7.09 miles/98 vert./54:16/7:39 pace/138 avg. HR Garmin Data
As is usual for this type of run (what I typically regard as flat and boring, or, anything that is not up a mountain or across a Grand Canyon), I spend the first .5-1.0 miles contemplating just bagging the whole thing. The only thing that keeps me going is a good line up of podcasts and the fact that I went through the effort to get dressed into my running clothes (and it is good to get a little fresh air in the middle of the day).
I feel like I am laboring a bit, but look at my watch and I am hovering at a sluggish low 8:?? pace and feel like I am working, yet my HR is in the 120's. As the minutes tick by, I slowly transition from "maybe I should turn back..." to "maybe 4 miles?" to "6 will be appropriate for an easy day that I would normally take off" to "maybe I could squeeze in 8 or 10?" to "would I be in trouble with the boss if I ran for 20?". I compromise with 7 and imperceptibly ratchet the HR up 10-15 beats higher, but it all feels surprisingly easy. The urge hits to rip a few miles at the fastest pace I can muster, but I refrain, as my intent now is just to stay active and maintain a decent base level of fitness.
These flat runs I find more and more interesting as I progress, as I see my economy improve a little bit each time, faster pace at lower HR and less perceived effort. What I am doing seems to be what I imagine to be a loose (and mostly coincidental) form of MAF and I might be starting to think there is a little something to it.
Sierra
Sierra
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
Monday, 01/23/12 Green Mountain
Up Steep Snow/Down NE(ish)
3.07 miles/2,337 vert./1:09:57 (46:17 up)/149 avg HR Garmin Data
Started off from the Gregory side of the Gregory lot and headed S/SW up the steep hillside in a stupid effort to avoid the ice. I was moving fast and felt as though I would get to the top of Amphi at or ahead of a "normal" split for a comparable effort (6:30ish). Gained a ridge above the actual Amphitheater and could see the trail about 75 vertical feet below, so I tried to contour toward it without losing elevation, but got cliffed out several times and was forced in directions I did not want to go and still had to do some scrambling and elevation loss to get back on track. Finally made the junction at 11:05, having wasted nearly 5 minutes (all to avoid a minute or two worth of ice). I was annoyed with myself at this poor decision and considered a do over, as I was feeling really strong and knew I had a good climb in me today, but much of the purpose of going "fast" today was because I was in a hurry to get home at a decent time.
Back on track, I pushed hard again to make up some time for my mistake, but once I got to the ice between the 1st Flatiron access trail and the spring, I started heading up the hillside again (yes to avoid the ice and having to take the 20 seconds to put on my spikes). The path of least resistance only lasted for 20 seconds or so and then it was a very steep, slippery and brushy climb, forcing frequent stops to wrestle with branches and contemplate the least worst way. That was the easy part. Soon, the snow deepened on the North slopes to a very surprising depth, necessitating waist deep wallowing over deadfall, crawling and the occasional bush/tree hand belay. Making good time was now a non issue and the only question now was if I would be able to make it up the in your face hillside. That was a major mistake and when I got to familiar terrain, I was now 10-11 minutes behind where I should be for a comparable effort and not nearly as high on the NE Ridge Trail as I had predicted.
Back on track, again, it was an comparatively easy jaunt to the summit and got there in 46 (a bummer, knowing that I would have been at least 11 minutes quicker had I chosen better lines). Headed back down the NE ridge and stuck to known paths and familiar (and clear) woods. A bit of an oops in the ascent route and was frustrating at times, but looking back, it was cool to see a few new areas that I had not seen before.
