Up Front/Down Back
4.71 miles/2,308 vert./59:28 (36:09 up/23:18 down)/155 avg. HR Garmin Data
Great post work run, started off pretty mellow up the front side and eased into moderate pace. Put on the spikes just before the spring on upper Greenman and pushed a bit harder over the last few minutes, as conditions in the last ~1/4 mile are ideal at the moment. Was happy to enjoy a few fleeting minutes of sun while relaxing on the summit, but knew that would be short lived. I took off the spikes for the ~2 minutes or so down to the 4-way and then wore them until the top of Gregory Canyon where they were no longer necessary. Despite a 23 minute descent (which is reasonably quick for me in the variable conditions), daylight was fading to a point at the end where it was getting a little tough make out trail definition, but still too light to turn on the headlamp I had with me (just in case), so it will not be long before a good bit of my post work run will be in the dark.
Sierra
Sierra
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Monday, 11/07/11 Longmont Run
8.6 miles/113 vert./1:02:25/7:16 pace/143 avg. HR Garmin Data
Got out for a run around the lunch hour and was pleasantly surprised that the weather was still decent (although there was a bit of cold breeze coming in from the North). Followed cement bike paths and sidewalks mostly, but made it a point to run on the side of the paths/sidewalks in the dirt/grass/snow, just anything but running on the hard stuff if I could help it. Felt like this run was pretty mellow (as I intended), but kept finding myself wanting to push the pace more (though refrained). At the end of the run, I was very excited to stumble upon the LoBo trail that parallels Diagonal and then cuts through Niwot. Eager to explore this a bit, as it is nice graded dirt and I will not be forced to degrade myself on hard surfaces.... ;).
Got out for a run around the lunch hour and was pleasantly surprised that the weather was still decent (although there was a bit of cold breeze coming in from the North). Followed cement bike paths and sidewalks mostly, but made it a point to run on the side of the paths/sidewalks in the dirt/grass/snow, just anything but running on the hard stuff if I could help it. Felt like this run was pretty mellow (as I intended), but kept finding myself wanting to push the pace more (though refrained). At the end of the run, I was very excited to stumble upon the LoBo trail that parallels Diagonal and then cuts through Niwot. Eager to explore this a bit, as it is nice graded dirt and I will not be forced to degrade myself on hard surfaces.... ;).
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Sunday, 11/06/11 Green Mountain
Up Front/Down Back
4.67 miles/2,297 vert./1:01:35 (37:47up/23:47 down)/152 avg. HR Garmin Data
Great run after work and the time change was not as bad as anticipated, as I still had plenty of light to spare (which was good, because I forgot my flashlight). Made decent time despite the variable conditions (dry, rocks with ice, or all ice) and the Microspikes an absolute necessity on the upper 1/2 of the mountain. The effort was reasonably mellow on the up and down, just cruised without pushing at all and felt pretty good.
4.67 miles/2,297 vert./1:01:35 (37:47up/23:47 down)/152 avg. HR Garmin Data
Great run after work and the time change was not as bad as anticipated, as I still had plenty of light to spare (which was good, because I forgot my flashlight). Made decent time despite the variable conditions (dry, rocks with ice, or all ice) and the Microspikes an absolute necessity on the upper 1/2 of the mountain. The effort was reasonably mellow on the up and down, just cruised without pushing at all and felt pretty good.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Friday, 11/04/11 Local Baby Jogger Run
10 miles/350 vert./77 minutes/7:51 pace/avg. HR 149
GZ met me at the house for a tour de Louisville. Perfect day outside, sunny, warm, no breeze and we went casually moderate for the most part, just shooting the breeze the whole time. George said he wanted to go faster for a bit near the end, so our best mile was mile 8-9 at 6:55 (though it was uphill). We took a few laps around the block to make it an even 10, where George did some sprints and I did one (saw as fast as 4:13 pace pushing 72 lbs of baby jogger). As always, it was great getting out with George and his company made the miles pass quickly. Hopefully we can make this a more regular occurrence.
.
GZ met me at the house for a tour de Louisville. Perfect day outside, sunny, warm, no breeze and we went casually moderate for the most part, just shooting the breeze the whole time. George said he wanted to go faster for a bit near the end, so our best mile was mile 8-9 at 6:55 (though it was uphill). We took a few laps around the block to make it an even 10, where George did some sprints and I did one (saw as fast as 4:13 pace pushing 72 lbs of baby jogger). As always, it was great getting out with George and his company made the miles pass quickly. Hopefully we can make this a more regular occurrence.
