Saturday, 10/22/11 Green via Cavernous Sinus/East Green

From Chautauqua
4.37 miles/2,792 vert./2:24 (1:54 up)/avg. HR 123
Up Royal Arch Trail to Sentinel Pass, Cavernous Sinus, East Slopes to East Green, Greenman
Down Greenman/NE/1st Access

Had an amazing outing with Homie today seeking out the infamous Cavernous Sinus, as described in Roach's Flatiron Classics book.  Homie has been in the area several times climbing nearby rock formations, but had yet to stumble across it, so today we went looking.

After some circuitous bushwhacking and a dead end or two, we ascended a gully with small cave at the end.  I crawled into the seemingly nothing of a cave and only saw a narrow vertical opening into who knows what up above between some massive chockstones (massive, like the size of a house), all seemingly supported by much smaller stones.  Homie took a look and then wormed his way up through the improbable looking hole, as I volunteered to go back down and around and meet him on the upper side.  I have done more challenging things in slot canyons, but I have become even more of a wimp over the years and just looking at that tight vertical opening made me feel claustrophobic.

Homie made it out the upper side with no problem and from there, we spent some time goofing around climbing on rocks and exploring all the cool formations.  Eventually, we ascended a harder than it looks from below chimney with some stretchy moves and then came out on top of this really cool knife edge formation with amazing views of Green, S. Green, Bear and SoBo.  From there it was an easy jaunt over to the Greenman trail and then to the very crowded summit, where we bumped into Rob and Lauri Timko.

This was certainly one of the more unique trips up Green and definitely one of the most fun.  Getting out with Homie is always a great time and the unique vantage of Green and the surrounding area from the sharp fin near East Green is unrivaled.

Now I am hoping to get back and complete the trip through the cavern, although I might wear pants and longsleeves.

Entrance to the top secret cavern

This is the hole Homie slithered up (I put my hat there for scale)

Homie on the other side

Up above the cavern, Homie explores some rugged terrain

Awesome vantage of the 3rd Flatiron and town.  The photos do not do it justice.

Zoom

Zoom even more

Liken' the lichen

Tada!!  All of a sudden, there is the summit of Green as I have never seen it.

Bear, SoBo, S. Green

Green summit

Zoom of Green (you can see the crowd on top)

Our ascent gully (steeper than it looks)

Rob and Laurie Timko

Friday, 10/21/11 Green Mountain

From Chautauqua
Up 3rd access/East slopes/Down East slopes/NE/1st access

3.83 miles/2,565 vert./1:47:07/126 avg. HR Garmin Data

Was planning a double baby carry with Aron today, but Allison ended up staying home from work sick, which opened up my options a bit.  I then figured I would just take Amelie, but after deciding on an afternoon trip to the zoo, I figured I should just head out there early and let the babies nap well before the big afternoon trip.

So, I figured I would mess around a bit on the front side as I have enjoyed doing so much as of late and make it a challenge to not use any real trail above the 3rd Flatiron.  I took the usual route, but then about a few hundred feet below the NE ridge, I started contouring left on intermittent and sporadic game trails.  I found some cool aspen groves at peak foliage and ended up doing some challenging bushwhacking, class 3 pine needles/cones and multiple bush belays.

I eventually ended up on the ridge above the log steps on upper Greenman and just made a bushy beeline for the summit.

Once there, Mike, who reads my blog recognized me and introduced himself and his wife.  I was a little surprised to be recognized, but flattered by his kind comments.  Nice to meet you Mike.

I backtracked some of my ascent route, but then took a much better way to the NE ridge (still staying off trail) and then took the usual route down the 1st/2nd Flatiron route.

This was mostly a hike, with a few short bursts of running and a lot of stopping to wait for Sierra, who was moving pretty slow today, but it was awesome to have her company and just enjoy yet another perfect Fall day and the vibrant colors.

Thursday, 10/20/11 Davidson Mesa

7.53 miles/245 vert./1:06/8:47 pace/135 avg. HR

Ran from home with the girls in the Chariot out to Harper Lake and Davidson Mesa.  Went pretty casual, just taking in the perfect warm Fall day, beautiful colors and most of all enjoying the company of my beautiful twin daughters who came home exactly one year ago, after spending 3 weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Wednesday, 10/19/11 Green Mountain

From Chautauqua
Up 3rd access/Down 1st access

4.27 miles/2,629 vert.

