5 miles
1,500 vertical
Allison and I ran up the approach trail toward the Micky Mouse Wall, crossed the track above Tunnel 6, scrambled, goofed around near the tracks watching trains pass through, then ran some of the new trails (Goshawk, not quite done yet). Awesome day, warm and sunny, near 70. We then went and checked out the new Soulpepper running shop.
Sierra
Sierra
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Saturday, 11/15/08 Meridian Hill and 11,053
Pt. 11,053 and Meridian Hill (11,490)
11/16/08
From Meridian TH
~11.5 miles
~3,250 vertical
Jeff and Allison Valliere, Ken Nolan, Jean Aschenbrenner, Dwight Sunwall, John Prater and Sierra
Got an invite from Ken early Friday morning to go hike Meridain Hill and we were packed within 30 minutes. We were looking for something to do somewhat local and not too much above tree line this weekend, so this fit the bill perfectly. Ken and I have also been unable to coordinate for quite some time, so it was great to finally have the timing and location work out.
We met at the gas station near Crow Hill at 5:45am and then drove to the Meridian TH near Camp Rosalie where we eventually got going on the trail around 6:30am. There was hardly any snow in the area and it was great to still be able to leave the slowshoes behind.Since I had used this trail to climb Rosedale on New Years Day this year, I was somewhat familiar with the area, but it all looked drastically different with only a dusting of snow and we remarked what a great fall hike it would be with all the aspens.
The trail was smooth and easy to follow for quite some time and once near the Rosedale/11,053 saddle, we left the trail and bee lined up the gentle hillside to the even more gentle ridge to the summit of 11,053. After a short break, we then cut through the woods down to Mud Lakes, contoured around them heading E/SE until we were directly below the summit where we then headed straight up the hillside through the trees NE to the summit. From the Western true summit, we pondered going to the Eastern summit which is a little over 1/3 mile away.
Ken, John, Dwight, Sierra and I cruised most of the way over there to take some sight level readings to confirm that the West summit was higher and sure enough it was.
Back at the true summit, we were quite surprised to bump into a guy with a dog. Being on such an obscure peak, we initially thought that there may be a chance that we may “know” one another, at least through the internet community, but when we presented that possibility to him, he immediately said there was no way. OK. He only stated his first name (Steve?) and that he was “local”, “from Littleton”.
We made our way back down to Mud Lakes and then back into the trees contouring around the North side of 11,053 to the 11,053/Rosedale saddle. We took our time walking out, taking several long breaks as the day warmed dramatically, a stark contrast to the chilly, early morning start.
Pictures:
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/Meridian/
11/16/08
From Meridian TH
~11.5 miles
~3,250 vertical
Jeff and Allison Valliere, Ken Nolan, Jean Aschenbrenner, Dwight Sunwall, John Prater and Sierra
Got an invite from Ken early Friday morning to go hike Meridain Hill and we were packed within 30 minutes. We were looking for something to do somewhat local and not too much above tree line this weekend, so this fit the bill perfectly. Ken and I have also been unable to coordinate for quite some time, so it was great to finally have the timing and location work out.
We met at the gas station near Crow Hill at 5:45am and then drove to the Meridian TH near Camp Rosalie where we eventually got going on the trail around 6:30am. There was hardly any snow in the area and it was great to still be able to leave the slowshoes behind.Since I had used this trail to climb Rosedale on New Years Day this year, I was somewhat familiar with the area, but it all looked drastically different with only a dusting of snow and we remarked what a great fall hike it would be with all the aspens.
The trail was smooth and easy to follow for quite some time and once near the Rosedale/11,053 saddle, we left the trail and bee lined up the gentle hillside to the even more gentle ridge to the summit of 11,053. After a short break, we then cut through the woods down to Mud Lakes, contoured around them heading E/SE until we were directly below the summit where we then headed straight up the hillside through the trees NE to the summit. From the Western true summit, we pondered going to the Eastern summit which is a little over 1/3 mile away.
