Sierra

Sierra
Sierra

Friday, October 14, 2011

Friday, 10/14/11 Baby Jogger Run to Target

8.69 miles/357 vert./1:10:23/8:06 pace/137 avg. HR Garmin Data

Was hoping for a night run up Green and sent out a few invites, but by late afternoon, I had not heard back from anyone, so I was on the fence about what to do.  The girls had a 1 year doctor appt. at 2pm and got a few vaccination shots, so they were feeling a little grumpy (not to mention the appt. interfered with nap time), so I made a quick decision to combat the fussing by taking them on a run in the jogger.

While running, I decided on the fly that Target would be a good destination, as I needed a new electric razor and some T-shirts, so we headed out past Harper Lake to Davidson Mesa, then down behind Home Depot and crossed 36 via the park n ride elevators/bridge.

By the time I got to Target, I was getting a bit hungry (border line bonk), so I grabbed what I needed, plus a family size bag of Doritos.  To top it off, there was a rack of monster cereal by the register, so I grabbed a box of Boo Berry and a box of Franken Berry to go.

I took a bit of a shorter route back, mostly parallel to McCaslin/Via Appia and all I could think about were the Doritos and monster cereals and it was all I could do to resist the urge to pull over and eat.  Once I got back home, I promptly (and regretfully) chowed two bowls of Boo Berry and about 1/3 of the bag of Doritos while I fed babies, just about ruining my appetite for dinner.

This might have been my only run ever that involved the use of an elevator....  does that count for vertical?  (I did stop my watch, but not sure if it will correct for those differences).

Thursday, 10/13/11 S. Mesa Baby Hike

4.83 miles/1,083 vert./1:47

I planned on taking the girls up S. Boulder and maybe Bear, but the timing was off with naps/feeds, dog etc....  I was still debating it at the mouth of Shadow, but I knew that we would all be worse off because of it, so after about 30 feet up Shadow, I turned around and switched gears into just enjoying the day instead of carrying out a mission.  We took it pretty easy, stopped a few times, took pictures, etc....







Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Wednesday, 10/12/11 Green Mountain

From Chautauqua
Up 3rd Access/NE/Greenman
Down Greenman/NE/1st access

4.14 miles/2,556 vert./1:31:51/130 avg HR Garmin Data

Met up with Aron at Chautauqua a bit after 4pm and figured I would take him up the more interesting (and new for him) route up Green past the 3rd Flatiron, since he is a huge fan of the steep.

He did a great job running the approach and put in a solid effort as the "trail" steepened.  I did a bit of exploring, route maintenance and poking around for efficient lines as I waited for Aron.

Took it pretty easy on the down, stopping to point out this and that (along with the 2nd Flatiron walk off).  Today was another day that my legs and lungs were just raring to go and felt awesome when I ran a few short sections and did some quick bursts.   Can't wait to push hard on this route again soon.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Monday, 10/10/11 Green Mountain

From Chautauqua
Up 3rd Access/NE/Greenman
Down Greenman/NE/1st Access

4.14 miles/2,556 vertical/1:02:09 RT (39:37 up/22:32 down)/avg HR 171 Garmin Data

Felt like getting after it a bit today and pushed hard most of the way, up and down.  My legs and lungs cooperated and the only times I backed off a bit where where the terrain was really rugged going up and I was on all fours or avoiding tree branches and deadfall.

I felt fast and coordinated on the descent and I was pushing hard to get back to Chautauqua for a RT in under an hour, something I have always tried to do, but the closest I have come has been a 1:01:?? on at least 2 different routes.  Toward the end, I sprinted hard to at least have my watch read 1:01 something, but alas finished at 1:02:09.  Not bad considering the convoluted and technical nature of just about the entire route and I was quite pleased with how I felt, especially my speed and coordination on the technical downhill.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Friday, 10/07/11 Sanitas and Green Mountain

Early afternoon:  Sanitas.  Up S. Ridge/down East side
3.01 miles/1,267 vert./1:25
Easy afternoon hike with the family.


