Up/Down Middle Route (Gregory/Greenman)
6.32 miles/2,302 vert./1:06:48 (40:05 up)/10:34 min/mi/168 avg. HR Garmin Data
I have of course run this route many times, but have only timed myself on it twice, 44:27 in the prime of my achilles injury back in Feb. on an icy trail and 43:16, going what felt to be pretty moderate on a snowy day last April. I was sure if I gave this a solid shot, I would go under 40, so that is what I attempted today, yet came up a few seconds short.
I pushed pretty good up Gregory and my splits were decent, but I knew I was losing a bit of time once I got to the cabin (15:45). Got to the Gregory/Ranger jct. in 19:30 (now a minute off my best to this point), yet was not too discouraged. I pressed on and really enjoyed the fast cruising on what is now the "middle" part of the middle route. Made the Saddle jct. in 25 even-ish, then at 30 minutes I started slacking a bit, figuring that sub-40 was in the bag easy. Once I got to 36 minutes (near the "snow fence"), I knew I needed to pick it up and was pushing for all I was worth, but was still confident I would sneak under 40. I rounded the last corner with ~20 seconds to go and I knew the gig was up. I rotated my watch (I had it facing down paranoid of it getting wet in the rain) and accidentally hit the lap button, but still had 6 seconds to go and stopped it at 40:05. Dammit.
I was a little disappointed with what I felt to be a solid effort, but a bit of lackluster time for a TT/PR effort. I did PR by 3 or so minutes, so I guess that is good, but since that previous 43:16 was not at all a serious effort (and in the snow), this will have to stand as my current benchmark. I have not felt particularly fit, or motivated to go fast as of late and am probably a few lbs over prime fighting weight, so I take a little comfort in that. I still think this 40:05 is a bit soft for me and would like to think I could chop at LEAST another minute off on a better day. Something to shoot for I guess.
On the descent, I pushed a bit and felt like I was rolling pretty decent most of the way. All in all a very satisfying run.
Splits:
1st Bridge: 2:30ish
2nd Bridge: 5:45ish
Top of Greg/1 mile mark: 13:00
Cabin: 15:45
Greenman/Ranger: 19:30
Greenman/Saddle: 25
Summit: 40:05
Finish at Gregory TH: 1:06:48
Sierra
Sierra
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Sunday, 10/02/11 Long Canyon/Gregory Canyon
4.19 miles/855 vert./1:18:36
Jumped in the van with Allison and the girls at the base of Flag. to carpool up to the Realization TH.. From there, we headed up Long Canyon to the top and back, going pretty casual and having a great time with the girls. I of course petitioned to push on to the top of Green, but given the late hour, we really needed to get them home for dinner and bed. The consolation was that I was able to run down Gregory back to the car which was a nice addition, especially since I did not think I would be able to get outside at all today.
Jumped in the van with Allison and the girls at the base of Flag. to carpool up to the Realization TH.. From there, we headed up Long Canyon to the top and back, going pretty casual and having a great time with the girls. I of course petitioned to push on to the top of Green, but given the late hour, we really needed to get them home for dinner and bed. The consolation was that I was able to run down Gregory back to the car which was a nice addition, especially since I did not think I would be able to get outside at all today.
Saturday, 10/01/11 Green Mountain
From Chautauqua
Up Mesa/3rd acc./NE/Greenman
Down Greenman/NE/1st acc./Saddle/Amphi
4.11 miles/2,426 vert./1:06:30 RT/151 avg. HR Garmin Data
Sent out the bat signal the day before and 3/4 of the invitees showed up which might be a record (at least in a long while)(Tony, Homie and Brandon).
Tony was anxious to show me how he perfected the route I introduced to him on our Tuesday hike/run up behind the 3rd Flatiron. We went conversational pace much of the way, stopping occasionally to regroup and chat. Brandon seemed to really be enjoying the steep trail to the back of the 3rd, then we told him that it had not really even gotten steep yet and that really seemed to excite him that much more.
Once on the Greenman Trail, Tony kicked it into the highest hiking gear I have ever seen. I was hiking too and running occasionally, pushing hard to keep up and yo-yo-ed a bit off his pace. He was hauling ass! Again, we re-grouped on the summit, spending a few minutes there and then eventually headed down, taking the descent fairly casual, just talking a million words a minute all the way back.
This was one of the most enjoyable outings I have had in a long time, perfect morning, super fun route, but best yet, it was great to get out with 3 great friends whom I share so much in common.