Ken, John, Dwight, Sierra and I cruised most of the way over there to take some sight level readings to confirm that the West summit was higher and sure enough it was.
Back at the true summit, we were quite surprised to bump into a guy with a dog. Being on such an obscure peak, we initially thought that there may be a chance that we may “know” one another, at least through the internet community, but when we presented that possibility to him, he immediately said there was no way. OK. He only stated his first name (Steve?) and that he was “local”, “from Littleton”.
We made our way back down to Mud Lakes and then back into the trees contouring around the North side of 11,053 to the 11,053/Rosedale saddle. We took our time walking out, taking several long breaks as the day warmed dramatically, a stark contrast to the chilly, early morning start.
Pictures:
http://s147.photobucket.com/albums/r296/jeffvalliere/Meridian/
Friday, November 14, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Thursday, 11/13/08 Flagstaff and Green
8 miles
2,800 vertical
Got out with George this morning for a trip over Flag and over to Green. Was warm, but was super windy in spots. After freezing my tail off yesterday, I took no chances and over dressed. I was hot as all get out going over Flag, then felt like I was dressed just right on the upper parts of Green. George was really putting it to me today on the ups. He was trying to chat up a storm, but I could only mutter a one word answer here and there and was barely able to keep up. We did the loop in 1:28 which was not too shabby, no wonder I was sucking wind and having trouble sticking to a walk ;).
2,800 vertical
Got out with George this morning for a trip over Flag and over to Green. Was warm, but was super windy in spots. After freezing my tail off yesterday, I took no chances and over dressed. I was hot as all get out going over Flag, then felt like I was dressed just right on the upper parts of Green. George was really putting it to me today on the ups. He was trying to chat up a storm, but I could only mutter a one word answer here and there and was barely able to keep up. We did the loop in 1:28 which was not too shabby, no wonder I was sucking wind and having trouble sticking to a walk ;).
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Wednesday, 11/12/08 Bear Peak
6 miles
2,800 vertical
Walked up Bear today, the weather was great from the car to the saddle, but above that, the wind was whipping from the West across the N. ridge and I was a bit underdressed wearing shorts, long sleeve and windshirt. The summit was nice, warm and sunny if you got out of the wind on the East side.
Up 49 minutes
Down 36 minutes
2,800 vertical
Walked up Bear today, the weather was great from the car to the saddle, but above that, the wind was whipping from the West across the N. ridge and I was a bit underdressed wearing shorts, long sleeve and windshirt. The summit was nice, warm and sunny if you got out of the wind on the East side.
Up 49 minutes
Down 36 minutes
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Tuesday, 11/11/08 Sanitas Speed Walk Part Deux
3 miles
1,300 vertical
After walking Sanitas yesterday, I was curious if I could go faster and still be able to do it on the standard S. Ridge route which is a bit longer and has a little more vertical than the East route I hiked yesterday. For added motivation, I was to meet Sierra and Allison on the trail somewhere, so I was cranking pretty good and walking seemed quite efficient.
On a few of the flatter sections, it was REALLY tough to keep my cool and remain at a walk, but I diligently persisted, taking long fast strides. My time checks were decent and for the entire second half, I was sure I could go under 20. I was happy to get in at 19:29, which was more than 2 minutes faster than the previous day. I bumped into Allison and Sierra near the top and we casually walked down together. I felt especially great today.
1,300 vertical
After walking Sanitas yesterday, I was curious if I could go faster and still be able to do it on the standard S. Ridge route which is a bit longer and has a little more vertical than the East route I hiked yesterday. For added motivation, I was to meet Sierra and Allison on the trail somewhere, so I was cranking pretty good and walking seemed quite efficient.