3.07 miles/2,337 vert./1:09:57 (46:17 up)/149 avg HR Garmin Data
Started off from the Gregory side of the Gregory lot and headed S/SW up the steep hillside in a stupid effort to avoid the ice. I was moving fast and felt as though I would get to the top of Amphi at or ahead of a "normal" split for a comparable effort (6:30ish). Gained a ridge above the actual Amphitheater and could see the trail about 75 vertical feet below, so I tried to contour toward it without losing elevation, but got cliffed out several times and was forced in directions I did not want to go and still had to do some scrambling and elevation loss to get back on track. Finally made the junction at 11:05, having wasted nearly 5 minutes (all to avoid a minute or two worth of ice). I was annoyed with myself at this poor decision and considered a do over, as I was feeling really strong and knew I had a good climb in me today, but much of the purpose of going "fast" today was because I was in a hurry to get home at a decent time.
Back on track, I pushed hard again to make up some time for my mistake, but once I got to the ice between the 1st Flatiron access trail and the spring, I started heading up the hillside again (yes to avoid the ice and having to take the 20 seconds to put on my spikes). The path of least resistance only lasted for 20 seconds or so and then it was a very steep, slippery and brushy climb, forcing frequent stops to wrestle with branches and contemplate the least worst way. That was the easy part. Soon, the snow deepened on the North slopes to a very surprising depth, necessitating waist deep wallowing over deadfall, crawling and the occasional bush/tree hand belay. Making good time was now a non issue and the only question now was if I would be able to make it up the in your face hillside. That was a major mistake and when I got to familiar terrain, I was now 10-11 minutes behind where I should be for a comparable effort and not nearly as high on the NE Ridge Trail as I had predicted.
Back on track, again, it was an comparatively easy jaunt to the summit and got there in 46 (a bummer, knowing that I would have been at least 11 minutes quicker had I chosen better lines). Headed back down the NE ridge and stuck to known paths and familiar (and clear) woods. A bit of an oops in the ascent route and was frustrating at times, but looking back, it was cool to see a few new areas that I had not seen before.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Sunday, 01/22/12 Green Mountain
Up/Down Front/NE
3.12 miles/2,281 vert./1:05:39 RT (38:46 up)/143 avg. HR Garmin Data
I have been a little discouraged with the current trail conditions as of late, but with a little extra work and good knowledge of the terrain, I was able to avoid the worst of the ice by getting off trail occasionally and taking the NE ridge. Microspikes were mandatory for the uppermost section and the very bottom of the Amphitheater Trail. Hiked for the most part (moderate pace) on the up and jogged very easy on the down.
3.12 miles/2,281 vert./1:05:39 RT (38:46 up)/143 avg. HR Garmin Data
I have been a little discouraged with the current trail conditions as of late, but with a little extra work and good knowledge of the terrain, I was able to avoid the worst of the ice by getting off trail occasionally and taking the NE ridge. Microspikes were mandatory for the uppermost section and the very bottom of the Amphitheater Trail. Hiked for the most part (moderate pace) on the up and jogged very easy on the down.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Saturday, 01/21/12 SoBo/Bear
7.18 miles/3,209 vert./1:58/140 avg. HR Garmin Data
Sierra and I met Homie at the S. Mesa TH and started up the Homestead Trail at 3:21pm. Was in the low 60s today, but the wind was kicking up a little at the trailhead. Only a minor nuisance at the start and on the summits, forgot about it though for most of the run/hike.
Homie started off Brandon style and had me sucking wind for the first 5 or 10 minutes. Eventually I got warmed up and engaged him in conversation to slow him a bit. Went pretty casual for the remainder of the time, super slow on the down, as it was either ice or rock and made for some awkward running (if you want to call it that), then we had to wait for Sierra a bit over the final 1.5 miles (where she always "dogs it").
Great afternoon to get out and enjoy catching up with a great friend and my favorite pooch.
Sierra and I met Homie at the S. Mesa TH and started up the Homestead Trail at 3:21pm. Was in the low 60s today, but the wind was kicking up a little at the trailhead. Only a minor nuisance at the start and on the summits, forgot about it though for most of the run/hike.
