Great week, I feel like I am making progress and can get out most days without any consequence. The warmer weather is helping to keep me motivated as well. Ready to start adding some harder efforts and more specific workouts.
36 miles total for the week
13,715 vertical feet
Sierra
Sierra
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Flagstaff
~4.5 miles
~1,600 vertical
We were again a bit lazy about getting out. We waffled, but what the heck, it is a nice day. I was intending to run up Flagstaff somewhat hard, but after a quick start, I decided I was not really feeling motivated or fresh and that I would rather hike with Allison and Sierra.
After several minutes, I recalled reading in Matt Carpenter's Pikes Training guide about the minute on/minute off workout. I figured this would be a good way to get in some workout and not totally ditch Allison and Sierra. I ended up doing 8 seperate minutes on, with a minute rest in between, with one of those rests being 2 minutes (due to the dog and a road crossing).
These were the longest minutes I have experienced since going to visit my grandparents as a kid. By the 7th one, I was feeling a bit tired and on the 8th, I just knew I was done. I think I have to build up to it and maybe eventually work up to 15 or 20. I see the benefit though, not only is it a great workout, I don't think I have ever gone uphill so fast (even if only for a minute at a time).
~1,600 vertical
We were again a bit lazy about getting out. We waffled, but what the heck, it is a nice day. I was intending to run up Flagstaff somewhat hard, but after a quick start, I decided I was not really feeling motivated or fresh and that I would rather hike with Allison and Sierra.
After several minutes, I recalled reading in Matt Carpenter's Pikes Training guide about the minute on/minute off workout. I figured this would be a good way to get in some workout and not totally ditch Allison and Sierra. I ended up doing 8 seperate minutes on, with a minute rest in between, with one of those rests being 2 minutes (due to the dog and a road crossing).
These were the longest minutes I have experienced since going to visit my grandparents as a kid. By the 7th one, I was feeling a bit tired and on the 8th, I just knew I was done. I think I have to build up to it and maybe eventually work up to 15 or 20. I see the benefit though, not only is it a great workout, I don't think I have ever gone uphill so fast (even if only for a minute at a time).
Saturday, April 5, 2008
S. Boulder Peak
8 miles
3,000 vertical
A long time getting up
A long time getting down
HR 80bpm +/-
Allison, Sierra and I dragged ourselves up S. Boulder today. We were all feeling lazy and almost bagged it after looking at houses all morning, then eating a large and tiring lunch at Chipotle/Spicy Pickle in Louisville.
We took lots of breaks and soaked up the sunshine. Chilled out by S. Boulder Creek for a long time relaxing and listening to the water and the birds. Nice day.
3,000 vertical
A long time getting up
A long time getting down
HR 80bpm +/-
Allison, Sierra and I dragged ourselves up S. Boulder today. We were all feeling lazy and almost bagged it after looking at houses all morning, then eating a large and tiring lunch at Chipotle/Spicy Pickle in Louisville.
We took lots of breaks and soaked up the sunshine. Chilled out by S. Boulder Creek for a long time relaxing and listening to the water and the birds. Nice day.
Friday, April 4, 2008
S. Boulder Peak
8 miles
3,000 vertical
49:41up
37 down
168bpm (on the ascent)
143bpm (on the descent)
Had a great run up S. Boulder. Went up Homestead instead of Towee (which I think takes a minute or so longer) in hopes of seeing Allison and Sierra. Bumped into them eventually as they were on their way down. Gave a kiss and a pat and got a quick conditions report. Was feeling pretty good, going hard but definitely not all out. Got to the mouth of Shadow in 19 and once it got steep, I felt my achilles talking. I backed off a good bit for 10 or so minutes and the discomfort subsided, so I ramped it back up a bit. Made the saddle in an unimpressive 43:?? and from there on it was a complete slip fest to the summit, as the hard packed snow was freezing solid. Was happy to make the summit in under 50, turned tail and picked my way back down. Busted ass twice on the steep icy snow, but was lucky only to get a cold hand. Once beyond the saddle I picked up the pace, but still went conservative as footing was a bit slick with shoes that were often wet. Definitely do not want to get hurt being the last one on the hill for the day. Awesome day, wore shorts and felt great. Rolled my ankle severely, enough to come down and touch the ground with my hand, but fortunately, it did not do any damage.