On a few of the flatter sections, it was REALLY tough to keep my cool and remain at a walk, but I diligently persisted, taking long fast strides. My time checks were decent and for the entire second half, I was sure I could go under 20. I was happy to get in at 19:29, which was more than 2 minutes faster than the previous day. I bumped into Allison and Sierra near the top and we casually walked down together. I felt especially great today.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Monday, 11/10/08 Speed hiking Sanitas
2.75 miles
1,200 vertical
Sierra and I got out for a short walk up Sanitas today from the East side or the "Hawthorne" TH as we call it. We started off at a casual walk for the first 2 minutes and 37 seconds, until I saw a guy running high up the trail ahead. This of course sparked my competetive urges and I was itching to haul ass. I contemplated running, but I am trying to take some time off from running, yet still maintain decent fitness and have fun (we'll see how that really works). I upped my walking pace and nearly caught him as the canyon ended at the main trail, but unfortunately, he passed on the challenge and went left instead of up and right.
It was hard to draw the line between running and hiking fast, but I was able to keep one foot on the ground at any given time. I got surprisingly sore as I tried to go fast up the hill, my lower back and various leg muscles that were being used in a different way were noticibly taxed and I was kind of surprised by this, as I am not really out of hiking shape. As I went up, I started to think about going under 20 minutes, but I think I blew it with the casual start. I topped out in 21:49 which I was satisfied with (I think next time I can take it under 20 with a bit more resolve and focus).
My next goal was to try and get down as quickly as I went up without running a step. Sounds easy, but I knew it would be close for me. Again, the line between running and walking was tough to maintain, especially on the steeper upper sections where it is instinctive to hop, leap and bound. I made it down (walking every step) in a surprising 17:30, although I looked like one of those goofs walking laps around mall.
1,200 vertical
Sierra and I got out for a short walk up Sanitas today from the East side or the "Hawthorne" TH as we call it. We started off at a casual walk for the first 2 minutes and 37 seconds, until I saw a guy running high up the trail ahead. This of course sparked my competetive urges and I was itching to haul ass. I contemplated running, but I am trying to take some time off from running, yet still maintain decent fitness and have fun (we'll see how that really works). I upped my walking pace and nearly caught him as the canyon ended at the main trail, but unfortunately, he passed on the challenge and went left instead of up and right.
It was hard to draw the line between running and hiking fast, but I was able to keep one foot on the ground at any given time. I got surprisingly sore as I tried to go fast up the hill, my lower back and various leg muscles that were being used in a different way were noticibly taxed and I was kind of surprised by this, as I am not really out of hiking shape. As I went up, I started to think about going under 20 minutes, but I think I blew it with the casual start. I topped out in 21:49 which I was satisfied with (I think next time I can take it under 20 with a bit more resolve and focus).
My next goal was to try and get down as quickly as I went up without running a step. Sounds easy, but I knew it would be close for me. Again, the line between running and walking was tough to maintain, especially on the steeper upper sections where it is instinctive to hop, leap and bound. I made it down (walking every step) in a surprising 17:30, although I looked like one of those goofs walking laps around mall.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Sunday, 11/09/08 Bear Peak/Green Mountain
~13 miles
~4,400 vertical
This morning was awesome, sunny, warm and calm and I was enthusiastic to get out for a few local peaks. I enjoyed yesterday's outing up Bear via Bear Canyon/West Ridge from NCAR so much, I could not resist heading up there again today, just a little faster this time. I went on the easy side of moderate most of the way, pushing myself occasionally to mid moderate exertion every now and then, making the summit in an hour even. From here, I debated going over to S. Boulder or going to Green, or doing them both. Since I did not bring food or water, I opted to compromise and zip over to Green as to not totally deplete myself. I was a bit sloppy on the technical downhill back to the West ridge for some reason and fumbled a few times but never fell, it was just one of those 2 left foot days. Made it to the jct. in 1:18:??, then plugged along up Green to the 4-way and then on to the summit. Topped out on Green in 1:34:5?, turned tail at 1:35 even and then dawdled my way back down Bear Canyon and over the rollers to NCAR, arriving back there after 2:14 of running. Another excellent day in the foothills.