Homie started off Brandon style and had me sucking wind for the first 5 or 10 minutes. Eventually I got warmed up and engaged him in conversation to slow him a bit. Went pretty casual for the remainder of the time, super slow on the down, as it was either ice or rock and made for some awkward running (if you want to call it that), then we had to wait for Sierra a bit over the final 1.5 miles (where she always "dogs it").
Great afternoon to get out and enjoy catching up with a great friend and my favorite pooch.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Friday, 01/20/12 Local Baby Jogger Run
8 miles/286 vert./1:06:55/8:22 pace/147 avg. HR
This morning was amazing and felt more like April than January. It was warm, calm, sunny, calm. Did I mention calm? I was eager to get out for a run, but first had to deal with changing, feeding, napping, changing, feeding and dog walking before I could get outside and play.
Finally got the girls loaded in the Chariot a little after 11am, opened the garage door, then the "you have got to be frickin kidding me" moment of the day occurred, the WIND started cranking. Serious? Took the dog out for her obligatory mile walk and then while dropping her off, did a quick wardrobe shuffle (mainly needed to add gloves and swap out for my hooded shirt, so I could hide from the wind).
Anyways, the wind was hammering from the West and I figured it would be prudent to head into it, toward Davidson Mesa, as I leaned at a 45 degree angle, heaving on thesail jogger just to get it to move. At times, I found myself upping the effort just to stay moving at 10-11 pace. Once I rounded the far corner at Davidson Mesa though, it was smooth sailing all the way home (where I was on the brakes to maintain a sub 7 pace and even got down in the low 5s at one point, where my feet could hardly keep up).
While heading back along Davidson Mesa, we spotted two horses hanging out in their little corral/yard and stopped so the girls could have a look. Amelie LOVES horses and much to her amusement, they both came over to the low fence and allowed for us to pet them. This was a huge hit with her and she giggled, waved and stroked their soft snouts. I gave Isabelle her turn, but she was not quite as excited about it, so I gave Amelie another turn while Isabelle happily observed from the comfort of the Chariot. This simple encounter was easily the highlight of the run.
Video:
Amelie
Amelie
Amelie
Isabelle not quite as excited (but still interested)
Isabelle
This morning was amazing and felt more like April than January. It was warm, calm, sunny, calm. Did I mention calm? I was eager to get out for a run, but first had to deal with changing, feeding, napping, changing, feeding and dog walking before I could get outside and play.
Finally got the girls loaded in the Chariot a little after 11am, opened the garage door, then the "you have got to be frickin kidding me" moment of the day occurred, the WIND started cranking. Serious? Took the dog out for her obligatory mile walk and then while dropping her off, did a quick wardrobe shuffle (mainly needed to add gloves and swap out for my hooded shirt, so I could hide from the wind).
Anyways, the wind was hammering from the West and I figured it would be prudent to head into it, toward Davidson Mesa, as I leaned at a 45 degree angle, heaving on the
While heading back along Davidson Mesa, we spotted two horses hanging out in their little corral/yard and stopped so the girls could have a look. Amelie LOVES horses and much to her amusement, they both came over to the low fence and allowed for us to pet them. This was a huge hit with her and she giggled, waved and stroked their soft snouts. I gave Isabelle her turn, but she was not quite as excited about it, so I gave Amelie another turn while Isabelle happily observed from the comfort of the Chariot. This simple encounter was easily the highlight of the run.
Video:
Amelie
Amelie
Amelie
Isabelle not quite as excited (but still interested)
Isabelle
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Thursday, 01/19/12 Local Baby Jogger Run
8 miles/195 vert./1:03:24/7:55 pace/141 avg. HR
Ran some errands in the literal sense today, swinging by Runner's Roost, the supermarket and then the library. It was over 60 today and quite nice, though a little windy at times (but nothing like last night or what was predicted for today). Went pretty easy for the most part, with my slowest miles being a few seconds over 8:00 pace (headwind) and the fastest being 6:47 pace (tailwind where I was just letting the jogger roll on it's own with the occasional correction (yes, I had the wrist leash on as always)).
