Sierra

Sierra
Sierra

Monday, March 12, 2012

Monday, 03/12/12 Green Mountain

Up Front/Down NE

3.77 miles/2,284 vert./1:01:11 (38:12 up)/avg HR 145  Garmin Data

I was feeling lazy, but could not resist getting outside on a 70+ degree day.  Was very sluggish and uncoordinated, mainly a result of 2 consecutive very short nights of restless sleep (a result of the time change, coupled with having to work very early and a few other life stress things going on).  The upper half of the mountain was pretty slick and punchy, even with spikes.  Carefully descended the NE Ridge, but felt like I had two left feet, so I went super easy and careful, as conditions were a mixed bag much of the way.  Even though tired, it was quite rejuvenating to get outside.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Saturday, 03/10/12 Sanitas/Green/Flagstaff

Sanitas Up Dakota Ridge/E. Ridge, Down S. Ridge

3.59 miles/1,326 vert./1:27/avg. HR 97  Garmin Data

Easy late morning hike with the family on a perfect bluebird calm day in the mid 60s.  We went pretty slow and stopped a lot, letting the girls soak up their surroundings and learn new words (the words "hike" and "mountain" were learned today).  Once at the hikers summit, we headed N. toward the real summit to find flatter/softer ground (with no people or dogs) so we could let them walk around and pick up sticks and pine cones.






Green/Flagstaff   Up 1st Arete/Down Ranger/Flagstaff

6 miles/2,844 vert./1:36/avg. HR 144  Garmin Data (stats from where I parked on 6th St.)

After the Sanitas hike, the timing was perfect to meet Homie for a hike/run on Green.  Showed him the always steep and interesting 1st Arete route.  Easily went up without spikes, but they were pretty handy for all of the Ranger Trail on the descent.  Hit up the true summit of Flagstaff and enjoyed nice dry trails all the way back down.  As always, a great time being out with Homie.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Friday, 03/09/12 Local Baby Jogger Run/Coal Creek

8.64 miles/277 vert./1:12:04/8:20 pace/avg. HR 133

Overall a pretty easy run.  Headed out with the girls toward the Coal Creek Trail to meet Allison who was getting out for a lunch run.  Felt super awesome right off the bat, hardly even realizing I was pushing a jogger and really wanted to hammer, but kept things pretty mellow.

Pace varied with gradient of course, but for a 1+ long stretch of flat paved road, with no wind, I was surprised to see that I was running sub 6:30 pace with my HR hovering in the mid 140s (and not climbing), which for me is pretty decent.  Though I was looking forward to meeting Allison, I felt so great, I just wanted to keep rolling like that for 8-10 and build on it a bit.  Once I met her at mile 2.6, pace varied between 9ish and stopped to let the girls run around in the grass and look at the cows and horses in Superior.

Oh well, it is only March, so no real need for me to hammer yet, but I REALLY wanted to today.  Either way, I am confident that my base is decent for me, for this time of year.

Was planning on an afternoon run over to Davidson Mesa, but the girls napped until 4:15 and by then, it was cooling off a bit and there was a lot to do at the house.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Thursday, 03/08/12 Local Baby Jogger Run/Davidson Mesa

7.52 miles/256 vert./57:44/7:41 pace/avg. HR 143

Generally an easy run with the jogger from home to Harper Lake and Davidson Mesa (the slowest mile being at 8:46 pace (warmup/uphill) and the fastest being at 6:56 where I was kicking it up a notch, but not really getting after it too much).