Met up with Tony and Aron at Chautauqua a bit after 4pm and headed up Green behind the 3rd Flatiron.  It was my intent to work on dialing the route a bit, but I got so caught up yammering with those guys, I was not paying much attention and got off track a few times.  This was mostly just a fast walk, but as usual, once we hit Greenman, Tony turned on the jets and it was all I could do to keep him in sight as I alternated between hands on the knees hiking and running.

We headed down the NE ridge to the 1st access and spectated Bill and co. doing their not a race 1st Flatiron scramble and I got a bunch of photos.  Stefan of course blew the doors off of everyone and it was great fun to watch.

Tony and Aron

Stefan Griebel showing everyone how it is done

Newcomer Reid Pletcher.  Look out for this guy, he is super fast.

Bill Wright

Dan Mottinger

 Stefan cruising to yet another win

Dave Stewart, Tony, Homie

Bill breaking 40 minutes (way to go Bill!)

Dan finishing up

Tuesday, 10/18/11 Enchanted Mesa/Mesa Baby Jogger Run

4.52 miles/923 vert./48:14/137 avg. HR Garmin Data

Met up with Allison and the girls at Chautauqua and gave Allison and Sierra a chance to run Green, while the girls and I took a short run.  Headed up Enchanted Mesa to the Mesa Trail, back down and then up Mesa to the Bluebell shelter.  Super easy run.

Monday, 10/17/11 Green Mountain via Bear Canyon

From the Bear Mountain Dr. TH

8.69 miles/2,456 vert./1:19:16 (47:59 up/31:16 down)/9:07 pace (11:04 up/7:10 down)/166 avg HR
Garmin Data

After hiking Bear Canyon with the family on Saturday (and understandably getting passed by a handful of runners while we were at), I was itching to go run the route and make it all the way to the summit, as we ran out of time and had to turn.  Not that it matters, but I hate leaving things incomplete.

This was probably the best I have felt on a run all year and I am almost certain was a PR for the up and down (especially considering the "new" switchbacks they added in Bear Canyon last year, thus increasing the distance a bit).  The most amazing thing though was that the run almost felt easy and I am sure I could have maintained that pace for twice as long without dropping the intensity back one bit (if I had the time, I would have done so for sure).

I started off with no particular intentions, aside from being in my normal bit of a rush in order to not get home too late.  I went out quick, but not really pushing and before I knew it, I was moving what I felt to be fast, with little effort.  My mind was focused on my immidiate surroundings and the trail underfoot, but never much on how I felt, or what was to come and I was shocked several times, to anticipate an upcoming steep section for instance and then realize that I had already passed it by without notice.

I tagged the summit, wishing for more, but needed to get back, so I cranked it back down the way I came, feet feeling very accurate and precise, like I could do no wrong (but tried not to think that at the time, as I would almost certainly trip).  I contemplated hitting up Bear/SoBo, but knew that would get me in trouble at home, so I reluctantly passed by the W. Ridge Trail.

Interestingly, my avg. HR for the descent was identical to the ascent, 166 for each.

This run was encouraging, as I have had so many runs this year where I have tried MUCH harder and yielded lesser performances and I have only felt good on a handful of runs,  but this run I felt great and it was a total surprise. 

In the grand scheme of things, it does not really matter, as I rarely race and do not have anything on the radar until next August at this point, but it just feels damn good to feel damn good.  I think it also helped that it was 54 degrees and overcast when I started and the trail was a bit tacky at times from the morning rain.  In my mind, these are absolutely ideal conditions and is almost like an added freebie level of fitness.

Saturday, 10/15/11 Bear Canyon

From Bear Mountain Dr.
6.45 miles/1,598 vert.

Had a nice hike with the family up Bear Canyon.  It was quite warm and even though we brought more water than usual, I was still pretty parched by the end.  I was wanting to summit something, but we did not bring any food for the girls, so we were limited on time and had to turn around near the Bear West Ridge jct..

On the way home, we stopped by the pumpkin patch, then once we got home, I quickly headed over to the Boulder Rez to check up on GZ who was running (and leading at mile 56) his first 100 mile race.  I rode my bike along side of him, making some small talk and took a few pictures, but otherwise was generally useless.  I felt bad that I could not be more helpful, but he seemed to have everything well covered.

Amelie

Isabelle

Amelie, Allison, Isabelle

Amelie, Isabelle

GZ tearing it up on home soil

Coot Lake reflection

GO GEORGE!!!!

