Beaver Creek Half Marathon (Race Recap)

Sunday, August 13
Avon, Colorado
Half Marathon #170
Weather - #allthesun

Even though the Beaver Creek half marathon is a beautiful course, I was dreading it. I'm slow right from the start because the first few miles have allll the climbing.

This year, there was an early start option for walkers. After having the course bike medic/sweep on my tail all race LAST year, this seemed like a great option. I met up with Stacy, Annette, Daniel and Michelle to start about 20 minutes early.

For some reason, I ended up being the rabbit - at least for the first mile. Just as much climbing as I remembered. I was hot, out of breath, and tired after running the day before. What I *did* have this year, that I didn't have last year, was people to run with! It made SUCH a big difference.

Thanks for the picture, Daniel!

The aspen grove did not disappoint (it never does) - and for once, it was nice to not have to keep moving off the trail. Since we had done the early start, we were way ahead of everyone. That didn't make it any easier, just less annoying.

The next section is my FAVORITE. Nice downhill on the road - which makes me feel like I'm a real runner (after the huffing and puffing I do through the aspen grove).

Allie's way is a beautiful wooded section where we can really FLY... well, kinda. Some sections are fairly steep, and there area  lot of tree roots. But at least I can actually breath here.

We then come out onto the slope, up the road, and arrive at the second aid station (which has moved to where we first enter the 5 Senses trail. This is when we get passed by the first half marathoner, who just happened to be Sean, my teammate!

The 5 Senses trail isn't too bad, some rocks and roots. Then we move onto what I would argue is the "worst" part of the course.  We move onto the road briefly before getting onto an ATV trail. More single track after we cross another slope, then an out and back up the road, and then down a wide dirt road into the finish.

Oh.

Did I mention that the half marathon is a double loop and we get to do it all over again?

At least this year, there weren't already people in the finish line enjoying their mimosas. It made it a teeny tiny bit easier to go back out the second time. By now it was really heating up and I was super tired.

For some reason, the second loop seemed to go by a bit faster (although I was definitely slower). I took more pictures the second loop. About a half mile into the second loop - who do I see? Ross! Our nearly 80 year old friend from Arvada! He had taken an even earlier start (7:00 am), but he had also run the Rocky Mountain half the day before. When I grow up, I want to be like Ross.

The next two pictures are from Allie's Way. I've never stopped long enough to take pictures in this section (this was the 3rd time I've run this event) because I've been RUUUUUUNNNING the downhills). However, it's so pretty, I figured I should take a sec and share it.

I managed to get ahead of Michelle and Annette at some point after the 5 Senses trail. The ATV trail that seems so long and hard is actually really pretty!

I was EXHAUSTED by the time I had to do the out and back on the road again. By now, I was getting caught by the mid-packers that had started with the gun. My legs were so shot that the glorious downhill I normally enjoy was actually pretty painful. Impressed that I was actually able to run it in.

Stacy was at the finish line cutting off shoe tags, which meant that she had dropped to the 10k. Jeff had another shipping error and there weren't enough medals for everyone, so we agreed to wait to collect ours so that others could get them instead.

Picture with the team at the finish.

Lesley, Stacy, Me, A, Dan, Susan

 A had been volunteering at the finish line and the food tent (which is her favorite). I actually grabbed some food and sat down to eat. Not normally something I've been able to do at this race. I had saved one medal from the finish line to give to Ross - which he seemed to appreciate.

Official time - 3:13:55
Overall place - 54/65
Division place - 5/8
Elevation gain - 2,539'
Mile 1 - 17:12
Mile 2 - 18:48
Mile 3 - 14:04
Mile 4 - 15:38
Mile 5 - 16:06
Mile 6 - 10:34 (wheeee!)
Mile 7 - 15:57
Mile 8 - 19:58
Mile 9 - 14:52
Mile 10 - 15:14
Mile 11 - 18:04
Mile 12 - 12:03
Mile 12.5 - 10:39 (I actually can't believe it was this "fast")

Last year, the course measured 12.4 and my time was almost 10 minutes slower. There are a ton of trees, so the "short" course measurements are not a surprise. Happy I wasn't slower than last year, but again, I was injured last year, so this wasn't anything spectacular.

Thoughts:

• This course is gorgeous. Just maybe not my favorite since I have to run it twice. Maybe if I only did the 10k... but then again, Beaver Creek is about 2.5 hours from Denver, that is a long way to go for only 6 miles.
• This is probably the best finish line party of them all - there is beer AND wine (and a wine glass) since the event coincides with the town's wine festival.