Tony, Homie, Brandon
Homie getting after it
Brandon on a section of trail that looks steep, but is relatively benign compared to what is to come (see Garmin elevation profile)
Return to Green after a few months away
The Masters
Up Mesa/3rd acc./NE/Greenman
Down Greenman/NE/1st acc./Saddle/Amphi
4.11 miles/2,426 vert./1:06:30 RT/151 avg. HR Garmin Data
Sent out the bat signal the day before and 3/4 of the invitees showed up which might be a record (at least in a long while)(Tony, Homie and Brandon).
Tony was anxious to show me how he perfected the route I introduced to him on our Tuesday hike/run up behind the 3rd Flatiron. We went conversational pace much of the way, stopping occasionally to regroup and chat. Brandon seemed to really be enjoying the steep trail to the back of the 3rd, then we told him that it had not really even gotten steep yet and that really seemed to excite him that much more.
Once on the Greenman Trail, Tony kicked it into the highest hiking gear I have ever seen. I was hiking too and running occasionally, pushing hard to keep up and yo-yo-ed a bit off his pace. He was hauling ass! Again, we re-grouped on the summit, spending a few minutes there and then eventually headed down, taking the descent fairly casual, just talking a million words a minute all the way back.
This was one of the most enjoyable outings I have had in a long time, perfect morning, super fun route, but best yet, it was great to get out with 3 great friends whom I share so much in common.
Tony, Homie, Brandon
Homie getting after it
Brandon on a section of trail that looks steep, but is relatively benign compared to what is to come (see Garmin elevation profile)
It gets a bit steep
Return to Green after a few months away
The Masters
Friday, 09/30/11 Green Mountain
From Chautauqua: Up Amphi/Saddle/Greenman Down NE/1st Flat acc./Saddle/Amphi
4.62 miles/2,456 vert./1:08 RT (37:50 up +4:59 across Chautauqua)
Started a bit before 7am and it was still feeling pretty dawn like and a bit chilly, 42 degrees. It was my intent to push hard on this run and shoot for a decent time, but I was not feeling it at all. My legs felt OK at best, but my stomach was unsettled, my breathing was labored, I felt stumbly and tired, all kinds of excuses. I vascillated between attacking the hill and giving up and eventually made the summit in a very disappointing 37:50, which did not at all coincide with my 165 HR. Not sure what was up with that, but maybe I just need to take it easy for a few days.
Later in the morning, we all piled in the van and headed up to RMNP for a scenic foliage drive and a few miles of easy walking around Moraine Park.
Amelie and Darcie
Allison and Isabelle
Allison
Isabelle LOVES this
4.62 miles/2,456 vert./1:08 RT (37:50 up +4:59 across Chautauqua)
Started a bit before 7am and it was still feeling pretty dawn like and a bit chilly, 42 degrees. It was my intent to push hard on this run and shoot for a decent time, but I was not feeling it at all. My legs felt OK at best, but my stomach was unsettled, my breathing was labored, I felt stumbly and tired, all kinds of excuses. I vascillated between attacking the hill and giving up and eventually made the summit in a very disappointing 37:50, which did not at all coincide with my 165 HR. Not sure what was up with that, but maybe I just need to take it easy for a few days.
Later in the morning, we all piled in the van and headed up to RMNP for a scenic foliage drive and a few miles of easy walking around Moraine Park.
Amelie and Darcie
Allison and Isabelle
Allison
Isabelle LOVES this
Thursday, 09/29/11 Green Mountain
Up/Down back 5.4 miles/2,382 vert./2:25
My family is in town for the girls 1st birthday, so while the grandparents watched babies, Allison, my sister Darcie, Sierra and I were able to get out for a hike up Green. Awesome morning, very cool and overcast, then clearing at the summit and became reasonably warm. The foliage sure is getting good right about now.
Darcie, Allison
My family is in town for the girls 1st birthday, so while the grandparents watched babies, Allison, my sister Darcie, Sierra and I were able to get out for a hike up Green. Awesome morning, very cool and overcast, then clearing at the summit and became reasonably warm. The foliage sure is getting good right about now.
