Sunday, June 16, 2013
Still Running
It's been a few months since my last post, but that doesn't mean I've stopped running. Since then my training has been all over the place in terms of motivation and consistency. At the beginning of the year I planned to run Jemez Mountain 50 (May) and Speedgoat 50k (July). I started training a little too hard too quickly for Jemez and burned out a few weeks in. Speedgoat is right around the corner and I'd be amiss if I said I was ready for it. I've put in some quality mountain miles over the last month or so (Boulder to Gold Hill, three laps up Green, many other runs up Green), but I still don't feel very confident in my current fitness level. In fact, it seems as though my right achilles tendon is a bit tight. So, now I'm wondering where to go from here. I may just forget about any serious races this year and just try to build up a good, solid mileage base. In the meantime, I'll go rest my achilles on a frozen bag of corn.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
My Blog Has Moved
As much as I've liked Blogspot, I felt my blog needed a fresh look and different features.
Behold:
jackjrusso.com
Behold:
jackjrusso.com
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Back to the Mountains (11/5 - 11/11)
Last week I mentioned my legs, particularly my quads, felt weak and as a result my knees were taking a bit of a bangin' on the steep technical downhills. Well, this week marks the start of a winter-long regimen of leg strengthening and building power. Accumulating mileage will take a backseat to vertical gain; Green Mountain and Bear Peak are the too obvious contenders for proper incline.
There are some general digits I hope to hit on a consistent basis: weekly vertical gain in the neighborhood of 10,000'+; weekly time, 10+ hours; mountain summits, as many as I can. There will also probably be one or two dead-flat runs per week to focus on form.
I'll start there and see how things progress. In the non-running department, I have begun to practice some localized exercises for the quads and hip abductors along with a few more bicycle rides to work (poor excuse for cross-training, I know).
With the preface out of the way...
Mon: Off
Tue: 3.2 mi (:50, 1,500') Amphitheater/Saddle Rock to Greenman junction
To hell with my overly comfortable bed; I woke up late. Since I need to be off the mountain by 8am and I parked the car at 6:50, I knew it'd be a bit tight, so I planned on not hitting the summit. I hiked the whole way up to the junction, making reasonably good splits, but nothing too taxing. Enjoyed a leasurely stroll down to Ranger and Gregory.
Wed: Off
Thu: Off - yes, three days off this week—really lazy.
Fri: 4.4 mi (1:14, 2,400') Green Mountain
The typical short way up (Amphi/SR/EMG). Hit the summit in :42. Ran a healthy portion up, had better control coming down than recent trips. Stopped a few times to poke my nose into some off-trail permit areas (I might need to check these routes out in greater detail in the future).
Sat: 12 mi (2:16, 3,470') Green Mountain & Skunk Canyon Loop
From my usual spot on 8th Street, I headed up Baseline Trial to Gregory—reaching the trailhead in 5:37—and took Gregory to EMG for the summit. The legs definitely felt pretty tired from yesterday's excursion, but I wasn't totally spent. In fact, I made decent time (for me) up Gregory—15 minutes to the top of the canyon. I gained the summit in ~:56. Took Ranger down and hit Chautauqua in 1:23. I still had some good energy left and the mid-30° temps were too perfect to ignore, so I strolled through Chautauqua Park, ran up Enchanted Mesa, descended down into Skunk Canyon, went up the canyon to the Mesa Trail, then cruised the Chautauqua Trail back to Baseline. Nice new mix of trails and overall fun time out. The snow began falling in earnest as I wrapped up.
Sun: 9 mi (1:58, 2,800') Green Mountain/Bear Creek Canyon Loop
The quads were pretty sore, but surprisingly, I had more energy than expected. I took the ascent casually, hiking most of the way. I ran back down through Bear Creek Canyon to loop it all up. Beautiful morning with sunny skies and a fresh couple of inches of snow, mid-30°s.
Week Totals:
Miles: 29
Vert: 10,170'
Time: 6:19
It's been a long time since I've had three mountain summits in one week (since Summer at least). I'll shoot for four next week.
There are some general digits I hope to hit on a consistent basis: weekly vertical gain in the neighborhood of 10,000'+; weekly time, 10+ hours; mountain summits, as many as I can. There will also probably be one or two dead-flat runs per week to focus on form.
I'll start there and see how things progress. In the non-running department, I have begun to practice some localized exercises for the quads and hip abductors along with a few more bicycle rides to work (poor excuse for cross-training, I know).
With the preface out of the way...
Mon: Off
Tue: 3.2 mi (:50, 1,500') Amphitheater/Saddle Rock to Greenman junction
To hell with my overly comfortable bed; I woke up late. Since I need to be off the mountain by 8am and I parked the car at 6:50, I knew it'd be a bit tight, so I planned on not hitting the summit. I hiked the whole way up to the junction, making reasonably good splits, but nothing too taxing. Enjoyed a leasurely stroll down to Ranger and Gregory.
Wed: Off
Thu: Off - yes, three days off this week—really lazy.
Fri: 4.4 mi (1:14, 2,400') Green Mountain
The typical short way up (Amphi/SR/EMG). Hit the summit in :42. Ran a healthy portion up, had better control coming down than recent trips. Stopped a few times to poke my nose into some off-trail permit areas (I might need to check these routes out in greater detail in the future).
Sat: 12 mi (2:16, 3,470') Green Mountain & Skunk Canyon Loop
From my usual spot on 8th Street, I headed up Baseline Trial to Gregory—reaching the trailhead in 5:37—and took Gregory to EMG for the summit. The legs definitely felt pretty tired from yesterday's excursion, but I wasn't totally spent. In fact, I made decent time (for me) up Gregory—15 minutes to the top of the canyon. I gained the summit in ~:56. Took Ranger down and hit Chautauqua in 1:23. I still had some good energy left and the mid-30° temps were too perfect to ignore, so I strolled through Chautauqua Park, ran up Enchanted Mesa, descended down into Skunk Canyon, went up the canyon to the Mesa Trail, then cruised the Chautauqua Trail back to Baseline. Nice new mix of trails and overall fun time out. The snow began falling in earnest as I wrapped up.
Sun: 9 mi (1:58, 2,800') Green Mountain/Bear Creek Canyon Loop
The quads were pretty sore, but surprisingly, I had more energy than expected. I took the ascent casually, hiking most of the way. I ran back down through Bear Creek Canyon to loop it all up. Beautiful morning with sunny skies and a fresh couple of inches of snow, mid-30°s.