.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Thursday, 11/03/11 Green Mountain/Local Run
Up/Down Front
4.01 miles/2,295 vert./1:04:12 RT (42:10up)/avg HR 167 Garmin Data
AM
I got a surprise (but short) window of opportunity to get away from baby duty this morning, so the race was on for a lap on Green, knowing that I could get called back at any minute. I sped to the Gregory lot from Louisville and got cranking up the trail, knowing that the faster I went, the better the chance I had of completing my run. I was making OK time on the lower section (for the first ~10 minutes or so), but then conditions were such for a lot of slipping, even with Microspikes, so even though I kept the effort up, my splits got worse and worse as the snow deepened and became less tracked/consolidated. 2 switchbacks from the summit, I got the call to get back to the girls, but being 3 minutes from the top, there was no way I was going to turn around.
I wasted no time and pushed pretty hard on the down (though stopping a few times to answer a few "where are you and when are you getting back" calls, so the descent was probably more in the 20 minute range). It was awesome to get out on a bright sunny midday (I even wore shorts despite the cool temps) with all the fresh new snow and I would guess there is close to 2 feet of snow (total from both storms) on the uppermost section of mountain. Though the splits do not really reflect it, this was a pretty solid run in the snowy conditions.
PM
Local baby jogger run
5.54 miles/296 vert./55:59/10:06 pace
This started off as an easy 2.5 mile walk/jog to the library and back in the late afternoon, but it was nice out and the girls fell sound asleep in the Chariot, so I extended it a bit so they could get in a good nap. I would have even gone a few extra miles, but options were a bit more limited than normal today with the recent snow and I was wearing the wrong shoes for running paved miles (testing a pair of NB Trail Minimus).
4.01 miles/2,295 vert./1:04:12 RT (42:10up)/avg HR 167 Garmin Data
AM
I got a surprise (but short) window of opportunity to get away from baby duty this morning, so the race was on for a lap on Green, knowing that I could get called back at any minute. I sped to the Gregory lot from Louisville and got cranking up the trail, knowing that the faster I went, the better the chance I had of completing my run. I was making OK time on the lower section (for the first ~10 minutes or so), but then conditions were such for a lot of slipping, even with Microspikes, so even though I kept the effort up, my splits got worse and worse as the snow deepened and became less tracked/consolidated. 2 switchbacks from the summit, I got the call to get back to the girls, but being 3 minutes from the top, there was no way I was going to turn around.
I wasted no time and pushed pretty hard on the down (though stopping a few times to answer a few "where are you and when are you getting back" calls, so the descent was probably more in the 20 minute range). It was awesome to get out on a bright sunny midday (I even wore shorts despite the cool temps) with all the fresh new snow and I would guess there is close to 2 feet of snow (total from both storms) on the uppermost section of mountain. Though the splits do not really reflect it, this was a pretty solid run in the snowy conditions.
PM
Local baby jogger run
5.54 miles/296 vert./55:59/10:06 pace
This started off as an easy 2.5 mile walk/jog to the library and back in the late afternoon, but it was nice out and the girls fell sound asleep in the Chariot, so I extended it a bit so they could get in a good nap. I would have even gone a few extra miles, but options were a bit more limited than normal today with the recent snow and I was wearing the wrong shoes for running paved miles (testing a pair of NB Trail Minimus).
Wednesday, 11/02/11 Green Mountain
Up Back/Down Front
4.79 miles/2,322 vert./1:35:54 (1:02up)/140 avg. HR Garmin Data
Met up with JP after work for a lap on Green in the fresh foot or so of fresh snow (at least there was that much or more on the upper 1/3 of the mountain). There were a few tracks from those who had passed before us, but it was pretty loose and unconsolidated. We went pretty casual the entire time, up and down, just enjoying an awesome (and very Winter feeling) late afternoon/evening.