Darcie, Allison
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Tuesday, 09/27/11 Green Mountain
Up 3rd access/NE/Greenman, Down Greenman/Saddle/Amphi
4.7 miles/2,462 vert./1:26:06 (42 up)/147 avg. HR Garmin Data
Got an e-mail from Tony in the morning expressing interest in meeting up for a lap on Green. We met at Chautauqua at 4pm and just as I was pulling in the lot, Aron surprised me by calling to say he was on his way, butwe were I was anxious to get moving in order to get home on time, so we loosely planned on crossing paths on upper Greenman.
Headed out of Chautauqua at a light jog, busy catching up, as we have not run together all year due to Tony’s back to back injuries and/or conflicting schedules. Headed up to the 3rd access trail at a fast hike, then continued to power hike/crawl the informal trail/bushwhack/obstacle course from just W. of the back of the 3rd to the upper section of the NE ridge (where I slowed us down by getting us a little "off route" through more deadfall than necessary).
Made the summit in 42, hung out for a few, then headed back down Greenman/Saddle/Amphi at a casual walk. Bumped into Aron below the log stairs and encouraged him to push hard and catch us on the down. Bumped into JP on lower Saddle Rock and chatted with him for a moment. Unfortunately, Aron was unable to catch us as we hiked, but chased us down in his truck by the time we got to Chautauqua where we hung out and chatted for a while. A great fall evening with great company.
4.7 miles/2,462 vert./1:26:06 (42 up)/147 avg. HR Garmin Data
Got an e-mail from Tony in the morning expressing interest in meeting up for a lap on Green. We met at Chautauqua at 4pm and just as I was pulling in the lot, Aron surprised me by calling to say he was on his way, but
Headed out of Chautauqua at a light jog, busy catching up, as we have not run together all year due to Tony’s back to back injuries and/or conflicting schedules. Headed up to the 3rd access trail at a fast hike, then continued to power hike/crawl the informal trail/bushwhack/obstacle course from just W. of the back of the 3rd to the upper section of the NE ridge (where I slowed us down by getting us a little "off route" through more deadfall than necessary).
Made the summit in 42, hung out for a few, then headed back down Greenman/Saddle/Amphi at a casual walk. Bumped into Aron below the log stairs and encouraged him to push hard and catch us on the down. Bumped into JP on lower Saddle Rock and chatted with him for a moment. Unfortunately, Aron was unable to catch us as we hiked, but chased us down in his truck by the time we got to Chautauqua where we hung out and chatted for a while. A great fall evening with great company.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Monday, 09/26/11 Green Mountain
Up Amphi/Saddle/Greeman Down NE/1st access/Saddle/Amphi
3.76 miles/2,364 vert./1:23:11 (52up)/116 avg HR Garmin Data
Met up with Aron and Jim P. after work for a very casual lap on Green. We kept our eyes peeled for bears, but I think we were yapping too much and making too much noise. Beautiful evening, fall colors, surprisingly cool for such a warm day and most of all, great company.
3.76 miles/2,364 vert./1:23:11 (52up)/116 avg HR Garmin Data
Met up with Aron and Jim P. after work for a very casual lap on Green. We kept our eyes peeled for bears, but I think we were yapping too much and making too much noise. Beautiful evening, fall colors, surprisingly cool for such a warm day and most of all, great company.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Sunday, 09/25/11 Davidson Mesa
7.36 miles/230 vert./1:02/8:27 pace/133 avg. HE
Mellow run with the babies in the jogger after work. Was quite warm for a late Sept. evening.
Mellow run with the babies in the jogger after work. Was quite warm for a late Sept. evening.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
Friday, 09/23/11 Bear/SoBo Night Run
Fern Canyon from Cragmoor 5.88 miles/3,300 vert./2:06 RT/136 avg. HR Garmin Data
Met Brandon at the Cragmoor TH at 8pm. Headed up Shanahan/Fern at a casual moderate pace. Legs felt a little heavy from the double baby carry the previous day, so it was good to keep the run/hike mellow (not to mention, despite having a great lighting setup, I am a bit clumsy at night on trails as steep and technical as Fern).
Made the summit in 52 and hung out for a while taking in the awesome view of the Front Range lights. I suggested hitting up South Boulder Peak, since we were so close and all and Brandon was game. 13 more minutes and we were taking another long break on the summit without the lights on, letting our eyes adjust and taking the in the perfectly calm and warm evening, felt more like July than late September. On the way back to Bear, I suggested heading over to Green, but Brandon was not feeling it after his month long hiatus. I was bummed at first, as I really wanted to extend the run, but was kind of glad to be done by the time I got home.