Week Totals:
Miles: 29
Vert: 10,170'
Time: 6:19
It's been a long time since I've had three mountain summits in one week (since Summer at least). I'll shoot for four next week.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
10/29 - 11/4
Mon: 8 mi (:57, 1,000') Betasso Preserve
This singletrack loop in the mountains west of Boulder has piqued my interest as of late, so I popped over there in the afternoon. While offering mild vertical, it's generally smooth, flat singletrack that encourages plenty of full-stride running. Really a blast to zip through the contouring trail in a mix of forest and view-yielding mountain meadows.
Tue: Off
Wed: Off
Thu: 5 mi (1:03, 1,300') Flagstaff Mountain
Started from Chautauqua parking lot and took Baseline trail to Flagstaff Rd, which I ran to the top. Came back down Gregory Canyon. Obviously, the road is not very steep at all in comparison to the trail, but I feel it offers a nice warm up to bigger, more legitimate climbing later in the week. Caught a spectacular orange and purple sunrise in low-lying clouds on the way up.
Fri: 10 mi (1:31) Bobolink from work
Jogged 15 minutes from work to the trailhead where I met Mehri to run Bobolink. Ran really slow from the trailhead to where Mehri turned around (~3 miles), after which point I bumped up the pace a little bit, but nothing serious. Sunset was nice.
Sat: 4.4 mi (1:11, 2,400') Green Mountain
Up Amphitheater/Saddle Rock/Greenman. Hit the summit in :45. I started out way too fast up Amphi and subsequently blew up after the first view on Saddle Rock. Stopped at the SR/Greenman junction to regroup. Ran the flatter stuff on Greenman and power hiked the rest, which felt totally exhausting. The top was crammed with the usual Saturday morning hiking crowd, so I didn't linger and immediately came back down. Might need to do some strength training in the quads as my knees felt pretty banged up afterwards. 60th summit of Green.
Sun: 10 mi (2:28, 3,500') Bear Peak & Mesa Trail
I initially intended to run Mesa to Eldo and run Rattlesnake Gulch like last week, but by the time I got to South Shanahan junction, lack of inspiration had the last say. I turned around and went up Fern Canyon to tag Bear Peak. Windy above the saddle, but warm and clear skies otherwise. Great choice.
Totals:
Miles: 37.4
Vert: 8,200'
Time: 7:12
Although I enjoy the mix of different running styles I've been incorporating over the last month or so, the lack of serious climbing has left me feeling pretty weak in the quads, which I believe has been affecting my knees on the descents. While I really wanted to build up mileage this Winter, strength training might need to be the priority. I'll probably focus on power hiking more of the local peaks and, dare I say, doing some lunges.
This singletrack loop in the mountains west of Boulder has piqued my interest as of late, so I popped over there in the afternoon. While offering mild vertical, it's generally smooth, flat singletrack that encourages plenty of full-stride running. Really a blast to zip through the contouring trail in a mix of forest and view-yielding mountain meadows.
Tue: Off
Wed: Off
Thu: 5 mi (1:03, 1,300') Flagstaff Mountain
Started from Chautauqua parking lot and took Baseline trail to Flagstaff Rd, which I ran to the top. Came back down Gregory Canyon. Obviously, the road is not very steep at all in comparison to the trail, but I feel it offers a nice warm up to bigger, more legitimate climbing later in the week. Caught a spectacular orange and purple sunrise in low-lying clouds on the way up.
Fri: 10 mi (1:31) Bobolink from work
Jogged 15 minutes from work to the trailhead where I met Mehri to run Bobolink. Ran really slow from the trailhead to where Mehri turned around (~3 miles), after which point I bumped up the pace a little bit, but nothing serious. Sunset was nice.
Sat: 4.4 mi (1:11, 2,400') Green Mountain
Up Amphitheater/Saddle Rock/Greenman. Hit the summit in :45. I started out way too fast up Amphi and subsequently blew up after the first view on Saddle Rock. Stopped at the SR/Greenman junction to regroup. Ran the flatter stuff on Greenman and power hiked the rest, which felt totally exhausting. The top was crammed with the usual Saturday morning hiking crowd, so I didn't linger and immediately came back down. Might need to do some strength training in the quads as my knees felt pretty banged up afterwards. 60th summit of Green.
Sun: 10 mi (2:28, 3,500') Bear Peak & Mesa Trail
I initially intended to run Mesa to Eldo and run Rattlesnake Gulch like last week, but by the time I got to South Shanahan junction, lack of inspiration had the last say. I turned around and went up Fern Canyon to tag Bear Peak. Windy above the saddle, but warm and clear skies otherwise. Great choice.
Totals:
Miles: 37.4
Vert: 8,200'
Time: 7:12
Although I enjoy the mix of different running styles I've been incorporating over the last month or so, the lack of serious climbing has left me feeling pretty weak in the quads, which I believe has been affecting my knees on the descents. While I really wanted to build up mileage this Winter, strength training might need to be the priority. I'll probably focus on power hiking more of the local peaks and, dare I say, doing some lunges.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
10/22 - 10/28
Mon: 10 mi (1:28) Bobolink from work - Slow PM run
Tue: Off
Wed: 5 mi (:52, 1,300') Flagstaff Mtn
Took the road up the mountain and ran down Flagstaff trail. The road is infinitely easier and consequently less enjoyable.
Thu: 4.4 mi (1:23, 2,400') Green Mtn
4" of fresh snowfall (the first real accumulation of the season), I plowed up the mountain making first tracks. Hit the summit in :52. Almost time to whip out the microspikes.
Fri: 10 mi (1:17) Bobolink from work
With temps being in the mid-30's, I cranked a quicker-than-usual run.
Sat: Off
Sun: 20 mi (3:51, 4,500') Mesa/Rattlesnake Gulch/Fowler/Mesa
Far and away the most satisfying long run I've had since the Blue Sky Marathon a few weeks ago. It seems I've been too eager during my long runs to just tune out the watch and enjoy the extended time on the trial. Today I finally just unplugged my brain, locked into a slow pace and cruised. In fact, I got into such a freestyle mode that once I made it to Eldorado Springs via the Mesa Trail, I explored some new trails I had yet to run—Homestead Trail and Rattlesnake Gulch—which were both sweet, especially the latter.
---------
Week Totals:
Miles: 50
Vert: 8,200'
Time: 8:53
Tue: Off
Wed: 5 mi (:52, 1,300') Flagstaff Mtn
Took the road up the mountain and ran down Flagstaff trail. The road is infinitely easier and consequently less enjoyable.