Of course we stopped to see the geese at the lake and pat the horses next to the trail.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Tuesday, 03/06/12 Green Mountain

Up/Down NE(ish)

3.24 miles/2,279 vert./57:55 (36:57up)/avg. HR 154  Garmin Data

75 degree day in early March with no wind, I'll take it.  Ran in full summer outfit today, t-shirt and shorts, but added gloves for those times I was on all fours in the snow.  The snow was actually a welcome way to keep things relatively cool on the upper sections, it might have seemed a bit too warm without it.  Also wore my super dull spikes and they performed great in the soft snow (did not have to worry about running on rock).  Days like today can really induce Spring fever, especially with the time change coming up this Sunday.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Monday, 03/05/12 Green Mountain

Up 1st Arete/Down NE Ridge

3.16 miles/2,423 vert./1:04:43 (42:17 up)/avg. HR 151  Garmin Data

Great hike/run today, how could it not be when it is 67 degrees?  Even busted out the shorts for the first time in months which felt really great.  The price of the warmth though is really messy snow, making for some poor footing and slow going at times, as there was just really no traction much of the way, even with Microspikes, it was so loose and slushy.  Certainly no crowds on this route, just passed one hiker near the summit and saw a few people near Amphitheater.  Love it.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Sunday, 03/04/12 Sanitas x 2

Up/Down S. Ridge

4.76 miles/2,517 vert./1:03:12/avg. HR 162  Garmin Data

Splits:  18:41/12:18/20:04/12:08

I skipped running yesterday, not because I felt as though I needed a day off, but because the wind was just too chaffing and annoying.  If I had the opportunity, I would have gladly gone for a run in the hills, but the prospect of pushing the double Chariot in that stuff was not appealing at all.  I did waffle all day though between gusts, "OK, it seems to be calming, I'll suit up and see what happens".  By the time I could think those thoughts though, the wind would gust again and I would come to my senses and realize that it would be no biggie to skip the run entirely.  I was just not at all into it.

So, with it being 65 today, I had to get outside, wind or no wind.

As I was driving to the Gregory lot after work for a lap on Green, I made a spur of the moment decision to head over to Sanitas, as I was lured by the sunshine, warmth and dry trails that I would find there.

I felt pretty sluggish and my legs had little to no snap, but put in an effort on the high side of moderate with a few surges on the low side of hard on my two ascents and just coasted the downhills for the most part.  I was also a bit over dressed, having planned on going over to Green and really wished that I had that clean pair of shorts I had been carrying around in my bag all Winter (and just removed last week, thinking I would not need them for a while).

It was really cool to run on dry trails and I realized that have almost forgotten how to run technical rocky, log steppy trail.  I also was reminded why I like Green much better, the lack of crowds, especially the Biffs and Buffys out there.  Caught up to one Biff fairly quickly and did the requisite throat clearing combined with a foot scuff or two.  With no reaction, I then said "on your left", nothing.  Noticing that he had ear buds, I figured he was rocking out and had no idea I was there, so I tried to sneak past on his left and ended up bouncing into him no less than 3 times in doing so.

I have no problem with earphones, I use them every once in a while on the trails if I am in the mood (maybe 5% of the time) and always on urban/flat runs, but I keep them turned waaaay down so I can still hear what is going on around me, or just keep one in my ear.  I secretly get a big kick out of scaring the crap out of those who are so self absorbed in their own little world and oblivious to those around them.  I often times cause people to about jump out of their skin (after a fair warning of course), even though efforts to be considerate almost always end up with the same result.

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Friday, 03/02/12 Green Mountain x 2

Up/Down Front

8.32 miles/4,575 vert./3:25 (or so)/avg. HR 112  Garmin Data

Woke up on Friday morning and got an e-mail from Homie who announced that he would be running 10 laps on Green to celebrate his birthday, that is 41 miles and ~24,000 vertical feet of climbing and descending, much of it on a trail that is solid ice.

With Allison's on call work schedule, I was not sure if I would be able to join for any laps, but was hoping for the best, keeping tabs and was at the ready all day, just in case.  Finally was able to get out the door late afternoon and join for laps 9 and 10.  Homie and GZ finished lap 8 a bit after 5pm, where Bill W, Kendrick and I were ready and waiting to join.  I was impressed with Homie's strength and resolve after being out there since 5am and aside from mentioning some blisters and that he had not been eating as well as he should have, did not complain one bit (as I might have been, and even did a bit after just 2 laps).