4.79 miles/2,322 vert./1:35:54 (1:02up)/140 avg. HR Garmin Data
Met up with JP after work for a lap on Green in the fresh foot or so of fresh snow (at least there was that much or more on the upper 1/3 of the mountain). There were a few tracks from those who had passed before us, but it was pretty loose and unconsolidated. We went pretty casual the entire time, up and down, just enjoying an awesome (and very Winter feeling) late afternoon/evening.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Monday, 10/31/11 Davidson Mesa Baby Jogger Run
7.63 miles/319 vert./1:12:27/9:30 min/mile/124 avg. HR
Easy run with Allison and the girls after work. Awesome warm evening and there was a bittersweetness to it, knowing it was most likely the last post work baby jogger run of the year (snow mid-week, then I am off work late week, then the time change).
Easy run with Allison and the girls after work. Awesome warm evening and there was a bittersweetness to it, knowing it was most likely the last post work baby jogger run of the year (snow mid-week, then I am off work late week, then the time change).
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Saturday, 10/29/11 Basic Boulder Mountain 14.92 miler
Flagstaff/Green/Bear/SoBo
14.92 miles/5,229 vert./3:20:45/avg. HR 154 Garmin Data
Another fun Basic in the books. Every other year we seem to get a snowstorm preceding the event and this was one of those years which added a bit to the excitement. A huge group started from 6th and Aurora a few minutes after 9am and we headed up through Chautauqua and up Flag at a casual/conversational pace, on our way to a Green/Bear/SoBo/Shadow/Mesa loop.
Tony and I led up Flag, chatting the whole time, with Johannes R, Scott J, Aaron K, Geoff R, Dakota J and a few others in tow, where we slowly and unintentionally got a little gap on the other groups behind. At the top of Flag, those who had spikes put them on, while the rest of us peed, drank, ate, conversed or whatever. In the meantime, streams of people passed and then it was slow going in the icy track through the snow along Flag and up Green, where we all got spread out a bit and nobody seemed to be in a hurry.
At the Greenman/Ranger jct., there was a little confusion as to which way to go. Peter B. and Mike P. insisted continuing on Greenman, while somebody pulled out a map and insisted on Ranger. I had only glanced at the map before the start and thought Ranger was correct (as we later learned was incorrect), but I was fine with whichever way. I was hoping to run hard, or at least harder than we were, but was OK with the pace, as I made the mistake of deciding to leave my Microspikes in the car and was slipping some.
We lingered a bit on the summit of Green, taking pictures and all the usual stuff, but I was starting to freeze in my thin shirt/shorts. I knew I was going to be quite slow heading down the steep and iced over trail back to the 4-way, so I opted to keep moving, thinking they would quickly catch up. I slowly and carefully made my way down the bobsled run of a trail without incident and was relieved to find better footing on Green/Bear below the 4-way (as it was largely untracked). It was here where I met up with Eric, who I found out through conversation happens to know Homie and Bill and rode White Rim with them years ago. Eric and I went pretty easy down Green/Bear and up Bear W. Ridge, talking and waiting while on the move so to speak, all the while expecting the group to catch up any minute.
Once the trail got a little steeper, Eric fell behind and I just kept moving, mainly to stay warm, as the wind was blowing and the temperature seemed to be dropping. I tagged the summit of Bear and quickly started down, anxious to get back in the trees. As I descended, I could see Johannes, Scott, Geoff, Dakota, Nick P and Aaron heading up the talus field and was glad they were close (still thinking they would soon catch me). SoBo was slick and the summit rocks were tricky to negotiate in the snow and I again spent no time there.
Shadow Canyon was snowy and quite icy in many spots, so again, I just took it slow and careful. While I was nitpicking my way through here, Peter and Mike caught up and passed me like I was standing still (they wisely had hobnails/Microspikes) and left me in the dust. Once out of the canyon, I upped the tempo a little to catch back up with them, which I did by the Big Bluestem trail. I passed them both, not pushing, just cruising and only Peter went with me. We made a little small talk and he mentioned that we were to run up to the Slab and then down the lower section of Fern. I did not recall seeing that on the map and it sounded a bit odd, so once at the intersection, we parted ways and I kept going on the Mesa Trail.
At this point, I was really just thinking of finishing up the run, so I could get home and get going with the busy day of family obligations ahead. Once close to Chautauqua, I had an indecisive moment and debated whether or not to continue down Mesa, or head over Bluebell/Baird, so I opted for the latter, as I was almost sure that is what I saw on the map.
My little variation with the added distance/vertical allowed Peter to come really close to catching me by the end, as he took the correct (but shorter) route through Chautauqua. A post run look at the map confirmed that Peter had indeed taken the correct route in it’s entirety, so even though I was ~30 seconds ahead, he was technically the first one to finish and probably the only one (along with Mike) to have completed the “correct” route. I spent a few minutes chatting at the end, but unfortunately could not stick around to socialize, as I needed to head home.
