Wednesday, June 26, 2019

Week in Review (June 18 - June 24)

Tuesday (18,689 steps) - Strength class during lunch. Milk Market run club after work - only on my walk over I got an alert that it was starting at 6?? It's always been at 5:30. Sure enough, nothing was out when I arrived at about 5:10 so I went for my 3ish mile run and when I got back Patrick was there by himself. I mentioned that the lack of communication on social media may be why the run club is floundering.
I had a beer while I waited for the few people that showed up to run. They didn't provide food this time, gift cards again - $20! I got a chicken sandwich and side of mac (to go) - picked up A at her friend's house, took her home so she could pack for a sleepover, then drove her back over. THEN I got to eat. Sheesh.
Wednesday (22,960 steps) - Core class during lunch. A was staying with her friend for a second night, so I was off to Boulder by myself.
It seems that all the other "back of the pack-ers" took the night off, as once again I was dead last for most of the run. We ran a route I actually really like, and for some of it, we were split into two groups.




Most of the time, however, I would be in sight of the junction and all the fast people would be taking off. Oh well.
Grocery shopping at the fancy King Soopers.
Thursday (13,342 steps) - Went to Berkeley Park for the Hardrock event. A and I walked around the lake and then hung out for food and raffles (which sadly, neither of us won anything). We were also able to get Smartwool Hardrock shirts for only $30!!
Friday (8,697 steps) - Core class during lunch. Exciting afternoon as there was an underground electrical fire on the street by my office and it took me forever to get back to work.
Drove down to Highland's Ranch for my oil change and found out that Lucy was going to need brakes too. They wanted to give me a loaner, but I was like, good lord, I will wait. Actually got out in about two hours. Stopped at a new-to-me brewery on the way home.
Saturday (16,746 steps) - Up relatively late (for a Saturday) to pick up Brandon and drive to the grand opening of the new Aurora Runner's Roost location. It was raining pretty heavily for the entire drive, and it was 43 degrees when we parked the car. The rain did taper off by the time we headed out.
I had plans to run 4-6 miles and talked A into an "easy" 5. Between miles 3 and 4 it started to rain - which was unfortunate since I'd opted to leave my rain jacket in the car last minute. Stuck around for raffles (A won socks) and bought a pair of clearance Patagonia sweats.

Dropped off Brandon and then went to the rec center to get our Hyland Hills rec cards. Quick and easy, and only $10 for both of us. Now A can go to Water World while I work. Lucky girl. Met up with Tyler because he is checking out our neighbor's house!! After we went to the open house we went to Torchy's for a late lunch.
THEN, we went to Amy's housewarming party. After looking at the completed house (and the before pics) - it is truly incredible what she did with the place.

Around 7 we met up with Ben at Periodic for Megan's birthday. Had a few beers and then picked up Torchy's for Ben on the way home.
OMG SO MUCH STUFF DONE TODAY.
Sunday (11,845 steps) - Stayed in bed until 9:30!!! Nothing on the agenda other than finishing laundry and finalizing as much packing as possible.
Batman likes to "help"
Ben decided to go for a run around noon, so I took Pika for a walk to the lake. 


We got rained on (AGAIN!). We went to 4 Noses and had some brews and burgers. Delicious!
Spent some time on the patio at home before deciding to walk to Sideways for some snacks. Pretty early night though.
Monday (20,086 steps) - Up crazy early. Took a strength class before going to the office. Having to work through lunch breaks because I don't have enough PTO is the worst. New Terrain run club! I planned on taking it easy so I offered to run with Pika so Ben could run long. Last minute he decided to do the short loop with the group. Pika was not having ANY of it. I think she was just super hot. The way up was so slow. Better on the way down.



Beer and then picked up Torchy's for dinner (yes, again).
Stats:
  • 112,365 steps
  • 19.3 miles (must be a taper week!)
  • 4 (yes, four!) gym trips

Thursday, June 20, 2019

Week in Review (June 11 - June 17)

Tuesday (18,797 steps) - Strength class during lunch. A had a dentist appointment, so we headed back downtown for run club at Milk Market (not realizing there was an evening Rockies game, so traffic was horrid). Not-so-fun run on the Cherry Creek Trail.
Dinner was Caesar salad.
Gas, groceries, in bed reasonably early.
Wednesday (20,737 steps) - Core class during lunch. Didn't realize there was an afternoon Rockies game and traffic was a nightmare leaving work. Barely had enough time to get A and change clothes before heading to Boulder.
Mike was in charge and once again picked NCAR (my least favorite Boulder route). It was hot and I was suffering a lot. I got my awesome prize for winning the National Running Day challenge, and we talked to celebrity Darcy Piceu for a few minutes before heading home.