3,000 vertical
49:41up
37 down
168bpm (on the ascent)
143bpm (on the descent)
Had a great run up S. Boulder. Went up Homestead instead of Towee (which I think takes a minute or so longer) in hopes of seeing Allison and Sierra. Bumped into them eventually as they were on their way down. Gave a kiss and a pat and got a quick conditions report. Was feeling pretty good, going hard but definitely not all out. Got to the mouth of Shadow in 19 and once it got steep, I felt my achilles talking. I backed off a good bit for 10 or so minutes and the discomfort subsided, so I ramped it back up a bit. Made the saddle in an unimpressive 43:?? and from there on it was a complete slip fest to the summit, as the hard packed snow was freezing solid. Was happy to make the summit in under 50, turned tail and picked my way back down. Busted ass twice on the steep icy snow, but was lucky only to get a cold hand. Once beyond the saddle I picked up the pace, but still went conservative as footing was a bit slick with shoes that were often wet. Definitely do not want to get hurt being the last one on the hill for the day. Awesome day, wore shorts and felt great. Rolled my ankle severely, enough to come down and touch the ground with my hand, but fortunately, it did not do any damage.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Green Mountain
7miles/2,500 vertical
50minutes up, 32 down
I waffled all day on whether or not I would get out. This morning it was raining, then sunny and warm, then driving hail and snow, then wind and cold. I convinced myself one way, then the other all day, minute to minute, whether or not I was going to get out or not. I ultimately decided not and told George he was on his own.
While walking to the car, I saw a hint of sun to the West and figured what the heck. I called George and conveniently, he was on his way to go up Green.
We took it quite easy going up Amphi, Saddle, Greenman, I had 43 minutes up from the Gregory TH at 148bpm. I walked over half of it and we just talked about everything under the sun and had some good laughs. There was fresh snow on top of old snow much of the way, but it was quite grippy.
Came down Ranger/Gregory in 32 back to Chautauqua.
50minutes up, 32 down
I waffled all day on whether or not I would get out. This morning it was raining, then sunny and warm, then driving hail and snow, then wind and cold. I convinced myself one way, then the other all day, minute to minute, whether or not I was going to get out or not. I ultimately decided not and told George he was on his own.
While walking to the car, I saw a hint of sun to the West and figured what the heck. I called George and conveniently, he was on his way to go up Green.
We took it quite easy going up Amphi, Saddle, Greenman, I had 43 minutes up from the Gregory TH at 148bpm. I walked over half of it and we just talked about everything under the sun and had some good laughs. There was fresh snow on top of old snow much of the way, but it was quite grippy.
Came down Ranger/Gregory in 32 back to Chautauqua.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Sanitas x 2
5.5 miles/2,315 vertical
Got out with George today and had a great run. Went fairly easy up the S. Ridge, totally conversational pace. Averaged 161 bpm, probably would have been lower if we were not talking so much, but we always have a lot to talk about, especially when we only run together every few weeks or less. We need to run more, so we are not always catching up, then we can hammer each other like normal. It always starts off as "yeah, let's go mellow or moderate" and before long, we are hammering. It is great to have somebody out there in person pushing you and motivating you. Just the kind words of encouragement from somebody of George's caliber gives me added motivation to be my best. Anyways, from the summit, we headed down the East ridge, down the valley a bit and noticed a trail heading West, then South up to a quarry. We followed this until it petered out above the quarry and turned into social/game trails. It was steep going, but I love the steep and feel most at home. Soon we were on the main trail and zipped up to tag the summit a second time.
My achilles was feeling good and I think I am over the knee thing, so I turned it up a bit to test things out and felt really good. We headed back down the ridge to the TH.
Thanks George! Another great run and conversation.