Thu: 4.4 mi (1:23, 2,400') Green Mtn
4" of fresh snowfall (the first real accumulation of the season), I plowed up the mountain making first tracks. Hit the summit in :52. Almost time to whip out the microspikes.
Fri: 10 mi (1:17) Bobolink from work
With temps being in the mid-30's, I cranked a quicker-than-usual run.
Sat: Off
Sun: 20 mi (3:51, 4,500') Mesa/Rattlesnake Gulch/Fowler/Mesa
Far and away the most satisfying long run I've had since the Blue Sky Marathon a few weeks ago. It seems I've been too eager during my long runs to just tune out the watch and enjoy the extended time on the trial. Today I finally just unplugged my brain, locked into a slow pace and cruised. In fact, I got into such a freestyle mode that once I made it to Eldorado Springs via the Mesa Trail, I explored some new trails I had yet to run—Homestead Trail and Rattlesnake Gulch—which were both sweet, especially the latter.
---------
Week Totals:
Miles: 50
Vert: 8,200'
Time: 8:53
Friday, October 26, 2012
10/15 - 10/21
Mon: 10mi (1:26) Bobolink - Mellow PM run from work
Tue: 4.4mi (1:11, 2,400') Green Mtn - Pretty sluggish ascent, summit in :44.
Wed: Off
Thu: 6.6mi (:56) Bobolink - Easy, short run
Fri: Off
Sat: 5.6 mi (1:17, 2,600') Green Mtn - Via 8th St, :42 to summit from amphi/baseline junction
Sun: 10 mi (1:49, 2,000') Mesa Trail to Shadow Canyon junction - Slow afternoon. Nice temps.
--------
Totals:
Miles: 36.6
Vert: 7,000'
Time: 6:38
Not a whole lot to say. Just ramping things back up for the winter. Can't wait for the snowy mountain ascents.
Tue: 4.4mi (1:11, 2,400') Green Mtn - Pretty sluggish ascent, summit in :44.
Wed: Off
Thu: 6.6mi (:56) Bobolink - Easy, short run
Fri: Off
Sat: 5.6 mi (1:17, 2,600') Green Mtn - Via 8th St, :42 to summit from amphi/baseline junction
Sun: 10 mi (1:49, 2,000') Mesa Trail to Shadow Canyon junction - Slow afternoon. Nice temps.
--------
Totals:
Miles: 36.6
Vert: 7,000'
Time: 6:38
Not a whole lot to say. Just ramping things back up for the winter. Can't wait for the snowy mountain ascents.
Sunday, October 14, 2012
10/1 - 10/14
10/1 Mon: Off
Tue: Off
Wed: 5.5 mi (:48) Twin Lakes
Thu: 3.5 mi (:31) Twin Lakes
Fri: 3.1 mi (:41) Mt Sanitas - :22 to the summit
Sat: Off
Sun: 26.5 mi (4:05, 3,300') Blue Sky Marathon - 11th place.
10/8 Mon: 3.5 mi (:35) Twin Lakes
Tue: Off
Wed: 3.5 mi (:31) Twin Lakes
Thu: Off
Fri: 3.5 mi (:28) Twin Lakes
Sat: 4 mi (:50, 1,500') View Point Trail/Flagstaff Trail
Sun: 2 mi (:21, 500') View Point Trail
Sunday, September 30, 2012
9/24 - 9/30
Mon: Off
Tue: Off
Wed: 10 mi (1:34, 2,000') Mesa Trial to Shadow Canyon junction
After a couple days of rain, including today, the trails were refreshingly cool and wet. Since I started at 5:30 pm without a headlight, I didn't have much remaining daylight, so I ran pretty quick compared to my usual effort on the Mesa. I arrived back at Chautauqua Park in the dark, but could still make out the trail pretty well.
Thu: 10 mi (1:30) Bobolink from work
Another evening run. A little sore from the previous night, but warmed up about thirty minutes in and felt good the rest of the way. Beautiful evening.
Fri: 6 mi (1:06, 1,300') Mesa Trail to top of Bear Canyon
Pretty tired on this morning run. Ended up topping out at Bear Canyon and hung out on the rock overlook for a few minutes.
Sat: 4.4 mi (1:02, 2,400') Green Mtn
Tried to get a PR on the ascent, pushing hard up Amphitheater, hitting the top with a PR 7:50. Then hit the SR/Greenman junction in a PR of 23:40. Then the wheels fell off and I slogged the rest of the way up, tagging the summit in 41:26. Oh well. Had a speedy descent though, :21.
Sun: 10 mi (2:02, 2,000') Mesa Trail to Shadow Canyon
Really slow, mellow run. Pretty warm morning. Cruised up the Shadow Canyon connector for a bit before turning back. This little meadow is pretty choice, affording nice views of Devil's Thumb and smooth singletrack; not a soul in sight.
-------
Totals:
Miles: 40
Vert: 7,700'
Time: 7:15
The last two weeks of tapering have gone well and I think I'm ready for this year's Blue Sky Marathon. This will be the first time I've run a race more than once, so I'm excited to see if I can improve on my performance from last year. We shall see.
The last month has been a well-balanced mix of running each week with one or two mountain summits, a couple dead-flat runs, and some long runs with short rolling climbs. Also mixing up the shoes has added a bit more variety, which I believe has helped in muscle recovery and reducing the chances of over-use injuries. The shoes: Montrail Bajadas for long runs; New Balance MT110's (previously, my go-to shoe for every run) for technical mountain runs and flat runs; Pearl Izumi Peak 2's for super rocky, talus-literred runs; Adidas Mana 5's for everything else.
As for the rest of the year, I'm hoping to get back into running Green and Bear much more than I have in the last few months. And I'll likely shoot for 200+ miles each month of the last quarter to maintain a base in preparation for the San Juan Solstice 50 in June.
Tue: Off
Wed: 10 mi (1:34, 2,000') Mesa Trial to Shadow Canyon junction
After a couple days of rain, including today, the trails were refreshingly cool and wet. Since I started at 5:30 pm without a headlight, I didn't have much remaining daylight, so I ran pretty quick compared to my usual effort on the Mesa. I arrived back at Chautauqua Park in the dark, but could still make out the trail pretty well.
Thu: 10 mi (1:30) Bobolink from work
Another evening run. A little sore from the previous night, but warmed up about thirty minutes in and felt good the rest of the way. Beautiful evening.