Week in Review (August 8 - August 14)

Tuesday (13,915 steps) - Barre with Sasha.
Wednesday (21,820 steps) - Met up with FRXC at Lyons Park in Golden for the scariest Wednesday night run yet... Chimney Gulch. I knew it was going to be hilly, but what I didn't really know was that this trail is the trail way to get up Lookout Mountain. Oh boy. Run started easy on the bike path for maybe a third of a mile before we eased onto the trail. There were two groups running - one that was "faster" and going to go all the way to the top of Lookout, and the shorter run was going to go to the saddle. Of course we were going to go short! There were only 5 of us (with one that was going to run even shorter) and they were nice about waiting. The early climbing was actually the worst, and I found that I was able to jog a decent amount as we got closer to the saddle. I think the view was worth it! We then headed up an even steeper section (A said, "and this is why we have switchbacks!") to get a view of the valley.

See that road waaaaay down there? That's how high we climbed!!

Met back up at the saddle (the group that had gone long was there waiting) - took a group picture and then had a glorious run down.

The weather had looked a little sketch, but we only had a little sprinkling on the way up - which really helped to cool things down. I can't believe how much we have lucked out with our trail running this summer!
Thursday (15,394 steps) - Barre with Sienna. Surprised to have Ben in class this morning. I had every intention of walking at run club, but Dulce was in the mood to run. It was a slow pace, but surprisingly hard. I guess not THAT hard after a crazy hilly trail run and a barre class.

Friday (14,421 steps) - Dinner on the patio and packing!
Saturday (35,002 steps) - Out the door by 5:40 for the Frisco Run the Rockies trail races. Recap to follow.

We stayed after the race talking to Tom and Lynette until after 1:00 - we were the very last people there! We weren't able to check into our campsite until after 2, and the weather looked iffy, so we decided to drive into Breckenridge to walk around. We went into a few shops, didn't buy anything (other than a mini personalized Colorado license plate for A). Around 3:00 we decided we were starving, so we stopped at the Flip Side. It was still fairly nice out, so we asked for a seat on the patio. We both got burgers and shared an order of truffle fries. About halfway through lunch it got colder and started to rain. Camping was seeming like a bad idea. By the time we walked back to the car and actually drove to the campsite the rain had stopped and there were blue skies. Thankfully we had reserved a spot as the campground was full! I "helped" A set up the tent, and then we just sat in our camp chairs and talked. Just before sunset we drove into town so I could have a "new-to-me" beer (which was tasty). In bed shortly before 9.

Sunday (33,113 steps) - Up at 5:30 to break camp. Left right as planned at 6 to drive to Beaver Creek. Made a quick stop in Silverthorne at the new Dunkin' Donuts for coffee. Arrived just after 7 and headed to the start for the Beaver Creek half marathon - recap to follow.

After the race we drove back to Breckenridge. We met Daniel at the gondola only to discover it was closed for lightening! Luckily the rest of the gals had not checked in yet and they drove back down from Peak 8 to pick us up. It was a TIGHT SQUEEZE getting all of us into a Pathfinder.

We spent a few glorious hours in the hot tub (first inside, and then we moved outside when the skies cleared again), before going
into town for a very late lunch.

This is the life!

After we all got dropped off at our respective cars, A and I went back into town to pick up cookies (that we planned on saving until we got home). We left Breckenridge at 5:15 and I was fully expected to spent the rest of the day in mountain traffic. It was a blissfully "short" drive as we got home just after 7. Unpacked the car and still had some time for TV before bed.
Monday (17,334 steps) - It was stormy in the afternoon again, but thankfully it cleared up so we could go to the New Terrain run club. This time Dulce and Matilda joined us! After our weekend of racing I let them know that we would be hiking the climbs and they didn't need to wait for us at the trail junctions. Dulce had never been to North Table, and I was really glad to hear that she liked it!

Skipped sticking around for a beer since we desperately needed to go to the grocery store.

Stats:

• Steps - 150,999
• Miles run - 38.5
• 2 barre classes

Week in Review (August 2 - August 8)

Tuesday (11,494 steps) - Went to barre class during lunch. A moved her gymnastics from Thursday night at 7 pm to Tuesday at 6, so we had to rush a bit to get her there on time. The class was a lot bigger and there were much younger kids with her, we are going to give it another week to see if it is a good fit for her. There was a substitute instructor and I did NOT care for her. Stopped at Target on the way home to get cash and pick up school supplies. RAGE RAGE RAGE. Ugh. I hate buying school supplies so much. It wouldn't bother me so much if she actually got to KEEP what I buy, but our county still does the "communal supply" nonsense. At least she does get to keep her own pencil bag, and she picked out a super cute one with cats.
Wednesday (18,227 steps) - Run club after work! Walked with Maureen again at the track. Jandy had come to see the speaker, Jason Koop, and she walked with A. Maureen and I were determined to get our three miles in. Kinda regretted it when it started pouring on our way back to the store. For the first time, pretty much ever I wasn't into a running presentation. I found Koop to be a little boring, probably because he was talking about training and I'm not running...

