6.04 miles/44 vert./47:03/7:47 pace/136 avg. HR Garmin Data
Did not really feel like running today, but a malfunctioning breaker at work was causing frequent and frustrating power outages, so I got fed up and just had to get away for a bit.
Figured I would just get in 3 miles, but once I got out the door, realized how nice it was out and became consumed with my Adam Carolla podcast, it was hard for me to head back and it was tempting to keep going, but figured I would stick to my intention of a casual day.
Headed up S. Fordham and maintained a very easy pace, crossed Nelson and just followed the powerlines to Golden Ponds and goofed around up in that area for a bit and headed back.
I have decided to try not taking any days off from running for a while and see how it goes, even if it is just a mile or three from work or home. But, at least this time of year with all the dressing up, I find it hardly worth the effort to get out for less than 6 miles. Once I get out there, I always want to do more.
Sierra
Sierra
Monday, January 16, 2012
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Sunday, 01/15/12 Bear/SoBo
5.7 miles/3,303 vert./1:33:38 (45:47 to true summit of Bear/11:40 to SoBo/9:48 back to Bear/26:20 down) Garmin Data
After getting up Bear on Friday and totally enjoying the snow drifted ridge, I could not wait to get out there again to enjoy.
From Cragmoor TH, up Fern to Bear/SoBo and back. Nice day, pretty warm, but a little windy again above the saddle. A little bit of everything out there for trail conditions, ice, bare ground, packed snow, slush, wind drifted powder, wind packed crust, frozen post holes, you name it. We need either a foot or two of snow, or a week of 80 degree temps (I would truly prefer the feet of snow right now).
Went high side of moderate on the up, flirting with the low side of hard at times, especially fighting the snow drifts on the ridge and piffy pow on the way up SoBo. Took it pretty mellow on the descent due to the variable conditions and lack of confidence in my rounded Microspikes (even crab walking through the steep section with the log steps). Once I crossed the Mesa Trail, I just removed the spikes, which was mostly a good choice, but made for some slow and careful stepping in spots, especially on the Cragmoor connector.
After getting up Bear on Friday and totally enjoying the snow drifted ridge, I could not wait to get out there again to enjoy.
From Cragmoor TH, up Fern to Bear/SoBo and back. Nice day, pretty warm, but a little windy again above the saddle. A little bit of everything out there for trail conditions, ice, bare ground, packed snow, slush, wind drifted powder, wind packed crust, frozen post holes, you name it. We need either a foot or two of snow, or a week of 80 degree temps (I would truly prefer the feet of snow right now).
Went high side of moderate on the up, flirting with the low side of hard at times, especially fighting the snow drifts on the ridge and piffy pow on the way up SoBo. Took it pretty mellow on the descent due to the variable conditions and lack of confidence in my rounded Microspikes (even crab walking through the steep section with the log steps). Once I crossed the Mesa Trail, I just removed the spikes, which was mostly a good choice, but made for some slow and careful stepping in spots, especially on the Cragmoor connector.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Saturday, 01/14/12 Local Baby Jogger Run
8.3 miles/237 vert./1:05:50/7:56 pace/144 avg. HR
Ran with the girls today to go visit mom at work. Was reasonably warm(ish), but somewhat windy, so I was either going an easy 6:30 pace when it was at my back, or pushing just a bit to stay in the 8 range running into it, but overall a mellow to moderate run. Got a little bonky toward the end, but ate some GU Chomps that I always have stashed in the jogger which got me home feeling good.
