Sierra
Sierra
Monday, June 8, 2009
Sunday, 6/07/09 Red Mountain, Red Peak and Hoosier Ridge
Homie and I got out for several 13ers, starting from Hoosier Pass. This was an excellent route, lots of time above treeline, easy walking/jogging on the wide ridge. It took us 3:55 going at a casual to moderate pace for the ~12 miles/3,500 vertical. The weather was decent, but a bit cold and windy at times. Snow chased us back to the car at noon where the wives were waiting after they had finished their own version of the hike. Finally starting to feel well acclimated. Stopped for awesome burgers/fries at Smashburger in Silverthorne.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Saturday, 6/06/09 Mt. Bierstadt
I called Homie this morning to see if had anything cooking for the weekend. We tossed around a few ideas and decided to make a last minute trip up Bierstadt. Left his house in Superior a bit after 9:30am, headed to the Guanella Pass TH and started at 11:32am. Things looked pretty melted out, aside from the relatively fresh snow above ~12,500, so I decided to "run" it. We wanted to go pretty light, but some hikers finishing warned us that the winds up high were strong and it was cold, so we headed back to the car for more layers.
The trail through the willows was a mucky mess which required some acrobatic moves back and forth across the trail to stay reasonably dry. I knew there would be little chance to set a PR today with the conditions, but I wanted to get in a good workout. As soon as the trail steepened, I knew I was not recovered from Thursday and just resorted to power hiking for pretty much the remainder of the ascent. Soon the wind started to pick up in earnest and I was getting pelted by some stingy ice crystals that were getting whipped up.
I eventually decided to put on the fleece I tied around my waist at the last second, but that involved removing my pack and was a bit of a trick in the windy conditions. After staggering along preoccupied with this task, I finally just decided to stop and do what I needed to do.
Once on the snow, I was surprised at how firm and grippy it was, great traction, some steps and no postholing. The route also headed up the hill a bit sooner, slightly deviating from the summer trail, but only by a few hundred feet on the most. I enjoyed heading straight up the fall line and made good progress through this section, although I found it hard to really push hard with the strong winds and cold temps with the windchill.
I made the summit in 59:17, 3:28 slower than PR, but I was pleased with this all things considered. Once at the top, I put on my bomber Patagucci hooded jacket, another pair of gloves and my balaclava and started back down to meet Allison and Sierra. I quickly dropped 800ft. or so and helped pace her to the top. John had topped out in 1:14:?? and came back down to join us back to the top. We topped out again at 1:22pm, a 1:50 ascent for Allison and did not linger due to the cold and wind. We headed down steady pace and arrived back at the TH at 2:37pm for a 3:05 RT. Although short, this turned out to be an awesome day out. Back to the high country tomorrow for some ridge running over a few 13ers.
The trail through the willows was a mucky mess which required some acrobatic moves back and forth across the trail to stay reasonably dry. I knew there would be little chance to set a PR today with the conditions, but I wanted to get in a good workout. As soon as the trail steepened, I knew I was not recovered from Thursday and just resorted to power hiking for pretty much the remainder of the ascent. Soon the wind started to pick up in earnest and I was getting pelted by some stingy ice crystals that were getting whipped up.
I eventually decided to put on the fleece I tied around my waist at the last second, but that involved removing my pack and was a bit of a trick in the windy conditions. After staggering along preoccupied with this task, I finally just decided to stop and do what I needed to do.
Once on the snow, I was surprised at how firm and grippy it was, great traction, some steps and no postholing. The route also headed up the hill a bit sooner, slightly deviating from the summer trail, but only by a few hundred feet on the most. I enjoyed heading straight up the fall line and made good progress through this section, although I found it hard to really push hard with the strong winds and cold temps with the windchill.
I made the summit in 59:17, 3:28 slower than PR, but I was pleased with this all things considered. Once at the top, I put on my bomber Patagucci hooded jacket, another pair of gloves and my balaclava and started back down to meet Allison and Sierra. I quickly dropped 800ft. or so and helped pace her to the top. John had topped out in 1:14:?? and came back down to join us back to the top. We topped out again at 1:22pm, a 1:50 ascent for Allison and did not linger due to the cold and wind. We headed down steady pace and arrived back at the TH at 2:37pm for a 3:05 RT. Although short, this turned out to be an awesome day out. Back to the high country tomorrow for some ridge running over a few 13ers.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Thursday, 6/04/09 Bear Peak TT
We had another great turnout for the Bear Peak TT, the second installment of the TT series Dave and I conjured up a few weeks ago.
