Friday, 03/02/12 Green Mountain x 2

Up/Down Front

8.32 miles/4,575 vert./3:25 (or so)/avg. HR 112  Garmin Data

Woke up on Friday morning and got an e-mail from Homie who announced that he would be running 10 laps on Green to celebrate his birthday, that is 41 miles and ~24,000 vertical feet of climbing and descending, much of it on a trail that is solid ice.

With Allison's on call work schedule, I was not sure if I would be able to join for any laps, but was hoping for the best, keeping tabs and was at the ready all day, just in case.  Finally was able to get out the door late afternoon and join for laps 9 and 10.  Homie and GZ finished lap 8 a bit after 5pm, where Bill W, Kendrick and I were ready and waiting to join.  I was impressed with Homie's strength and resolve after being out there since 5am and aside from mentioning some blisters and that he had not been eating as well as he should have, did not complain one bit (as I might have been, and even did a bit after just 2 laps).

On the descent from lap 9, as we neared the Saddle/Amphi jct., we spotted some eyes down the hill, very close to where the Amphi trail doubles back.  We stopped and shined our lights and whatever it was, had some wide set eyes, was low to the ground and then got out of there fast and quiet after it closely checked us out.  I was 95% sure it was a lion, but we will never know for sure.  Either way, it definitely heightened our senses and we were a bit charged up and on guard for a bit.

Lap 10, a bit after 7pm and it was just Homie, Kendrick and I for the final push, but Dave called and said that he was on his way and would catch up.  We expected to have him catch us for much of the climb, but finally connected with us on the final switchbacks below the summit.  This, combined with being so close to the top gave Homie a strong surge of adrenaline and he put in a good sprint to put quite the exclamation point on an amazing day.

We took a few pictures on top, exchanged high fives and said our congrats, then Homie was out of there like a rocket.  I could barely keep up with him, as he was just ready to get the descent over with, eat and relax.  Finished at 9:09pm (I think) for what was for him a 16 hour and 8 minute day.  I was quite impressed with his accomplishment (though not at all surprised) and was more than honored to treat him to dinner at Illigal Pete's.  Congrats to Homie and happy 41st!

Dave Mackey, Homie, Kendrick

Dave, Homie and me (holding up a proud two fingers for my skimpy 2 laps).  Note the Microspikes on Dave's feet that Homie loaned him, I think he might be converted.

Oh yeah, almost forgot, got in a easy run with the jogger earlier in the day with the twins.

4.27 miles/220 vert./37:22/8:45 pace/avg. HR 126

Thursday, 03/01/12 Local Baby Jogger Run

8.19 miles/284 vert./1:04:48/7:55 pace/avg. HR 145

Eager to explore a new route I mapped through Lafayette, I was all dressed and ready to go.  Chariot positioned for easy loading, baby jackets, hats, mittens piled at the ready, sippy cups filled and GPS watch outside acquiring satellites.  I knew I had limited time with snow in the forecast after noon, so I was eager for the girls to awake from their nap so we could get the show on the road.  Amelie awoke at 10:45, so we changed her diaper and get her ready while Isabelle slept through the commotion.  Amelie and I went out for a weather check and I was discouraged to find that it was snowing hard and seemed as though it would only get worse.

We went inside and I begrudgingly changed out of cold running uniform and back into civilian clothes, figuring the day would revolve around playing inside.  Isabelle finally awoke a half hour later and I noticed that it had stopped snowing and things were seeming a little brighter, so I quickly got changed, again, and got everyone loaded and ready to roll.

Open the garage, it is dark and snowing again.  Seriously?  Oh well, the girls were warm and fully enclosed, so it was just me who would get damp.  Once we got rolling, the snow let up, but it was a bit breezy and we passed through the occasional squall, requiring almost constant adjusting of my hat/hood/zippers and fogged sunglasses.

Turned out to be a decent run all things considered and I was glad I got out.  It was even funnier that when I got home and took the dog for a mile walk, it got really nice, warm and sunny.  That is Winter in Colorado I guess.

"Seems fine to me dad, what's the fuss?"

Wednesday, 02/29/12 Green Mountain

Up 1st Arete/Down 1st Saddle

3.02 miles/2,405 vert./1:08:25 (42:58 up)/avg. HR 149  Garmin Data

Had a fun afternoon jaunt up Green with Tony.  He introduced me to a new route variation along the 1st Arete and then along the side of the 1st Flatiron, then connecting with the "normal" 1st saddle route.  Interesting route that was a bit loose, technical and bushwhacky at times, but was a lot of fun, just the type of route I often times enjoy and even prefer.  Variable snow conditions, or lack thereof had me removing/installing the Microspikes very often (somewhat new spikes that I am trying to keep sharp).  Spent some time taking pictures in various spots for Tony's sponsors near the top.  I think I got some good ones.