Splits from NCAR:
6:?? Mesa Trail
13:50 Start of Bear Canyon trail
35 W. Ridge Jct.
1:00 Bear Summit
1:18 Back to W. Ridge Jct.
1:34:5? Green
1:44 W. Ridge Jct.
2:14 Back to NCAR
~4,400 vertical
This morning was awesome, sunny, warm and calm and I was enthusiastic to get out for a few local peaks. I enjoyed yesterday's outing up Bear via Bear Canyon/West Ridge from NCAR so much, I could not resist heading up there again today, just a little faster this time. I went on the easy side of moderate most of the way, pushing myself occasionally to mid moderate exertion every now and then, making the summit in an hour even. From here, I debated going over to S. Boulder or going to Green, or doing them both. Since I did not bring food or water, I opted to compromise and zip over to Green as to not totally deplete myself. I was a bit sloppy on the technical downhill back to the West ridge for some reason and fumbled a few times but never fell, it was just one of those 2 left foot days. Made it to the jct. in 1:18:??, then plugged along up Green to the 4-way and then on to the summit. Topped out on Green in 1:34:5?, turned tail at 1:35 even and then dawdled my way back down Bear Canyon and over the rollers to NCAR, arriving back there after 2:14 of running. Another excellent day in the foothills.
Splits from NCAR:
6:?? Mesa Trail
13:50 Start of Bear Canyon trail
35 W. Ridge Jct.
1:00 Bear Summit
1:18 Back to W. Ridge Jct.
1:34:5? Green
1:44 W. Ridge Jct.
2:14 Back to NCAR
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Saturday, 11/08/08 Bear Peak
9 miles
3,600 vertical
I felt much better today as the wind had calmed down and it was reasonably warmish. My legs felt better as well and my mind was totally into a casual hike with Allison and Sierra. We started at NCAR, headed to the Mesa Trail and then took Bear Canyon to West Ridge and down Fern. We went easy and took a few breaks, just enjoying the day. I think it took about 90 minutes up and less than an hour back.
3,600 vertical
I felt much better today as the wind had calmed down and it was reasonably warmish. My legs felt better as well and my mind was totally into a casual hike with Allison and Sierra. We started at NCAR, headed to the Mesa Trail and then took Bear Canyon to West Ridge and down Fern. We went easy and took a few breaks, just enjoying the day. I think it took about 90 minutes up and less than an hour back.
Friday, 11/07/08 Flagstaff
5 miles
1,400 vertical
Allison dragged me kicking and screaming for a run up Flag via Gregory Canyon, did a loop at the top and back down Gregory. I fell asleep hard on the 12 minute drive to Boulder and was out of sorts the entire run. The howling wind and somewhat tired legs did nothing for my motivation and Allison took advantage by blowing my doors off the entire run as I was seriously dragging a$$.
1,400 vertical
Allison dragged me kicking and screaming for a run up Flag via Gregory Canyon, did a loop at the top and back down Gregory. I fell asleep hard on the 12 minute drive to Boulder and was out of sorts the entire run. The howling wind and somewhat tired legs did nothing for my motivation and Allison took advantage by blowing my doors off the entire run as I was seriously dragging a$$.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Thursday, 11/06/08 Brook Loop
6 miles
1,200 vertical
(stats include a short warm-up as the loop is 5 miles and 1,000 vertical according to Bill)
At Bill's BBQ last night, as I was saying goodbye, he suggested that I run the "Brook Loop" which is a loop that starts at the cement bridge at the S. Mesa TH, heads up Towhee to the base of Shadow, then traverses right along what he calls the "Bridge Trail" to the Mesa Trail, then N. on the Mesa to Bluestem, then back down to the lower section of the Mesa Trail and back to the bridge. He was thinking that I could break the record of 37:15 and after a bit of talk, I was convinced that I could and hoped to give it a shot soon.