Fri: 6 mi (1:06, 1,300') Mesa Trail to top of Bear Canyon
Pretty tired on this morning run. Ended up topping out at Bear Canyon and hung out on the rock overlook for a few minutes.
Sat: 4.4 mi (1:02, 2,400') Green Mtn
Tried to get a PR on the ascent, pushing hard up Amphitheater, hitting the top with a PR 7:50. Then hit the SR/Greenman junction in a PR of 23:40. Then the wheels fell off and I slogged the rest of the way up, tagging the summit in 41:26. Oh well. Had a speedy descent though, :21.
Sun: 10 mi (2:02, 2,000') Mesa Trail to Shadow Canyon
Really slow, mellow run. Pretty warm morning. Cruised up the Shadow Canyon connector for a bit before turning back. This little meadow is pretty choice, affording nice views of Devil's Thumb and smooth singletrack; not a soul in sight.
-------
Totals:
Miles: 40
Vert: 7,700'
Time: 7:15
The last two weeks of tapering have gone well and I think I'm ready for this year's Blue Sky Marathon. This will be the first time I've run a race more than once, so I'm excited to see if I can improve on my performance from last year. We shall see.
The last month has been a well-balanced mix of running each week with one or two mountain summits, a couple dead-flat runs, and some long runs with short rolling climbs. Also mixing up the shoes has added a bit more variety, which I believe has helped in muscle recovery and reducing the chances of over-use injuries. The shoes: Montrail Bajadas for long runs; New Balance MT110's (previously, my go-to shoe for every run) for technical mountain runs and flat runs; Pearl Izumi Peak 2's for super rocky, talus-literred runs; Adidas Mana 5's for everything else.
As for the rest of the year, I'm hoping to get back into running Green and Bear much more than I have in the last few months. And I'll likely shoot for 200+ miles each month of the last quarter to maintain a base in preparation for the San Juan Solstice 50 in June.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
9/17 - 9/23
Mon: 10 mi (1:35) Bobolink - Mellow spin from work.
Tue: 9 mi (1:19) Twin Lakes & White Rocks - Another flat one from home.
Wed: 3.1 mi (:50, 1,300') Mt Sanitas - First time going up this mountain in the dark. Smooth effort to the top.
Thu: 4.4 mi (1:11, 2,400') Green Mtn - No motivation for speed, tagging the summit in 42 mins.
Fri: 8.3 mi (1:38, 2,600') Amphitheater/Saddle Rock/Chautauqua/Enchanted Mesa/Mesa Trail to Skunk Canyon - Sort of a rushed effort after work to go up Green Mtn, but upon reaching the Greenman junction, my motivation waned and I headed back down to Chat and hit Mesa for a little bit.
Sat: Off
Sun: 13.4 mi (2:30, 3,250') Mesa Trail - Mellow morning run.
--------
Totals:
Miles: 48
Vert: 9,500'
Time: 9:03
Tue: 9 mi (1:19) Twin Lakes & White Rocks - Another flat one from home.
Wed: 3.1 mi (:50, 1,300') Mt Sanitas - First time going up this mountain in the dark. Smooth effort to the top.
Thu: 4.4 mi (1:11, 2,400') Green Mtn - No motivation for speed, tagging the summit in 42 mins.
Fri: 8.3 mi (1:38, 2,600') Amphitheater/Saddle Rock/Chautauqua/Enchanted Mesa/Mesa Trail to Skunk Canyon - Sort of a rushed effort after work to go up Green Mtn, but upon reaching the Greenman junction, my motivation waned and I headed back down to Chat and hit Mesa for a little bit.
Sat: Off
Sun: 13.4 mi (2:30, 3,250') Mesa Trail - Mellow morning run.
--------
Totals:
Miles: 48
Vert: 9,500'
Time: 9:03
Sunday, September 16, 2012
9/10 - 9/16
Mon: 10 mi (1:27) Bobolink - PM run afterwork. Really easy pace.
Tue: Off
Wed: 10 mi (1:19) Bobolink - Quick tempo run after work. Fun to get the legs spinning a bit faster.
Thu: 4.5 mi (1:15, 2,000') Mt Sanitas & Anemone - Took Sanitas slow (summit :25)
Fri: 10.4 mi (1:41, 2,000') Mesa Trail to Shadow Canyon - Mellow going out, quicker coming back
Sat: Off
Sun: 19.4 mi (4:06, 4,700') Flagstaff Mtn/Green Mtn/Mesa Trail - Ugh, bonked pretty hard on the Mesa after tagging the peaks. Should have taken in some more calories the day prior I guess. Oops.
--------
Totals:
Miles: 54.3
Vertical: 8,700'
Time: 9:50
Tue: Off
Wed: 10 mi (1:19) Bobolink - Quick tempo run after work. Fun to get the legs spinning a bit faster.
Thu: 4.5 mi (1:15, 2,000') Mt Sanitas & Anemone - Took Sanitas slow (summit :25)
Fri: 10.4 mi (1:41, 2,000') Mesa Trail to Shadow Canyon - Mellow going out, quicker coming back
Sat: Off
Sun: 19.4 mi (4:06, 4,700') Flagstaff Mtn/Green Mtn/Mesa Trail - Ugh, bonked pretty hard on the Mesa after tagging the peaks. Should have taken in some more calories the day prior I guess. Oops.
--------
Totals:
Miles: 54.3
Vertical: 8,700'
Time: 9:50
Sunday, September 9, 2012
9/3 - 9/9
Mon: 7 mi (1:09) Bobolink
Tue: 7 mi (1:07, 1,300') Mesa
Wed: 5 mi (1:31, 2,600') Green Mtn - Summit PR, :39:59
Thu: 9 mi (1:35, 1,800') Mesa
Fri: Off
Sat: 7 mi (1:42, 2,700') Green Mtn
Sun: 16 mi (3:03, 3,450') Mesa/Doudy/Springbrook
----------
Totals:
Miles: 51
Vert: 11,912'
Time: 10:08
Tue: 7 mi (1:07, 1,300') Mesa
Wed: 5 mi (1:31, 2,600') Green Mtn - Summit PR, :39:59
Thu: 9 mi (1:35, 1,800') Mesa
Fri: Off
Sat: 7 mi (1:42, 2,700') Green Mtn
Sun: 16 mi (3:03, 3,450') Mesa/Doudy/Springbrook
----------
Totals:
Miles: 51
Vert: 11,912'
Time: 10:08
Sunday, September 2, 2012
8/27 - 9/2
Following the race last Saturday, this week felt like an easy transition back into the rhythm of training. I remember the last time I followed up a race with an overzealous attitude. I kept the effort pretty mellow for the whole week with mild vertical and slow paces. My legs were pretty tight early in the week, but eventually came back around with enough stretching and easy running. I'm now ready to start tallying some more miles over the next few weeks in preparation for the Blue Sky Marathon up in Fort Collins next month.