Since Dave kicked my butt on Green last week, I insisted that he take pole position after offering it to me. It felt like a somewhat controlled start and I was tempted at first to make conversation, but soon I was breathing hard enough that it was not an option. TT and conversation just do not mix. We made the Cragmoor/Shanahan junction ahead of PR pace and I was able to stay on Dave's heels to the doggy pond junction, but he slowly started to pull away. I could have dug a bit more and stuck with him, but that would have meant impending doom, as I was trying not to completely blow it too soon and save some energy for the upper sections.
I was surprised to keep Dave in sight for the most part, I was sure that he would be steadily putting time into me. As we ascended Fern Canyon, I could see that I was slowly gaining and was quite surprised by this. I was nearly a minute ahead of PR by the saddle and was confident I could keep up the effort to the top and set a PR. I reeled Dave in about half way from the saddle to the summit and was reluctant to pass as I feared that I might be biting off more than I could chew. I could tell Dave was not having his best day, otherwise I doubt I would be passing him.
This uppermost section was mostly a hands on the knees powerhike, but I was able to muster something vaguely resembling a run in a few spots.
I passed the summit post 6 seconds slower than PR and then made my way to the true summit. Dave was about 15 or so seconds back and I was surprised that I held him off (I later found out he had a bad cramp which explained my stroke of luck ;).
Scott Elliott finished next (stopping at the post), followed by Stefan Gabriel, Tara Breed, Bill Wright, Charlie Nuttleman, Homie Prater, Christian Griffith and Heather Swallow (I think in that order). Please correct me if I left anyone out or screwed up the order.
My splits were:
Cragmoor connector/Shanahan 2:25
Dog Pond Jct. 4:00
Mesa Trail 8:54
Slab (where trail crests) 13:03
Saddle 24:34? (could be off by a few seconds, I was preoccupied with the prospect of catching Dave)
Post near summit 37:31 (previous PR is 37:25)
True summit 38:13
Dave was about 15 seconds back, Scott was 39:?? at the post. After that others times are fuzzy.
Since Dave kicked my butt on Green last week, I insisted that he take pole position after offering it to me. It felt like a somewhat controlled start and I was tempted at first to make conversation, but soon I was breathing hard enough that it was not an option. TT and conversation just do not mix. We made the Cragmoor/Shanahan junction ahead of PR pace and I was able to stay on Dave's heels to the doggy pond junction, but he slowly started to pull away. I could have dug a bit more and stuck with him, but that would have meant impending doom, as I was trying not to completely blow it too soon and save some energy for the upper sections.
I was surprised to keep Dave in sight for the most part, I was sure that he would be steadily putting time into me. As we ascended Fern Canyon, I could see that I was slowly gaining and was quite surprised by this. I was nearly a minute ahead of PR by the saddle and was confident I could keep up the effort to the top and set a PR. I reeled Dave in about half way from the saddle to the summit and was reluctant to pass as I feared that I might be biting off more than I could chew. I could tell Dave was not having his best day, otherwise I doubt I would be passing him.
This uppermost section was mostly a hands on the knees powerhike, but I was able to muster something vaguely resembling a run in a few spots.
I passed the summit post 6 seconds slower than PR and then made my way to the true summit. Dave was about 15 or so seconds back and I was surprised that I held him off (I later found out he had a bad cramp which explained my stroke of luck ;).
Scott Elliott finished next (stopping at the post), followed by Stefan Gabriel, Tara Breed, Bill Wright, Charlie Nuttleman, Homie Prater, Christian Griffith and Heather Swallow (I think in that order). Please correct me if I left anyone out or screwed up the order.
My splits were:
Cragmoor connector/Shanahan 2:25
Dog Pond Jct. 4:00
Mesa Trail 8:54
Slab (where trail crests) 13:03
Saddle 24:34? (could be off by a few seconds, I was preoccupied with the prospect of catching Dave)
Post near summit 37:31 (previous PR is 37:25)
True summit 38:13
Dave was about 15 seconds back, Scott was 39:?? at the post. After that others times are fuzzy.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Wednesday, 6/03/09 Green Mountain
Via Amphi/Saddle/Greenman. Today was a bit warmer, cloudy but no rain at least. Everything is ridiculously green and fragrant, the wildflowers are outstanding.