As I arrived at home and heaved the jogger into the garage, it dawned on me that the jogger was quite heavy and I realized that I should have done my shopping at King Soupers nearer to the house at mile 7 of the run, instead of Albertsons 3 miles in, but the whole thing was kind of a last minute decision.
Ran some errands in the literal sense today, swinging by Runner's Roost, the supermarket and then the library. It was over 60 today and quite nice, though a little windy at times (but nothing like last night or what was predicted for today). Went pretty easy for the most part, with my slowest miles being a few seconds over 8:00 pace (headwind) and the fastest being 6:47 pace (tailwind where I was just letting the jogger roll on it's own with the occasional correction (yes, I had the wrist leash on as always)).
As I arrived at home and heaved the jogger into the garage, it dawned on me that the jogger was quite heavy and I realized that I should have done my shopping at King Soupers nearer to the house at mile 7 of the run, instead of Albertsons 3 miles in, but the whole thing was kind of a last minute decision.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Wednesday, 01/18/12 Longmont Run
6.03 miles/104 vert./46:33/7:43 pace/140 avg. HR Garmin Data
Easy run on the LoBo trail into Niwot and back. Quite the steady headwind on the way out, went super easy. Turned around and was really happy to have a good tailwind, so I upped the effort just a little bit, yet was going 1:30-2 min/mile faster. Sweet.
Mile 1: 8:34/141 HR
Mile 2: 8:32/129 HR
Mile 3: 8:29/134 HR
Mile 4: 6:54/146 HR
Mile 5: 6:38/153 HR
Mile 6: 7:12/145 HR
Though not my favorite type of run, I am enjoying this type of run more and more. The hardest part is just getting out the door and getting through the first mile. The key for me, is having an MP3 player and good podcasts to listen to, as I get so preoccupied with what I am listening to, I forget that I am not running mountains (well not really, just takes the sting off and I look at it as better than NOT getting out). Having a Garmin helps a lot as well, as it makes such runs more interesting and quantifiable. I like that I can watch my pace in relation to HR and see how it varies depending on terrain, wind, how I feel, pushing a jogger or not, varying cadence, etc.....
Oh yeah, checked out a video on Hulu yesterday about the Costa Concordia shipwreck (operated by Carnival Cruise Lines) and was surprised by the ad from Princess Cruises that I had to watch beforehand, then got to look at the ad in the upper right of the screen. It should read "30 seconds not enough to abandon ship?"
Easy run on the LoBo trail into Niwot and back. Quite the steady headwind on the way out, went super easy. Turned around and was really happy to have a good tailwind, so I upped the effort just a little bit, yet was going 1:30-2 min/mile faster. Sweet.
Mile 1: 8:34/141 HR
Mile 2: 8:32/129 HR
Mile 3: 8:29/134 HR
Mile 4: 6:54/146 HR
Mile 5: 6:38/153 HR
Mile 6: 7:12/145 HR
Though not my favorite type of run, I am enjoying this type of run more and more. The hardest part is just getting out the door and getting through the first mile. The key for me, is having an MP3 player and good podcasts to listen to, as I get so preoccupied with what I am listening to, I forget that I am not running mountains (well not really, just takes the sting off and I look at it as better than NOT getting out). Having a Garmin helps a lot as well, as it makes such runs more interesting and quantifiable. I like that I can watch my pace in relation to HR and see how it varies depending on terrain, wind, how I feel, pushing a jogger or not, varying cadence, etc.....
Oh yeah, checked out a video on Hulu yesterday about the Costa Concordia shipwreck (operated by Carnival Cruise Lines) and was surprised by the ad from Princess Cruises that I had to watch beforehand, then got to look at the ad in the upper right of the screen. It should read "30 seconds not enough to abandon ship?"