Amelie

Amelie having a great time

Amelie all tuckered out


Isabelle napping




Night:  Green Mountain from Chautauqua, up/down front.
5 miles/2,461 vert./1:25(44 up)/avg./HR 140
Casual night lap on Green with Homie


Homie

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Thursday, 10/06/11 Bear Peak

Fern from Cragmoor
4.38 miles/2,692 vert./1:07:43(42 up)/171 avg. HR Garmin Data

Pushed hard mainly due to time constraints (even though my body was protesting a bit), felt like I was moving well, but my stopwatch (and HR) was moving much quicker that I was.  Great to be outside though on a fine fall day and despite my mediocre performance, the run was quite satisfying.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Tuesday, 10/04/11 Green Mountain Middle Route (PR)

Up/Down Middle Route (Gregory/Greenman)
6.32 miles/2,302 vert./1:06:48 (40:05 up)/10:34 min/mi/168 avg. HR Garmin Data

I have of course run this route many times, but have only timed myself on it twice, 44:27 in the prime of my achilles injury back in Feb. on an icy trail and 43:16, going what felt to be pretty moderate on a snowy day last April.  I was sure if I gave this a solid shot, I would go under 40, so that is what I attempted today, yet came up a few seconds short.

I pushed pretty good up Gregory and my splits were decent, but I knew I was losing a bit of time once I got to the cabin (15:45).  Got to the Gregory/Ranger jct. in 19:30 (now a minute off my best to this point), yet was not too discouraged.  I pressed on and really enjoyed the fast cruising on what is now the "middle" part of the middle route.  Made the Saddle jct. in 25 even-ish, then at 30 minutes I started slacking a bit, figuring that sub-40 was in the bag easy.  Once I got to 36 minutes (near the "snow fence"), I knew I needed to pick it up and was pushing for all I was worth, but was still confident I would sneak under 40.  I rounded the last corner with ~20 seconds to go and I knew the gig was up.  I rotated my watch (I had it facing down paranoid of it getting wet in the rain) and accidentally hit the lap button, but still had 6 seconds to go and stopped it at 40:05.  Dammit.

I was a little disappointed with what I felt to be a solid effort, but a bit of lackluster time for a TT/PR effort.  I did PR by 3 or so minutes, so I guess that is good, but since that previous 43:16 was not at all a serious effort (and in the snow), this will have to stand as my current benchmark.  I have not felt particularly fit, or motivated to go fast as of late and am probably a few lbs over prime fighting weight, so I take a little comfort in that.  I still think this 40:05 is a bit soft for me and would like to think I could chop at LEAST another minute off on a better day.  Something to shoot for I guess.

On the descent, I pushed a bit and felt like I was rolling pretty decent most of the way.  All in all a very satisfying run.

Splits:

1st Bridge:  2:30ish
2nd Bridge:  5:45ish
Top of Greg/1 mile mark:  13:00
Cabin:  15:45
Greenman/Ranger:  19:30
Greenman/Saddle:  25
Summit:  40:05
Finish at Gregory TH:  1:06:48

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Sunday, 10/02/11 Long Canyon/Gregory Canyon

4.19 miles/855 vert./1:18:36

Jumped in the van with Allison and the girls at the base of Flag. to carpool up to the Realization TH..  From there, we headed up Long Canyon to the top and back, going pretty casual and having a great time with the girls.  I of course petitioned to push on to the top of Green, but given the late hour, we really needed to get them home for dinner and bed.  The consolation was that I was able to run down Gregory back to the car which was a nice addition, especially since I did not think I would be able to get outside at all today.

Saturday, 10/01/11 Green Mountain

From Chautauqua
Up Mesa/3rd acc./NE/Greenman
Down Greenman/NE/1st acc./Saddle/Amphi

4.11 miles/2,426 vert./1:06:30 RT/151 avg. HR Garmin Data

Sent out the bat signal the day before and 3/4 of the invitees showed up which might be a record (at least in a long while)(Tony, Homie and Brandon).

Tony was anxious to show me how he perfected the route I introduced to him on our Tuesday hike/run up behind the 3rd Flatiron.  We went conversational pace much of the way, stopping occasionally to regroup and chat.  Brandon seemed to really be enjoying the steep trail to the back of the 3rd, then we told him that it had not really even gotten steep yet and that really seemed to excite him that much more.