Went super easy up and down, just lightly jogging most of the way, hiking occasionally, drinking everything in and saving myself for tomorrow's beat down sufferfest. Up in 39/1:07 RT.
Went super easy up and down, just lightly jogging most of the way, hiking occasionally, drinking everything in and saving myself for tomorrow's beat down sufferfest. Up in 39/1:07 RT.
Tuesday, 6/2/09 Green Mountain
When I walked out of work, it was cold, but at least the rain had let up. A glance toward Boulder had me second guessing my decision to go run, but since I took Friday off for a variety of reasons, hiked easy Saturday, biked Sunday and took Monday off because of a dentist appt., I figured I should probably get in a few miles. Started from Eben G. Fine park, headed up Flagstaff just as it was starting to rain again. The fog eventually got so thick in spots, visibility was only 50-100 feet and if I was not so familiar with every rock and nuance of the trail, I would have been disoriented. As I climbed up Flag and toward Green, the temp dropped significantly. It is June after all, how cold can it get? I was really wishing I had pants, gloves and something warmer up top, maybe even a hat?
I topped out in a very leisurely 57 minutes, took a minute pee break and started down. I was wearing shorts, a t-shirt and Go-Lite wind shirt and was soaked to the bone from the rain, wet branches and bushes leaning into the trail. Things were tolerable on the ascent, but now I was really cold and starting to bonk on the way down. I was tempted to hitch a ride from a van down Flag, but then instead decided to race the van for a few switchbacks and that warmed me up nicely. The trail back down to Eben G was a mess, I accumulated several extra pounds of mud on each shoe. Today was a good character builder. When I got home, I noticed on the thermometer that the temp was 47. It had to have been a good 5-10 colder high on Green, perhaps snowing not much higher? 1:37 total.
I topped out in a very leisurely 57 minutes, took a minute pee break and started down. I was wearing shorts, a t-shirt and Go-Lite wind shirt and was soaked to the bone from the rain, wet branches and bushes leaning into the trail. Things were tolerable on the ascent, but now I was really cold and starting to bonk on the way down. I was tempted to hitch a ride from a van down Flag, but then instead decided to race the van for a few switchbacks and that warmed me up nicely. The trail back down to Eben G was a mess, I accumulated several extra pounds of mud on each shoe. Today was a good character builder. When I got home, I noticed on the thermometer that the temp was 47. It had to have been a good 5-10 colder high on Green, perhaps snowing not much higher? 1:37 total.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Stats
May totals:
174 miles
68,220 vertical
4 14ers
4 13ers
1 12er
6 Bear Peak
5 S. Boulder
8 Green Mountain
3 Sanitas
2 Flagstaff
5 bike rides
Ran a PR on Green, ran my first Bolder Boulder.
Yearly totals:
834 miles
274,480 vertical
15 14ers
5 13ers
2 12ers
25 Green
15 Sanitas
26 Bear
18 S. Boulder
9 Flagstaff
17 Bike rides
174 miles
68,220 vertical
4 14ers
4 13ers
1 12er
6 Bear Peak
5 S. Boulder
8 Green Mountain
3 Sanitas
2 Flagstaff
5 bike rides
Ran a PR on Green, ran my first Bolder Boulder.
Yearly totals:
834 miles
274,480 vertical
15 14ers
5 13ers
2 12ers
25 Green
15 Sanitas
26 Bear
18 S. Boulder
9 Flagstaff
17 Bike rides
Sunday, Biked 50
Woke up with a whole bunch of ideas, Kelso Mountain, Grays/Torreys, Pikes, Green/Bear/SoBo etc..... I waffled big time, so much so that I started to get ready to head to Bakerville, but then bailed halfway through packing (still mostly packed from yesterday). It is kind of an awkward time in the mountains right now. I am itching to go rip up the high peaks, but there is still too much snow for really running and some winter gear is still necessary, or you just deal with postholing. I truly just did not feel like getting in the car, so I decided to go for a road ride.
