Up Amphi/Saddle/Greenman
Down NE Ridge
3.75 miles/2,300 vert./1:04:02 (38:32 up/25:28 down)/148 avg. HR Garmin Data
Fairly easy run, as I think I am coming down with something (the whole family is sick), or at the very least, was just low on energy from a few consecutive nights of poor sleep.
As expected, the route is dry to the spring on upper Greenman below the talus field (where some large trees came down in the recent wind storm, one huge one fell across the trail in the lower talus field and slid out of the way, then another just above obstructed the trail and was recently removed). Trail conditions were quite icy and slick though here for a bit, but I was too lazy to stop to install the spikes, so I just negotiated the best I could by staying in the snow on either side of the trail. There was another fairly long dry section, then snow/ice from the bottom of the wooden stairs to the final switchback, but again, did this without the spikes.
Spent very little time on the summit, just long enough to put on my windbreaker and then somehow detach my headlamp from the band and watch it crash down the rocks, as I had it wrapped around my wrist. Oops, I did not know it could do that. Luckily it still worked. Was also a bit pestered by the still persistent wind, that has pretty much been blowing since Saturday morning.
I carefully negotiated my way down the upper snow/ice section with my Microspikes safely stashed in my waistband, then gave the NE ridge a try in hopes that it would be dry and I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was (I will be favoring this route until conditions improve on the normal trails, as traction is not necessary at all). It was quickly getting dark and for a while I was in that no mans land of dark enough it is hard to see, but too light for a light to be of much help. Once past the 1st access jct., it was like somebody flicked off the light switch and I busted out the magic Fenix lamp for the remainder.
I am quite clumsy in the dark and took it easy as to not have any mishaps. The moving shadows really throw off my already compromised equilibrium (only long lasting affects from my near fatal head injury in 1987).
Sierra
Sierra
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
Sunday, 11/13/11 2 Laps on Sanitas and Red Rocks
Sanitas x 2/Red Rocks
6.74 miles/3,001 vert./1:21:27/159 avg. HR Garmin Data
Was planning the usual lap on Green, but I was eager to test the NB MT110 and I realized that my medium size (stretched out) Microspikes were a bit floppy on the very slim and streamlined 110. I debated trying it anyways, or just going without traction, then decided that running dry trails and perhaps getting a few minutes of late afternoon sun on Sanitas might be good for the soul.
By the time I started my run, a thin layer of clouds were blocking out the sun and the wind was pretty pesky, making it feel much cooler than the ~51 degree temp reading in my car. Despite this though, I was eager to run, as I have only hiked Sanitas a handful of times with the babies this year and I can’t even remember the last time I actually ran it.
I pushed a bit on the first lap, feeling a bit bogged down by the forceful wind and also worked my way around many more dogs and people than I expected. The second lap, I felt like I took it easier (which seems true because I was 1 minute slower), but my HR was actually 2 bpm higher for the second ascent. To change it up a bit, I descended the East Ridge/Dakota Ridge and really enjoyed cruising along the dry trails. I seriously contemplated a 3rd lap, but knew I would run out of daylight and did not feel like wasting the time running back to the car at 4th/Mapleton to get my light, so I ran over to Canyon via Red Rocks and back (where it got pretty dark on me by the end).
The MT110 is indeed an amazing shoe. I was impressed with how light and responsive it felt, yet has enough protection to protect your feet well on something as rocky and technical as Sanitas. It is a very free/neutral feeling shoe, but stability was excellent, as it rides so close to the groung. Traction was very good as well, as I was doing some deliberate high speed rock smearing on the descents and it pretty much stuck whenever I needed it too. This shoe will be a must have for those looking for a fast and light race shoe (they will be available in Feb. 2012 I think?).