Overall, a pretty mellow to moderate run with a great group (for a while at least) and was a great run over the peaks with the snow/ice/mud adding a bit to the challenge. As always, my biggest regret was not having the opportunity to catch up more with many of the people out there, those whom I know well and those whom I hope to get to know better, but it was great to see everyone out there and at least say hi face to face, if only for a moment. I'll also grab a map next time, as no matter how well I know the trails, my 5 second glimpse at the map failed me. Oops.
Catching up before the start: Shad, JT, Brandon
Can you spot the guy that looks a bit like someone we know?
Rob, Laurie, Fred, Meghan, Eric
Me, Scott, Johannes,Tony Kendrick, Aaron, Brandon (photo swiped from Jeff Montgomery)
Me (should have kept the PFD with the spikes and windbreaker), Shad, JT (picture pilfered from Aaron Kennard)
Striking a pose just after I finished "hey, I just beat many of the top runners in the World!!".... "oh yeah, not so fast there sporty, it was not a race and they were just goofing off on a social run" ;). (photo 'rob'bed from Rob Timko)
14.92 miles/5,229 vert./3:20:45/avg. HR 154 Garmin Data
Another fun Basic in the books. Every other year we seem to get a snowstorm preceding the event and this was one of those years which added a bit to the excitement. A huge group started from 6th and Aurora a few minutes after 9am and we headed up through Chautauqua and up Flag at a casual/conversational pace, on our way to a Green/Bear/SoBo/Shadow/Mesa loop.
Tony and I led up Flag, chatting the whole time, with Johannes R, Scott J, Aaron K, Geoff R, Dakota J and a few others in tow, where we slowly and unintentionally got a little gap on the other groups behind. At the top of Flag, those who had spikes put them on, while the rest of us peed, drank, ate, conversed or whatever. In the meantime, streams of people passed and then it was slow going in the icy track through the snow along Flag and up Green, where we all got spread out a bit and nobody seemed to be in a hurry.
At the Greenman/Ranger jct., there was a little confusion as to which way to go. Peter B. and Mike P. insisted continuing on Greenman, while somebody pulled out a map and insisted on Ranger. I had only glanced at the map before the start and thought Ranger was correct (as we later learned was incorrect), but I was fine with whichever way. I was hoping to run hard, or at least harder than we were, but was OK with the pace, as I made the mistake of deciding to leave my Microspikes in the car and was slipping some.
We lingered a bit on the summit of Green, taking pictures and all the usual stuff, but I was starting to freeze in my thin shirt/shorts. I knew I was going to be quite slow heading down the steep and iced over trail back to the 4-way, so I opted to keep moving, thinking they would quickly catch up. I slowly and carefully made my way down the bobsled run of a trail without incident and was relieved to find better footing on Green/Bear below the 4-way (as it was largely untracked). It was here where I met up with Eric, who I found out through conversation happens to know Homie and Bill and rode White Rim with them years ago. Eric and I went pretty easy down Green/Bear and up Bear W. Ridge, talking and waiting while on the move so to speak, all the while expecting the group to catch up any minute.
Once the trail got a little steeper, Eric fell behind and I just kept moving, mainly to stay warm, as the wind was blowing and the temperature seemed to be dropping. I tagged the summit of Bear and quickly started down, anxious to get back in the trees. As I descended, I could see Johannes, Scott, Geoff, Dakota, Nick P and Aaron heading up the talus field and was glad they were close (still thinking they would soon catch me). SoBo was slick and the summit rocks were tricky to negotiate in the snow and I again spent no time there.
Shadow Canyon was snowy and quite icy in many spots, so again, I just took it slow and careful. While I was nitpicking my way through here, Peter and Mike caught up and passed me like I was standing still (they wisely had hobnails/Microspikes) and left me in the dust. Once out of the canyon, I upped the tempo a little to catch back up with them, which I did by the Big Bluestem trail. I passed them both, not pushing, just cruising and only Peter went with me. We made a little small talk and he mentioned that we were to run up to the Slab and then down the lower section of Fern. I did not recall seeing that on the map and it sounded a bit odd, so once at the intersection, we parted ways and I kept going on the Mesa Trail.