Headed from the house to Baseline, West to 75th, N. to Jay, Jay to 36, 36 to Lee Hill, over Old Stage to Left Hand, then up to Jamestown. I started off full of piss and vinegar, riding anywhere between 28 and 32mph for the first 8+ miles. My speed fell off a bit over Old Stage and up to Jamestown of course and I arrived there after 1:16, but I was feeling pretty good considering my riding has been minimal and sporadic at best.
Headed back down to Lefthand, went over the backside of Lee Hill, screamed down the other side at 50mph or so, Broadway S., West to 9th and 9th South to the Creek Path, where I followed that East and eventually made my way home. 50 miles in 2:30.
Headed from the house to Baseline, West to 75th, N. to Jay, Jay to 36, 36 to Lee Hill, over Old Stage to Left Hand, then up to Jamestown. I started off full of piss and vinegar, riding anywhere between 28 and 32mph for the first 8+ miles. My speed fell off a bit over Old Stage and up to Jamestown of course and I arrived there after 1:16, but I was feeling pretty good considering my riding has been minimal and sporadic at best.
Headed back down to Lefthand, went over the backside of Lee Hill, screamed down the other side at 50mph or so, Broadway S., West to 9th and 9th South to the Creek Path, where I followed that East and eventually made my way home. 50 miles in 2:30.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Saturday, 5/30/09 Mount Parnassus (13,574) and Woods Mountain (12,940)
Mount Parnassus (13,574) and Woods Mountain (12,940)
5/30/09
~7 miles
~3,800 vertical
~5 hours
Jeff and Allison Valliere, Kevin Lund and Sierra
The plan for Saturday was to do something up high. What that was, nobody knew until we set foot on the trail. We had a few ideas, but none of those ideas included getting up too early, driving far, carrying snowshoes or heavy packs, so with a lack of any novel ideas, we found ourselves at the Watrous/Herman Gulch TH a bit before 8am. The names Pettingill and Citadel came up in conversation, but those involved gear and planning, which we were short on, so Parnassus it was.
The trail up to Watrous Gulch was snow free and just prior to the creek crossing, we made our own route, hopped the creek and headed directly up the fall line. As we quickly ascended and I-70 became more distant, a large dark cloud was building, guess where? Directly above Parnassus of all places. Step by step, we did not know if we would summit, or be running back down the hill any minute. Being the major chicken that I am when it comes to lightning, I was going to take no risks to bag Parnassus for the umpteenth time.
Luck was on our side though and we made the summit after a leisurely 2:20 ascent, topping out at 10:30am. Conditions were perfect as the cloud dissipated and we lounged for a good half hour. We were hoping to get Woods and then ring the gulch by finishing with Machebeuf, but once we topped out on Woods around 11:30am, the clouds were quickly building and there was some threatening thunder over Stevens Gulch.
Playing things on the safe side, we bailed back to the saddle, descended toward Watrous Gulch, but just prior to tree line, we contoured left, piecing together nice patches of dry ground all the way back to the mostly melted out trail. Of course the sun came out and we were bummed we opted to head down so soon, but better safe than sorry. We took full advantage of the sunny weather window and lounged for quite some time in the high valley next to the babbling brook, snacking and laughing. Although leisurely and local, it was a great morning to be up high and get a little exercise.
Pics:
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/2009_05_30_Parnassus/
5/30/09
~7 miles
~3,800 vertical
~5 hours
Jeff and Allison Valliere, Kevin Lund and Sierra
The plan for Saturday was to do something up high. What that was, nobody knew until we set foot on the trail. We had a few ideas, but none of those ideas included getting up too early, driving far, carrying snowshoes or heavy packs, so with a lack of any novel ideas, we found ourselves at the Watrous/Herman Gulch TH a bit before 8am. The names Pettingill and Citadel came up in conversation, but those involved gear and planning, which we were short on, so Parnassus it was.
The trail up to Watrous Gulch was snow free and just prior to the creek crossing, we made our own route, hopped the creek and headed directly up the fall line. As we quickly ascended and I-70 became more distant, a large dark cloud was building, guess where? Directly above Parnassus of all places. Step by step, we did not know if we would summit, or be running back down the hill any minute. Being the major chicken that I am when it comes to lightning, I was going to take no risks to bag Parnassus for the umpteenth time.