I headed out there this afternoon, it was a bit cool, but not too bad. As I arrived at the S. Mesa TH shortly before 2pm, it was windy as could be and I was losing motivation. I lingered in the car as the wind howled, stirring up dust devils and eventually and reluctantly stepped out for a short warm-up. I jogged in my jacket with my hands in my pockets as I listened to the powerlines sing songs in the wind. I felt good, but not great and I knew I would be bucking a stiff headwind, so my hopes were not high.
From the bridge, I was cranking right off the bat, as this was a short run and I was putting a bit more into it than usual. I crossed the small creek on Towhee at 3:27, got to the Homestead jct in 10:08, then the next junction in 12:08. I knew I should have been faster than this, but pushing through that cold headwind was doing me no favors. Made the Shadow/Bridge Trail jct. in 18:35, good but not great. I sped through the short ups, leading to the long down pretty well, but as soon as I hit the down, I knew I had my work cut out, as my downhill muscles and coordination are not totally there after Saturdays run. Oh well, I just cruised it, going fast, but definitely not setting the trail on fire. Made the Mesa in 23:51, then the Bluestem in 25:09, back to the Mesa in 31:3? (I think), then the finish in 35:48. I beat the record, but was not at all satisfied, as I was thinking I would be 32 or 33 going good, or 34 at the worst. Oh well, I just really wanted to put down a baseline time for me and have something to improve upon. Great run though either way.
1,200 vertical
(stats include a short warm-up as the loop is 5 miles and 1,000 vertical according to Bill)
At Bill's BBQ last night, as I was saying goodbye, he suggested that I run the "Brook Loop" which is a loop that starts at the cement bridge at the S. Mesa TH, heads up Towhee to the base of Shadow, then traverses right along what he calls the "Bridge Trail" to the Mesa Trail, then N. on the Mesa to Bluestem, then back down to the lower section of the Mesa Trail and back to the bridge. He was thinking that I could break the record of 37:15 and after a bit of talk, I was convinced that I could and hoped to give it a shot soon.
I headed out there this afternoon, it was a bit cool, but not too bad. As I arrived at the S. Mesa TH shortly before 2pm, it was windy as could be and I was losing motivation. I lingered in the car as the wind howled, stirring up dust devils and eventually and reluctantly stepped out for a short warm-up. I jogged in my jacket with my hands in my pockets as I listened to the powerlines sing songs in the wind. I felt good, but not great and I knew I would be bucking a stiff headwind, so my hopes were not high.
From the bridge, I was cranking right off the bat, as this was a short run and I was putting a bit more into it than usual. I crossed the small creek on Towhee at 3:27, got to the Homestead jct in 10:08, then the next junction in 12:08. I knew I should have been faster than this, but pushing through that cold headwind was doing me no favors. Made the Shadow/Bridge Trail jct. in 18:35, good but not great. I sped through the short ups, leading to the long down pretty well, but as soon as I hit the down, I knew I had my work cut out, as my downhill muscles and coordination are not totally there after Saturdays run. Oh well, I just cruised it, going fast, but definitely not setting the trail on fire. Made the Mesa in 23:51, then the Bluestem in 25:09, back to the Mesa in 31:3? (I think), then the finish in 35:48. I beat the record, but was not at all satisfied, as I was thinking I would be 32 or 33 going good, or 34 at the worst. Oh well, I just really wanted to put down a baseline time for me and have something to improve upon. Great run though either way.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Wednesday 11/05/08 Green Mountain
6 miles
2,500 vert.
Got out with George today for an easy run up Green. Started at Chautauqua, then went up Amphi, Saddle, Greenman while talking politics and aspects of running/training the whole time. We ended up walking most of the way up or easy jogging the flat sections. It was a bit chilly at the start, but the sun was shining on the summit and it was actually not too bad. I was glad to have a jacket to put on however and we did not linger for too long. We actually ran the down, but I have no idea how long it took.
46:50 up
??:?? down
??:?? RT
2,500 vert.