Ran with the girls today to go visit mom at work. Was reasonably warm(ish), but somewhat windy, so I was either going an easy 6:30 pace when it was at my back, or pushing just a bit to stay in the 8 range running into it, but overall a mellow to moderate run. Got a little bonky toward the end, but ate some GU Chomps that I always have stashed in the jogger which got me home feeling good.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Friday, 01/13/12 Bear Peak and Cragmoor Run
Run 1: 4.77 miles/1,203 vert./1:10 126 avg. HR Garmin Data
Run 2: 4.48 miles/2,721 vert./1:30 RT(59 up) 152 avg. HR Garmin Data
9.25 miles/3,924 vert./2:40
With Allison's parents at the house watching the girls, yet with a limited amount of time, Allison, Sierra and I took a run around the various trails from the Cragmoor TH including Mesa and Shanahan. Was expecting to hike for the most part, but Allison was pushing a run the entire time. Conditions were all over the board, from packed snow, wind drifted snow, dry trail, bulletproof ice, etc..... The wind was cranking and although the air temperature was reasonable, I was a bit chilly the whole time and was glad I backtracked to the car early in the run to grab my jacket.
Just as we finished, I met up with GZ, as planned, for a lap on Bear, while Allison and Sierra headed home. We went a pretty reasonable pace, casual/conversational for the most part and it was awesome to catch up with a great friend. Microspikes were almost ineffective on the upper section above the saddle with all the wind drifted snow, it was quite the wallow and slip fest and the wind was hammering for the most part. We spent no time on the summit and then had a great time foot skiing the down.
Run 2: 4.48 miles/2,721 vert./1:30 RT(59 up) 152 avg. HR Garmin Data
9.25 miles/3,924 vert./2:40
With Allison's parents at the house watching the girls, yet with a limited amount of time, Allison, Sierra and I took a run around the various trails from the Cragmoor TH including Mesa and Shanahan. Was expecting to hike for the most part, but Allison was pushing a run the entire time. Conditions were all over the board, from packed snow, wind drifted snow, dry trail, bulletproof ice, etc..... The wind was cranking and although the air temperature was reasonable, I was a bit chilly the whole time and was glad I backtracked to the car early in the run to grab my jacket.
Just as we finished, I met up with GZ, as planned, for a lap on Bear, while Allison and Sierra headed home. We went a pretty reasonable pace, casual/conversational for the most part and it was awesome to catch up with a great friend. Microspikes were almost ineffective on the upper section above the saddle with all the wind drifted snow, it was quite the wallow and slip fest and the wind was hammering for the most part. We spent no time on the summit and then had a great time foot skiing the down.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Thursday, 01/12/12 Local Run and More Shoes
6.03 miles/292 vert./54:14/9:00 pace/137 avg. HR
Easy run with the baby jogger and dog. Pace ranged anywhere from ~6:21 pace (passing, then putting distance on a person of undetermined gender, running ~7:20 pace with 2 Fi Fi ankle biter dogs). The remainder of the run was casually strolling, walking some ice/snow sections and waiting up on Sierra. A bit cold and breezy late in the afternoon, should have gone late morning when it was sunny and warm, but we were getting ready for a lunch date with mom.
Listened to this podcast (lifted from GZ's blog), an interview with my good friend Dave, talking about his recent 2011 UROY award. His achievement was very well deserved simply because of his running alone, but it also could not be awarded to a nicer guy. It was cool hearing Dave actually talk about his running, something he rarely, if ever does in person and even then it is like pulling teeth. Congrats Dave!
Also listened to this very good podcast that I got from Jason Henrie about transition and could relate a bit being a new(ish) father learning to balance my outdoor passions and time with family. I really like everything he had to say, but had to chuckle a bit at his somewhat naive sense of optimism. My situation is a bit different having twins, but even with just one, it will take a while to transition to the place that he is looking for (a bit longer than he might think). Or maybe not, perhaps he will get there right away, hard to judge as I don't know his situation. Either way, good luck to him.
It has been a while since I have posted some of my latest shoes, so here are a few of the more recent ones:
Under Armour Charge RC Storm. A unique shoe for sure, better than you might think, but I am still somewhat undecided on whether or not I really like them.
Nike Lunar Eclipse 2. Very good road shoe, really digging this pair more than I expected.
K Swiss Blade Max something or other.