Mon: 4.1 mi (:37) Twin Lakes
Tue: 4.1 mi (:38) Twin Lakes
Wed: 4.1 mi (:34) Twin Lakes
Thu: 8 mi (1:23, 1,900') Mesa Trail
Fri: 10 mi (1:53, 2,000') Mesa Trail
Sun: 8 mi (1:59, 2,700') Green Mtn, Mesa Trail
Totals:
Miles: 38
Vert: 6,600'
Time: 7:05
Mon: 4.1 mi (:37) Twin Lakes
Tue: 4.1 mi (:38) Twin Lakes
Wed: 4.1 mi (:34) Twin Lakes
Thu: 8 mi (1:23, 1,900') Mesa Trail
Fri: 10 mi (1:53, 2,000') Mesa Trail
Sun: 8 mi (1:59, 2,700') Green Mtn, Mesa Trail
Totals:
Miles: 38
Vert: 6,600'
Time: 7:05
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Silverton Alpine 50k
Well, this was technically my first "ultra" marathon and I must say it was quite fun. Despite my lack of focus during training in the couple of months preceding the race, I put out a decent effort, placing 5th overall. Sure, the field was only 24 heads deep, but those in the top 4 were pretty stout competitors (with many more ultras under their belts than myself). I should also mention that I slept in the back of my wife's Nissan SUV the night before—squeezed between her and a cooler.
The race started at 7am and we headed up a 2.4-mile out-and-back section before hitting the standard marathon course. During this hilly road section, I immediately felt my right outer hamstring cramp up (it had been unusually tight for the last week). This worried me because the rest of the course loops through the high mountains around Silverton and the last thing I would want is to bail on the run at mile 20 deep in the mountains and wait for a support truck to pick me up or something silly like that. But I motored on and decided that if my leg got any worse by the time we reached the marathon section, I'd bail out there and just walk back to our camp spot across the road. The cramp subsided and I continued on with the race, much to my delight.
The next 8 miles was essentially a flat mining road (the whole course was actually an old mining loop) in the 10,000' valley of Silverton. At this point I had put a good gap on the competition behind me and there were 5 runners ahead of me, 4 of which were out of sight. The fifth was only about 50 yards ahead, who I passed four miles into this section. That would be the only person I passed for the remainder of the race.
After the flats, I headed up what would be the long 10-mile big climb of the day (toping out at California Pass at 12,900'). My pace was nice and smooth up this rocky dirt road and I had gapped the runner previously in 5th by about a half of a mile. After about ten minutes, I was alone, climbing through this huge alpine gulch. As I popped a GU, I looked back and noticed a runner right on my tail. This racer seemed to appear out of nowhere and quickly passed me; it was Dakota Jones running the marathon (which started an hour after us) and going for the course record. We exchanged pleasantries and he continued up the climb at a staggering pace.
I hit the pass (mile 20) in 3:50. The final approach to the pass was quite steep, so I power hiked it to conserve energy. During the final climb up the pass, two other marathoners passed me, but I hadn't seen a single 50k-er down valley. Once I crested the pass, I grabbed a slice of PB&J and casually descended to let the cramping in my stomach subside and allow some food to go down. I cruised over the last little 400' climb over Hurricane Pass and mentally prepared for the hammering 11-mile descent. At the pass I noticed my left thumb and left side of my lips were completely numb. Since this was the first time I had ever run with a pack, I figured the shoulder strap was playing funky games with my nerves in my shoulder, so I loosened it and feeling started to come back—weird.
The descent was far more arduous than the climb in my book. The super-rocky, steep trail is unforgiving and seemingly never-ending. Though, much to my delight, my feet were still feeling decent—good thing I had chosen to run the race in a pair of road racing flats, Addidas Mana 5s, rather than my go-to MT110s. I counted the miles, one after the other, under the hot sun of mid-day. I hoped for a much faster pace through this section, but all I could muster were short blasts of 7-minute miles surrounded by high-8s.
Throughout the entire descent to the finish I didn't see a single person behind me, so I essentially coasted across the finish in 5:47. I was hoping to get in somewhere under 5:30, but my sand-bagging on the back stretch prevented it.
I'll be back next year to hopefully snag a podium finish.
The race started at 7am and we headed up a 2.4-mile out-and-back section before hitting the standard marathon course. During this hilly road section, I immediately felt my right outer hamstring cramp up (it had been unusually tight for the last week). This worried me because the rest of the course loops through the high mountains around Silverton and the last thing I would want is to bail on the run at mile 20 deep in the mountains and wait for a support truck to pick me up or something silly like that. But I motored on and decided that if my leg got any worse by the time we reached the marathon section, I'd bail out there and just walk back to our camp spot across the road. The cramp subsided and I continued on with the race, much to my delight.
The next 8 miles was essentially a flat mining road (the whole course was actually an old mining loop) in the 10,000' valley of Silverton. At this point I had put a good gap on the competition behind me and there were 5 runners ahead of me, 4 of which were out of sight. The fifth was only about 50 yards ahead, who I passed four miles into this section. That would be the only person I passed for the remainder of the race.
After the flats, I headed up what would be the long 10-mile big climb of the day (toping out at California Pass at 12,900'). My pace was nice and smooth up this rocky dirt road and I had gapped the runner previously in 5th by about a half of a mile. After about ten minutes, I was alone, climbing through this huge alpine gulch. As I popped a GU, I looked back and noticed a runner right on my tail. This racer seemed to appear out of nowhere and quickly passed me; it was Dakota Jones running the marathon (which started an hour after us) and going for the course record. We exchanged pleasantries and he continued up the climb at a staggering pace.
I hit the pass (mile 20) in 3:50. The final approach to the pass was quite steep, so I power hiked it to conserve energy. During the final climb up the pass, two other marathoners passed me, but I hadn't seen a single 50k-er down valley. Once I crested the pass, I grabbed a slice of PB&J and casually descended to let the cramping in my stomach subside and allow some food to go down. I cruised over the last little 400' climb over Hurricane Pass and mentally prepared for the hammering 11-mile descent. At the pass I noticed my left thumb and left side of my lips were completely numb. Since this was the first time I had ever run with a pack, I figured the shoulder strap was playing funky games with my nerves in my shoulder, so I loosened it and feeling started to come back—weird.