Friday, 10/14/11 Baby Jogger Run to Target

8.69 miles/357 vert./1:10:23/8:06 pace/137 avg. HR Garmin Data

Was hoping for a night run up Green and sent out a few invites, but by late afternoon, I had not heard back from anyone, so I was on the fence about what to do.  The girls had a 1 year doctor appt. at 2pm and got a few vaccination shots, so they were feeling a little grumpy (not to mention the appt. interfered with nap time), so I made a quick decision to combat the fussing by taking them on a run in the jogger.

While running, I decided on the fly that Target would be a good destination, as I needed a new electric razor and some T-shirts, so we headed out past Harper Lake to Davidson Mesa, then down behind Home Depot and crossed 36 via the park n ride elevators/bridge.

By the time I got to Target, I was getting a bit hungry (border line bonk), so I grabbed what I needed, plus a family size bag of Doritos.  To top it off, there was a rack of monster cereal by the register, so I grabbed a box of Boo Berry and a box of Franken Berry to go.

I took a bit of a shorter route back, mostly parallel to McCaslin/Via Appia and all I could think about were the Doritos and monster cereals and it was all I could do to resist the urge to pull over and eat.  Once I got back home, I promptly (and regretfully) chowed two bowls of Boo Berry and about 1/3 of the bag of Doritos while I fed babies, just about ruining my appetite for dinner.

This might have been my only run ever that involved the use of an elevator....  does that count for vertical?  (I did stop my watch, but not sure if it will correct for those differences).

Thursday, 10/13/11 S. Mesa Baby Hike

4.83 miles/1,083 vert./1:47

I planned on taking the girls up S. Boulder and maybe Bear, but the timing was off with naps/feeds, dog etc....  I was still debating it at the mouth of Shadow, but I knew that we would all be worse off because of it, so after about 30 feet up Shadow, I turned around and switched gears into just enjoying the day instead of carrying out a mission.  We took it pretty easy, stopped a few times, took pictures, etc....

Wednesday, 10/12/11 Green Mountain

From Chautauqua
Up 3rd Access/NE/Greenman
Down Greenman/NE/1st access

4.14 miles/2,556 vert./1:31:51/130 avg HR Garmin Data

Met up with Aron at Chautauqua a bit after 4pm and figured I would take him up the more interesting (and new for him) route up Green past the 3rd Flatiron, since he is a huge fan of the steep.

He did a great job running the approach and put in a solid effort as the "trail" steepened.  I did a bit of exploring, route maintenance and poking around for efficient lines as I waited for Aron.

Took it pretty easy on the down, stopping to point out this and that (along with the 2nd Flatiron walk off).  Today was another day that my legs and lungs were just raring to go and felt awesome when I ran a few short sections and did some quick bursts.   Can't wait to push hard on this route again soon.

Monday, 10/10/11 Green Mountain

From Chautauqua
Up 3rd Access/NE/Greenman
Down Greenman/NE/1st Access

4.14 miles/2,556 vertical/1:02:09 RT (39:37 up/22:32 down)/avg HR 171 Garmin Data

Felt like getting after it a bit today and pushed hard most of the way, up and down.  My legs and lungs cooperated and the only times I backed off a bit where where the terrain was really rugged going up and I was on all fours or avoiding tree branches and deadfall.

I felt fast and coordinated on the descent and I was pushing hard to get back to Chautauqua for a RT in under an hour, something I have always tried to do, but the closest I have come has been a 1:01:?? on at least 2 different routes.  Toward the end, I sprinted hard to at least have my watch read 1:01 something, but alas finished at 1:02:09.  Not bad considering the convoluted and technical nature of just about the entire route and I was quite pleased with how I felt, especially my speed and coordination on the technical downhill.

Friday, 10/07/11 Sanitas and Green Mountain

Early afternoon:  Sanitas.  Up S. Ridge/down East side
3.01 miles/1,267 vert./1:25
Easy afternoon hike with the family.

Amelie

Amelie having a great time

Amelie all tuckered out

Isabelle napping

Night:  Green Mountain from Chautauqua, up/down front.
5 miles/2,461 vert./1:25(44 up)/avg./HR 140
Casual night lap on Green with Homie

Homie

Thursday, 10/06/11 Bear Peak

Fern from Cragmoor
4.38 miles/2,692 vert./1:07:43(42 up)/171 avg. HR Garmin Data

Pushed hard mainly due to time constraints (even though my body was protesting a bit), felt like I was moving well, but my stopwatch (and HR) was moving much quicker that I was.  Great to be outside though on a fine fall day and despite my mediocre performance, the run was quite satisfying.

Tuesday, 10/04/11 Green Mountain Middle Route (PR)

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