K Swiss Blade Max something other or other.
North Face Single Track Hayasa. It has been a long time since I have run in a TNF shoe (2002 I think?). I have not had the opportunity lately, nor have I really been that interested, but they really hit a home run with this one. This is their entry into the minimalist market and I think they did a great job. Very light (~9oz), fast, nimble etc.... but with pretty reasonable protection still. Tread pattern could be a bit more aggressive for the steeper rougher trails, but the rubber compound is great.
Salomon XR Mission. I have always been a Salomon fan, but I am only so/so on these. They are comfortable, but the arch is a bit further forward than I have ever felt, but perhaps it is just the insole though (which I might swap out and see what happens). Kind of a cross shoe that does well on a variety of surfaces. It is definitely a solid everyday trainer, but a bit heavy to race in.
Pearlizumi Kissaki. Supposedly their minimalist shoe, but I found them to be a little heavy and not particularly speedy. I like the Streak II MUCH better. The memory foam in the heel padding is unique though.
Puma Faas 800. Awesome road trainer shoe. Light and quick feeling, very stable, but struggle a bit in the mud.
Easy run with the baby jogger and dog. Pace ranged anywhere from ~6:21 pace (passing, then putting distance on a person of undetermined gender, running ~7:20 pace with 2 Fi Fi ankle biter dogs). The remainder of the run was casually strolling, walking some ice/snow sections and waiting up on Sierra. A bit cold and breezy late in the afternoon, should have gone late morning when it was sunny and warm, but we were getting ready for a lunch date with mom.
Listened to this podcast (lifted from GZ's blog), an interview with my good friend Dave, talking about his recent 2011 UROY award. His achievement was very well deserved simply because of his running alone, but it also could not be awarded to a nicer guy. It was cool hearing Dave actually talk about his running, something he rarely, if ever does in person and even then it is like pulling teeth. Congrats Dave!
Also listened to this very good podcast that I got from Jason Henrie about transition and could relate a bit being a new(ish) father learning to balance my outdoor passions and time with family. I really like everything he had to say, but had to chuckle a bit at his somewhat naive sense of optimism. My situation is a bit different having twins, but even with just one, it will take a while to transition to the place that he is looking for (a bit longer than he might think). Or maybe not, perhaps he will get there right away, hard to judge as I don't know his situation. Either way, good luck to him.
It has been a while since I have posted some of my latest shoes, so here are a few of the more recent ones:
Under Armour Charge RC Storm. A unique shoe for sure, better than you might think, but I am still somewhat undecided on whether or not I really like them.
Nike Lunar Eclipse 2. Very good road shoe, really digging this pair more than I expected.
K Swiss Blade Max something or other.
K Swiss Blade Max something other or other.
North Face Single Track Hayasa. It has been a long time since I have run in a TNF shoe (2002 I think?). I have not had the opportunity lately, nor have I really been that interested, but they really hit a home run with this one. This is their entry into the minimalist market and I think they did a great job. Very light (~9oz), fast, nimble etc.... but with pretty reasonable protection still. Tread pattern could be a bit more aggressive for the steeper rougher trails, but the rubber compound is great.
Salomon XR Mission. I have always been a Salomon fan, but I am only so/so on these. They are comfortable, but the arch is a bit further forward than I have ever felt, but perhaps it is just the insole though (which I might swap out and see what happens). Kind of a cross shoe that does well on a variety of surfaces. It is definitely a solid everyday trainer, but a bit heavy to race in.
Pearlizumi Kissaki. Supposedly their minimalist shoe, but I found them to be a little heavy and not particularly speedy. I like the Streak II MUCH better. The memory foam in the heel padding is unique though.
Puma Faas 800. Awesome road trainer shoe. Light and quick feeling, very stable, but struggle a bit in the mud.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Wednesday, 01/11/12 Longmont LoBo Run
6.23 miles/94 vert./48:38/7:49 pace/141 avg. HR Garmin Data
Would have loved to head into Boulder after work to run Green in the fresh snow, but snowy roads mean more time in the car, which I could not really afford today.