On the descent from lap 9, as we neared the Saddle/Amphi jct., we spotted some eyes down the hill, very close to where the Amphi trail doubles back.  We stopped and shined our lights and whatever it was, had some wide set eyes, was low to the ground and then got out of there fast and quiet after it closely checked us out.  I was 95% sure it was a lion, but we will never know for sure.  Either way, it definitely heightened our senses and we were a bit charged up and on guard for a bit.

Lap 10, a bit after 7pm and it was just Homie, Kendrick and I for the final push, but Dave called and said that he was on his way and would catch up.  We expected to have him catch us for much of the climb, but finally connected with us on the final switchbacks below the summit.  This, combined with being so close to the top gave Homie a strong surge of adrenaline and he put in a good sprint to put quite the exclamation point on an amazing day.

We took a few pictures on top, exchanged high fives and said our congrats, then Homie was out of there like a rocket.  I could barely keep up with him, as he was just ready to get the descent over with, eat and relax.  Finished at 9:09pm (I think) for what was for him a 16 hour and 8 minute day.  I was quite impressed with his accomplishment (though not at all surprised) and was more than honored to treat him to dinner at Illigal Pete's.  Congrats to Homie and happy 41st!

Dave Mackey, Homie, Kendrick

Dave, Homie and me (holding up a proud two fingers for my skimpy 2 laps).  Note the Microspikes on Dave's feet that Homie loaned him, I think he might be converted.

Oh yeah, almost forgot, got in a easy run with the jogger earlier in the day with the twins.

4.27 miles/220 vert./37:22/8:45 pace/avg. HR 126

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Thursday, 03/01/12 Local Baby Jogger Run

8.19 miles/284 vert./1:04:48/7:55 pace/avg. HR 145

Eager to explore a new route I mapped through Lafayette, I was all dressed and ready to go.  Chariot positioned for easy loading, baby jackets, hats, mittens piled at the ready, sippy cups filled and GPS watch outside acquiring satellites.  I knew I had limited time with snow in the forecast after noon, so I was eager for the girls to awake from their nap so we could get the show on the road.  Amelie awoke at 10:45, so we changed her diaper and get her ready while Isabelle slept through the commotion.  Amelie and I went out for a weather check and I was discouraged to find that it was snowing hard and seemed as though it would only get worse.

We went inside and I begrudgingly changed out of cold running uniform and back into civilian clothes, figuring the day would revolve around playing inside.  Isabelle finally awoke a half hour later and I noticed that it had stopped snowing and things were seeming a little brighter, so I quickly got changed, again, and got everyone loaded and ready to roll.

Open the garage, it is dark and snowing again.  Seriously?  Oh well, the girls were warm and fully enclosed, so it was just me who would get damp.  Once we got rolling, the snow let up, but it was a bit breezy and we passed through the occasional squall, requiring almost constant adjusting of my hat/hood/zippers and fogged sunglasses.

Turned out to be a decent run all things considered and I was glad I got out.  It was even funnier that when I got home and took the dog for a mile walk, it got really nice, warm and sunny.  That is Winter in Colorado I guess.

"Seems fine to me dad, what's the fuss?"

Wednesday, 02/29/12 Green Mountain

Up 1st Arete/Down 1st Saddle

3.02 miles/2,405 vert./1:08:25 (42:58 up)/avg. HR 149  Garmin Data

Had a fun afternoon jaunt up Green with Tony.  He introduced me to a new route variation along the 1st Arete and then along the side of the 1st Flatiron, then connecting with the "normal" 1st saddle route.  Interesting route that was a bit loose, technical and bushwhacky at times, but was a lot of fun, just the type of route I often times enjoy and even prefer.  Variable snow conditions, or lack thereof had me removing/installing the Microspikes very often (somewhat new spikes that I am trying to keep sharp).  Spent some time taking pictures in various spots for Tony's sponsors near the top.  I think I got some good ones.