The descent was far more arduous than the climb in my book. The super-rocky, steep trail is unforgiving and seemingly never-ending. Though, much to my delight, my feet were still feeling decent—good thing I had chosen to run the race in a pair of road racing flats, Addidas Mana 5s, rather than my go-to MT110s. I counted the miles, one after the other, under the hot sun of mid-day. I hoped for a much faster pace through this section, but all I could muster were short blasts of 7-minute miles surrounded by high-8s.
Throughout the entire descent to the finish I didn't see a single person behind me, so I essentially coasted across the finish in 5:47. I was hoping to get in somewhere under 5:30, but my sand-bagging on the back stretch prevented it.
I'll be back next year to hopefully snag a podium finish.
Weekly Update: 8/20 - 8/26
Mon: 4 mi Twin Lakes - Afternoon easy run. The stomach was not feeling that great after a Chinese food binge at lunch.
Tue: 4.5 mi Twin Lakes - Much more pleasant easy run than the prior day.
Thu: 6 mi Twin Lakes - One more mellow run before heading down to Silverton for the race.
Sat: 31.6 mi (5:47, 4,400') Silverton Alpine 50k - 5th place
---------
Week Totals:
Miles: 46.5
Vert: 4,400'
Time: 7:45
Tue: 4.5 mi Twin Lakes - Much more pleasant easy run than the prior day.
Thu: 6 mi Twin Lakes - One more mellow run before heading down to Silverton for the race.
Sat: 31.6 mi (5:47, 4,400') Silverton Alpine 50k - 5th place
---------
Week Totals:
Miles: 46.5
Vert: 4,400'
Time: 7:45
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Weekly Update: 8/13 - 8/19
Tue: 3.1mi (:47:50, 1,357') Mt Sanitas - Evening run up the little guy. Really hot with bad air quality from the fires a few states away. Hit the summit in a not-to-shabby :22. Despite it's relatively small nature (compared to Bear and Green), this mountain is always a brutal climb—thank goodness it doesn't take too long.
Thu: 5mi (1:04, 1,800') Fern Canyon (to Nebel Horn) from North Shanahan via Cragmoor - Earlier in the day I noticed Boulder Open Space opened this trail back up two days prior following the Flagstaff fire a couple months back. I couldn't wait, so I headed up straight after work. I got a late start, so once I reached the saddle (behind Nebel Horn) I turned back so I wouldn't have to descend the super precipitous trail in the dark. So excited it's open again—Bear Peak summits are officially back in order.
Fri: 7mi (1:02) Twin Lakes/Boulder Country Club Loop - Got out for an evening cruise on the roads near my house to quickly test out the new New Balance MT1010s that arrived at my doorstep earlier in the day. They feel really comfy, but wished I could have hit some trails to feel out the traction. Soon enough.
Sat: 9.1mi (4:14, 2,130') Pawnee Pass hike/run with Mehri - We planned to just hike this, but it turned into a combination of hiking and running. Lots of pictures and mellow cruising. Nice to be out for the same amount of time I usually spend on my long runs. Since I'm tapering, it was a welcomed departure from the usual 20-miler.
Sun: 9.2mi (2:07, 3,265') Bear Peak - From Chautauqua, I cruised over to Fern from Mesa, hitting the junction in 40 mins. From there, hit the saddle 20 minutes later and reached the summit in 1:18. I wore the Addidas Mana 5s today, which, much to my surprise, offered decent purchase on the ups. The same can't be said for the super steep descents, but with a little side-stepping, the slippage wasn't terrible.
-------
Week Totals:
Miles: 33
Vertical: 8,550'
Time: 9:17
A really mellow week as I tapper for the Silverton Alpine 50k next week. I'm feeling pretty confident in my fitness and hope to run a strong race. Considering the current course record is 4:26 (8:30ish/miles), I'd be happy getting close to that, maybe 9:15s.
Thu: 5mi (1:04, 1,800') Fern Canyon (to Nebel Horn) from North Shanahan via Cragmoor - Earlier in the day I noticed Boulder Open Space opened this trail back up two days prior following the Flagstaff fire a couple months back. I couldn't wait, so I headed up straight after work. I got a late start, so once I reached the saddle (behind Nebel Horn) I turned back so I wouldn't have to descend the super precipitous trail in the dark. So excited it's open again—Bear Peak summits are officially back in order.
Fri: 7mi (1:02) Twin Lakes/Boulder Country Club Loop - Got out for an evening cruise on the roads near my house to quickly test out the new New Balance MT1010s that arrived at my doorstep earlier in the day. They feel really comfy, but wished I could have hit some trails to feel out the traction. Soon enough.
Sat: 9.1mi (4:14, 2,130') Pawnee Pass hike/run with Mehri - We planned to just hike this, but it turned into a combination of hiking and running. Lots of pictures and mellow cruising. Nice to be out for the same amount of time I usually spend on my long runs. Since I'm tapering, it was a welcomed departure from the usual 20-miler.
Sun: 9.2mi (2:07, 3,265') Bear Peak - From Chautauqua, I cruised over to Fern from Mesa, hitting the junction in 40 mins. From there, hit the saddle 20 minutes later and reached the summit in 1:18. I wore the Addidas Mana 5s today, which, much to my surprise, offered decent purchase on the ups. The same can't be said for the super steep descents, but with a little side-stepping, the slippage wasn't terrible.
-------
Week Totals:
Miles: 33
Vertical: 8,550'
Time: 9:17
A really mellow week as I tapper for the Silverton Alpine 50k next week. I'm feeling pretty confident in my fitness and hope to run a strong race. Considering the current course record is 4:26 (8:30ish/miles), I'd be happy getting close to that, maybe 9:15s.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Weekly Update: 8/6 - 8/12
Wed: 6mi (1:24, 2,700') Green Mtn - from Chat, :45 summit. Sluggish morning, but chased this guy (John) up the mountain. I've seen him a few times crushing the descent. We chatted at the summit before heading down. Fun morning.
Thu: 4.4mi (1:12, 2,400') Green Mtn - PR summit, 41:25. Inspired by the previous morning, I pushed hard, which resulted in a pretty quick trip up.
