Green Mountain
7 miles/2,500 vertical feet (including warmup)
35:39 up/24 down
Had an excellent run up Green today, went about as hard as I could and was 20 seconds shy of PR. The day was great and I felt pretty good. I cut the webbing between my thumb and index finger at the start as I was trying to hide my windbreaker and it started bleeding a lot. I don't do well with blood, especially my own. I rinsed off in the cold creek for a bit which felt good, then wrapped it up really good with toilet paper from the outhouse. Not the best way to start a run and I was a bit pre-occupied with it for the first 10-15 minutes. Bumped into GZ and JZ on the way down. Talked to them for about 2 minutes.
In the afternoon, Allison and I rode to Jamestown with Joe and Julia. It was a great time and was fun to get out on the bike. We went pretty easy, although Joe and I cranked it up the hills a few times. My legs felt surprisingly good.
Sierra
Sierra
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Sugarloaf and Dream Canyon
Allison and I wanted to stick close to home today for no particular reason, really just in that seasonal/transitional limbo thing and lack of a real plan.
I figured a Boulder County highpoint would be fun, along with an exploration of Dream Canyon. Dream Canyon has somewhat of a shady reputation, yet I have heard that it is an amazing place from numerous climbing friends. A recent news article about some guy falling 500 feet to his death made me wonder why I have not yet seen this place, oh yeah, the shady reputation.
Armed with the wife and dog, we cautiously approached the canyon. There seems to be numerous routes down, some cliff out, some go all the way to the bottom. It was fun exploring and the only other people we saw were hardcore climbers, although I found it odd that all of had helmets, yet none were wearing them??? We went downstream a ways, then upstream a bit. I found my way across, but Allison and Sierra protested. I reluctantly gave in and went back across and we did some fun scrambling on the way back up. Luckily it was a cold day and this kept all the wackos indoors. I would love to go back and do some real climbing or try to traverse the entire canyon.
We then went up and took a short hike up Sugarloaf. This was a bit of a lark, as it was only 500 vertical feet. The views were great and I was itching to get out there on the mountain bike, as peering down on the nearby trails and valleys brought back all kinds of fun biking memories. I can see heading up there on the bike in the next few days.
2.7 miles for the day and 1,100 vertical.
I figured a Boulder County highpoint would be fun, along with an exploration of Dream Canyon. Dream Canyon has somewhat of a shady reputation, yet I have heard that it is an amazing place from numerous climbing friends. A recent news article about some guy falling 500 feet to his death made me wonder why I have not yet seen this place, oh yeah, the shady reputation.
Armed with the wife and dog, we cautiously approached the canyon. There seems to be numerous routes down, some cliff out, some go all the way to the bottom. It was fun exploring and the only other people we saw were hardcore climbers, although I found it odd that all of had helmets, yet none were wearing them??? We went downstream a ways, then upstream a bit. I found my way across, but Allison and Sierra protested. I reluctantly gave in and went back across and we did some fun scrambling on the way back up. Luckily it was a cold day and this kept all the wackos indoors. I would love to go back and do some real climbing or try to traverse the entire canyon.
We then went up and took a short hike up Sugarloaf. This was a bit of a lark, as it was only 500 vertical feet. The views were great and I was itching to get out there on the mountain bike, as peering down on the nearby trails and valleys brought back all kinds of fun biking memories. I can see heading up there on the bike in the next few days.
2.7 miles for the day and 1,100 vertical.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Green Mountain
5 miles
2,400 vertical
36:43up/59:43 RT
Winter has returned to Colorado. As I slink out of bed, look at Allison and Sierra sleeping soundly, I question my sanity, as staying in the warm bed seems like a much more appealing option. Driving to Boulder under a battleship gray sky as my car was getting tossed about by the wind, I was wondering what I was thinking? The visible snowshowers over the foothills did little to boost my spirits to boot. Oh well, days like this always turn out better than they first appear and today was no exception.
It really isn't that bad, but I have been getting softened by the occasional 82 degree day. As I am driving past Chautauqua, I immidiately see GZ's fox in the middle of Baseline keeping track of it's territory, an omen of a good day to come perhaps? Out the car and up to Gregory TH. I quickly determine that I was a bit overdressed, so the jacket goes around the waist and skull cap in the pocket, chances are I will need it later. Up I go, Amphitheater/Saddle Rock/NE Ridge/Greenman. My legs have recovered from an unusual and heavier than normal training week and I feel pretty good, but I still am a bit unwilling to go fast today.