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Tuesday, 01/17/12 Green Mountain
Up/Down Back
5.37 miles/2,367 vert./1:12:12 (43:12 up)/138 avg. HR Garmin Data
After getting a less than encouraging conditions report from Green Mountain, I decided to skip it and head up Bear instead. But, as I walked out of work, I could hardly open the door as the wind was hammering pretty hard and I was unsure whether Bear was still the best idea or not. As I drove toward Boulder (watching the wind kick up snow devils in town and in the foothills), I waffled literally minute to minute between Bear, Sanitas and various routes on Green. Traffic patterns and whichever lane I happened to be in at the time, ultimately dictated my choice and before I knew it, I was at the Gregory lot.
Luckily, the wind seemed to have calmed slightly for a bit, or I might have been in a little bit of a wind shadow. I started off without spikes and put them on below the second significant rocky section in Gregory. Conditions right now are really dismal. WAY too much rock and bare ground to wear Microspikes, but simultaneously WAY too much ice (now hidden by a dusting of powder) to not wear spikes. Uggg.
Went pretty easy on the up and even easier on the down. Even going as slow and easy as I did, I still had a few good slips and close calls. All the ice kind of beats one up on the descent, as it is the hardest running surface I have ever encountered. I am almost tempted to stick to pavement (maybe do SuperFlag for my climbing days) until things improve.
5.37 miles/2,367 vert./1:12:12 (43:12 up)/138 avg. HR Garmin Data
After getting a less than encouraging conditions report from Green Mountain, I decided to skip it and head up Bear instead. But, as I walked out of work, I could hardly open the door as the wind was hammering pretty hard and I was unsure whether Bear was still the best idea or not. As I drove toward Boulder (watching the wind kick up snow devils in town and in the foothills), I waffled literally minute to minute between Bear, Sanitas and various routes on Green. Traffic patterns and whichever lane I happened to be in at the time, ultimately dictated my choice and before I knew it, I was at the Gregory lot.
Luckily, the wind seemed to have calmed slightly for a bit, or I might have been in a little bit of a wind shadow. I started off without spikes and put them on below the second significant rocky section in Gregory. Conditions right now are really dismal. WAY too much rock and bare ground to wear Microspikes, but simultaneously WAY too much ice (now hidden by a dusting of powder) to not wear spikes. Uggg.
Went pretty easy on the up and even easier on the down. Even going as slow and easy as I did, I still had a few good slips and close calls. All the ice kind of beats one up on the descent, as it is the hardest running surface I have ever encountered. I am almost tempted to stick to pavement (maybe do SuperFlag for my climbing days) until things improve.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Monday, 01/16/12 Longmont Run
6.04 miles/44 vert./47:03/7:47 pace/136 avg. HR Garmin Data
Did not really feel like running today, but a malfunctioning breaker at work was causing frequent and frustrating power outages, so I got fed up and just had to get away for a bit.
Figured I would just get in 3 miles, but once I got out the door, realized how nice it was out and became consumed with my Adam Carolla podcast, it was hard for me to head back and it was tempting to keep going, but figured I would stick to my intention of a casual day.
Headed up S. Fordham and maintained a very easy pace, crossed Nelson and just followed the powerlines to Golden Ponds and goofed around up in that area for a bit and headed back.
I have decided to try not taking any days off from running for a while and see how it goes, even if it is just a mile or three from work or home. But, at least this time of year with all the dressing up, I find it hardly worth the effort to get out for less than 6 miles. Once I get out there, I always want to do more.
Did not really feel like running today, but a malfunctioning breaker at work was causing frequent and frustrating power outages, so I got fed up and just had to get away for a bit.
Figured I would just get in 3 miles, but once I got out the door, realized how nice it was out and became consumed with my Adam Carolla podcast, it was hard for me to head back and it was tempting to keep going, but figured I would stick to my intention of a casual day.
Headed up S. Fordham and maintained a very easy pace, crossed Nelson and just followed the powerlines to Golden Ponds and goofed around up in that area for a bit and headed back.