Luck was on our side though and we made the summit after a leisurely 2:20 ascent, topping out at 10:30am. Conditions were perfect as the cloud dissipated and we lounged for a good half hour. We were hoping to get Woods and then ring the gulch by finishing with Machebeuf, but once we topped out on Woods around 11:30am, the clouds were quickly building and there was some threatening thunder over Stevens Gulch.
Playing things on the safe side, we bailed back to the saddle, descended toward Watrous Gulch, but just prior to tree line, we contoured left, piecing together nice patches of dry ground all the way back to the mostly melted out trail. Of course the sun came out and we were bummed we opted to head down so soon, but better safe than sorry. We took full advantage of the sunny weather window and lounged for quite some time in the high valley next to the babbling brook, snacking and laughing. Although leisurely and local, it was a great morning to be up high and get a little exercise.
Pics:
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/2009_05_30_Parnassus/
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, 5/28/09 Green Mountain
We had a great turnout for the Green Mountain TT last night, Dave Mackey, Ricky Gates, George Zack, Tim Long, Justin Snow, Stefan Greibel, Christian Griffith, Anthony ? and Heather Swallow. We went up the Amphitheater, Saddle Rock, Greenman route to the summit. I was hoping to go under 35 minutes which would be a best for me this year (though I have not been targeting this route or any other for that matter). My PR was 33:19 and I was sure that I was nowhere near that fitness, but I was going to give it my all up the mountain. I led for a short while up Amphitheater, but I knew that with guys like Dave and Ricky breathing down my neck, my number would soon be up. Sure enough, Ricky comes by hardly showing any effort. He is the smoothest, most efficient, most gifted uphill runners I have ever seen, certainly in a whole other league. Dave came by soon after and I tried my best to keep him in sight, but about halfway up the mountain, he too was gone. Dave has been training hard to win the upcoming Western States 100 and the hard work is really paying off, he will be tough to beat there.
I was hurting like crazy almost the entire time, going about as hard as I have ever been. I felt like crap, but in a crappy way that one should feel chasing guys of that caliber.I made the summit in 32:35, a full 43 seconds ahead of PR and would normally have been walking on air and elated, but having getting dusted so severely, put my efforts in true perspective and I was truly humbled. Dave finished in 31:28 I think and Ricky was something like 28:38? Amazing! I’m still not sure I am in PR type of shape, I think I just PR’ed due to the excitement of running with (chasing) World Class athletes like Dave and Ricky. Next week is Bear Peak, I can’t wait!
Check out GZ's post with pics.
I was hurting like crazy almost the entire time, going about as hard as I have ever been. I felt like crap, but in a crappy way that one should feel chasing guys of that caliber.I made the summit in 32:35, a full 43 seconds ahead of PR and would normally have been walking on air and elated, but having getting dusted so severely, put my efforts in true perspective and I was truly humbled. Dave finished in 31:28 I think and Ricky was something like 28:38? Amazing! I’m still not sure I am in PR type of shape, I think I just PR’ed due to the excitement of running with (chasing) World Class athletes like Dave and Ricky. Next week is Bear Peak, I can’t wait!
Check out GZ's post with pics.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Wednesday, 5/27/09 Green Mountain
6:30am, Green Mountain. Walked up Amphi/Saddle/Greenman in 41, jogged back down in a casual 30.
1pm, 1 round of mini golf (mandatory fun at a work outing).
4pm, 20 miles on the bike with Allison.
5pm, mowed the lawn, long over due.
Looking forward to Green TT tomorrow!
1pm, 1 round of mini golf (mandatory fun at a work outing).
4pm, 20 miles on the bike with Allison.
5pm, mowed the lawn, long over due.
Looking forward to Green TT tomorrow!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Monday, 5/25/09 Bolder Boulder
I checked my e-mail one final time before bed on Sunday night at 10:13, got an e-mail from Tim mentioning that he had a free BB entry. I blew off the idea since a). I don't really run on roads and have not put in any flat/fast or paved training this year or really ever for that matter b). was not tapered, having run ~8,300 vertical in the past 2 days and c). it was a bit last minute and I like to plan/prepare for races.