At this point, I was really just thinking of finishing up the run, so I could get home and get going with the busy day of family obligations ahead. Once close to Chautauqua, I had an indecisive moment and debated whether or not to continue down Mesa, or head over Bluebell/Baird, so I opted for the latter, as I was almost sure that is what I saw on the map.
My little variation with the added distance/vertical allowed Peter to come really close to catching me by the end, as he took the correct (but shorter) route through Chautauqua. A post run look at the map confirmed that Peter had indeed taken the correct route in it’s entirety, so even though I was ~30 seconds ahead, he was technically the first one to finish and probably the only one (along with Mike) to have completed the “correct” route. I spent a few minutes chatting at the end, but unfortunately could not stick around to socialize, as I needed to head home.
Overall, a pretty mellow to moderate run with a great group (for a while at least) and was a great run over the peaks with the snow/ice/mud adding a bit to the challenge. As always, my biggest regret was not having the opportunity to catch up more with many of the people out there, those whom I know well and those whom I hope to get to know better, but it was great to see everyone out there and at least say hi face to face, if only for a moment. I'll also grab a map next time, as no matter how well I know the trails, my 5 second glimpse at the map failed me. Oops.
Catching up before the start: Shad, JT, Brandon
Can you spot the guy that looks a bit like someone we know?
Rob, Laurie, Fred, Meghan, Eric
Me, Scott, Johannes,
Me (should have kept the PFD with the spikes and windbreaker), Shad, JT (picture pilfered from Aaron Kennard)
Striking a pose just after I finished "hey, I just beat many of the top runners in the World!!".... "oh yeah, not so fast there sporty, it was not a race and they were just goofing off on a social run" ;). (photo 'rob'bed from Rob Timko)
Friday, 10/28/11 Local Baby Jogger Run
4.71 miles/167 vert./43:48/9:18 pace/115 avg. HR
Super easy run around Louisville with the girls. After my miserable run yesterday, I was sure to time my run today a little better and got out in the prime of the day. Enjoyed listening to a very funny installment of the Adam Carolla podcast which made the run go by really fast.
Super easy run around Louisville with the girls. After my miserable run yesterday, I was sure to time my run today a little better and got out in the prime of the day. Enjoyed listening to a very funny installment of the Adam Carolla podcast which made the run go by really fast.
Thursday, 10/27/11 Local Baby Jogger Run
3 miles/190 vert./40 minutes/avg. HR 92
As I spent a fair bit of the day in the yard cleaning up branches that fell during the recent snowstorm, enjoying the warming sun, I was eager to get out for a run with the girls once they awoke from their afternoon nap. Their nap ran later than normal and by the time I wrestled them (despite their vocal protests) into their warm jackets, hats, mittens, etc.. and got them loaded in the Chariot, the setting sun, as if on cue, went behind a large cloud as soon as I rolled out of the garage. I tried to maintain a positive attitude, but as the temperature instantly dropped from a seemingly warm ~45+ to a very Winter like and cold ~32 with breeze (I was under dressed), I could not have been less enthused about being out for a run, but was determined to make the most of it after all the work to get ready. Sierra was apparently not into it either, so the entire run consisted of running hard enough to stay warm, then waiting on a reluctant dog to catch up as I froze. Went home and chowed on Boo Berry to make up for it.
As I spent a fair bit of the day in the yard cleaning up branches that fell during the recent snowstorm, enjoying the warming sun, I was eager to get out for a run with the girls once they awoke from their afternoon nap. Their nap ran later than normal and by the time I wrestled them (despite their vocal protests) into their warm jackets, hats, mittens, etc.. and got them loaded in the Chariot, the setting sun, as if on cue, went behind a large cloud as soon as I rolled out of the garage. I tried to maintain a positive attitude, but as the temperature instantly dropped from a seemingly warm ~45+ to a very Winter like and cold ~32 with breeze (I was under dressed), I could not have been less enthused about being out for a run, but was determined to make the most of it after all the work to get ready. Sierra was apparently not into it either, so the entire run consisted of running hard enough to stay warm, then waiting on a reluctant dog to catch up as I froze. Went home and chowed on Boo Berry to make up for it.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Wednesday, 10/26/11 Green Mountain
Up/Down front from Chautauqua
5.17 miles/2,479 vert./1:52:12 RT(1:07up)/avg. HR 133 Garmin Data
With a few upcoming days of baby juggling on the horizon, followed by 2 days of being unable to get outside and a fresh foot or so of snow tempting me (at the higher elevations at least), I could not accept the prospect of not being able to get outside to enjoy some time on the trails.