A was interested in looking at course profiles in his book though

We decided to head over to Old Chicago to use one of Maureen's coupons for bogo pizza. My shoe was feeling weird, when I looked at the bottom, my lugs were coming off?? WTH! I have never had that happen to a pair of Newtons, and I've been wearing them since 2010. Especially annoying since they are like a jillion dollars a pair.

By the time we all got there, ordered, ate and split the bill it was after 10:00 before we got out of there. WAY too late for a week night!

Had to take a selfie with other run clubbers that were there (love the shiny spot on my head)

Thursday (13,828 steps) -  So damn tired this morning, could barely drag myself out of bed. Went to barre during lunch. We decided to skip Belmar run club since we were both tired and we have hardly been home. Stopped at the grocery store on the way home, had dinner, packed and went to bed early. Low key, boring day.
Friday (16,461 steps) - Went to barre after work, since A was at camp with her Girl Scout troop.

Then, I drove over to Lisa's new place. So happy that she is back in Colorado!! We barely made it to happy hour at the Bout Time Pub & Grub that is under her apartments.

I thought this door sign was HILARIOUS

After having a drink we walked a few blocks over to Matador where we had dinner. Great time catching up with her! Both of us thought it was super late, turns out that we were home by 10. Old people.
Saturday (25,111 steps) - Lisa arrived at my house about 5:45 in the morning. We head out on Highway 72 to Nederland, I had suggested we hike at a Arapaho Pass. Lisa was hungry, so we stopped in Eldorado Springs so she could get some food, and then headed out to the Fourth of July trail head. I guess I have amnesia, I did NOT remember the road being so rough to get there! The last 4 miles took probably a half hour. We arrived just before 7:30 am, and I was pleased to see that the lot was not that full. Probably because the sky looked super suspicious. I had only brought a hoodie to wear, and at the last minute, grabbed a beanie and gloves. I wore the beanie the entire day, and gloves most of it. I estimate that it was in the upper 40's most of the hike. We were taking it pretty easy because Lisa is just getting back to Colorado and is not used to the altitude (we were hiking around 11,000 I believe). It started to rain when we were about 3 miles up and we decided to turn around and that it was better to be safe than sorry. It misted most of the way down and it was COLD (but oh so pretty!!).

Wildflowers never photograph well

 The drive back down was even sketchier than the way up, but Bee Rad did amazing and we survived! By the time we got to Nederland, it was about 11:30 and since the brewery was closed we stopped at Sundance Cafe and had lunch. Grilled cheese and a Twisted Pine stout, it was delicious and inexpensive! Got back to my house around 1:20, which gave me time to shower and take a 20 minute power nap before driving down to Runners Roost for volunteering for the GTIS packet pick-up with Maureen. Other than the first half hour, it was pretty slow. Lisa and I were supposed to go out for a bit, but we both sorta bailed because we are old and tired. Instead, I went with Maureen to Denver Beer Co. for their 5th birthday party! It was pretty crowded, but we got a seat on the patio and it was actually enjoyable. I had every intention of going to bed by 9, but then got a message from Jan that they got rained out at camp, so I had to stay up to message with Rose to make sure everything was cool with A spending the night at her house.

They went hiking at the Colorado National Monument before they got rained out

Sunday (36,338 steps) - Beaver Creek half marathon.

It was almost 3:30 before I picked up A at Rose's house. I was so annoyed with being in the car for so long and I was parched from forgetting to grab water for the drive. We immediately headed up to Boulder for volunteering at Ironman. I have volunteered at almost every 70.3 and full Ironman for the lat 5 years and I'm glad I was able to get out there again. This was the first time we were not on the course volunteering. We met up with our teammate Jeannene at the Info Tent where we volunteered for a few hours.

We went over to the finish line to spectate for about 45 minutes, but we were both pretty tired so we were headed home before 7:00. The evening was spent watching the Olympics (gymnastics) and going to bed early.
Monday (13,572 steps) - Even though I had gone to bed by 9:30, getting up at 7 was rough. Ugh. So tired ALL THE TIME! Traffic on the way in to work was horrendous, an accident on the flyover caused me to get rerouted on WEST I-70, adding about 30 minutes of bumper to bumper traffic to my commute. Went to a barre class at lunch. Stopped at Sprouts on the way home to get some groceries, low key night.