Lap 1, Up/Down S. Ridge:
18:27 up avg HR 167
11:43 down avg HR 150
Lap 2, Up S. Ridge/Down East Ridge/Dakota Ridge
19:30 up avg HR 169
16:54 down avg HR 151
Red Rocks: 14:50 out/back
6.74 miles/3,001 vert./1:21:27/159 avg. HR Garmin Data
Was planning the usual lap on Green, but I was eager to test the NB MT110 and I realized that my medium size (stretched out) Microspikes were a bit floppy on the very slim and streamlined 110. I debated trying it anyways, or just going without traction, then decided that running dry trails and perhaps getting a few minutes of late afternoon sun on Sanitas might be good for the soul.
By the time I started my run, a thin layer of clouds were blocking out the sun and the wind was pretty pesky, making it feel much cooler than the ~51 degree temp reading in my car. Despite this though, I was eager to run, as I have only hiked Sanitas a handful of times with the babies this year and I can’t even remember the last time I actually ran it.
I pushed a bit on the first lap, feeling a bit bogged down by the forceful wind and also worked my way around many more dogs and people than I expected. The second lap, I felt like I took it easier (which seems true because I was 1 minute slower), but my HR was actually 2 bpm higher for the second ascent. To change it up a bit, I descended the East Ridge/Dakota Ridge and really enjoyed cruising along the dry trails. I seriously contemplated a 3rd lap, but knew I would run out of daylight and did not feel like wasting the time running back to the car at 4th/Mapleton to get my light, so I ran over to Canyon via Red Rocks and back (where it got pretty dark on me by the end).
The MT110 is indeed an amazing shoe. I was impressed with how light and responsive it felt, yet has enough protection to protect your feet well on something as rocky and technical as Sanitas. It is a very free/neutral feeling shoe, but stability was excellent, as it rides so close to the groung. Traction was very good as well, as I was doing some deliberate high speed rock smearing on the descents and it pretty much stuck whenever I needed it too. This shoe will be a must have for those looking for a fast and light race shoe (they will be available in Feb. 2012 I think?).
Lap 1, Up/Down S. Ridge:
18:27 up avg HR 167
11:43 down avg HR 150
Lap 2, Up S. Ridge/Down East Ridge/Dakota Ridge
19:30 up avg HR 169
16:54 down avg HR 151
Red Rocks: 14:50 out/back
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Saturday, 11/12/11 Too Windy to Run and New Shoes
I should have run in the morning before it got too windy, but the planets did not align and by the time I had the time to get outside, the toilet water in the house was sloshing (seriously) and it felt like the roof was going to fly away at any moment. This continued all day and the thought of pushing the girls around in the jogger did not seem appealing or prudent.
I am back to testing shoes again, no longer for Competitor Magazine, but now for Running Times and Triathlete Magazine. I am guessing it would be a conflict of interest to also review those shoes here, but I just figure I will post the occasional picture and a very brief opinion (full reviews/ratings can be found later at those sources).
The Flatirons approve, so how could you go wrong (no, the shoe is not made of wood)
NB Trail Minimus MT00. Scaled down even further from last years model, now a scant 4.5oz. and zero drop. I can't really see much of a practical use for these around here in Colorado, perhaps a few grassy strides, or a soft dirt path. I actually enjoy wearing them around the office, but I get a lot of odd stares and funny looks. If I were still backpacking (hopefully again someday), these would be sweet to keep handy for creek crossings and around camp.
Nike Zoom Elite. It has been ~15 years since I have run in a pair of Nikes. These shoes did not disappoint, light and fast feeling but plenty of cush for the cement and paved paths. Great on the smooth dirt too.
Mizuno Wave Rider 15. A solid road training shoe, good cushion and support, a bit stiff on toe off (just a little).
K-Swiss Blade Foot Run. Another zero drop shoe. Felt odd at first, almost like walking around in road bike shoes as the front almost feels higher than the back. I almost passed these by, but am really glad I grabbed them. Super comfy, light and are substantial enough to use as a daily trainer. The subtle color scheme also makes them suitable for civilian use.