I called Homie and proposed a night lap of Green and he was in. We met at Chautauqua and got going around 7:30pm, where there was enough light from town to illuminate the Flatirons, Flagstaff and made our headlamps somewhat unnecessary. The sight of the Flatirons pasted in snow and lit up in the soft Winter (like) glow was hard to describe. I was regretting not bringing my camera to at least try to capture it (guess you had to be there). Microspikes helped on the lower sections of trail, but as soon as we got onto the Amphitheater trail, they were marginally helpful at best in the increasingly deep and unconsolidated snow.
We went pretty easy on the up and down, mainly dictated by the poor footing, trail breaking, conversation and waiting on Sierra. She never got too far behind, but we always knew where she was, since I attached my red flashing bike light to her harness and worked amazingly well to keep track of her in the dark.
As always, I was grateful to have Homie along and it was great to see Sierra turn into a young pup in fresh snow.
5.17 miles/2,479 vert./1:52:12 RT(1:07up)/avg. HR 133 Garmin Data
With a few upcoming days of baby juggling on the horizon, followed by 2 days of being unable to get outside and a fresh foot or so of snow tempting me (at the higher elevations at least), I could not accept the prospect of not being able to get outside to enjoy some time on the trails.
I called Homie and proposed a night lap of Green and he was in. We met at Chautauqua and got going around 7:30pm, where there was enough light from town to illuminate the Flatirons, Flagstaff and made our headlamps somewhat unnecessary. The sight of the Flatirons pasted in snow and lit up in the soft Winter (like) glow was hard to describe. I was regretting not bringing my camera to at least try to capture it (guess you had to be there). Microspikes helped on the lower sections of trail, but as soon as we got onto the Amphitheater trail, they were marginally helpful at best in the increasingly deep and unconsolidated snow.
We went pretty easy on the up and down, mainly dictated by the poor footing, trail breaking, conversation and waiting on Sierra. She never got too far behind, but we always knew where she was, since I attached my red flashing bike light to her harness and worked amazingly well to keep track of her in the dark.
As always, I was grateful to have Homie along and it was great to see Sierra turn into a young pup in fresh snow.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Sunday, 10/23/11 Green PR
From Chautauqua
Up 3rd access/NE/Greenman
Down Greenman/NE/Saddle/Amphi
4.17 miles/2,446 vert./1:01:34 (38:50 up)/165 avg. HR Garmin Data
My legs were feeling heavy and sluggish and I was planning on taking a day off, but after leaving the office to grab some lunch and seeing what an amazingly perfect day it was, I figured I would get out for a casual hike/run on Green.
Started from Chautauqua, barely mustering up a run on the crowded and seemingly steep trail. Once I hit the trail junction (~7 minutes even), I realized that I was moving better than I thought, just as I started to feel like I was getting into a groove and upped the tempo a bit. ~8 at the next junction, 10 at the base of the 2nd, 20 to hit the social trail behind the 3rd and then I made good time and efficient route choices above on the way to the NE ridge.
Once I hit the NE ridge, I was able to keep a good running pace all the way to the summit, where I PR'ed for the route by 47 seconds at 38:50.
I started thinking about breaking 1:00 for the RT and even though I did not feel 100% as I started down, I figured I would fake it for as long as I could. I was cruising fast down the NE ridge and I had the classic thought "OK, I am moving pretty decent" and then whoops, my foot slid out and I took a pretty good digger, probably the best yet, but was able to skip out of it with only minor scratches. This stifled my confidence a bit and I had trouble regaining a good rhythm, but still made decent time.
Once on the lower part of Amphitheater, I knew there was no way I could make it back in less than 2:30, but I pushed for all I was worth anyways and clocked a 1:01:34. Not under an hour, but I was reasonably happy all things considered and felt like I worked for it pretty hard.
Up 3rd access/NE/Greenman
Down Greenman/NE/Saddle/Amphi
4.17 miles/2,446 vert./1:01:34 (38:50 up)/165 avg. HR Garmin Data
My legs were feeling heavy and sluggish and I was planning on taking a day off, but after leaving the office to grab some lunch and seeing what an amazingly perfect day it was, I figured I would get out for a casual hike/run on Green.