I am just intending to plug along on the steep and get in a good workout, a bonus really as I did not think I would get out today. The snow continues to increase, but nothing major, ankle deep at most and coverage is sporadic. I make the summit post in 36:43, scramble up the summit rock, take in a quick view and a deep breath and cruise back down. At first I go easy as to not take a digger on the snowiest upper section, dancing gingerly around the rocks and deep postholes, then increase the pace a bit as the trail improves, hoping to get down for a RT of less than an hour. I knew it would be close, but I was not too concerned one way or the other and never looked at the watch. I went really fast when it looked wide open and really slow where it was snowy and caution was necessary and finished in 59:43, far from a PR, but I was quite happy with that considering the crappy conditions, heavy clothing and lack of initial motivation. What a way to start the day!
2,400 vertical
36:43up/59:43 RT
Winter has returned to Colorado. As I slink out of bed, look at Allison and Sierra sleeping soundly, I question my sanity, as staying in the warm bed seems like a much more appealing option. Driving to Boulder under a battleship gray sky as my car was getting tossed about by the wind, I was wondering what I was thinking? The visible snowshowers over the foothills did little to boost my spirits to boot. Oh well, days like this always turn out better than they first appear and today was no exception.
It really isn't that bad, but I have been getting softened by the occasional 82 degree day. As I am driving past Chautauqua, I immidiately see GZ's fox in the middle of Baseline keeping track of it's territory, an omen of a good day to come perhaps? Out the car and up to Gregory TH. I quickly determine that I was a bit overdressed, so the jacket goes around the waist and skull cap in the pocket, chances are I will need it later. Up I go, Amphitheater/Saddle Rock/NE Ridge/Greenman. My legs have recovered from an unusual and heavier than normal training week and I feel pretty good, but I still am a bit unwilling to go fast today.
I am just intending to plug along on the steep and get in a good workout, a bonus really as I did not think I would get out today. The snow continues to increase, but nothing major, ankle deep at most and coverage is sporadic. I make the summit post in 36:43, scramble up the summit rock, take in a quick view and a deep breath and cruise back down. At first I go easy as to not take a digger on the snowiest upper section, dancing gingerly around the rocks and deep postholes, then increase the pace a bit as the trail improves, hoping to get down for a RT of less than an hour. I knew it would be close, but I was not too concerned one way or the other and never looked at the watch. I went really fast when it looked wide open and really slow where it was snowy and caution was necessary and finished in 59:43, far from a PR, but I was quite happy with that considering the crappy conditions, heavy clothing and lack of initial motivation. What a way to start the day!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
1.5 x Green
Green Mountain
7 miles
3,400 vertical
37:15 up/1:05down
What a great day it was, about 80 degrees, sunny, I could not resist a run up Green Mountain.
Started at Gregory TH, went up Amphitheater/Saddle Rock/Greenman. Legs felt a little tired from the very start, so I decided that I was not going to go too hard. My HRM died on Tuesday, so if I had to guess, I would say I averaged 160ish and I made it to the summit in 37:15 sticking to the main trail the entire way. I was taking it somewhat easy on the descent due to the snow, as the snow was a bit slick, and when there was no snow, my feet were wet and not giving me confident grip. I bumped into George half way down. I thought he was running Sanitas and he thought I was running S. Boulder, but none the less a pleasant surprise. I turned around to "hike" with him for a little bit as to not interrupt his ascent and ended up chit chatting with him all the way back up to the summit. George's idea of "hiking" really cracked me up, as he is doing this to not aggrevate his nagging sports hernia. It looked more like a typical running pace than anything. I guess i'm not too surprised by this coming from someone who ran a 2:37 on his first go up Pikes.
7 miles
3,400 vertical
37:15 up/1:05down
What a great day it was, about 80 degrees, sunny, I could not resist a run up Green Mountain.