Got out with George today and had a great run. Went fairly easy up the S. Ridge, totally conversational pace. Averaged 161 bpm, probably would have been lower if we were not talking so much, but we always have a lot to talk about, especially when we only run together every few weeks or less. We need to run more, so we are not always catching up, then we can hammer each other like normal. It always starts off as "yeah, let's go mellow or moderate" and before long, we are hammering. It is great to have somebody out there in person pushing you and motivating you. Just the kind words of encouragement from somebody of George's caliber gives me added motivation to be my best. Anyways, from the summit, we headed down the East ridge, down the valley a bit and noticed a trail heading West, then South up to a quarry. We followed this until it petered out above the quarry and turned into social/game trails. It was steep going, but I love the steep and feel most at home. Soon we were on the main trail and zipped up to tag the summit a second time.
My achilles was feeling good and I think I am over the knee thing, so I turned it up a bit to test things out and felt really good. We headed back down the ridge to the TH.
Thanks George! Another great run and conversation.
Monday, March 31, 2008
3/31/08 Sanitas
3 miles/1,300 vertical
21:15 up
15 down
Thought I was over the achilles thing today, but a few hundred feet up Sanitas I was reminded of it. I slowed to a walk and just lightly jogged the less steep or flat sections. I think I did a good job of balancing a bit of exercise and not making it worse as it does not hurt at all tonight. I think I'll stick to the flatter terrain for a bit.
21:15 up
15 down
Thought I was over the achilles thing today, but a few hundred feet up Sanitas I was reminded of it. I slowed to a walk and just lightly jogged the less steep or flat sections. I think I did a good job of balancing a bit of exercise and not making it worse as it does not hurt at all tonight. I think I'll stick to the flatter terrain for a bit.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Summary for the past week.
Not much to speak of other than it was a skimpy week due to an aggrevated right achilles. I noticed it after hiking S. Boulder at an easy pace with Allison last week. I totally forgot about it overnight, then the next morning engaged in nearly 2,000 feet of vigorous frontpointing which seemed to flare it up a bit. Took monday off, felt OK, went easy Tues, where it hurt again, especially on steps. I then decided to completely take a few days off which was facilitated by poor weather and other obligations. Yesterdays peaks had me feeling the achilles again, but just enough to remind me there is something there. Today I feel great, but figure I will use the poor weather this morning as an excuse to rest up one more day. Spring is in the air.
3/29/08 Cooper and Ruby Mountains
Cooper Mountain (12,782)
Ruby Mountain (13,277)
3/29/08
~9.8 miles/~3,600 vertical
~7hrs RT
Participants:Jeff and Allison Valliere, Dave and Emily Hale, Jeff and Jean Kunkle, Keith and Beth Bershader, Kevin Lund, Piper, Steve Nicholls, Steve Cassin, Sharon Adams, Dave Gibson, Carol Gerber, Scooby, Shep, Sierra and Denali (did I miss anybody? Hope not!).
Last week, Dave and I had such a great Spring day on nearby Santa Fe Peak and we were itching to come back and further explore the area. A few e-mails quickly saw this grow from a party of 4 or 5 to a party of 15! Sweet! A 14erworld Spring gathering/climb!
The group rendezvoused at the Peru Creek TH around 7:30am, geared up and we eventually started our way up the well packed trail around 8am. The pace was casual and we all enjoyed catching up with old friends and making new friends.Before long, we reached the turn for Chihuahua Gulch, put on our snowshoes and headed up on Dave’s track from his previous day’s climb up Grays and Torreys. When we came to the arrow Dave had stomped out the day before, we headed up the steep hillside to gain the SW ridge of Cooper. The going here was quite steep and provided ample opportunity to hone our wallowing skills. Hoot, Kunkle and I took turns breaking trail and eventually we gained bare ground.
Once on the ridge, I was a bit surprised at how far it was to the summit of Cooper. I was expecting an easy cruise, but the ridge was a bit more rugged than many of us were expecting and there were several false summits. Nothing too difficult, but the fresh snow on top of ice made things a bit interesting in spots and provided a few class 3 moves.The summit of Cooper was a complete whiteout, and the winds were increasing.