Started from Chautauqua, barely mustering up a run on the crowded and seemingly steep trail. Once I hit the trail junction (~7 minutes even), I realized that I was moving better than I thought, just as I started to feel like I was getting into a groove and upped the tempo a bit. ~8 at the next junction, 10 at the base of the 2nd, 20 to hit the social trail behind the 3rd and then I made good time and efficient route choices above on the way to the NE ridge.
Once I hit the NE ridge, I was able to keep a good running pace all the way to the summit, where I PR'ed for the route by 47 seconds at 38:50.
I started thinking about breaking 1:00 for the RT and even though I did not feel 100% as I started down, I figured I would fake it for as long as I could. I was cruising fast down the NE ridge and I had the classic thought "OK, I am moving pretty decent" and then whoops, my foot slid out and I took a pretty good digger, probably the best yet, but was able to skip out of it with only minor scratches. This stifled my confidence a bit and I had trouble regaining a good rhythm, but still made decent time.
Once on the lower part of Amphitheater, I knew there was no way I could make it back in less than 2:30, but I pushed for all I was worth anyways and clocked a 1:01:34. Not under an hour, but I was reasonably happy all things considered and felt like I worked for it pretty hard.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Saturday, 10/22/11 Green via Cavernous Sinus/East Green
From Chautauqua
4.37 miles/2,792 vert./2:24 (1:54 up)/avg. HR 123
Up Royal Arch Trail to Sentinel Pass, Cavernous Sinus, East Slopes to East Green, Greenman
Down Greenman/NE/1st Access
Had an amazing outing with Homie today seeking out the infamous Cavernous Sinus, as described in Roach's Flatiron Classics book. Homie has been in the area several times climbing nearby rock formations, but had yet to stumble across it, so today we went looking.
After some circuitous bushwhacking and a dead end or two, we ascended a gully with small cave at the end. I crawled into the seemingly nothing of a cave and only saw a narrow vertical opening into who knows what up above between some massive chockstones (massive, like the size of a house), all seemingly supported by much smaller stones. Homie took a look and then wormed his way up through the improbable looking hole, as I volunteered to go back down and around and meet him on the upper side. I have done more challenging things in slot canyons, but I have become even more of a wimp over the years and just looking at that tight vertical opening made me feel claustrophobic.
Homie made it out the upper side with no problem and from there, we spent some time goofing around climbing on rocks and exploring all the cool formations. Eventually, we ascended a harder than it looks from below chimney with some stretchy moves and then came out on top of this really cool knife edge formation with amazing views of Green, S. Green, Bear and SoBo. From there it was an easy jaunt over to the Greenman trail and then to the very crowded summit, where we bumped into Rob and Lauri Timko.
This was certainly one of the more unique trips up Green and definitely one of the most fun. Getting out with Homie is always a great time and the unique vantage of Green and the surrounding area from the sharp fin near East Green is unrivaled.
Now I am hoping to get back and complete the trip through the cavern, although I might wear pants and longsleeves.
Entrance to the top secret cavern
This is the hole Homie slithered up (I put my hat there for scale)
Homie on the other side
Up above the cavern, Homie explores some rugged terrain
Awesome vantage of the 3rd Flatiron and town. The photos do not do it justice.
Zoom
Zoom even more
Liken' the lichen
Tada!! All of a sudden, there is the summit of Green as I have never seen it.
Bear, SoBo, S. Green
Green summit
Zoom of Green (you can see the crowd on top)
Our ascent gully (steeper than it looks)
Rob and Laurie Timko
4.37 miles/2,792 vert./2:24 (1:54 up)/avg. HR 123
Up Royal Arch Trail to Sentinel Pass, Cavernous Sinus, East Slopes to East Green, Greenman
Down Greenman/NE/1st Access
Had an amazing outing with Homie today seeking out the infamous Cavernous Sinus, as described in Roach's Flatiron Classics book. Homie has been in the area several times climbing nearby rock formations, but had yet to stumble across it, so today we went looking.
After some circuitous bushwhacking and a dead end or two, we ascended a gully with small cave at the end. I crawled into the seemingly nothing of a cave and only saw a narrow vertical opening into who knows what up above between some massive chockstones (massive, like the size of a house), all seemingly supported by much smaller stones. Homie took a look and then wormed his way up through the improbable looking hole, as I volunteered to go back down and around and meet him on the upper side. I have done more challenging things in slot canyons, but I have become even more of a wimp over the years and just looking at that tight vertical opening made me feel claustrophobic.