Got out with George today for an easy run up Green. Started at Chautauqua, then went up Amphi, Saddle, Greenman while talking politics and aspects of running/training the whole time. We ended up walking most of the way up or easy jogging the flat sections. It was a bit chilly at the start, but the sun was shining on the summit and it was actually not too bad. I was glad to have a jacket to put on however and we did not linger for too long. We actually ran the down, but I have no idea how long it took.
46:50 up
??:?? down
??:?? RT
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Sunday, 11/02/08 Green Mountain
5 miles
2,400 vertical
Nobody told Sierra about the time change, so she was up at 6am, hopping around squeaking her toys, tossing them in the air and giving all kinds of hints that she had energy to burn. I was feeling less than peppy, but figured I would take advantage of the extra hour of morning daylight and take her up Green. We went up Amphi, Saddle, Greenman at a very slow pace, it took me almost a full episode of car guys, 52 minutes from Gregory TH. Went down in an even more pathetic 40 as my downhill muscles were pretty tight.
2,400 vertical
Nobody told Sierra about the time change, so she was up at 6am, hopping around squeaking her toys, tossing them in the air and giving all kinds of hints that she had energy to burn. I was feeling less than peppy, but figured I would take advantage of the extra hour of morning daylight and take her up Green. We went up Amphi, Saddle, Greenman at a very slow pace, it took me almost a full episode of car guys, 52 minutes from Gregory TH. Went down in an even more pathetic 40 as my downhill muscles were pretty tight.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Saturday, 11/01/08 Basic Boulder Mountain Marathon
Basic Boulder Mountain Marathon
Green Mountain/Flagstaff/Bear Peak/S. Boulder Peak
11/01/08
~22 miles
~7,000 vertical feet
3:34:05
Although not really a race, the Basic is a local rite of fall and attracts many of the region’s most notable and prolific trail runners to get together at an undisclosed location and run together on undisclosed trails that typically involve a variation of Green, Bear, S. Boulder Peak and Flagstaff in no particular order. This year we met at Bear Creek Park near Lehigh and Bear Mountain Dr. at 9am. There was of course a great turnout and there were many fast and experienced runners, many I knew and many I did not. No matter what, I knew things would get fast and competitive although in a very friendly, social and fun manner.
We started off at a mellow and conversational pace up the Bear Creek Trail and then to the Mesa Trail as we headed South. Soon, we started up Bear Canyon and the pace picked up just a touch. Justin Mock was leading it out and setting a steady tempo, followed by Dan Meehan, Andrew Skurka, Eric ?? and then myself. I just hung back about 10 feet behind these guys so I had a good view of the trail and made it a point to stay fueled, hydrated and not go too fast, as we had a long way to run. Luckily the pace was relatively mellow and coincided great with my intention to hang back and go somewhat conservative until the steep climb up Bear Peak via Fern Canyon that gains 2,100 feet in just over a mile….. my favorite.
We arrived on top of Green in 52ish, I scampered up to the summit boulder while Justin, Dan and Eric did whatever. I was not sure who was doing the short loop and who was doing the long, so I just kept rolling back down to the 4 way junction and down Ranger at a fast but reasonable speed. Dan and Eric soon caught up and I offered them the opportunity to pass, but they were content following me all the way to Chautauqua where we spent a few minutes refilling our water bottles (arrived there after about 1:30ish?).
As we were getting back on the trail, Justin arrived (not needing to fill as he would be pulling off early) and we were 4 again. A bit more conversational pace running, eventually led to Justin leading again at a steady tempo heading South on the Mesa trail. The pace was quick, but well within my limits and it was my goal just to run steady and always be close to the front.
Justin peeled at the Bear Creek Trail (thanks for the pacing!) and it was just Eric, Dan and I. They were both claiming to be tired, but Dan has dusted me up on Mt. Evans by a long shot and Eric is built like/looks like a very good runner, so I was not sure how things from here on would pan out. I led the way up the Fern Canyon Trail and started upping the pace, as I had been conserving for this moment and I felt great. Eric immediately popped on the steeper terrain and Dan fell behind and was soon out of sight. I was not sure if Dan had turned or what, but I kept up a hard pace, running when I could and power hiking when I had to knowing this was my opportunity to put it away. I got to the summit of Bear in 2:30-2:31 or so, tagged the true summit and scrambled back down the rocks to the trail. I did not look at time splits too closely after this point, but am assuming it was another 10 minutes or so over to S. Boulder.