Once on the Greenman Trail, Tony kicked it into the highest hiking gear I have ever seen.  I was hiking too and running occasionally, pushing hard to keep up and yo-yo-ed a bit off his pace.  He was hauling ass!  Again, we re-grouped on the summit, spending a few minutes there and then eventually headed down, taking the descent fairly casual, just talking a million words a minute all the way back.

This was one of the most enjoyable outings I have had in a long time, perfect morning, super fun route, but best yet, it was great to get out with 3 great friends whom I share so much in common.

Tony, Homie, Brandon







Homie getting after it

Brandon on a section of trail that looks steep, but is relatively benign compared to what is to come (see Garmin elevation profile)

It gets a bit steep




Return to Green after a few months away

The Masters

Friday, 09/30/11 Green Mountain

From Chautauqua:  Up Amphi/Saddle/Greenman Down NE/1st Flat acc./Saddle/Amphi
4.62 miles/2,456 vert./1:08 RT (37:50 up +4:59 across Chautauqua)

Started a bit before 7am and it was still feeling pretty dawn like and a bit chilly, 42 degrees.  It was my intent to push hard on this run and shoot for a decent time, but I was not feeling it at all.  My legs felt OK at best, but my stomach was unsettled, my breathing was labored, I felt stumbly and tired, all kinds of excuses.  I vascillated between attacking the hill and giving up and eventually made the summit in a very disappointing 37:50, which did not at all coincide with my 165 HR.  Not sure what was up with that, but maybe I just need to take it easy for a few days.

Later in the morning, we all piled in the van and headed up to RMNP for a scenic foliage drive and a few miles of easy walking around Moraine Park.







Amelie and Darcie

Allison and Isabelle

Allison



Isabelle LOVES this


Thursday, 09/29/11 Green Mountain

Up/Down back  5.4 miles/2,382 vert./2:25

My family is in town for the girls 1st birthday, so while the grandparents watched babies, Allison, my sister Darcie, Sierra and I were able to get out for a hike up Green.  Awesome morning, very cool and overcast, then clearing at the summit and became reasonably warm.  The foliage sure is getting good right about now.

Darcie, Allison





Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Tuesday, 09/27/11 Green Mountain

Up 3rd access/NE/Greenman, Down Greenman/Saddle/Amphi
4.7 miles/2,462 vert./1:26:06 (42 up)/147 avg. HR Garmin Data

Got an e-mail from Tony in the morning expressing interest in meeting up for a lap on Green. We met at Chautauqua at 4pm and just as I was pulling in the lot, Aron surprised me by calling to say he was on his way, but we were I was anxious to get moving in order to get home on time, so we loosely planned on crossing paths on upper Greenman.

Headed out of Chautauqua at a light jog, busy catching up, as we have not run together all year due to Tony’s back to back injuries and/or conflicting schedules. Headed up to the 3rd access trail at a fast hike, then continued to power hike/crawl the informal trail/bushwhack/obstacle course from just W. of the back of the 3rd to the upper section of the NE ridge (where I slowed us down by getting us a little "off route" through more deadfall than necessary). 

Made the summit in 42, hung out for a few, then headed back down Greenman/Saddle/Amphi at a casual walk. Bumped into Aron below the log stairs and encouraged him to push hard and catch us on the down. Bumped into JP on lower Saddle Rock and chatted with him for a moment.  Unfortunately, Aron was unable to catch us as we hiked, but chased us down in his truck by the time we got to Chautauqua where we hung out and chatted for a while. A great fall evening with great company.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Monday, 09/26/11 Green Mountain

Up Amphi/Saddle/Greeman  Down NE/1st access/Saddle/Amphi

3.76 miles/2,364 vert./1:23:11 (52up)/116 avg HR Garmin Data

Met up with Aron and Jim P. after work for a very casual lap on Green.  We kept our eyes peeled for bears, but I think we were yapping too much and making too much noise.  Beautiful evening, fall colors, surprisingly cool for such a warm day and most of all, great company.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Sunday, 09/25/11 Davidson Mesa

7.36 miles/230 vert./1:02/8:27 pace/133 avg. HE

Mellow run with the babies in the jogger after work.  Was quite warm for a late Sept. evening.