It was great to have Brandon's company and conversation, which made the outing much more enjoyable and I was not constantly wondering what might be lurking in the shadows, waiting to pounce and eat me.
Met Brandon at the Cragmoor TH at 8pm. Headed up Shanahan/Fern at a casual moderate pace. Legs felt a little heavy from the double baby carry the previous day, so it was good to keep the run/hike mellow (not to mention, despite having a great lighting setup, I am a bit clumsy at night on trails as steep and technical as Fern).
Made the summit in 52 and hung out for a while taking in the awesome view of the Front Range lights. I suggested hitting up South Boulder Peak, since we were so close and all and Brandon was game. 13 more minutes and we were taking another long break on the summit without the lights on, letting our eyes adjust and taking the in the perfectly calm and warm evening, felt more like July than late September. On the way back to Bear, I suggested heading over to Green, but Brandon was not feeling it after his month long hiatus. I was bummed at first, as I really wanted to extend the run, but was kind of glad to be done by the time I got home.
It was great to have Brandon's company and conversation, which made the outing much more enjoyable and I was not constantly wondering what might be lurking in the shadows, waiting to pounce and eat me.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Thursday, 09/22/11 Green Mountain
Up/Down back 5.31 miles/2,352 vert./2:13 (1:20up) 123 avg. HR Garmin Data
Super easy (well, as easy as it can be carrying twins and dealing with a leashed dog (for a while)) hike up/down Green with Amelie, Isabelle and Sierra. Started off the hike with a bit of a thrill, as there was significant rustling in the bushes on the left side of the trail about a minute into the hike up Gregory. It sounded like multiple bears, but I could only see the back of one, maybe not even 10 feet away. Instead of being enthralled like last time, I was scared $hitless and got the hell out of there.
It was an amazing afternoon, clear, calm, perfect temperature, both of the girls and I had an amazing time as we laughed, chattered and made all kinds of nonsensical noises. The leaves are slowly starting to change and is looking/smelling more and more like fall.
Spent a few minutes on the summit taking pictures and drinking water. Bumped into Alex Robertson whom I met on Cyclone/Carbonate 3 years ago (he recognized me and introduced himself, as I probably stand out a bit carrying twins ;)).
Took it easy on the down and made a lot of noise as I got closer to the TH, as I did not want to see that bear again.
Isabelle
Belle
All smiles
Surrounded by beautiful girls
Amelie
Tuckered out
Amelie
Super easy (well, as easy as it can be carrying twins and dealing with a leashed dog (for a while)) hike up/down Green with Amelie, Isabelle and Sierra. Started off the hike with a bit of a thrill, as there was significant rustling in the bushes on the left side of the trail about a minute into the hike up Gregory. It sounded like multiple bears, but I could only see the back of one, maybe not even 10 feet away. Instead of being enthralled like last time, I was scared $hitless and got the hell out of there.
It was an amazing afternoon, clear, calm, perfect temperature, both of the girls and I had an amazing time as we laughed, chattered and made all kinds of nonsensical noises. The leaves are slowly starting to change and is looking/smelling more and more like fall.
Spent a few minutes on the summit taking pictures and drinking water. Bumped into Alex Robertson whom I met on Cyclone/Carbonate 3 years ago (he recognized me and introduced himself, as I probably stand out a bit carrying twins ;)).
Took it easy on the down and made a lot of noise as I got closer to the TH, as I did not want to see that bear again.
Isabelle
Belle
All smiles
Surrounded by beautiful girls
Amelie
Tuckered out
Amelie
Starting to see some color
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Tuesday, 09/20/11 Green Mountain
Up/Down Front 4 miles/2,283 vert./53:59 (33:52 up)/167 avg. HR Garmin Data
Solid run, was hoping to go a little faster on the up, but just did not really have the legs. Pushed somewhat, but did not really dig too deep. The descent was quick, but somewhat conservative. Great evening, nice and cool with a bit of sprinkles near the summit. Since I saw the bear last week, I have been on the lookout as I cruise the lower half of the mountain, simultaneously wanting to see one and hoping not to surprise one while moving fast.