We followed Kevin down to the saddle and on to Ruby, which was quite a bit easier terrain than the initial ascent up Cooper. There were a few brief glimpses of the surrounding terrain and the remainder of the route up Ruby which fortunately looked pretty easy.As anticipated, the hike up Ruby was cake, but the increasing winds added a bit to the challenge. Once the entire group made the summit, we turned tail and boogied back down to the Ruby/Cooper saddle, where (inspired by Sarah T’s TR from last April), we got in some nice glissading/easy walking down the well consolidated S. facing snowfields, as avalanche conditions were rated as low.
We were all thankful to not have to retrace our steps back down the SW ridge of Cooper and were back down to the valley floor in no time flat. The walk out was quite enjoyable in what now seemed to be somewhat “Florida” like weather as Dave likes to say. As always it seemed twice as far walking out, but nobody seemed to mind.Despite the inclement weather up high, this was an amazing day with a great group of friends. I feel inclined to note how cohesive this group of 15 was. It was so cool how everyone stuck so close together and helped one another. All in all another great day out!
Pictures:http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r...valliere/Ruby/
Ruby Mountain (13,277)
3/29/08
~9.8 miles/~3,600 vertical
~7hrs RT
Participants:Jeff and Allison Valliere, Dave and Emily Hale, Jeff and Jean Kunkle, Keith and Beth Bershader, Kevin Lund, Piper, Steve Nicholls, Steve Cassin, Sharon Adams, Dave Gibson, Carol Gerber, Scooby, Shep, Sierra and Denali (did I miss anybody? Hope not!).
Last week, Dave and I had such a great Spring day on nearby Santa Fe Peak and we were itching to come back and further explore the area. A few e-mails quickly saw this grow from a party of 4 or 5 to a party of 15! Sweet! A 14erworld Spring gathering/climb!
The group rendezvoused at the Peru Creek TH around 7:30am, geared up and we eventually started our way up the well packed trail around 8am. The pace was casual and we all enjoyed catching up with old friends and making new friends.Before long, we reached the turn for Chihuahua Gulch, put on our snowshoes and headed up on Dave’s track from his previous day’s climb up Grays and Torreys. When we came to the arrow Dave had stomped out the day before, we headed up the steep hillside to gain the SW ridge of Cooper. The going here was quite steep and provided ample opportunity to hone our wallowing skills. Hoot, Kunkle and I took turns breaking trail and eventually we gained bare ground.
Once on the ridge, I was a bit surprised at how far it was to the summit of Cooper. I was expecting an easy cruise, but the ridge was a bit more rugged than many of us were expecting and there were several false summits. Nothing too difficult, but the fresh snow on top of ice made things a bit interesting in spots and provided a few class 3 moves.The summit of Cooper was a complete whiteout, and the winds were increasing.
We followed Kevin down to the saddle and on to Ruby, which was quite a bit easier terrain than the initial ascent up Cooper. There were a few brief glimpses of the surrounding terrain and the remainder of the route up Ruby which fortunately looked pretty easy.As anticipated, the hike up Ruby was cake, but the increasing winds added a bit to the challenge. Once the entire group made the summit, we turned tail and boogied back down to the Ruby/Cooper saddle, where (inspired by Sarah T’s TR from last April), we got in some nice glissading/easy walking down the well consolidated S. facing snowfields, as avalanche conditions were rated as low.
We were all thankful to not have to retrace our steps back down the SW ridge of Cooper and were back down to the valley floor in no time flat. The walk out was quite enjoyable in what now seemed to be somewhat “Florida” like weather as Dave likes to say. As always it seemed twice as far walking out, but nobody seemed to mind.Despite the inclement weather up high, this was an amazing day with a great group of friends. I feel inclined to note how cohesive this group of 15 was. It was so cool how everyone stuck so close together and helped one another. All in all another great day out!
Pictures:http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r...valliere/Ruby/
3/25/08 S. Mesa Loop
7 miles/1,300 vertical
Started at the S. Mesa TH and headed North, putting together a random loop of misc. trails. Bumped into Claude, talked to him for a while. Went fairly easy, as my achilles has inexplicably been hurting for a few days.