Started at Gregory TH, went up Amphitheater/Saddle Rock/Greenman. Legs felt a little tired from the very start, so I decided that I was not going to go too hard. My HRM died on Tuesday, so if I had to guess, I would say I averaged 160ish and I made it to the summit in 37:15 sticking to the main trail the entire way. I was taking it somewhat easy on the descent due to the snow, as the snow was a bit slick, and when there was no snow, my feet were wet and not giving me confident grip. I bumped into George half way down. I thought he was running Sanitas and he thought I was running S. Boulder, but none the less a pleasant surprise. I turned around to "hike" with him for a little bit as to not interrupt his ascent and ended up chit chatting with him all the way back up to the summit. George's idea of "hiking" really cracked me up, as he is doing this to not aggrevate his nagging sports hernia. It looked more like a typical running pace than anything. I guess i'm not too surprised by this coming from someone who ran a 2:37 on his first go up Pikes.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Green Mountain
6.5 miles
2,400 vertical
45up (Gregory/Ranger/Greenman)
25down (Ranger/Gregory)
Run two for the day. Felt much better than on my morning run up Sanitas, but still went fairly conservative. On the way down I went real fast when the trail was smooth/wide open, fairly slow when rocky/technical. Was hoping to run into George, but we never crossed paths. I really like the two runs in a day, but not sure how I can fit it into my schedule on a regular basis. Maybe a hill run in the morning and a few laps on the track when I get home??? Not likely, but it sounds like a good idea. My calves are a bit tight this evening, even though they felt OK when running. Seems like there is some sort of "Mad Calve" disease going around, several of my friends and myself seem to be afflicted with it right now.
2,400 vertical
45up (Gregory/Ranger/Greenman)
25down (Ranger/Gregory)
Run two for the day. Felt much better than on my morning run up Sanitas, but still went fairly conservative. On the way down I went real fast when the trail was smooth/wide open, fairly slow when rocky/technical. Was hoping to run into George, but we never crossed paths. I really like the two runs in a day, but not sure how I can fit it into my schedule on a regular basis. Maybe a hill run in the morning and a few laps on the track when I get home??? Not likely, but it sounds like a good idea. My calves are a bit tight this evening, even though they felt OK when running. Seems like there is some sort of "Mad Calve" disease going around, several of my friends and myself seem to be afflicted with it right now.
Sanitas
3 miles
1,300 vertical
20:30
Was tossing and turning this morning, so I went out for an easy run up Sanitas and still made it into work for 7:45am. My legs are still kind of tight, so I went super easy. Hoping to get up Green after work, easy again just to get in some distance. Would like to start doubling my workouts on certain days if I feel it is effective.
1,300 vertical
20:30
Was tossing and turning this morning, so I went out for an easy run up Sanitas and still made it into work for 7:45am. My legs are still kind of tight, so I went super easy. Hoping to get up Green after work, easy again just to get in some distance. Would like to start doubling my workouts on certain days if I feel it is effective.
4/28/08 Biked Linden
Don't know how long, how far or how high, does not really matter.
Legs were feeling a touch tight from the weekend, so I figured I would get out on the bike. Was planning on Flagstaff, but knew that would mean competing, so I opted for the more low key Linden and went really easy. It was good to get out on the bike, but was not entirely into it for some reason. Oh well, beats a day doing nothing.
Legs were feeling a touch tight from the weekend, so I figured I would get out on the bike. Was planning on Flagstaff, but knew that would mean competing, so I opted for the more low key Linden and went really easy. It was good to get out on the bike, but was not entirely into it for some reason. Oh well, beats a day doing nothing.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
S. Boulder Peak/Bear Peak
9miles
3,300 vertical
2:15 RT
127bpm ave
I intended to go long today, but last minute guilty eyes from Sierra convinced me to bring her along and I suspected that this move would cut my run a bit short as she is tired from yesterday and she slows considerably as the weather warms.
The weather today was excellent and I felt really good. I immidiately regretted bringing Sierra along as she was moving quite slow. I went slow to keep her in sight and waited for a long time at all the water stops so she could cool off. Once we got into Shadow Canyon, she picked it up a notch as it was shady and somewhat cooler. We made the summit of S. Boulder in 1:04 going quite easy. After a bit of a break, we headed over to Bear, took another 5+ to take in the views and let Sierra rest. I debated Green, but just knew it would take too long, so we just headed back.