I have decided to try not taking any days off from running for a while and see how it goes, even if it is just a mile or three from work or home. But, at least this time of year with all the dressing up, I find it hardly worth the effort to get out for less than 6 miles. Once I get out there, I always want to do more.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Sunday, 01/15/12 Bear/SoBo
5.7 miles/3,303 vert./1:33:38 (45:47 to true summit of Bear/11:40 to SoBo/9:48 back to Bear/26:20 down) Garmin Data
After getting up Bear on Friday and totally enjoying the snow drifted ridge, I could not wait to get out there again to enjoy.
From Cragmoor TH, up Fern to Bear/SoBo and back. Nice day, pretty warm, but a little windy again above the saddle. A little bit of everything out there for trail conditions, ice, bare ground, packed snow, slush, wind drifted powder, wind packed crust, frozen post holes, you name it. We need either a foot or two of snow, or a week of 80 degree temps (I would truly prefer the feet of snow right now).
Went high side of moderate on the up, flirting with the low side of hard at times, especially fighting the snow drifts on the ridge and piffy pow on the way up SoBo. Took it pretty mellow on the descent due to the variable conditions and lack of confidence in my rounded Microspikes (even crab walking through the steep section with the log steps). Once I crossed the Mesa Trail, I just removed the spikes, which was mostly a good choice, but made for some slow and careful stepping in spots, especially on the Cragmoor connector.
After getting up Bear on Friday and totally enjoying the snow drifted ridge, I could not wait to get out there again to enjoy.
From Cragmoor TH, up Fern to Bear/SoBo and back. Nice day, pretty warm, but a little windy again above the saddle. A little bit of everything out there for trail conditions, ice, bare ground, packed snow, slush, wind drifted powder, wind packed crust, frozen post holes, you name it. We need either a foot or two of snow, or a week of 80 degree temps (I would truly prefer the feet of snow right now).
Went high side of moderate on the up, flirting with the low side of hard at times, especially fighting the snow drifts on the ridge and piffy pow on the way up SoBo. Took it pretty mellow on the descent due to the variable conditions and lack of confidence in my rounded Microspikes (even crab walking through the steep section with the log steps). Once I crossed the Mesa Trail, I just removed the spikes, which was mostly a good choice, but made for some slow and careful stepping in spots, especially on the Cragmoor connector.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Saturday, 01/14/12 Local Baby Jogger Run
8.3 miles/237 vert./1:05:50/7:56 pace/144 avg. HR
Ran with the girls today to go visit mom at work. Was reasonably warm(ish), but somewhat windy, so I was either going an easy 6:30 pace when it was at my back, or pushing just a bit to stay in the 8 range running into it, but overall a mellow to moderate run. Got a little bonky toward the end, but ate some GU Chomps that I always have stashed in the jogger which got me home feeling good.
Ran with the girls today to go visit mom at work. Was reasonably warm(ish), but somewhat windy, so I was either going an easy 6:30 pace when it was at my back, or pushing just a bit to stay in the 8 range running into it, but overall a mellow to moderate run. Got a little bonky toward the end, but ate some GU Chomps that I always have stashed in the jogger which got me home feeling good.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Friday, 01/13/12 Bear Peak and Cragmoor Run
Run 1: 4.77 miles/1,203 vert./1:10 126 avg. HR Garmin Data
Run 2: 4.48 miles/2,721 vert./1:30 RT(59 up) 152 avg. HR Garmin Data
9.25 miles/3,924 vert./2:40
With Allison's parents at the house watching the girls, yet with a limited amount of time, Allison, Sierra and I took a run around the various trails from the Cragmoor TH including Mesa and Shanahan. Was expecting to hike for the most part, but Allison was pushing a run the entire time. Conditions were all over the board, from packed snow, wind drifted snow, dry trail, bulletproof ice, etc..... The wind was cranking and although the air temperature was reasonable, I was a bit chilly the whole time and was glad I backtracked to the car early in the run to grab my jacket.