We also got the girls each a pair of their own Nike running shoes.  Figured I would get a few silly shots of them in contrast to our Hoka shoes.

Tuesday, 02/28/12 LoBo Run

8 miles/58:43/142 vert./7:20 pace/avg. HR 148  Garmin Data

Eager to run before the predicted 70-80 mph winds (that have still yet to materialize), I got out mid-morning for a flat run from work.  Headed toward Niwot on the LoBo Trail, cut left off of 83rd onto Niwot Meadows Farm Rd. and then picked up a new (but still "closed") dirt path that generally headed East.  Was running somewhat mellow and getting near my turnaround time (had to get back to a meeting) and was hoping the new trail went all the way through to 95th so I could make a loop.  The trail finally ended and I would have had to add distance by going S. to Niwot Rd. through the high school grounds, or trespass a direct line across a farm (still tempting).  Decided to play it on the safe side and just backtrack, so I picked up the effort a bit to be sure I had enough time to shower and re-group.  Still was a fairly moderate run.

Sunday, 02/26/12 Green Mountain

Up/Down Front

4.08 miles/2,276 vert./56:26 (36:34 up)  Garmin Data

Bumped into Homie at the Gregory lot after he had finished his 2 laps for the day.  I was debating the old/dull spikes, but he encouraged me to use the newer/sharper pair and I was very glad I did.  The lower 1/3 of the mountain is solid ice and I was appreciating the great grip, as anything less would have made the going very slow.  The upper 2/3 to 1/2 was pretty decent packed trail with only a few short sections of awkward sidehilling.  Kept the effort at a reasonably moderate level and did not push at all.

On the descent, I just coasted and was making decent time on the upper half (I think), but really dialed it back on the lower section, as even with the sharp spikes, I took a good slip while being careful (I pulled out of it without hitting the deck, but it was a good wake up call).  Passed a couple picking their way down with no traction on their shoes and felt really bad for them.  Hope they made it out unscathed.

Saturday, 02/25/12 Local Baby Jogger Run

8.27 miles/257 vert./1:09:11/8:22 pace/avg. HR 136

Perfect day for a casual run with the girls in the jogger, as it was around 60 degrees and calm, so we headed over to Harper Lake and Davidson Mesa in search of geese and horses.  Only saw 4 geese, but the horses were outside and being social, so that was a big hit, despite all the slow going in the mud to get in and out of there.  Hoping those trails will dry out soon.

Friday, 02/24/12 Green Mountain

From Chautauqua
Up Front/Down W. Ridge/Long and Gregory Canyons

7.21 miles/2,630 vert./1:33:54/avg. HR 161  Garmin Data

Met up with Dave and David Riddle at Chautauqua for a lap on Green.  David was visiting town from Ohio with his wife and wanted to get in a little trail running before they headed up to Summit County for a weekend of skiing, so he had contacted Dave for a Tour.  Headed up Amphitheater/Saddle Rock/Greenman at somewhat of a conversational pace (they were conversing while I listened).  Conditions were a bit better than Wednesday, but it was windy again and there was plenty of freshly drifted snow to slip around in.

We spent a while on the summit, pointing out the neighboring summits (those that were not obscured by clouds) and just chatting for a bit.

Headed down West Ridge to the top of SuperFlag, which was rough in spots and included a good bit of post holing.  Long Canyon was in better condition, sheltered from the wind and even packed by somebody with snowshoes.

Great day out, a little cold and breezy at times, but seemed calm compared to Wednesday.

Splits:

Chau to Greg:  5:59
A/S/G:  41:20
Down WR/Long/Greg:  41:44 (longer than our ascent!)
Greg to Chau:  4:49

I got a kick out of this rather large and heavy (50lb) trophy sitting out front of Dave's apartment.  He has so many, he uses them to decorate outside even.  This one was used to prevent his patio from flying away during the recent wind storm.

Traversing the drifted, off camber section of trail above the Greenman/Saddle jct.

Dave, David

Dave, David, me

We stopped and built an awesome snowman on the way down while we waited on Dave

Thursday, 02/23/12 Local Baby Jogger Run

8.2 miles/313 vert./1:02:13/7:35 pace/avg. HR 153

Was waiting all day for it to get nice, but it never really did aside from a few fleeting glimpses of sunshine.  Finally (and now reluctantly) got out the door at 3:54pm and it was cold and breezy, but figured since we were all suited up and ready to roll, we would get in at least a few miles.  Once I got running though, I felt good and was immediately into it (having a mp3 loaded with good podcasts helped tremendously).