We also got the girls each a pair of their own Nike running shoes.  Figured I would get a few silly shots of them in contrast to our Hoka shoes.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Tuesday, 02/28/12 LoBo Run

8 miles/58:43/142 vert./7:20 pace/avg. HR 148  Garmin Data

Eager to run before the predicted 70-80 mph winds (that have still yet to materialize), I got out mid-morning for a flat run from work.  Headed toward Niwot on the LoBo Trail, cut left off of 83rd onto Niwot Meadows Farm Rd. and then picked up a new (but still "closed") dirt path that generally headed East.  Was running somewhat mellow and getting near my turnaround time (had to get back to a meeting) and was hoping the new trail went all the way through to 95th so I could make a loop.  The trail finally ended and I would have had to add distance by going S. to Niwot Rd. through the high school grounds, or trespass a direct line across a farm (still tempting).  Decided to play it on the safe side and just backtrack, so I picked up the effort a bit to be sure I had enough time to shower and re-group.  Still was a fairly moderate run.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Sunday, 02/26/12 Green Mountain

Up/Down Front

4.08 miles/2,276 vert./56:26 (36:34 up)  Garmin Data

Bumped into Homie at the Gregory lot after he had finished his 2 laps for the day.  I was debating the old/dull spikes, but he encouraged me to use the newer/sharper pair and I was very glad I did.  The lower 1/3 of the mountain is solid ice and I was appreciating the great grip, as anything less would have made the going very slow.  The upper 2/3 to 1/2 was pretty decent packed trail with only a few short sections of awkward sidehilling.  Kept the effort at a reasonably moderate level and did not push at all.

On the descent, I just coasted and was making decent time on the upper half (I think), but really dialed it back on the lower section, as even with the sharp spikes, I took a good slip while being careful (I pulled out of it without hitting the deck, but it was a good wake up call).  Passed a couple picking their way down with no traction on their shoes and felt really bad for them.  Hope they made it out unscathed.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Saturday, 02/25/12 Local Baby Jogger Run

8.27 miles/257 vert./1:09:11/8:22 pace/avg. HR 136

Perfect day for a casual run with the girls in the jogger, as it was around 60 degrees and calm, so we headed over to Harper Lake and Davidson Mesa in search of geese and horses.  Only saw 4 geese, but the horses were outside and being social, so that was a big hit, despite all the slow going in the mud to get in and out of there.  Hoping those trails will dry out soon.

Friday, February 24, 2012

Friday, 02/24/12 Green Mountain

From Chautauqua
Up Front/Down W. Ridge/Long and Gregory Canyons

7.21 miles/2,630 vert./1:33:54/avg. HR 161  Garmin Data

Met up with Dave and David Riddle at Chautauqua for a lap on Green.  David was visiting town from Ohio with his wife and wanted to get in a little trail running before they headed up to Summit County for a weekend of skiing, so he had contacted Dave for a Tour.  Headed up Amphitheater/Saddle Rock/Greenman at somewhat of a conversational pace (they were conversing while I listened).  Conditions were a bit better than Wednesday, but it was windy again and there was plenty of freshly drifted snow to slip around in.

We spent a while on the summit, pointing out the neighboring summits (those that were not obscured by clouds) and just chatting for a bit.

Headed down West Ridge to the top of SuperFlag, which was rough in spots and included a good bit of post holing.  Long Canyon was in better condition, sheltered from the wind and even packed by somebody with snowshoes.

Great day out, a little cold and breezy at times, but seemed calm compared to Wednesday.

Splits:

Chau to Greg:  5:59
A/S/G:  41:20
Down WR/Long/Greg:  41:44 (longer than our ascent!)
Greg to Chau:  4:49

I got a kick out of this rather large and heavy (50lb) trophy sitting out front of Dave's apartment.  He has so many, he uses them to decorate outside even.  This one was used to prevent his patio from flying away during the recent wind storm.

Traversing the drifted, off camber section of trail above the Greenman/Saddle jct.


Dave, David






Dave, David, me

We stopped and built an awesome snowman on the way down while we waited on Dave