Ran from work into Niwot on the LoBo trail and back in heavy snowfall. Was a little bit cold at first, mainly due to the wind, but I eventually got warmed up and enjoyed myself in the near whiteout conditions. Might have gone a little longer, but had a meeting to get back for.
Would have loved to head into Boulder after work to run Green in the fresh snow, but snowy roads mean more time in the car, which I could not really afford today.
Ran from work into Niwot on the LoBo trail and back in heavy snowfall. Was a little bit cold at first, mainly due to the wind, but I eventually got warmed up and enjoyed myself in the near whiteout conditions. Might have gone a little longer, but had a meeting to get back for.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Tuesday, 01/10/12 Local Run
3.33 miles/148 vert./27:57/8:24 pace/131 avg. HR
Easy run to the store in the dark after the girls went to bed.
Easy run to the store in the dark after the girls went to bed.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Monday, 01/09/12 Green Mountain
Up/Down Front
4 miles/2,278 vert./57:29 (36:49 up)/157 avg. HR Garmin Data
Conditions were improved over yesterday, but still less than ideal, especially with rounded microspikes. Put in a steady effort, not too hard, but definitely was working a bit on the up. Took the descent pretty casual and cautious.
4 miles/2,278 vert./57:29 (36:49 up)/157 avg. HR Garmin Data
Conditions were improved over yesterday, but still less than ideal, especially with rounded microspikes. Put in a steady effort, not too hard, but definitely was working a bit on the up. Took the descent pretty casual and cautious.
Sunday, 01/08/12 Green Mountain
From Chautauqua via Gregory/Ranger
6.37 miles/2,512 vert./1:44 (54:01 up from Gregory lot)/114 avg. HR Garmin Data
Casual hike/jog with Allison and Sierra in the afternoon. Conditions were not ideal with the fresh snow on the old ice and dull microspikes. Was a great day though and the new snow did a good job dressing things up a bit aesthetically. Wanted to push Allison a bit more on the uphill (she spent much of Gregory Canyon on the phone dealing with some things happening at home), but she was going a decent pace above the cabin, where I had fun coaching her a bit on form, stride and cadence, which seemed to help her move along quicker and more efficiently. I really hope to help her get her back to her pre pregnancy ~40 minute Green PR shape by Spring.
Jogged much of the way down which was fun and somewhat unusual for Allison, while Sierra of course was going batty with the fresh snow.
6.37 miles/2,512 vert./1:44 (54:01 up from Gregory lot)/114 avg. HR Garmin Data
Casual hike/jog with Allison and Sierra in the afternoon. Conditions were not ideal with the fresh snow on the old ice and dull microspikes. Was a great day though and the new snow did a good job dressing things up a bit aesthetically. Wanted to push Allison a bit more on the uphill (she spent much of Gregory Canyon on the phone dealing with some things happening at home), but she was going a decent pace above the cabin, where I had fun coaching her a bit on form, stride and cadence, which seemed to help her move along quicker and more efficiently. I really hope to help her get her back to her pre pregnancy ~40 minute Green PR shape by Spring.
Jogged much of the way down which was fun and somewhat unusual for Allison, while Sierra of course was going batty with the fresh snow.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Saturday, 01/07/12 Local Run
Part 1: 4.13 miles/191 vert./29:30/7:09 pace/155 avg. HR
Part 2: 1.31 miles/105 vert./11:20/8:40 pace/138 avg. HR
5.44 miles/296 vert./40:50
Got out for a quickie run late morning. Was told to be back in 30 minutes and did so in 29:30, but then had a little extra time to tack on a cool down 1.3.
Went high side of moderate for the most part on the first run out around Harper Lake. Figured my pace would be much quicker without ~75 lbs of baby jogger to push, but I did not feel like I was going much faster without it. Definitely a little quicker on the uphill grades, but maybe even slower without it on the flats and downhills.