Started at the S. Mesa TH and headed North, putting together a random loop of misc. trails. Bumped into Claude, talked to him for a while. Went fairly easy, as my achilles has inexplicably been hurting for a few days.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Tiptop Peak 12,053
Morgan Peak 12,474
Santa Fe Peak 13,180
Sullivan Peak 13,194
3/23/08
~7 miles/~3,300 vertical
4 hours and 50 minutes
Jeff Valliere, Dave Hale, Scooby, Shep and Sierra
This came about at the last minute, as we really had no solid plans for the weekend. Dave was spending the weekend up in Keystone, so I quickly looked at the map and checked to see what was near Montezuma. I recalled Sarah T’s TR from last April, so I re-read it to get the scoop (thanks for the valuable info Sarah).
We decided that it would be best to set up a car shuttle to avoid having to walk back on the road with the dogs and left my car at the winter closure South of Montezuma and headed back to town in Dave’s truck. Both Dave and I are quite ready for spring and we were lamenting the -4 reading as we started up the hillside at 8:13am, what the ….?
We were both dressed a bit light and quickly stopped to add warmer mittens and face masks etc.A short distance up the road, before the first switchback even, we noticed a nice set of ski tracks heading straight up the hillside. Just what I was hoping for and we followed them straight up the fall line.
It was steep, but quite efficient.Despite a few lengthy stops for gear adjustments, we still passed treeline in an hour even and took a short break on Tiptop to take in the stunning scenery. Morgan looked far, but came up on us quickly, where we took yet another one of many picture breaks. It was a bluebird day with hardly any wind. The cornices along the ridge were some of the largest I have ever seen, quite impressive. We were careful to keep the dogs and ourselves far away, as a mishap in many places would have been a touch rough.
The trip up Santa Fe was a breeze, even with the several false summits. Our original plan was to continue on to Landslide, but both Dave and I were happy to call it a day after Sullivan and sneak home before ski traffic.
We dropped down a low angle gulley between Santa Fe and Sullivan (closer to Santa Fe below the Silver Ware(?) mine). Although there were some avy prone slopes nearby, and the lower part is in an avy chute, avalanche danger was quite low and we were careful with our route, mostly sticking to rocks and grass on the sides. I would not attempt this descent when the avalanche risk is higher.
The trip out was a breeze as we followed a welcome snowmobile track, then a longer than expected dirt road. What an incredible day to be out in the high country!
Pictures: http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/Santa%20Fe/
Morgan Peak 12,474
Santa Fe Peak 13,180
Sullivan Peak 13,194
3/23/08
~7 miles/~3,300 vertical
4 hours and 50 minutes
Jeff Valliere, Dave Hale, Scooby, Shep and Sierra
This came about at the last minute, as we really had no solid plans for the weekend. Dave was spending the weekend up in Keystone, so I quickly looked at the map and checked to see what was near Montezuma. I recalled Sarah T’s TR from last April, so I re-read it to get the scoop (thanks for the valuable info Sarah).
We decided that it would be best to set up a car shuttle to avoid having to walk back on the road with the dogs and left my car at the winter closure South of Montezuma and headed back to town in Dave’s truck. Both Dave and I are quite ready for spring and we were lamenting the -4 reading as we started up the hillside at 8:13am, what the ….?
We were both dressed a bit light and quickly stopped to add warmer mittens and face masks etc.A short distance up the road, before the first switchback even, we noticed a nice set of ski tracks heading straight up the hillside. Just what I was hoping for and we followed them straight up the fall line.
It was steep, but quite efficient.Despite a few lengthy stops for gear adjustments, we still passed treeline in an hour even and took a short break on Tiptop to take in the stunning scenery. Morgan looked far, but came up on us quickly, where we took yet another one of many picture breaks. It was a bluebird day with hardly any wind. The cornices along the ridge were some of the largest I have ever seen, quite impressive. We were careful to keep the dogs and ourselves far away, as a mishap in many places would have been a touch rough.
The trip up Santa Fe was a breeze, even with the several false summits. Our original plan was to continue on to Landslide, but both Dave and I were happy to call it a day after Sullivan and sneak home before ski traffic.