Inov 8 Bare X Lite 150. Kind of a cross between Halloween and Christmas (skeletor meets candy cane?). Yet another zero drop minimal racer. I like the slip on/quick lace style and they are super light and comfy, but they are a bit too skimpy for me (but I have already re-homed them).
Here is a shoe shelf shot as per GZ's request (to be fair though, the lower right 3 shelves are all Allison's shoes). Just wait until Amelie and Isabelle start running.....
I am back to testing shoes again, no longer for Competitor Magazine, but now for Running Times and Triathlete Magazine. I am guessing it would be a conflict of interest to also review those shoes here, but I just figure I will post the occasional picture and a very brief opinion (full reviews/ratings can be found later at those sources).
NB MT110. After staring at the back of these shoes frequently on Green Mountain for nearly a year and hearing Tony boast about them being THE best shoe he has ever used, I lucked into a pair. I have not yet had a chance to put them to the test, but just wearing them around the neighborhood so far, they feel awesome, light and fast with a surprising amount of support and protection for such a minimal shoe.
The Flatirons approve, so how could you go wrong (no, the shoe is not made of wood)
The Erik Skaggs version
NB Trail Minimus MT00. Scaled down even further from last years model, now a scant 4.5oz. and zero drop. I can't really see much of a practical use for these around here in Colorado, perhaps a few grassy strides, or a soft dirt path. I actually enjoy wearing them around the office, but I get a lot of odd stares and funny looks. If I were still backpacking (hopefully again someday), these would be sweet to keep handy for creek crossings and around camp.
Nike Zoom Elite. It has been ~15 years since I have run in a pair of Nikes. These shoes did not disappoint, light and fast feeling but plenty of cush for the cement and paved paths. Great on the smooth dirt too.
Mizuno Wave Rider 15. A solid road training shoe, good cushion and support, a bit stiff on toe off (just a little).
K-Swiss Blade Foot Run. Another zero drop shoe. Felt odd at first, almost like walking around in road bike shoes as the front almost feels higher than the back. I almost passed these by, but am really glad I grabbed them. Super comfy, light and are substantial enough to use as a daily trainer. The subtle color scheme also makes them suitable for civilian use.
Inov 8 Bare X Lite 150. Kind of a cross between Halloween and Christmas (skeletor meets candy cane?). Yet another zero drop minimal racer. I like the slip on/quick lace style and they are super light and comfy, but they are a bit too skimpy for me (but I have already re-homed them).
Friday, November 11, 2011
Friday, 11/11/11 11.11 Miles at 11:11am Local Baby Jogger Run
11.11 miles/272 vert./1:23:47/7:33 pace/147 avg. HR
Out of the blue yesterday when considering my run for the day, I got the idea that I would get out for an 11 miler and all the other 1s just happened to come together. Headed South through Louisville on the bike/walking paths and eventually to the Coal Creek Path, following it through old town Superior, where we turned around near the new(ish) Mayhoffer Singletree TH (which was at the 5.5 mile mark). I considered going longer, but knew that by the time we got home, 11 would be enough for all of us on the day. We stopped for a while and watched the cows on the side of the road and the girls really seemed to be entertained by it. Overall a pretty moderate run, with a few casual miles and few quicker miles at sub 7 pace (6:54 and 6:59).
Out of the blue yesterday when considering my run for the day, I got the idea that I would get out for an 11 miler and all the other 1s just happened to come together. Headed South through Louisville on the bike/walking paths and eventually to the Coal Creek Path, following it through old town Superior, where we turned around near the new(ish) Mayhoffer Singletree TH (which was at the 5.5 mile mark). I considered going longer, but knew that by the time we got home, 11 would be enough for all of us on the day. We stopped for a while and watched the cows on the side of the road and the girls really seemed to be entertained by it. Overall a pretty moderate run, with a few casual miles and few quicker miles at sub 7 pace (6:54 and 6:59).