Dave’s suggested route through the boulders that I was rehearsing yesterday worked out fast, smooth and flawless and I made quick work of it. I then started flying down the mountain as fast as I could go, as I was hoping to turn down Shadow before being seen, but I ran past Dan, Andrew and Joel (forgot his last name) about a minute before I made my turn. Seconds after passing them, I stumbled or slipped or something (I don’t really remember), but came down on a knee, ankle and hand. It hurt and I yelled involuntarily, but the adrenaline was so high, I shrugged it off quickly and started cranking down Shadow Canyon. Here I was starting to feel the effort, along with being a little shaken by the fall, I was not feeling at my best, but knowing I only had 7-9 minutes on those guys, I was running with reckless abandon (scared).
Coming out of the mouth of Shadow, I passed a hiker in white who knew my name, but I was so focused, I had no idea who it was. I knew the final miles back on the Mesa with the rollers were going to hurt, but I just kept digging hard and pushing the pace, always at or near my limit. If anyone was going to roll me up in the final miles, I was going to make them work for it. I passed Lisa and she offered up some encouragement which gave me a bit of a boost. I looked back on several of the more open sections expecting to see somebody creeping up on me, but I never saw anyone.
I was stoked to crest the final uphill and then gave it all I had on the down. My HR was completely pegged as I was leaving nothing to chance and I was at a near sprint for the final ~1.5 miles. Toward the end, I was starting to accept that I would not be caught and was starting to consider going under 3:30 (only because it is a round number).
As hard as I tried, I did not make 3:30, but was very happy to finish first at 3:34:05. Not that it means much, but I race so infrequently and when I do, I rarely do all that well, so I was fired up to have been able to run smart and strong today. Andrew ended up finishing second, 12 or 13 minutes back (I was surprised to have gained time), then Joel 6 or 7 minutes behind him. After that, I did not check my watch but Dan rolled in 4th, then Johannes, then George Zack, followed by Buzz.
All in all a perfect day of running. It was sunny and warm (but not too warm), I had a great run, saw many old friends and acquaintances and made some new friends along the way during the run and at the post run BBQ at Ryan and Lori’s house.
I was bummed that Dave could not make it due to a recently sprained ankle (even though his participation would have for sure set me back a place), as he is a great friend and also hands down the best at type of run. Many people commented on his absence. Wishing Dave a speedy recovery.
Green Mountain/Flagstaff/Bear Peak/S. Boulder Peak
11/01/08
~22 miles
~7,000 vertical feet
3:34:05
Although not really a race, the Basic is a local rite of fall and attracts many of the region’s most notable and prolific trail runners to get together at an undisclosed location and run together on undisclosed trails that typically involve a variation of Green, Bear, S. Boulder Peak and Flagstaff in no particular order. This year we met at Bear Creek Park near Lehigh and Bear Mountain Dr. at 9am. There was of course a great turnout and there were many fast and experienced runners, many I knew and many I did not. No matter what, I knew things would get fast and competitive although in a very friendly, social and fun manner.
We started off at a mellow and conversational pace up the Bear Creek Trail and then to the Mesa Trail as we headed South. Soon, we started up Bear Canyon and the pace picked up just a touch. Justin Mock was leading it out and setting a steady tempo, followed by Dan Meehan, Andrew Skurka, Eric ?? and then myself. I just hung back about 10 feet behind these guys so I had a good view of the trail and made it a point to stay fueled, hydrated and not go too fast, as we had a long way to run. Luckily the pace was relatively mellow and coincided great with my intention to hang back and go somewhat conservative until the steep climb up Bear Peak via Fern Canyon that gains 2,100 feet in just over a mile….. my favorite.