3,300 vertical
2:15 RT
127bpm ave
I intended to go long today, but last minute guilty eyes from Sierra convinced me to bring her along and I suspected that this move would cut my run a bit short as she is tired from yesterday and she slows considerably as the weather warms.
The weather today was excellent and I felt really good. I immidiately regretted bringing Sierra along as she was moving quite slow. I went slow to keep her in sight and waited for a long time at all the water stops so she could cool off. Once we got into Shadow Canyon, she picked it up a notch as it was shady and somewhat cooler. We made the summit of S. Boulder in 1:04 going quite easy. After a bit of a break, we headed over to Bear, took another 5+ to take in the views and let Sierra rest. I debated Green, but just knew it would take too long, so we just headed back.
The Incline 4/26/08
2 miles
2,100 vertical
23:33 up
176 bpm ave.
Jeff and I decided that we would add a bit of torture to the day by throwing in the Incline after a great morning of snow climbing. I was tempted to bail and earn a WMPH card, but Jeff was hearing none of it. I knew that I was not feeling fresh, in addition to feeling a bit flat and not mentally into it, but what the heck. I started off a bit fast, but things quickly steepen to remind (force) you to slow down. After a few minutes of "running", I slowed to a power hike with my hands on my knees for assistance. On the steepest section, I was using my hands as well to assist grabbing the ties above, somewhat like a laid back ladder. The entire time, I only focused on no more than 2 or 3 ties ahead. Looking up more than that is just too discouraging as the Incline is so "in your face". I was at about 172 for quite a while, 175 in the middle, then 178 near the top. I was giving it about all I had, but I did not really have too much on the day. I ended up missing PR by 7 seconds, but I guess that was to be expected, I was happy to be that close all things considered. I was sheer torture, but I love it and was very happy I did it afterwards.
2,100 vertical
23:33 up
176 bpm ave.
Jeff and I decided that we would add a bit of torture to the day by throwing in the Incline after a great morning of snow climbing. I was tempted to bail and earn a WMPH card, but Jeff was hearing none of it. I knew that I was not feeling fresh, in addition to feeling a bit flat and not mentally into it, but what the heck. I started off a bit fast, but things quickly steepen to remind (force) you to slow down. After a few minutes of "running", I slowed to a power hike with my hands on my knees for assistance. On the steepest section, I was using my hands as well to assist grabbing the ties above, somewhat like a laid back ladder. The entire time, I only focused on no more than 2 or 3 ties ahead. Looking up more than that is just too discouraging as the Incline is so "in your face". I was at about 172 for quite a while, 175 in the middle, then 178 near the top. I was giving it about all I had, but I did not really have too much on the day. I ended up missing PR by 7 seconds, but I guess that was to be expected, I was happy to be that close all things considered. I was sheer torture, but I love it and was very happy I did it afterwards.
Little Pikes Peak Couloir 4/26/08
~4 miles from Elk Park
~2,300 vertical
Jeff Valliere, Dave Hale, Hoot, Jeff Kunkle, Scooby, Shep, Sierra, Denali
Had a fun morning of snow climbing a gulley Hoot had been eyeing from his house. Finished near Devils Playground and made for a nice little loop. The snow conditions were a bit variable and still need a few more warm days in my opinion to really shape up for ideal spring cramponing. The gully was not too steep, but steepened a bit near the top, maybe 35+ degrees. Awesome to get out on the snow, especially with such great company. Can't wait to go again soon.
Sanitas 4/24/08
3 miles
1,300 vertical
20:32
148bpm (up)
As my mom and stepdad were still in town, I snuck out for a early morning run up Sanitas. Went really easy due to the prospect of running the incline the next day (which ultimately never panned out). As the days lengthen and warm, I think I will switch to early morning runs, it is so peaceful and such a great way to start the day.
1,300 vertical
20:32
148bpm (up)
As my mom and stepdad were still in town, I snuck out for a early morning run up Sanitas. Went really easy due to the prospect of running the incline the next day (which ultimately never panned out). As the days lengthen and warm, I think I will switch to early morning runs, it is so peaceful and such a great way to start the day.