I awoke a few minutes before 6am and felt well rested. I wanted to head into Boulder and cheer on Dave and George regardless and then go run Green after, so I just threw on some running clothes and put together some food. I called Tim and he did not answer, so I just went about my usual pre-run preparations, having no idea what I might be getting into that morning. He called me back at 6:05 and he filled me in on the details, that he had an extra entry and he was just going to run casual, as he is just 2 days beyond running a 50k. I ran with him in one of the much slower waves, which is a bit far back in the crowd, but this actually seemed more appealing to me than an A or AA wave entry, as it would take a lot of pressure off and I would not feel as strong of a desire to beat myself up competing. This way I could just run a comfortable pace and see what all the Bolder Boulder hype was all about.
We toed the line and I was quite calm, unlike most races where I am feeling self pressure to perform. The gun went off and I took off fairly quick just to stay ahead of the masses. Tim yelled something like WTF Jeff! But I was busy trying to catch and pass the guy with the long silly hat and the gangly 6'1" 13 year old with size 14 bright yellow boats. I soon put away goofy hat guy and was running neck and neck with yellow shoes, as we quickly caught the next wave. I knew running a decent time was out of the question, but I had no idea really how much of an additional challenge it would be to weave and bob through so many thousands of people, young, old, costumes, the whole gamut of silly stuff.
Though I was laid back about it, I wanted to push a little, just for kicks as I felt halfway decent and it is easy to get caught up in all the excitement and festivity. I eventually ditched the 13 year old, now proud of myself to be leading the my wave ;). There were sections I could run an OK pace, but I was mostly cutting back and forth across the road, seeking out small gaps, hopping curbs, medians, running sidewalks, front lawns. Getting through the clogged water zones was a bit of a challenge as well and cutting an apex was pretty much out of the question.
By mile 4, I was starting to wish I was in the A or AA wave, as my legs were feeling somewhat better with each mile and I think just being ahead of the crowds would have saved me a few minutes for sure. I stayed well within myself, running a fairly comfortable pace that I felt I could run almost indefinitely (not necessarily self imposed pacing though). I checked my watch a few times toward the end and realized I would be close to 40 minutes, which I was starting to shoot for. The final "hill" was nothing and I was easily passing people in chunks of 100, but as I got into the stadium, I could see the finish on the far side and knew I was hosed, as the crowds were quite dense, it was kind of like getting out of a Rockies game and I had to settle for a few seconds over 40. Bummer.
Either way, it was fun getting out and seeing what the race is all about. If I can score another free entry next year (by opening a 1st Bank checking account like several friends did this year), I may head back and try to go a little faster. I think it would help a lot to run with a faster wave (either the A or the AA) and have people pushing me at similar speeds and not getting blockaded. A few fast/flat miles leading up to the race with a bit of taper may help some as well. Thanks Tim, good times! Now off to the BBQ circuit.
I awoke a few minutes before 6am and felt well rested. I wanted to head into Boulder and cheer on Dave and George regardless and then go run Green after, so I just threw on some running clothes and put together some food. I called Tim and he did not answer, so I just went about my usual pre-run preparations, having no idea what I might be getting into that morning. He called me back at 6:05 and he filled me in on the details, that he had an extra entry and he was just going to run casual, as he is just 2 days beyond running a 50k. I ran with him in one of the much slower waves, which is a bit far back in the crowd, but this actually seemed more appealing to me than an A or AA wave entry, as it would take a lot of pressure off and I would not feel as strong of a desire to beat myself up competing. This way I could just run a comfortable pace and see what all the Bolder Boulder hype was all about.
We toed the line and I was quite calm, unlike most races where I am feeling self pressure to perform. The gun went off and I took off fairly quick just to stay ahead of the masses. Tim yelled something like WTF Jeff! But I was busy trying to catch and pass the guy with the long silly hat and the gangly 6'1" 13 year old with size 14 bright yellow boats. I soon put away goofy hat guy and was running neck and neck with yellow shoes, as we quickly caught the next wave. I knew running a decent time was out of the question, but I had no idea really how much of an additional challenge it would be to weave and bob through so many thousands of people, young, old, costumes, the whole gamut of silly stuff.
Though I was laid back about it, I wanted to push a little, just for kicks as I felt halfway decent and it is easy to get caught up in all the excitement and festivity. I eventually ditched the 13 year old, now proud of myself to be leading the my wave ;). There were sections I could run an OK pace, but I was mostly cutting back and forth across the road, seeking out small gaps, hopping curbs, medians, running sidewalks, front lawns. Getting through the clogged water zones was a bit of a challenge as well and cutting an apex was pretty much out of the question.