Part 2: 1.31 miles/105 vert./11:20/8:40 pace/138 avg. HR
5.44 miles/296 vert./40:50
Got out for a quickie run late morning. Was told to be back in 30 minutes and did so in 29:30, but then had a little extra time to tack on a cool down 1.3.
Went high side of moderate for the most part on the first run out around Harper Lake. Figured my pace would be much quicker without ~75 lbs of baby jogger to push, but I did not feel like I was going much faster without it. Definitely a little quicker on the uphill grades, but maybe even slower without it on the flats and downhills.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Friday, 01/06/12 Local Baby Jogger Run
7 miles/289 vert./58:58/8.25 pace/142 avg HR
Mellow late afternoon run around Louisville with the girls. The dirt paths have mostly melted out, but the melting has left behind a lot of mud and dog $hit to dodge, so I ended up preferring the hard surfaces.
Random thought of the day....
I have been noticing on these urban runs (reminding me of what I have often noticed and thought about after many years of riding the road bike) that the majority of trash on the side of the roads and paths are alcohol, tobacco or fast food related and what that might indicate. Have a problem you are trying to hide? Keeping it hidden from the spouse? Don't care about yourself, so why care about the environment? Maybe it means nothing?
Mellow late afternoon run around Louisville with the girls. The dirt paths have mostly melted out, but the melting has left behind a lot of mud and dog $hit to dodge, so I ended up preferring the hard surfaces.
Random thought of the day....
I have been noticing on these urban runs (reminding me of what I have often noticed and thought about after many years of riding the road bike) that the majority of trash on the side of the roads and paths are alcohol, tobacco or fast food related and what that might indicate. Have a problem you are trying to hide? Keeping it hidden from the spouse? Don't care about yourself, so why care about the environment? Maybe it means nothing?
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Thursday, 01/05/12 Green Mountain with Amelie
5.19 miles/2,324 vert./1:37 (53 up/44 down)/avg. HR 129 Garmin Data
Got to spend some one on one time with Amelie today and figured I would take her up Green Mountain since her twin sister Isabelle was one up on her.
Headed up Gregory/Ranger for a little sunshine and to avoid the worst of the ice on Amphi/Saddle Rock trails. Aside from a few slushy/icy sections, spikes were not needed until the top of Gregory at the 1 mile mark. Conditions above that were nice packed/slushy snow where the spikes got great grip the entire time and there were just a few rocky sections near the summit.
Effort on the up was on the low side of moderate with a bit of a harder effort over the last few minutes. We spent a few minutes on top sharing apple juice out of Amelie's sippy cup and took a few pictures before reluctantly heading down on such a perfect ~65 degree January day.
We went super easy on the descent as to not bounce Amelie around too much or risk taking a slip. I bonked hard near the Ranger Cabin and I then realized it was after 2pm and I had not eaten lunch. I guess I was so concerned about making sure everything was perfect for Amelie, I totally neglected myself. Lesson learned.
We had an amazing time and it was really cool to just spend quality time with Amelie on her own. We sang, practiced words, imitated the sounds farm animals make and just generally soaked up the warm sun and laughed a lot.
Got to spend some one on one time with Amelie today and figured I would take her up Green Mountain since her twin sister Isabelle was one up on her.
Headed up Gregory/Ranger for a little sunshine and to avoid the worst of the ice on Amphi/Saddle Rock trails. Aside from a few slushy/icy sections, spikes were not needed until the top of Gregory at the 1 mile mark. Conditions above that were nice packed/slushy snow where the spikes got great grip the entire time and there were just a few rocky sections near the summit.
Effort on the up was on the low side of moderate with a bit of a harder effort over the last few minutes. We spent a few minutes on top sharing apple juice out of Amelie's sippy cup and took a few pictures before reluctantly heading down on such a perfect ~65 degree January day.