Moab Wrapup 4-20 thru 4-23
Had a great time taking my Mum and stepdad to Moab. Got out for some great hikes around Arches and Canyonlands. They were amazed, as they have never been there before. The highlight was a 12 miler for the Chessler Park/Joint trail route with roughly 2,000 vertical of up/down spread out along the route. They were beat afterwards as they are not used to hiking, but loved it and were glad they did it in the long run.
Not much running, snuck in a few steep slickrock intervals one day, then a 6 miler early in the morning up Negro Bill Canyon up to Morning Glory Arch. Did some up and backs while waiting for Allison. It was awesome flying through the canyon along the creek, through the trees not knowing why lay around the next bend. Desert running is such a blast, wish I could have done more.
Sunday: 3 miles/500 vertical
Monday: 9 miles/1,800 vertical
Tuesday: 12 miles/2,000 vertical
Wednesday: 6 miles/700 vertical
Not much running, snuck in a few steep slickrock intervals one day, then a 6 miler early in the morning up Negro Bill Canyon up to Morning Glory Arch. Did some up and backs while waiting for Allison. It was awesome flying through the canyon along the creek, through the trees not knowing why lay around the next bend. Desert running is such a blast, wish I could have done more.
Sunday: 3 miles/500 vertical
Monday: 9 miles/1,800 vertical
Tuesday: 12 miles/2,000 vertical
Wednesday: 6 miles/700 vertical
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Sanitas x 2
6 miles
2,600 vertical
Lap 1: 18:21 (164bpm)
Lap 2: 19:29 (171bpm)
Allison, Sierra and I got out for an early morning jaunt to Sanitas, opting for warm/sun/dry.
I had hopes of running somewhat fast, since I have taken things pretty casual since Tuesday (hard run at Walker), but after a few steep steps, I could feel that I was not fully recovered.
My next goal was to do each lap under 20 minutes. Lap 1 I did not really put too much into it and was having trouble elevating my HR, made it up in 18:21, went back down in 13. Did a u-turn at the lower bridge and felt the oh so powerful pull of gravity and it felt like I was on Mars (or one of those planets with a stronger gravitational pull), as I was having trouble switching gears.
HR was higher on the second lap, but I knew I was dragging. Oh well, off to Moab with the parents, so I will have some casual days to recover fully. Hope to squeeze in a few runs here and there.
2,600 vertical
Lap 1: 18:21 (164bpm)
Lap 2: 19:29 (171bpm)
Allison, Sierra and I got out for an early morning jaunt to Sanitas, opting for warm/sun/dry.
I had hopes of running somewhat fast, since I have taken things pretty casual since Tuesday (hard run at Walker), but after a few steep steps, I could feel that I was not fully recovered.
My next goal was to do each lap under 20 minutes. Lap 1 I did not really put too much into it and was having trouble elevating my HR, made it up in 18:21, went back down in 13. Did a u-turn at the lower bridge and felt the oh so powerful pull of gravity and it felt like I was on Mars (or one of those planets with a stronger gravitational pull), as I was having trouble switching gears.
HR was higher on the second lap, but I knew I was dragging. Oh well, off to Moab with the parents, so I will have some casual days to recover fully. Hope to squeeze in a few runs here and there.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Green Mountain
6 miles
2,400 vertical
47 up
Had an easy day out after taking 2 days off due to weather, in-law obligations and being a bit sore from my hard run on Tuesday (otherwise I would have ridden the bike on those days).
Allison got a bit of a head start up Gregory as she arrived before me. I ran moderate pace (150-160bpm) till I caught her a bit before the ranger hut. Despite not really giving it too much, I was only a minute or so off of PR pace, I guess that is good?
The last half mile or so of the Ranger Trail was completely slush covered and slick. Sierra romped like crazy, she is a bit more excited about the snow than we are at this point in the season. Awesome day.
2,400 vertical
47 up
Had an easy day out after taking 2 days off due to weather, in-law obligations and being a bit sore from my hard run on Tuesday (otherwise I would have ridden the bike on those days).
Allison got a bit of a head start up Gregory as she arrived before me. I ran moderate pace (150-160bpm) till I caught her a bit before the ranger hut. Despite not really giving it too much, I was only a minute or so off of PR pace, I guess that is good?
The last half mile or so of the Ranger Trail was completely slush covered and slick. Sierra romped like crazy, she is a bit more excited about the snow than we are at this point in the season. Awesome day.
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