Started up from Gregory Canyon around 1:30pm and immidiately knew conditions were going to be interesting, as what is normally the first ~minute of the run was rock solid, bullet proof ice despite the reasonably comfortable 50's-ish temps. I negotiated the first section (just barely) without traction, as I knew things would soon clear up for the remainder of the way up Gregory Canyon, but progress was slow and careful.
Once at the top of Gregory, I threw on the spikes, as I had a feeling that aside from a few short sections, the remainder of the trail, to the 4-way at least, would be very slick. Much of it was like a luge run, which was actually OK if you have reasonably sharp microspikes, but some sections on the upper ridge are melted out, so it was either glare ice, or scratching on rock.
I took it fairly mellow and Sierra was ahead of me most of the way having a blast in the softer snow on the side of the trail. Spent a long while soaking up the sun on the summit before heading down.
The descent required some caution due to the uneven and sometimes awkward footing. It never really flowed and running on the ice was like pounding pavement, only harder.
Up: 44
Down: 24
Sierra
Sierra
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Wednesday, 02/16/11 Lagerman Reservoir
Had a reasonably enjoyable run from work, out to Lagerman Reservoir and back. It actually seemed hot today, but the price for the warmth was a strong Westerly wind which I fought for half of the run. Headed West on Pike Rd. and as per usual, was hating it for the first mile or so as I debated just bagging the run. With each mile that passed beneath my feet though, I became increasingly accepting of it and even came to enjoy it by the time I got to the dirt road leading to the reservoir (note to self, drive the 5 minutes of pavement to get to the dirt next time to spare myself the misery of plodding along streets and sidewalks). The reservoir was larger than I expected and made for a pleasant loop with great views before I had to head back toward work. The tailwind on the way back was great, mainly because I could now hear the podcast I was trying to listen to.
Ironically, when I returned to work and checked my e-mail, I got the following comment to my blog from Kraig:
"Jeff, you work really close to my house. If you take Clover Basin west there are some nice gravel roads to run on past Lagerman Res or 81st street to Oxford Rd. It is around 2 miles of pavement to get to the gravel."
8 miles
150 vertical
59 minutes
155 avg. HR
Ironically, when I returned to work and checked my e-mail, I got the following comment to my blog from Kraig:
"Jeff, you work really close to my house. If you take Clover Basin west there are some nice gravel roads to run on past Lagerman Res or 81st street to Oxford Rd. It is around 2 miles of pavement to get to the gravel."
8 miles
150 vertical
59 minutes
155 avg. HR
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Monday, 02/14/11 Longmont Run
Got out on my lunch break for a super easy run around Longmont, but chose a new route this time. N. on S. Fordham, zig zagged through parks and neighborhoods to Nelson, then W. to Airport Rd., past Amgen (thought about stopping in for a boost of sorts), hit up some new path that wound it's way NE to Golden Ponds Park, E. along the St. Vrain path, through a ton of mud along the creek and across the muddy fairgrounds. crossed Hover, past Home Depot and back on Dry Creek Dr.. It took me several miles to get into this run, but it was so nice out, I was just enjoying the sunshine on my face so much, it did not matter that I was running on flat cement and mud (OK, it matters, but I am slowly learning to accept that something is better than nothing).
6.5 miles
51:31
137 avg. HR
108 vertical
6.5 miles
51:31
137 avg. HR
108 vertical
Weekly Wrap Up 02/07/11 - 02/13/11
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.
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.
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
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