We went super easy on the descent as to not bounce Amelie around too much or risk taking a slip. I bonked hard near the Ranger Cabin and I then realized it was after 2pm and I had not eaten lunch. I guess I was so concerned about making sure everything was perfect for Amelie, I totally neglected myself. Lesson learned.
We had an amazing time and it was really cool to just spend quality time with Amelie on her own. We sang, practiced words, imitated the sounds farm animals make and just generally soaked up the warm sun and laughed a lot.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Wednesday, 01/04/12 Bear/SoBo/Green
12:31 miles/4,446 vert./2:44/150 avg. HR http://connect.garmin.com/activity/138978101
I had the day off and after letting Allison get out for a lap on Green, I was able to get an afternoon pass. Decided to go for Bear with the extra time, as I was eager to scout the alt. route I noticed a few weeks ago from upper Bear Canyon to the mid point of W. Ridge. It was pretty steep and snowy, completely untracked after the last storm, but I was able to follow the old buried tracks pretty well. The hillside was in your face steep (much to my satisfaction) and the snow was knee deep in spots which made things a little slow. Despite the poor conditions and back sliding, it was only ~10 minutes up to the trail.
Once on Bear, going to SoBo was a given. The snow is in decent condition, at least compared to the bullet proof ice on the front of Green right now, but there were some wind drifted snow sections and some frozen post hole-ish snow. I originally planned to head down Fern, but liked W. Ridge and Bear Canyon so much, I had to head back.
Since I was feeling great and had the time, I tacked on Green as well.
This was a perfect day out and I felt like I had great energy. I did not push very hard, but felt like I was always moving pretty efficiently for the effort I was putting out. It was one of those days where I seriously considered going back for a second lap on Bear at least on the way out, but knew that would not score me any points at home.
I had the day off and after letting Allison get out for a lap on Green, I was able to get an afternoon pass. Decided to go for Bear with the extra time, as I was eager to scout the alt. route I noticed a few weeks ago from upper Bear Canyon to the mid point of W. Ridge. It was pretty steep and snowy, completely untracked after the last storm, but I was able to follow the old buried tracks pretty well. The hillside was in your face steep (much to my satisfaction) and the snow was knee deep in spots which made things a little slow. Despite the poor conditions and back sliding, it was only ~10 minutes up to the trail.
Once on Bear, going to SoBo was a given. The snow is in decent condition, at least compared to the bullet proof ice on the front of Green right now, but there were some wind drifted snow sections and some frozen post hole-ish snow. I originally planned to head down Fern, but liked W. Ridge and Bear Canyon so much, I had to head back.
Since I was feeling great and had the time, I tacked on Green as well.
This was a perfect day out and I felt like I had great energy. I did not push very hard, but felt like I was always moving pretty efficiently for the effort I was putting out. It was one of those days where I seriously considered going back for a second lap on Bear at least on the way out, but knew that would not score me any points at home.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Tuesday, 01/03/12 Longmont Run
10.32 miles/156 vert./1:27:16/8:27 pace/134 avg HR Garmin Data
Easy run on the LoBo trail, basically a 5.16 mile warmup followed by a 5.16 mile cool down. It was surprisingly windy out there, so I just tucked into my headphones and was absorbed in the first Adam Carolla podcast of the year. The trail was quite muddy in spots, some snow and ice too, which added to the fun. It was also incredibly warm as I quickly shedded the windbreaker and was wishing I had shorts on, it was definitely warm enough for them.
Easy run on the LoBo trail, basically a 5.16 mile warmup followed by a 5.16 mile cool down. It was surprisingly windy out there, so I just tucked into my headphones and was absorbed in the first Adam Carolla podcast of the year. The trail was quite muddy in spots, some snow and ice too, which added to the fun. It was also incredibly warm as I quickly shedded the windbreaker and was wishing I had shorts on, it was definitely warm enough for them.
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