The first mile was the most vert. of the run (132 ft.), so was a bit slow, but the miles seemed to click by smoothly after that.  Headed toward the rec. center, followed the powerlines to Dillon and then took a chance heading over to the Coal Creek Trail, hoping that it would not be too snowy or muddy.  There was some mud and a little fresh snow, but it was just a little slow and messy, but definitely tolerable.  Just before crossing the creek by the golf course, there was a huge tree across the trail and there was absolutely no way around it.  I was 5 miles in at this point and the prospect of backtracking around the golf course was not appealing, as we were nearing baby dinner time.

I considered a few unlikely options, then it dawned on me that if there were no fences, I could backtrack to the golf course and cut across.  Sure enough, it was wide open and I did a bit of cross country through the snow and across the course to eventually get back on track.

Overall a pretty good moderate run.  Slowest mile was 8:38, fastest was 6:32 at 152 HR.

Wednesday, 02/22/12 Windy Day on Green

Up 1st saddle/Down G/S/A

3.56 miles/2,273 vert./1:09:10 RT (45:12 up)/avg. HR 152  Garmin Data

Windy is an understatement, hurricane is more like it.  Picked up Dave at his place and headed to the Gregory TH for a balmy, yet breezy jaunt up Green.  The snow conditions were pretty miserable, deep slush where the trail should be packed, or soft, deep, drifted wet snow where the wind has all but obliterated what was once a nice packed trench.

Went pretty casual on the up and down, stopping often to hit the deck to avoid being knocked to the ground by the wind and occasionally needed to cling to a rock or tree for good measure.  This was definitely one of the most, if not THE most windy conditions I have been in on the local peaks (but not nearly as bad as a few occasions in the high mountains).  Gusts at NCAR were recorded at 88mph, but it might have been a bit more than that high on Green.

Despite the less than ideal conditions, it was great to get out with Dave again and we had a really fun time.

Oh, and while finishing up, we noticed a tree had fallen across the Amphitheater Trail while we were on the mountain (a small one though).

Tuesday, 02/21/12 Green Mountain

Up/Down front

3.89 miles/2,285 vert./1:01:22 (41:11 up)/avg HR 158  Garmin Data

The wind has raised a bit of havoc on the trails, drifting the snow in spots to the point where there may as well have not been a trail underneath and it was often at a sidehill angle that involved some significant slipping and sliding.  Either way though, it was a lot of fun out there today and managed to sneak up/down during a relative lull in the wind.  Went what felt to be a moderately moderate effort, easy cruising on the packed trail, a bit more work in the drifted sections when breaking trail.  Went a mellow pace on the down and some sections seemed to be as much work as on the ascent.

Sunday, 02/19/12 Green Mountain

4.04 miles/2,281 vert./56:29 RT (37:39 up/18:49 down)/avg. HR 157  Garmin Data

I waffled all day about getting outside for a run, as this on-going sickness thing keeps dragging along.  Though I feel a bit better, my nose and lungs/throat still are not quite right and energy levels/enthusiasm to exercise are a bit lower than normal.  I think some of it has to do with waking up often in the middle of the night coughing and I am a bit tired from lack of sleep.

Still, it was a reasonably nice day and I felt like it could not hurt to head over to Green for a little fresh air to snap me out of my malaise (staring at my computer screen all day was also giving me a headache and making me a bit stir crazy).

Leaving work and enjoying the light of day helped a bit and then once I hit the trail, I felt much better immediately.  Still though, I kept the effort on what felt like the low side of moderate, hiking about 50% of the climb and easy jogging the remainder.  I was happy to not have a wheezing fit on the summit, like on Weds/Thurs, just some minor discomfort.

Took it super easy on the down.

Saturday, 02/18/12 Local Baby Jogger Run

3.51 miles/132 vert./30:33/8:42 pace/avg. HR 126

Another very easy jog with the girls with a stop at Walgreens to re-up on cold medicine (still lingering).

Friday, 02/17/12 Local Baby Jogger Run

3.01 miles/237 vert./28:18/9:24 pace/avg. HR 123

Easy jog with the dog and babies.  Still not feeling up to speed.