By mile 4, I was starting to wish I was in the A or AA wave, as my legs were feeling somewhat better with each mile and I think just being ahead of the crowds would have saved me a few minutes for sure. I stayed well within myself, running a fairly comfortable pace that I felt I could run almost indefinitely (not necessarily self imposed pacing though). I checked my watch a few times toward the end and realized I would be close to 40 minutes, which I was starting to shoot for. The final "hill" was nothing and I was easily passing people in chunks of 100, but as I got into the stadium, I could see the finish on the far side and knew I was hosed, as the crowds were quite dense, it was kind of like getting out of a Rockies game and I had to settle for a few seconds over 40. Bummer.
Either way, it was fun getting out and seeing what the race is all about. If I can score another free entry next year (by opening a 1st Bank checking account like several friends did this year), I may head back and try to go a little faster. I think it would help a lot to run with a faster wave (either the A or the AA) and have people pushing me at similar speeds and not getting blockaded. A few fast/flat miles leading up to the race with a bit of taper may help some as well. Thanks Tim, good times! Now off to the BBQ circuit.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Sunday, 5/24/09 Bear, S. Boulder, Green
Scott, Homie and I got out for a casual run over the 3 peaks today. Went conversation pace the entire time, topping out on the true summit of Bear in 51 I think, then headed over to SoBo, back to Bear and down to West Ridge. A nice thunderstorm was brewing to our West and moving in, so we hustled our way down at a decent clip. At the junction, the somewhat unanimous decision was to go up Green, but soon conditions deteriorated with steady rain, turning to hail with increased thunder and lightning. I wanted to bolt out of there at full speed, as I am pretty nervous of lightning, but opted to stick together as a group. On the way through Bear Canyon, Scott took a nice (but unintentional) dip in the creek, sitting there for a moment or two as he assessed. He was a little scraped and bruised, but otherwise OK. Made it back to the cars as round two of the storm was really picking up, a loud flash/boom very nearby ushered us out.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Saturday, 5/23/09 S. Boulder/Bear
Got out with Dave this morning for a run up S. Boulder/Bear. We jogged conversation pace up to the mouth of Shadow from S. Mesa (22 even I think at the trail jct. sign), then 22:44 for me up the canyon, made the summit at 50 and change (don't remember the exact time). At the bottom of the canyon, Dave told me to go ahead if I wanted. I upped the effort and immidiately got a good gap and was a bit surprised, he either stopped to pee or was just toying with me. Eventually he reeled me back in a bit before the saddle and cruised on past, putting 30-40 seconds on me by the summit. We then headed to Bear (where I stashed by bottle before it got steep), made the summit at 1hr even, then I had to backtrack to get my bottle, as Dave wanted to descend via W. Ridge/Bear Canyon. We took it anywhere from moderate to easy on the way down, shooting the breeze the entire way. Cruised our way back on the Mesa Trail, finished in 2:11.
It was a great day and good to get out with Dave. I actually felt pretty good today despite being over a minute off my best through Shadow Canyon and 5 minutes off PR at the top (though we were taking it casual on the approach). My legs felt reasonably good, lungs a little less good and my lower back was killing from stooping over, always seems to happen on this section of trail and rarely at other times on other trails. Dave and I are planning on a regular weekly time trial up a peak which should hurt like crazy, but build good fitness.
TT #1, Green Mountain, Thursday, 5/28/09, 5pm Chautauqua Park. All are welcome.
It was a great day and good to get out with Dave. I actually felt pretty good today despite being over a minute off my best through Shadow Canyon and 5 minutes off PR at the top (though we were taking it casual on the approach). My legs felt reasonably good, lungs a little less good and my lower back was killing from stooping over, always seems to happen on this section of trail and rarely at other times on other trails. Dave and I are planning on a regular weekly time trial up a peak which should hurt like crazy, but build good fitness.
TT #1, Green Mountain, Thursday, 5/28/09, 5pm Chautauqua Park. All are welcome.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Thursday, 5/21/09 Sanitas
17:22 up S. Ridge, pushed hard, but did not expect much more.
Ran a ways down, met Allison/Sierra, back up, down E. Ridge/Valley.
Ran a ways down, met Allison/Sierra, back up, down E. Ridge/Valley.
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