Just as we finished, I met up with GZ, as planned, for a lap on Bear, while Allison and Sierra headed home. We went a pretty reasonable pace, casual/conversational for the most part and it was awesome to catch up with a great friend. Microspikes were almost ineffective on the upper section above the saddle with all the wind drifted snow, it was quite the wallow and slip fest and the wind was hammering for the most part. We spent no time on the summit and then had a great time foot skiing the down.
Run 2: 4.48 miles/2,721 vert./1:30 RT(59 up) 152 avg. HR Garmin Data
9.25 miles/3,924 vert./2:40
With Allison's parents at the house watching the girls, yet with a limited amount of time, Allison, Sierra and I took a run around the various trails from the Cragmoor TH including Mesa and Shanahan. Was expecting to hike for the most part, but Allison was pushing a run the entire time. Conditions were all over the board, from packed snow, wind drifted snow, dry trail, bulletproof ice, etc..... The wind was cranking and although the air temperature was reasonable, I was a bit chilly the whole time and was glad I backtracked to the car early in the run to grab my jacket.
Just as we finished, I met up with GZ, as planned, for a lap on Bear, while Allison and Sierra headed home. We went a pretty reasonable pace, casual/conversational for the most part and it was awesome to catch up with a great friend. Microspikes were almost ineffective on the upper section above the saddle with all the wind drifted snow, it was quite the wallow and slip fest and the wind was hammering for the most part. We spent no time on the summit and then had a great time foot skiing the down.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Thursday, 01/12/12 Local Run and More Shoes
6.03 miles/292 vert./54:14/9:00 pace/137 avg. HR
Easy run with the baby jogger and dog. Pace ranged anywhere from ~6:21 pace (passing, then putting distance on a person of undetermined gender, running ~7:20 pace with 2 Fi Fi ankle biter dogs). The remainder of the run was casually strolling, walking some ice/snow sections and waiting up on Sierra. A bit cold and breezy late in the afternoon, should have gone late morning when it was sunny and warm, but we were getting ready for a lunch date with mom.
Listened to this podcast (lifted from GZ's blog), an interview with my good friend Dave, talking about his recent 2011 UROY award. His achievement was very well deserved simply because of his running alone, but it also could not be awarded to a nicer guy. It was cool hearing Dave actually talk about his running, something he rarely, if ever does in person and even then it is like pulling teeth. Congrats Dave!
Also listened to this very good podcast that I got from Jason Henrie about transition and could relate a bit being a new(ish) father learning to balance my outdoor passions and time with family. I really like everything he had to say, but had to chuckle a bit at his somewhat naive sense of optimism. My situation is a bit different having twins, but even with just one, it will take a while to transition to the place that he is looking for (a bit longer than he might think). Or maybe not, perhaps he will get there right away, hard to judge as I don't know his situation. Either way, good luck to him.
It has been a while since I have posted some of my latest shoes, so here are a few of the more recent ones:
Under Armour Charge RC Storm. A unique shoe for sure, better than you might think, but I am still somewhat undecided on whether or not I really like them.
Nike Lunar Eclipse 2. Very good road shoe, really digging this pair more than I expected.
K Swiss Blade Max something or other.
K Swiss Blade Max something other or other.
North Face Single Track Hayasa. It has been a long time since I have run in a TNF shoe (2002 I think?). I have not had the opportunity lately, nor have I really been that interested, but they really hit a home run with this one. This is their entry into the minimalist market and I think they did a great job. Very light (~9oz), fast, nimble etc.... but with pretty reasonable protection still. Tread pattern could be a bit more aggressive for the steeper rougher trails, but the rubber compound is great.
Salomon XR Mission. I have always been a Salomon fan, but I am only so/so on these. They are comfortable, but the arch is a bit further forward than I have ever felt, but perhaps it is just the insole though (which I might swap out and see what happens). Kind of a cross shoe that does well on a variety of surfaces. It is definitely a solid everyday trainer, but a bit heavy to race in.