We arrived on top of Green in 52ish, I scampered up to the summit boulder while Justin, Dan and Eric did whatever. I was not sure who was doing the short loop and who was doing the long, so I just kept rolling back down to the 4 way junction and down Ranger at a fast but reasonable speed. Dan and Eric soon caught up and I offered them the opportunity to pass, but they were content following me all the way to Chautauqua where we spent a few minutes refilling our water bottles (arrived there after about 1:30ish?).
As we were getting back on the trail, Justin arrived (not needing to fill as he would be pulling off early) and we were 4 again. A bit more conversational pace running, eventually led to Justin leading again at a steady tempo heading South on the Mesa trail. The pace was quick, but well within my limits and it was my goal just to run steady and always be close to the front.
Justin peeled at the Bear Creek Trail (thanks for the pacing!) and it was just Eric, Dan and I. They were both claiming to be tired, but Dan has dusted me up on Mt. Evans by a long shot and Eric is built like/looks like a very good runner, so I was not sure how things from here on would pan out. I led the way up the Fern Canyon Trail and started upping the pace, as I had been conserving for this moment and I felt great. Eric immediately popped on the steeper terrain and Dan fell behind and was soon out of sight. I was not sure if Dan had turned or what, but I kept up a hard pace, running when I could and power hiking when I had to knowing this was my opportunity to put it away. I got to the summit of Bear in 2:30-2:31 or so, tagged the true summit and scrambled back down the rocks to the trail. I did not look at time splits too closely after this point, but am assuming it was another 10 minutes or so over to S. Boulder.
Dave’s suggested route through the boulders that I was rehearsing yesterday worked out fast, smooth and flawless and I made quick work of it. I then started flying down the mountain as fast as I could go, as I was hoping to turn down Shadow before being seen, but I ran past Dan, Andrew and Joel (forgot his last name) about a minute before I made my turn. Seconds after passing them, I stumbled or slipped or something (I don’t really remember), but came down on a knee, ankle and hand. It hurt and I yelled involuntarily, but the adrenaline was so high, I shrugged it off quickly and started cranking down Shadow Canyon. Here I was starting to feel the effort, along with being a little shaken by the fall, I was not feeling at my best, but knowing I only had 7-9 minutes on those guys, I was running with reckless abandon (scared).
Coming out of the mouth of Shadow, I passed a hiker in white who knew my name, but I was so focused, I had no idea who it was. I knew the final miles back on the Mesa with the rollers were going to hurt, but I just kept digging hard and pushing the pace, always at or near my limit. If anyone was going to roll me up in the final miles, I was going to make them work for it. I passed Lisa and she offered up some encouragement which gave me a bit of a boost. I looked back on several of the more open sections expecting to see somebody creeping up on me, but I never saw anyone.
I was stoked to crest the final uphill and then gave it all I had on the down. My HR was completely pegged as I was leaving nothing to chance and I was at a near sprint for the final ~1.5 miles. Toward the end, I was starting to accept that I would not be caught and was starting to consider going under 3:30 (only because it is a round number).
As hard as I tried, I did not make 3:30, but was very happy to finish first at 3:34:05. Not that it means much, but I race so infrequently and when I do, I rarely do all that well, so I was fired up to have been able to run smart and strong today. Andrew ended up finishing second, 12 or 13 minutes back (I was surprised to have gained time), then Joel 6 or 7 minutes behind him. After that, I did not check my watch but Dan rolled in 4th, then Johannes, then George Zack, followed by Buzz.
All in all a perfect day of running. It was sunny and warm (but not too warm), I had a great run, saw many old friends and acquaintances and made some new friends along the way during the run and at the post run BBQ at Ryan and Lori’s house.
I was bummed that Dave could not make it due to a recently sprained ankle (even though his participation would have for sure set me back a place), as he is a great friend and also hands down the best at type of run. Many people commented on his absence. Wishing Dave a speedy recovery.
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