Homie made it out the upper side with no problem and from there, we spent some time goofing around climbing on rocks and exploring all the cool formations. Eventually, we ascended a harder than it looks from below chimney with some stretchy moves and then came out on top of this really cool knife edge formation with amazing views of Green, S. Green, Bear and SoBo. From there it was an easy jaunt over to the Greenman trail and then to the very crowded summit, where we bumped into Rob and Lauri Timko.
This was certainly one of the more unique trips up Green and definitely one of the most fun. Getting out with Homie is always a great time and the unique vantage of Green and the surrounding area from the sharp fin near East Green is unrivaled.
Now I am hoping to get back and complete the trip through the cavern, although I might wear pants and longsleeves.
Entrance to the top secret cavern
This is the hole Homie slithered up (I put my hat there for scale)
Homie on the other side
Up above the cavern, Homie explores some rugged terrain
Awesome vantage of the 3rd Flatiron and town. The photos do not do it justice.
Zoom
Zoom even more
Liken' the lichen
Tada!! All of a sudden, there is the summit of Green as I have never seen it.
Bear, SoBo, S. Green
Green summit
Zoom of Green (you can see the crowd on top)
Our ascent gully (steeper than it looks)
Rob and Laurie Timko
Friday, October 21, 2011
Friday, 10/21/11 Green Mountain
From Chautauqua
Up 3rd access/East slopes/Down East slopes/NE/1st access
3.83 miles/2,565 vert./1:47:07/126 avg. HR Garmin Data
Was planning a double baby carry with Aron today, but Allison ended up staying home from work sick, which opened up my options a bit. I then figured I would just take Amelie, but after deciding on an afternoon trip to the zoo, I figured I should just head out there early and let the babies nap well before the big afternoon trip.
So, I figured I would mess around a bit on the front side as I have enjoyed doing so much as of late and make it a challenge to not use any real trail above the 3rd Flatiron. I took the usual route, but then about a few hundred feet below the NE ridge, I started contouring left on intermittent and sporadic game trails. I found some cool aspen groves at peak foliage and ended up doing some challenging bushwhacking, class 3 pine needles/cones and multiple bush belays.
I eventually ended up on the ridge above the log steps on upper Greenman and just made a bushy beeline for the summit.
Once there, Mike, who reads my blog recognized me and introduced himself and his wife. I was a little surprised to be recognized, but flattered by his kind comments. Nice to meet you Mike.
I backtracked some of my ascent route, but then took a much better way to the NE ridge (still staying off trail) and then took the usual route down the 1st/2nd Flatiron route.
This was mostly a hike, with a few short bursts of running and a lot of stopping to wait for Sierra, who was moving pretty slow today, but it was awesome to have her company and just enjoy yet another perfect Fall day and the vibrant colors.
Up 3rd access/East slopes/Down East slopes/NE/1st access
3.83 miles/2,565 vert./1:47:07/126 avg. HR Garmin Data
Was planning a double baby carry with Aron today, but Allison ended up staying home from work sick, which opened up my options a bit. I then figured I would just take Amelie, but after deciding on an afternoon trip to the zoo, I figured I should just head out there early and let the babies nap well before the big afternoon trip.
So, I figured I would mess around a bit on the front side as I have enjoyed doing so much as of late and make it a challenge to not use any real trail above the 3rd Flatiron. I took the usual route, but then about a few hundred feet below the NE ridge, I started contouring left on intermittent and sporadic game trails. I found some cool aspen groves at peak foliage and ended up doing some challenging bushwhacking, class 3 pine needles/cones and multiple bush belays.
I eventually ended up on the ridge above the log steps on upper Greenman and just made a bushy beeline for the summit.
Once there, Mike, who reads my blog recognized me and introduced himself and his wife. I was a little surprised to be recognized, but flattered by his kind comments. Nice to meet you Mike.
I backtracked some of my ascent route, but then took a much better way to the NE ridge (still staying off trail) and then took the usual route down the 1st/2nd Flatiron route.
This was mostly a hike, with a few short bursts of running and a lot of stopping to wait for Sierra, who was moving pretty slow today, but it was awesome to have her company and just enjoy yet another perfect Fall day and the vibrant colors.
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