Pearlizumi Kissaki. Supposedly their minimalist shoe, but I found them to be a little heavy and not particularly speedy. I like the Streak II MUCH better. The memory foam in the heel padding is unique though.
Puma Faas 800. Awesome road trainer shoe. Light and quick feeling, very stable, but struggle a bit in the mud.
Easy run with the baby jogger and dog. Pace ranged anywhere from ~6:21 pace (passing, then putting distance on a person of undetermined gender, running ~7:20 pace with 2 Fi Fi ankle biter dogs). The remainder of the run was casually strolling, walking some ice/snow sections and waiting up on Sierra. A bit cold and breezy late in the afternoon, should have gone late morning when it was sunny and warm, but we were getting ready for a lunch date with mom.
Listened to this podcast (lifted from GZ's blog), an interview with my good friend Dave, talking about his recent 2011 UROY award. His achievement was very well deserved simply because of his running alone, but it also could not be awarded to a nicer guy. It was cool hearing Dave actually talk about his running, something he rarely, if ever does in person and even then it is like pulling teeth. Congrats Dave!
Also listened to this very good podcast that I got from Jason Henrie about transition and could relate a bit being a new(ish) father learning to balance my outdoor passions and time with family. I really like everything he had to say, but had to chuckle a bit at his somewhat naive sense of optimism. My situation is a bit different having twins, but even with just one, it will take a while to transition to the place that he is looking for (a bit longer than he might think). Or maybe not, perhaps he will get there right away, hard to judge as I don't know his situation. Either way, good luck to him.
It has been a while since I have posted some of my latest shoes, so here are a few of the more recent ones:
Under Armour Charge RC Storm. A unique shoe for sure, better than you might think, but I am still somewhat undecided on whether or not I really like them.
Nike Lunar Eclipse 2. Very good road shoe, really digging this pair more than I expected.
K Swiss Blade Max something or other.
K Swiss Blade Max something other or other.
North Face Single Track Hayasa. It has been a long time since I have run in a TNF shoe (2002 I think?). I have not had the opportunity lately, nor have I really been that interested, but they really hit a home run with this one. This is their entry into the minimalist market and I think they did a great job. Very light (~9oz), fast, nimble etc.... but with pretty reasonable protection still. Tread pattern could be a bit more aggressive for the steeper rougher trails, but the rubber compound is great.
Salomon XR Mission. I have always been a Salomon fan, but I am only so/so on these. They are comfortable, but the arch is a bit further forward than I have ever felt, but perhaps it is just the insole though (which I might swap out and see what happens). Kind of a cross shoe that does well on a variety of surfaces. It is definitely a solid everyday trainer, but a bit heavy to race in.
Pearlizumi Kissaki. Supposedly their minimalist shoe, but I found them to be a little heavy and not particularly speedy. I like the Streak II MUCH better. The memory foam in the heel padding is unique though.
Puma Faas 800. Awesome road trainer shoe. Light and quick feeling, very stable, but struggle a bit in the mud.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Wednesday, 01/11/12 Longmont LoBo Run
6.23 miles/94 vert./48:38/7:49 pace/141 avg. HR Garmin Data
Would have loved to head into Boulder after work to run Green in the fresh snow, but snowy roads mean more time in the car, which I could not really afford today.
Ran from work into Niwot on the LoBo trail and back in heavy snowfall. Was a little bit cold at first, mainly due to the wind, but I eventually got warmed up and enjoyed myself in the near whiteout conditions. Might have gone a little longer, but had a meeting to get back for.
Would have loved to head into Boulder after work to run Green in the fresh snow, but snowy roads mean more time in the car, which I could not really afford today.
Ran from work into Niwot on the LoBo trail and back in heavy snowfall. Was a little bit cold at first, mainly due to the wind, but I eventually got warmed up and enjoyed myself in the near whiteout conditions. Might have gone a little longer, but had a meeting to get back for.
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