A had actually made dinner (in the crockpot) and it was delicious!
Bed later than I hoped.
Thursday (17,890 steps) - Went to Belmar and walked the little loop with Mo and Colfax.
We stuck around for the raffle - and A (actually ME, since I forced her to take a raffle ticket) won some cool Wonder Woman Goodrs!
Then we went over to the Alamo to see "The Dead Don't Die" - it was super funny and silly.
Friday (9,263 steps) - Went to lunch with Jessa - hadn't seen her in ages. It was good to catch up! Left work a few minutes early to pick up A, then immediately headed out. Met up with the Heathers (Baxter & Savage) for a beer and snack in Golden.
Headed up the hill and met Ben at Cheba Hut in Dillon for dinner. Quick trip to the grocery store, in bed reasonably early, although Ben either has allergies or ebola and was downing meds.
Saturday (38,948 steps) - Leadville Heavy Half!

Had pizza and took Pika for a walk.
Sunday (5,473 steps) - Obviously, we did nothing. Slept in, lounged around. Went to Outer Range.
Took Pika for a walk. Watched TV. Bed.
Monday (9,928 steps) - Up early to drive home to shower before work. Super tired all day. Rainy, and not in the mood to run, so I didn't. Home for laundry, leftovers, trying out a new vest (that isn't going to work) and in bed crazy early.
I want to love this pack, but it's just not practical in terms of pockets!
Stats:
  • 121,036 steps
  • 23.5 miles run - TAPER!
  • Two classes

Monday, June 17, 2019

Leadville Heavy Half (Race Recap)

Saturday, June 15
Leadville, CO
Half Marathon #186
Weather - Sunny and warm

Initially, I was signed up to run the full marathon. I actually had no intention of running, but when Jared gave A money to sign up for the half - I was talked into it. I ran the marathon once, back in 2012, and remembered it being very challenging. However, I thought it would be a great "last, long run" before my next 100 miler. Due to circumstances changing, I ended up switching to a different 100 that was too close to be running the marathon. Back in April I dropped down to the heavy half - which would still be my "last, long run."

Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that the winter weather was NUTS - causing some big races to be cancelled due to snow & avalanche danger (Namely - San Juan Solstice and most recently, Hardrock 100). Pete and Janet had gone up to Leadville about ten days before the race and mentioned that couldn't see how the race was going to happen - as much of the course looked only accessible by snowmobile. A week before the race, we were notified that there was going to be a course change - that would remove Mosquito Pass from the route. HOORAY. That was obviously the hardest part of the course, and personally, I was not sad when I heard we would have a bit of an easier course. We got the info a few days before the race, but not knowing anything about Leadville, no idea what we would be running on.

After work on Friday I drove home to pick up A and then we headed up to the mountains (after a brief stop with the Heathers in Golden). We met Ben at Cheba Hut in Dillon at 7. After dinner we headed back to his house and watched some TV before heading to bed early-ish.

Race Day

Wake up at 5 am, which was plenty of time to get ready and have coffee. We ended up leaving a few minutes later than planned (at 6:25ish), but still arrive in Leadville with plenty of time. We found a parking spot a few blocks away from packet pick up (which upon arrival, I realized ended at 7:30). With just over 15 minutes to spare - we were fiiiiiine.

Quick trip to the port-o-potties, then back to the car to get everything ready. By the time we walked up to the start line we only had about 5 minutes to spare. Just enough time to say hi to a few people before the Star Spangled banner... and then we were off.

The only part of the course that did not change was the initial climb out of town. We ran up 6th until the road ended, half marathoners went to the right, full marathon to the left.

Although I had glanced at the route, I wasn't really sure where we were going, nor how the course would be in terms of climbs. I also had neglected to notice that we would be running a "loop" mid course, and that the turnaround would be closer to 8 miles.

