain, but the wind was worse today than yesterday and also a bit cooler, so the decision to head to Sanitas was a no brainer (3 miles/1,300 vertical with a summit of 6863ft. vs. 5-6 miles/2,400 vertical with a summit of 8144ft. with a lot more snow and exposure to wind).
Homie kindly decided to join us for our semi-casual hike which made for great company. I pushed a little harder than yesterday, but Homie and I were so busy chatting, I was struggling at times to catch my breath and maintain conversation and even bonked a bit toward the summit (I was glad to have packed a GU Roctane along with the Neosure formula). We spent a few moments on the summit, until a quick snow squall moved in and then headed back down at a careful pace.
Even though it was a bit cool and breezy, Amelie did great with very minimal fussing. I just wish I could get them both out there at the same time.
Afterwards, we headed over to the hospital to visit with Mom and the nurses and had some lunch while there. Afterwards, we headed over to Homie’s house to visit with Anya and Mia who have been anxious to see babies (again). All in all a very busy, yet successful day for Amelie. Hopefully this tires her out.
Splits:
25:?? up
26:?? down
Relaxing on the summit
Heading down
Homie and Amelie back at the lot
Friday, January 21, 2011
Friday, 01/21/11 Sanitas, Isabelle's First Mountain (as told by Isabelle)
Today, Isabelle and I went for our first hike together up Mt. Sanitas. She was itching to tell the story, so here is her perspective (as translated to me on the drive home).
"All morning I could tell that Dad was getting ready to go somewhere and it included either Amelie or myself, as there was only one warm snowsuit and one car seat sitting out. He was talking about hiking up Green Mountain, but I had no idea what that meant, but it sure sounded like more fun than sitting around the house trying to nap. It soon became clear that he was leaning toward taking my big sister, Amelie, but I was on my best behaviour and made my strongest effort to drink as much of my milk as I could in hopes of getting picked. Alas, I was able to score a few more points than Amelie and we were soon speeding (it felt fast, but dad obeyed all traffic laws) toward Boulder in the cush Odyssey. I was able to fall asleep with no fussing whatsoever and the trip went by in a flash. At the Gregory Trailhead (like my uncle Gregory) for Green Mountain, I could tell that it was cold and windy as soon as Dad opened the door. Fortunately, he decided that this might be too much for my first mountain and we drove for 10 or so minutes to the Sanitas Trailhead a few miles to the North.
Once at Sanitas, the sun was shining and it was reasonably warm, but still a little breezy. At first, I did not know what to make of sitting in the Baby Bjorn front carrier, zipped under Dad's jacket and let out a loud and shrill scream that had Dad concerned. He quickly put me at ease and along with Sierra in tow, we began our hike.
Up the trail we went, through the mud, across the snow, ice and rocks. Boy is this trail steep! Sierra made it look so easy as she ran all over the place, sniff sniff sniff..... Dad was going quick, but also very careful and stopped a few times to peek at me and make sure I was OK. We got to the top in 27 minutes and spent just a moment checking out the views, but it was windy and chilly and I let Dad know that I was ready to keep moving. Maybe on a better day we will spend more time here.
On the way down, he went super easy and was very careful not to slip on various patches of ice and snow along the trail. His studded shoes helped quite a bit. We stopped half way down so two nice ladies, who happened to be Moms and photographers, used Dad's camera to take a few pictures of us. Later, we saw another baby named Lily on her way up with her Mom and Dad, so we stopped to chat for a bit. Hopefully I will see her next time.
Once we made it back down (32 minutes), I begged Dad to head over to the hospital to visit Mom at work to tell her all about my day and what a good girl I was. I slept for most of the ride there and back and was awake for most of the hike. As a bonus, I got to visit with some of the nurses that were so good to me, Mom and Amelie during our long stay when we were born. They are the best!
I hear some talk around the house tonight about Dad taking Amelie for her turn tomorrow if the weather is good, which is fine, because I am tuckered out and have a lot of napping to catch up on. Below are a few pictures from the day, enjoy! Love Isabelle."
Ready to hike, mittens and all (ok, they are socks really, but they worked great)
The trail goes way up there, but that is just the start!
Dad and I on the summit looking down on Boulder
If it were clear and there were no trees, you could see the Indian Peaks. Dad says we will go up there someday!
"Time to go Dad, it is cold and windy up here!"
What a great day!
You can see Green Mountain in the background, maybe next time.
Some snow and ice on the trail
My doggy Sierra waiting patiently for us. She was very concerned with how I was doing on this hike and very well behaved.