We dropped down a low angle gulley between Santa Fe and Sullivan (closer to Santa Fe below the Silver Ware(?) mine). Although there were some avy prone slopes nearby, and the lower part is in an avy chute, avalanche danger was quite low and we were careful with our route, mostly sticking to rocks and grass on the sides. I would not attempt this descent when the avalanche risk is higher.
The trip out was a breeze as we followed a welcome snowmobile track, then a longer than expected dirt road. What an incredible day to be out in the high country!
Pictures: http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/Santa%20Fe/
3/22/08 S. Boulder Peak
S. Boulder Peak
8 miles/3,000 vertical
1:15 up
Allison, Sierra and I went to the S. Mesa TH with no real plan, other than staying in the sun and avoiding steep, icy, snowy trails. Before we know it, we are heading up Shadow canyon just to see how far we could go before snow and ice became an issue. It never became an issue, as we could avoid the icy spots and before we knew it, we were on the summit, a bit surprised as we had no intention of heading up here. All in all a great day out with the wife and dog. Once back at the car, I saw Jesus, well not really, but it looked just like him, mostly naked too. I was a few hundred feet away and speculated that it was Anton Krupicka, but what would he be doing in Boulder? I just checked his blog and sure enough it was him, just as I suspected. Not too many guys out there that look like him. Although it was decent out yesterday, it was still only in the 40's and I was wearing pants, long shirt, jacket, wool beanie and gloves. Not sure I am ready for just shorts, maybe I'm just a wimp.
8 miles/3,000 vertical
1:15 up
Allison, Sierra and I went to the S. Mesa TH with no real plan, other than staying in the sun and avoiding steep, icy, snowy trails. Before we know it, we are heading up Shadow canyon just to see how far we could go before snow and ice became an issue. It never became an issue, as we could avoid the icy spots and before we knew it, we were on the summit, a bit surprised as we had no intention of heading up here. All in all a great day out with the wife and dog. Once back at the car, I saw Jesus, well not really, but it looked just like him, mostly naked too. I was a few hundred feet away and speculated that it was Anton Krupicka, but what would he be doing in Boulder? I just checked his blog and sure enough it was him, just as I suspected. Not too many guys out there that look like him. Although it was decent out yesterday, it was still only in the 40's and I was wearing pants, long shirt, jacket, wool beanie and gloves. Not sure I am ready for just shorts, maybe I'm just a wimp.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
3/20/08 Sanitas and change
3/20/08
4 miles/1,800 vertical
18:41 up (167bpm)
I still have heavy legs from Tuesday's run up Green in the snow, so I went moderate today (maybe a bit on the high side) for one lap on Sanitas. On the trail I bumped into a few 14erworld members (Steve, Paul and Lincoln), so I ran down to meet them hiked back up. We all started down together, but soon the wind changed and it really got cold, so I said my goodbyes and took off for the car as I was not dressed very warm.
4 miles/1,800 vertical
18:41 up (167bpm)
I still have heavy legs from Tuesday's run up Green in the snow, so I went moderate today (maybe a bit on the high side) for one lap on Sanitas. On the trail I bumped into a few 14erworld members (Steve, Paul and Lincoln), so I ran down to meet them hiked back up. We all started down together, but soon the wind changed and it really got cold, so I said my goodbyes and took off for the car as I was not dressed very warm.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
3/19/08 Father, Son and the Holy Ghost or something like that.
3/19/08
9 miles/1,288 vertical
1:17 142 bpm ave
Went for an "easy" run with George today. My legs were trashed from trudging through the snow the day before, so it seemed a bit harder, especially on the downhill and toward the end. Long conversations with George, mostly about Pikes made the run feel like 15 minutes. As always, it is great running with George. If we are not killing each other, the conversation is always entertaining.
9 miles/1,288 vertical
1:17 142 bpm ave
Went for an "easy" run with George today. My legs were trashed from trudging through the snow the day before, so it seemed a bit harder, especially on the downhill and toward the end. Long conversations with George, mostly about Pikes made the run feel like 15 minutes. As always, it is great running with George. If we are not killing each other, the conversation is always entertaining.
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