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Thursday, 11/10/11 Green Mountain
From Chautauqua
Up Front/Down Back
5.87 miles/2,454 vert./1:25:25 (52:42 up) Garmin Data
Met up with GZ at Chautauqua a little before 7am and it was surprisingly balmy, perfect morning for a lap on Green. Took it super easy, hiking most of the ascent, catching up on all sorts of topics and just enjoying the tranquility. I had my Microspikes, but since George did not, I did not bother to put them on for the climb and got by just fine since we were going a casual pace.
Since there was a cool breeze and I had to meet the family for breakfast in town, we did not linger on the summit for too long. I put the Microspikes on at the 4-way and George encouraged me to go ahead and not wait, as he knew he would be slower without any traction. Although I was reluctant to take off, it was beneficial in the end to not have the family waiting on me, though I simultaneously regretted not getting to spend that extra half hour continuing our always fun conversations.
Conditions on the hill right now are not great (not complaining, I always enjoy it) and there is really no ideal method of getting up/down (mostly the back down part) safely and efficiently. Going up Gregory Ranger, it is dry all the way up the canyon (aside from the initial ~45 seconds of snow/ice), then mostly snow/ice to the cabin (with some dry spots), then bullet proof ice above the cabin, most of the way to the ridge, then there are long stretches of dry trail, then a lot of ice, then mostly dry from 4 way to the summit. On the front, it is mostly dry up Amphi/Saddle (you can step around the ice when necessary), then most of upper Greenman is ice with a few spots of rock. Microspikes are great, but you either have to take them on/off frequently, or accept the fact that you will make them dull prematurely running on rock and dry ground. Screw shoes are good on the ice also (not as good as Microspikes, but close) and are advantageous in some ways when you are quickly transitioning through varying trail conditions, though I am not eager to be scratching around on bare rock on the lower half of the mountain.
I hear the La Sportiva Hobnails are pretty cool, but I ama bit reluctant too cheap to throw down the $40 dollars. Maybe a few more days of this stuff though will push me in that direction a bit more.
I guess I could always go back to running the S. ridge on Sanitas for the Winter, but what fun would that be?
Up Front/Down Back
5.87 miles/2,454 vert./1:25:25 (52:42 up) Garmin Data
Met up with GZ at Chautauqua a little before 7am and it was surprisingly balmy, perfect morning for a lap on Green. Took it super easy, hiking most of the ascent, catching up on all sorts of topics and just enjoying the tranquility. I had my Microspikes, but since George did not, I did not bother to put them on for the climb and got by just fine since we were going a casual pace.
Since there was a cool breeze and I had to meet the family for breakfast in town, we did not linger on the summit for too long. I put the Microspikes on at the 4-way and George encouraged me to go ahead and not wait, as he knew he would be slower without any traction. Although I was reluctant to take off, it was beneficial in the end to not have the family waiting on me, though I simultaneously regretted not getting to spend that extra half hour continuing our always fun conversations.
Conditions on the hill right now are not great (not complaining, I always enjoy it) and there is really no ideal method of getting up/down (mostly the back down part) safely and efficiently. Going up Gregory Ranger, it is dry all the way up the canyon (aside from the initial ~45 seconds of snow/ice), then mostly snow/ice to the cabin (with some dry spots), then bullet proof ice above the cabin, most of the way to the ridge, then there are long stretches of dry trail, then a lot of ice, then mostly dry from 4 way to the summit. On the front, it is mostly dry up Amphi/Saddle (you can step around the ice when necessary), then most of upper Greenman is ice with a few spots of rock. Microspikes are great, but you either have to take them on/off frequently, or accept the fact that you will make them dull prematurely running on rock and dry ground. Screw shoes are good on the ice also (not as good as Microspikes, but close) and are advantageous in some ways when you are quickly transitioning through varying trail conditions, though I am not eager to be scratching around on bare rock on the lower half of the mountain.
I hear the La Sportiva Hobnails are pretty cool, but I am
I guess I could always go back to running the S. ridge on Sanitas for the Winter, but what fun would that be?
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Tuesday, 11/08/11 Green Mountain
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.
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.
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.
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