Thursday, 02/16/12 Sickness report and Green Descent PR

Just figured I would write a short wrap up since this past weekend.  Not much going on in the way of running, as I have been sick since last Thursday.  I entirely blame myself, as I thought smugly to myself the day before I got sick, that it was pretty amazing that I did not catch the sickness the girls have been passing back and forth to one another for the previous ~2 weeks.  I try to catch myself when such things cross my mind, as it is almost like I have a 6th sense, or premonitions of sorts.  Thoughts or statements, such as 'have not been sick in a long time', 'have not had a flat tire in a long time', 'car is running great', 'have not crashed my bike in a long time', etc...., have always had a way of coming to fruition.  Though I rarely, if ever, buy into superstitious beliefs, I do however get a bit superstitious about these topics and try to cut myself off if they ever enter my mind, much less discuss such matters.

It started off with some funny throat phlegm thing that crept up on me Thursday, but I tried to pass it off as a consequence of running the previous day when the air quality was noticeably poor (visible inversion with brown smog).

Friday morning:  I felt OK, though was still in a bit of denial and ran Green easy with Sierra and felt reasonably well.

Saturday:  ran 2 miles with the dog and baby jogger, but energy was somewhat low and it was freezing cold.  Those 2 miles were not the least bit fun and I regretted even going outside.  Even wearing warmer gloves, my hands were like wooden claws and I could hardly get back into the house and they stung as I warmed them.  Sheesh, I have gotten a bit soft with the mild Winter (mild until Feb. that is).

Sunday, 02/12/12

Off.  Running was not even remotely an option.  It crossed my mind, but I laughed at the absurdity of it.  Functioning at the most basic level was all I could do as my energy was very low and it felt like my head was in a vice.

Monday, 02/13/12

Felt a little better, but still was really low on energy and my nose was running like a faucet, along with a deep cough.  Got out for a walk at lunch time, 2 miles round trip to Target.

Tuesday, 02/14/12

Felt like I could have jogged for an easy few miles, but opted to just get out for a short walk at lunch (1 mile) instead, as I was way too busy at work and had to be home in a timely manner for early Valentines dinner reservations.  I did not worry about it though, as running on any of these days, would only be to say that I ran and would do more harm than good.

Wednesday, 02/15/12  Sanitas

S. Ridge

2.36 miles/1,250 vert./46:58 RT (28 up)  Garmin Data


With grandparents watching babies, I could not pass up a hike with Allison and Sierra.  I was hoping to hike Green, but we were short on time after running a bunch of errands, so settled on Sanitas.  I let Allison set the pace and just followed her, hacking every now and then, but felt OK while moving.  My legs felt good and if I were alone, I might have pushed, but by the end I was glad I did not, as I could barely keep up with her and then had a wheezing fit on the summit.  Walked down easy, doing my best to not die on the ice (I gave my Microspikes to Allison, who decided at the car that she would not need any).

Thursday, 02/16/12  Green Mountain

Up/Down A/S/G

4.06 miles/2,283 vert./52:17 RT (36:28 up/15:48 down)/ avg. HR 162  Garmin Data

Slept better the previous night than any night in a long time and woke up feeling like I had just about all of my energy back, but the runny nose, cough and lung funk were all still there.

Headed to Boulder for a lap on Green in the afternoon with the intent to just play it by ear depending on how I felt.  Though it felt like I was breathing through a snorkel half filled with water, my legs and energy were top notch and I ended up running the whole ascent, albeit at what felt like a very conservative pace.  I felt like I could have gone a few minutes faster than my 36:28, even with the lung thing, but figured there was no sense making a mess of myself.  Even as it was, I had a major wheezing fit on the summit, as I tried to chat with another runner who was visiting Green for the first time, asking for directions and trail advice.  Much of my efficiency was simply a result of the incredibly smooth and consistent snow conditions right now, as there are hardly any large step ups (a few on Amphi), but otherwise is like a paved sidewalk.

Tempted by the perfect conditions, I pushed a little harder on the descent to see if I could break my ~17:30 PR from a few weeks ago.  I eased into it, not going all out, but definitely pushed when I could and backed off a bit when necessary (the short "flat" sections/rollers I did not push).  I just sort of let it flow and never looked at the watch (I don't really dare to when running fast downhill).

I figured I would break 17, but was really surprised to see 15:48 when I stepped into the Gregory lot.  Still slower than Homie by a few handfuls of seconds and a far cry from Tony's FKT of low 14 (done in FAR worse conditions no less), but I was happy with the improvement all things considered.

I still think I can carve some time off of this descent PR once my sickness completely passes, or at least I plan to give it another shot as long as conditions hold.

Additionally, I also walked a total of 4.5 miles over 3 walks throughout the day (dog walk, Davidson Mesa walk to go see horses with the family, and a late afternoon neighborhood walk with the family).  For those who might be interested in Davidson Mesa, conditions are still terrible, several inches of compacted snow and ice.  Does not look like it will be clearing out any time soon.

Davidson Mesa on 2/16/12