Fri: 4.5mi (:47, 1,300') Chat/Amphi/SR - PM run. Too lazy/tired to hit the summit.
Sat: AM: 8mi (1:15, 1,000') Pawnee Pass - Fun, mellow run at altitude surrounded by Indians. I had not intention of hitting the pass (don't know why, really). The most marmots I've ever seen in one day, plus I saw a good size bull moose near Brainard Lake. Sweet.
2 mi (:25, 600') Amphitheater - coming back from Indian Peaks, I still had some energy, so I hit up Amphitheater for a final quick climb for the day.
Sun: 13 mi (2:23, 1,500') Eldorado Canyon Trail from Doudy - I haven't run Walker Ranch before, so it was nice to see what that was all about. The Eldo Canyon Trail has a nice climb from the outset. I'll be back to do the 13-mile loop soon.
-------
Week Totals:
Miles: 38
Vertical: 9,500'
Time: 7:28
Green Mountain was certainly the emphasis for the week. The PR on Thursday was exciting and an encouraging milestone as I chip away at a sub 40-minute effort. With the Silverton Alpine a couple weeks away, I feel like my high-altitude running has been getting dialed in nicely with the frequent Indian Peaks trips. Hopefully, it pays off.
Thu: 4.4mi (1:12, 2,400') Green Mtn - PR summit, 41:25. Inspired by the previous morning, I pushed hard, which resulted in a pretty quick trip up.
Fri: 4.5mi (:47, 1,300') Chat/Amphi/SR - PM run. Too lazy/tired to hit the summit.
Sat: AM: 8mi (1:15, 1,000') Pawnee Pass - Fun, mellow run at altitude surrounded by Indians. I had not intention of hitting the pass (don't know why, really). The most marmots I've ever seen in one day, plus I saw a good size bull moose near Brainard Lake. Sweet.
2 mi (:25, 600') Amphitheater - coming back from Indian Peaks, I still had some energy, so I hit up Amphitheater for a final quick climb for the day.
Sun: 13 mi (2:23, 1,500') Eldorado Canyon Trail from Doudy - I haven't run Walker Ranch before, so it was nice to see what that was all about. The Eldo Canyon Trail has a nice climb from the outset. I'll be back to do the 13-mile loop soon.
-------
Week Totals:
Miles: 38
Vertical: 9,500'
Time: 7:28
Green Mountain was certainly the emphasis for the week. The PR on Thursday was exciting and an encouraging milestone as I chip away at a sub 40-minute effort. With the Silverton Alpine a couple weeks away, I feel like my high-altitude running has been getting dialed in nicely with the frequent Indian Peaks trips. Hopefully, it pays off.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Weekly Update: 7/30 - 8/5
Thu: 4 mi (:40, 1,000') Amphi/SR/Chat - Ok, this was a pointless run. Meant to tag Green, but the recent theme has been lack of inspiration, so I turned back on Saddle Rock and cruised around the Chautauqua trail. I even sat on a rock and watched fire crews drive up Flagstaff. Then, before going back to the car, I decided to run up Amphitheater again. What a mess of a morning.
Fri: 9 mi (1:15) Twin Lakes to White Rocks - Another very random outing—I think I've just been eager to mix things up. Took off from my doorstep, crashed the country club scene on my way to White Rocks. Fun little road action.
Sat: 21 mi (4:08, 4,510') Mesa/Goshawk Loop - Much cooler than last week's long run. Felt great pretty much the whole way, but the hamstrings were pretty achy for the last few miles. Kept the pace really mellow, didn't stop much except to suck a few GUs down.
Sun: 6 mi (:56) Twin Lakes - My hamstrings were really sore (not a great sign so close to race time) Did a few laps around the lakes in the evening before heading to my brother's for Sunday dinner. Nice and hot, ~95.
--------
Week Totals:
Miles: 40
Vert: 5,510'
Time: 6:59
Not only did I get a late start to the running this week, but the focus just wasn't there. The long run on Saturday was more or less a desperate attempt to accomplish something. And Sunday's run was really to just get a few more miles to not feel like I wasted another week. Coming off of some good mileage from the week prior, I really wanted to keep the momentum going and I just barely scraped it together. The worst part is I didn't get up to Indian Peaks for some high-altitude running. Blah.
Fri: 9 mi (1:15) Twin Lakes to White Rocks - Another very random outing—I think I've just been eager to mix things up. Took off from my doorstep, crashed the country club scene on my way to White Rocks. Fun little road action.
Sat: 21 mi (4:08, 4,510') Mesa/Goshawk Loop - Much cooler than last week's long run. Felt great pretty much the whole way, but the hamstrings were pretty achy for the last few miles. Kept the pace really mellow, didn't stop much except to suck a few GUs down.
Sun: 6 mi (:56) Twin Lakes - My hamstrings were really sore (not a great sign so close to race time) Did a few laps around the lakes in the evening before heading to my brother's for Sunday dinner. Nice and hot, ~95.
--------
Week Totals:
Miles: 40
Vert: 5,510'
Time: 6:59
Not only did I get a late start to the running this week, but the focus just wasn't there. The long run on Saturday was more or less a desperate attempt to accomplish something. And Sunday's run was really to just get a few more miles to not feel like I wasted another week. Coming off of some good mileage from the week prior, I really wanted to keep the momentum going and I just barely scraped it together. The worst part is I didn't get up to Indian Peaks for some high-altitude running. Blah.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Weekly Update: 7/23 - 7/29
Tue: 5 mi (1:09, 2,400') Green Mtn - Tagged the summit in :46, which wasn't stellar, but not complete crap, I suppose. The descent was a different story though; a couple guys were behind me, so I sort of kicked into race mode for the fun of it.
Wed: 13.4 mi (2:12, 3,250') Mesa Trail - I haven't run the full Mesa Trail before work in a long time. Felt great heading toward Eldo, but I could have used water on the way back.
Thu: 3.5 mi (:29) Twin Lakes - A quick little cruise before dinner
Sat: 10 mi (2:10, 2,130') Pawnee Pass Trail - So, after getting snubbed the last time I attempted this run, I resolved to take another crack at it and I'm glad I did. The rolling, soft tuft of the timberline trail is a great warm up to the much steeper pitches of the switchbacks above treeline. After powering through the switchbacks, the level alpine bench is a great area for recovery and affords pretty bitchin' views of the surrounding Indian Peaks. Upon reaching the sign at the top of the pass, hanging a right heads up another 500' to the summit of Pawnee Peak. Or one could continue on the Pawnee Pass Trail as it drops down into the West side of the Continental Divide into no man's land. I want to go to no man's land.