Anyway, I certainly appreciated that the course was easier and less technical. I tried to run when I could. First aid station was about two miles in - and was run by Roosters! It was great to briefly see Lisa, Carol and Brett. Then we had a nice downhill for about 2/3 of a mile before we ended up back on the road again. This was a very long climb.



Turned off onto a section of trail, and had another nice downhill (which thankfully, we would not have to run back up later). I finally passed Kristin at this time, and she seemed like she was suffering a bit.

Even though the course wasn't really on single track, it was certainly pretty with blue skies and snow-capped mountains.





I really enjoyed seeing so many people I knew! It seemed like every tenth person was someone I recognized - which made the run a lot more fun. Came into the second aid station and I didn't stop. More. Uphill. It was sunny, I was sweating a TON. I had finally spent the money on a new bra (Smartwool strappy) and was hoping this would finally end the chafing that I've been getting - pretty much anything over an hour. I was, however, feeling like I was starting to chafe on my lower back. I quickly thought about the last two 100 mile runs I had done when I had chafing issues on my lower back, and I was wearing the same shirt. I made the executive decision to take off  my tee and just run in the bra - risking all sorts of chafing (not to mention, being extremely self-conscious with my beer gut hanging out).

As we climbed, there was more and more snow on the side of the jeep road. Finally, I could see where we were going to turn around. Pleasantly surprised that Ariel wasn't as far ahead of me as I thought the might be. Also saw Lisa right before the turn, and also impressed I was so close to her. I briefly stopped on the side of the trail to tighten my laces, took a selfie at the turn, and then started the run down.
Jess & A ran together the whole race!

NOT Mosquito Pass!
For the most part, the back half was pretty amazing. Got to see all the marathon runners heading up for the back part of their race - which meant even MORE people I knew!
Finally saw Ben at the base of the hill heading into the last aid station. That climb was the worst of the whole course - probably because my legs were toast from working harder than I should have. It was also the only part of the course where I actually had to stop and catch my breath.
Looking creepy at the last aid station
Came into the last aid station, said hi to friends, and took a few bites of watermelon before tackling the last two miles of downhill. I was having some side cramping, but was still running well - and much better/faster than I expected, which was nice!

I managed to pass green shorts with less than a half  mile to go - and was able to run on the red carpet through the finish alone.

Official time - 3:16:02 (must have been gun time only)
Garmin time - 3:14:10
Garmin distance - 14.78 miles
Garmin pace - 13:08
Elevation gain - 2,461', max elevation - 11,645'
Mile 1 - 14:31
Mile 2 - 16:21
Mile 3 - 11:43
Mile 4 - 15:31
Mile 5 - 13:19
Mile 6 - 16:53
Mile 7 - 15:58
Mile 8 - 16:09
Mile 9 - 10:21
Mile 10 - 10:08
Mile 11 - 11:30
Mile 12 - 9:14
Mile 13 - 16:35
Mile 14 - 8:55
Mile 14.78 - 9:00

I scanned the crowd for Ariel, and when I didn't immediately see her I headed to the Roost tent. Spent the next few hours drinking beer and socializing with everyone. It was fun to see people coming in through the finish line.

Finally found A, and when we checked results, we saw that she got second place! (She ran an official time of 3:03:10!) And seriously, she takes the best race pictures. Glad there were people at the finish line that got pictures of her - she looked amazing coming in!






Ken Clouber chatting it up with A during awards
Was able to get a picture of her on the podium with her nifty pan before heading up the street to look for Ben. I ran with him for about a quarter of a mile and told him I wasn't going to run through the finish line with him, but I met up with him after.

We stuck around for about another hour, before heading to the car when it started to rain.

Thoughts:

  • I think there were close to 1000 runners, and thanks to the course change, honestly never seemed crowded. Most of the course was on road or jeep roads, so plenty wide.
  • Like the shirt - will wear again.
  • Cool coffee mug and love the medal!
  • Maybe I'll run the half again. Maybe.

Week in Review (March 19 - March 25)

Tuesday  (12,786 steps) - Work in the office. Since Ariel is in France, I had to hire a dog walker for the first time in a VERY long time (l...