"All morning I could tell that Dad was getting ready to go somewhere and it included either Amelie or myself, as there was only one warm snowsuit and one car seat sitting out. He was talking about hiking up Green Mountain, but I had no idea what that meant, but it sure sounded like more fun than sitting around the house trying to nap. It soon became clear that he was leaning toward taking my big sister, Amelie, but I was on my best behaviour and made my strongest effort to drink as much of my milk as I could in hopes of getting picked. Alas, I was able to score a few more points than Amelie and we were soon speeding (it felt fast, but dad obeyed all traffic laws) toward Boulder in the cush Odyssey. I was able to fall asleep with no fussing whatsoever and the trip went by in a flash. At the Gregory Trailhead (like my uncle Gregory) for Green Mountain, I could tell that it was cold and windy as soon as Dad opened the door. Fortunately, he decided that this might be too much for my first mountain and we drove for 10 or so minutes to the Sanitas Trailhead a few miles to the North.
Once at Sanitas, the sun was shining and it was reasonably warm, but still a little breezy. At first, I did not know what to make of sitting in the Baby Bjorn front carrier, zipped under Dad's jacket and let out a loud and shrill scream that had Dad concerned. He quickly put me at ease and along with Sierra in tow, we began our hike.
Up the trail we went, through the mud, across the snow, ice and rocks. Boy is this trail steep! Sierra made it look so easy as she ran all over the place, sniff sniff sniff..... Dad was going quick, but also very careful and stopped a few times to peek at me and make sure I was OK. We got to the top in 27 minutes and spent just a moment checking out the views, but it was windy and chilly and I let Dad know that I was ready to keep moving. Maybe on a better day we will spend more time here.
On the way down, he went super easy and was very careful not to slip on various patches of ice and snow along the trail. His studded shoes helped quite a bit. We stopped half way down so two nice ladies, who happened to be Moms and photographers, used Dad's camera to take a few pictures of us. Later, we saw another baby named Lily on her way up with her Mom and Dad, so we stopped to chat for a bit. Hopefully I will see her next time.
Once we made it back down (32 minutes), I begged Dad to head over to the hospital to visit Mom at work to tell her all about my day and what a good girl I was. I slept for most of the ride there and back and was awake for most of the hike. As a bonus, I got to visit with some of the nurses that were so good to me, Mom and Amelie during our long stay when we were born. They are the best!
I hear some talk around the house tonight about Dad taking Amelie for her turn tomorrow if the weather is good, which is fine, because I am tuckered out and have a lot of napping to catch up on. Below are a few pictures from the day, enjoy! Love Isabelle."
Ready to hike, mittens and all (ok, they are socks really, but they worked great)
The trail goes way up there, but that is just the start!
Dad and I on the summit looking down on Boulder
If it were clear and there were no trees, you could see the Indian Peaks. Dad says we will go up there someday!
"Time to go Dad, it is cold and windy up here!"
What a great day!
You can see Green Mountain in the background, maybe next time.
Some snow and ice on the trail
My doggy Sierra waiting patiently for us. She was very concerned with how I was doing on this hike and very well behaved.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Thursday, 01/20/11 Harper Lake/Davidson Mesa
Ran from the house over to Jeremy's office to get some heel risers to help with my achilles issue I have been dealing with since last April (in addition to backing off the hill running for a bit and wearing a night splint). From Jeremy's office, ran S. Bldr Rd. West, to Via Appia, then over to Harper Lake, a loop around Davidson Mesa and then back. Went a slow and easyish "rehab pace", not to mention the poor footing on the snow and ice kept things mellow. Maintained an average HR of 146 and the achilles felt good, not at all taxed. I actually somewhat enjoyed this run, but I think that was in part due to the fresh snow and the good podcasts on the mp3 player.
~8 miles
1:04 (or 64 as GZ would say)
~320 vertical
~8 miles
1:04 (or 64 as GZ would say)
~320 vertical
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Saturday, 01/15/11 S. Boulder and Bear
Met up with Homie at S. Mesa TH, up Towhee to Shadow, SoBo, Bear and back. We jogged the Towhee Trail at a casual pace, then hiked the remainder of the ascent, slowing for a bit as we bumped into Rex and Caroline a little ways below the saddle and chatted with them. There is quite a bit of ice on the trail, descent conditions for Microspikes (or studded shoes at the very least).
Splits:
Did not get any, but 2:06 RT.
Splits:
Did not get any, but 2:06 RT.
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