Sun: 21 mi (4:11, 4,510') Mesa Trail/Doudy/Spring Brook/Goshawk/ back on Mesa - It feels so good to get a nice 20-miler in. Even though it wasn't at altitude, the climbs still get me. Not too sore from the prior day. The heat was killer toward the end of the run though. I can't wait for Fall and Winter.
--------
Week Totals:
Miles: 53
Vert: 12,290'
Time: 10:11
Following a couple of weeks of tenuous inspiration, things turned around this week. I, frankly, haven't been interested in going into high gear in preparation for the race in a few weeks, so I've basically forced myself to lace up. Otherwise, I'd be forced to ditch out on yet another race this year, but not due to injury, just laziness, which is totally unacceptable.
I have fallen back into a solid groove of running especially following such inspiring efforts at the Hardrock 100 and Speedgoat 50k. If I can grab a couple more higher-mileage weeks with some more high-altitude long runs, I should be golden.
And because I am took absentminded to bring a camera on some of my more picturesque runs, what follows are some pics from protrails.com of Pawnee Pass Trail.
Wed: 13.4 mi (2:12, 3,250') Mesa Trail - I haven't run the full Mesa Trail before work in a long time. Felt great heading toward Eldo, but I could have used water on the way back.
Thu: 3.5 mi (:29) Twin Lakes - A quick little cruise before dinner
Sat: 10 mi (2:10, 2,130') Pawnee Pass Trail - So, after getting snubbed the last time I attempted this run, I resolved to take another crack at it and I'm glad I did. The rolling, soft tuft of the timberline trail is a great warm up to the much steeper pitches of the switchbacks above treeline. After powering through the switchbacks, the level alpine bench is a great area for recovery and affords pretty bitchin' views of the surrounding Indian Peaks. Upon reaching the sign at the top of the pass, hanging a right heads up another 500' to the summit of Pawnee Peak. Or one could continue on the Pawnee Pass Trail as it drops down into the West side of the Continental Divide into no man's land. I want to go to no man's land.
Sun: 21 mi (4:11, 4,510') Mesa Trail/Doudy/Spring Brook/Goshawk/ back on Mesa - It feels so good to get a nice 20-miler in. Even though it wasn't at altitude, the climbs still get me. Not too sore from the prior day. The heat was killer toward the end of the run though. I can't wait for Fall and Winter.
--------
Week Totals:
Miles: 53
Vert: 12,290'
Time: 10:11
Following a couple of weeks of tenuous inspiration, things turned around this week. I, frankly, haven't been interested in going into high gear in preparation for the race in a few weeks, so I've basically forced myself to lace up. Otherwise, I'd be forced to ditch out on yet another race this year, but not due to injury, just laziness, which is totally unacceptable.
I have fallen back into a solid groove of running especially following such inspiring efforts at the Hardrock 100 and Speedgoat 50k. If I can grab a couple more higher-mileage weeks with some more high-altitude long runs, I should be golden.
And because I am took absentminded to bring a camera on some of my more picturesque runs, what follows are some pics from protrails.com of Pawnee Pass Trail.
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Weekly Update: 7/16 - 7/22
Mon: 5 mi (1:12, 2,600') Green Mtn via Amphi/SR/EMG - Hit the summit with a PR of 42:58. Hot dog!
Wed: 7 mi (:57, 1,400') McClintock/Mesa to top of Bear Creek Canyon - This is probably a PR on this route too.
Fri: 9 mi (1:23, 1,854') McClintock/Mesa to Upper Blue Stem
Sun: 8 mi (1:05, 800') Waldrop Trail at Brainard Lake, back on the road - A meandering run, no doubt. I intended to go up Audubon, but once I reached the junction to head up to the connecting trailhead, I just stopped, looked around, and headed back. This should have been a 15-miler—Bummer.
---------
Week Totals:
Miles: 29
Vert: 6,454
Time: 4:38
Not all that great of a week, especially after bailing on a long run.
Wed: 7 mi (:57, 1,400') McClintock/Mesa to top of Bear Creek Canyon - This is probably a PR on this route too.
Fri: 9 mi (1:23, 1,854') McClintock/Mesa to Upper Blue Stem
Sun: 8 mi (1:05, 800') Waldrop Trail at Brainard Lake, back on the road - A meandering run, no doubt. I intended to go up Audubon, but once I reached the junction to head up to the connecting trailhead, I just stopped, looked around, and headed back. This should have been a 15-miler—Bummer.
---------
Week Totals:
Miles: 29
Vert: 6,454
Time: 4:38
Not all that great of a week, especially after bailing on a long run.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Weekly Update: 7/9 - 7/15
Thu - 7mi (:52) Bobolink - Pretty snappy run after taking a few days off
Fri - 5.5mi (:55, 1,300') McClintock/Mesa to bottom of Bear Creek - Not too motivated today, turned around early
Sat - 9mi (3:03, 2,800') Green Mtn via Amphi/SR/EMG/down Bear Creek Canyon/Mesa - Hiked up with Mehri (this being her first summit of Green). I ran a few of the steeper sections and waited up for her. We ran down the back side together. Really fun morning.
Sun - 2mi (:25, 600') Amphi/SR - Not too motivated to run
-------
Week Totals:
Miles: 23
Vert: 4,717'
Time: 5:17
Hmm, this week wasn't terribly productive due to the general lack of motivation to push hard. Gotta get the miles up. Nevertheless, it was still fun to go up Green with Mehri.
Fri - 5.5mi (:55, 1,300') McClintock/Mesa to bottom of Bear Creek - Not too motivated today, turned around early
Sat - 9mi (3:03, 2,800') Green Mtn via Amphi/SR/EMG/down Bear Creek Canyon/Mesa - Hiked up with Mehri (this being her first summit of Green). I ran a few of the steeper sections and waited up for her. We ran down the back side together. Really fun morning.
Sun - 2mi (:25, 600') Amphi/SR - Not too motivated to run
-------
Week Totals:
Miles: 23
Vert: 4,717'
Time: 5:17
Hmm, this week wasn't terribly productive due to the general lack of motivation to push hard. Gotta get the miles up. Nevertheless, it was still fun to go up Green with Mehri.
 |
| Heading up Amphitheater |
 |
| Mehri putting it down |
 |
| Mehri's first official Green summit |
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| Coming down Bear Creek Canyon |
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