Solid run, was hoping to go a little faster on the up, but just did not really have the legs. Pushed somewhat, but did not really dig too deep. The descent was quick, but somewhat conservative. Great evening, nice and cool with a bit of sprinkles near the summit. Since I saw the bear last week, I have been on the lookout as I cruise the lower half of the mountain, simultaneously wanting to see one and hoping not to surprise one while moving fast.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Monday, 09/19/11 Green Mountain in 1.24 miles
Up Front (kind of), Down Front (a little bit more)
2.99 miles RT/2,282 vert./58:32 (37:52up) 155 avg HR Garmin Data
For kicks and something a little different (and partially inspired by GZ's joking at the party last night about me liking the steep stuff), I just felt like hiking in the woods and was able to explore some new territory that I had not yet seen (much of it within shouting distance of the usual route). Started up Amphitheater at a very easy jog/hike type of effort. About 90 seconds or so before topping out on Amphi, I spotted a relatively clear way up the steep hillside to the left and started doing an ascending traverse in a SW direction. Scampered over and around some large rocks, up a nice stable boulder field and eventually reconnected with the Saddle Rock Trail below the 1st Flatiron jct.. From there, I crossed the spring and immediately headed up the fall line toward the NE ridge trail. This by far was the steepest climbing of the hike and I was wishing I had gloves and microspikes. I could not even go up on my toes and had to cut the side edge of my shoe to not slip too much.
I continued up Greenman after NE for a few minutes, then after the "snow fence" and the two micro-switchbacks, I beelined for the summit, never crossing the trail again. This was by far the worst section and I got pretty scraped up crawling up and over deadfall and through/under a lot of bushes (I also got completely covered in burrs which took some time to extract). I was happy to see 1.24 miles on my watch, a full .76 less than the normal route. I still think I could shave another .1 or so with some work, but I will at least wear gloves and maybe long sleeve/pants next time.
Descended standard NE ridge route.
Thinking about it a little more, this ascent was a little shorter than Sanitas with ~1,000 more vertical. While on this hike/run, I kept thinking about the terrain that I love most and I narrowed it down to ~2,000-2,500 feet of vertical gain per mile (on a trail with good footing) is my absolute favorite. I am still dreaming of a 5 mile long incline.
2.99 miles RT/2,282 vert./58:32 (37:52up) 155 avg HR Garmin Data
For kicks and something a little different (and partially inspired by GZ's joking at the party last night about me liking the steep stuff), I just felt like hiking in the woods and was able to explore some new territory that I had not yet seen (much of it within shouting distance of the usual route). Started up Amphitheater at a very easy jog/hike type of effort. About 90 seconds or so before topping out on Amphi, I spotted a relatively clear way up the steep hillside to the left and started doing an ascending traverse in a SW direction. Scampered over and around some large rocks, up a nice stable boulder field and eventually reconnected with the Saddle Rock Trail below the 1st Flatiron jct.. From there, I crossed the spring and immediately headed up the fall line toward the NE ridge trail. This by far was the steepest climbing of the hike and I was wishing I had gloves and microspikes. I could not even go up on my toes and had to cut the side edge of my shoe to not slip too much.
I continued up Greenman after NE for a few minutes, then after the "snow fence" and the two micro-switchbacks, I beelined for the summit, never crossing the trail again. This was by far the worst section and I got pretty scraped up crawling up and over deadfall and through/under a lot of bushes (I also got completely covered in burrs which took some time to extract). I was happy to see 1.24 miles on my watch, a full .76 less than the normal route. I still think I could shave another .1 or so with some work, but I will at least wear gloves and maybe long sleeve/pants next time.
Descended standard NE ridge route.
Thinking about it a little more, this ascent was a little shorter than Sanitas with ~1,000 more vertical. While on this hike/run, I kept thinking about the terrain that I love most and I narrowed it down to ~2,000-2,500 feet of vertical gain per mile (on a trail with good footing) is my absolute favorite. I am still dreaming of a 5 mile long incline.
Sunday, 09/18/11 No running, but lot's of eating
Brandon and family hosted the second annual runner/blogger gathering at their palatial estate in Longmont. Many of the usual suspects showed with their families/significant others/dogs, GZ, Justin, Lucho, JP, Jim P, Nick P, Nick C. It was great to catch up with everyone in person, where we did not talk about running once, we just discussed work, politics and religion ;). My only regret was that I did not get to chat with everyone a bit more, but I was getting pulled away often for baby duty, hopefully we can all catch up more on a run soon. Thanks again to Brandon and Kim for hosting, we had an awesome time.
"So, what do you think of the NYSE performance these past few weeks?"
"I follow NASDAQ personally"
GZ bowing down to Sir Nick
JP explains the fine art of baggage pickup after an Ironman/week long business trip.
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