Stats:

• 13.1 miles run (just the Beaver Creek half)
• 135,031 steps (as you can see, my steps were way down most days. I didn't hit my "goal"3 days!
• Still walking for "cross training," plus I got a good hike in with Lisa!
• 4 barre classes!

Everything Else:

• Really trying to not get too obsessed with my weight, but I can't  help it. I am so near the danger zone (which for me, is 130). I know my eating is not on point, and it is SO EASY to get off track. I think I'm in a "funk" or "depression" from not being able to run. I'm loving that barre gives me some exercise, but it is not enough for what I'm consuming.
• Related, beer is getting out of hand again. Sigh.

Beaver Creek Trail Half Marathon (race recap)

Sunday, August 7
Avon, CO
Half Marathon #150 (!!!!)
Weather - Sunny and warm

The Beaver Creek half marathon is one of the mountain races that I have run before. Two years ago, I ran and finished in 2:54, which at the time was CRAZY slow for me. Spoiler, I did NOT finish that fast this year.

A had gone with her Girl Scout troop camping for the weekend at Colorado National Monument. Then I got a call at 8 pm on Saturday night that they got rained out and were packing up and heading home. Thankfully, my friend Rose was going to let A spend the night, as there was NO WAY I could stay up that late the night before a race.

Race Day

Sadly, there was no early start option for this event. The race starts at a terrible 9:00 am. (First, because that is late and it gets hot. Second, the race is in the mountains, and having a race start/finish late means getting stuck in mountain "weekend" traffic). I got up at 5:40, and felt hungover (even though I wasn't) and exhausted. Yippee!! The drive was estimated at just under two hours and the goal was to be out at 6. I would have been out on time, except Batman and Robin got into some beef jerky and there was a disaster in my living room.

The drive was uneventful, except for having Ben and his family pass me on the highway. I saw a few deer and a sheep, but that was about it. I was watching the temperature and it looked COLD - 41 degrees when I crossed over Vail Pass!! By the time I arrived at the Beaver Creek resort it was just before 8 and felt warm. Good for standing around, not good for racing.

I spent the pre-race lull chatting with Luke and Ben/family. I was actually feeling a bit nervous and apprehensive about this race. The hip has been "better," but I still haven't been running. Outside of a short failed training run last week, I haven't run outside of a race in over a month. With all that in mind, I started at the very back of the pack. Which unfortunately, is where I would remain the ENTIRE RACE.

So the race starts with a short run up the road, up a dirt road, then levels out on the grassy area behind some condos. Even WITH jogging that whole section, I was still in last place. And, I discovered, the course medic was also the bike sweep. I know this because she was just few dozen yards behind me almost the entire race. Urg.

There is a section of switchbacks on single track, then we are on a wider dirt road. I'm able to run a section of this as it feels sort of "flat." Then, we move into the Aspen Glade, which is one of my favorite sections of the course. Since I'm so incredibly slow, I take pictures (the climbing here is pretty steep). At the start of the race we are told "most of the climbing is in the first two miles, sort of lies, there is a decent amount of climbing in the back half.

Anyway, by about a mile and a half in, the fast 10k'ers are passing. WHICH IS SO ANNOYING. I probably jump off the single track 800 times during this loop (or however many 10k people ran the race, because I think 90% of them passed me). There is a section of not so steep single track and then arrive at the aid station. HURRAY!!

Next part is my favorite, the downhill on Allie's Way. Downhill in trail races always "saves" me because I am a lot better at the downs than the ups. Trail was a tad steeper than I remembered, a bit slick from the rain and #ALLOFTHETREEROOTS - but I still had a good time on it. When we exit the trail we have a more gradual downhill on the ski slope, then a short jaunt up the road, where we enter the 5 Senses trail.

This part isn't super runnable for me, mainly because of all the moving over for faster people and all the families that are taking their families out for a hike. Exit the trail for the next aid station. Fill up with another bottle of nuun. I have not eaten anything at this point. The heat is already getting to me. Jeep road, with a decent amount of climbing, and pretty overgrown wildflowers on the sides. A weird section of gravel, then more single track.

We exit onto the dirt road where the half marathon and 10k split. Half'ers have to run up the hill for the extra mileage (URG!!!), where I actually saw a couple runners, which means I wasn't SUPER far behind the very pack of the pack, and then it's a nice downhill on the dirt until it levels out near town. A short run on the sidewalk to run by the finish area and go out for loop two.

I had NO intentions of just stopping there, but I won't lie that the thought crossed my mind. While I was able to run a decent amount of the course, it felt SO HARD. And I was literally in last place. I could smell the burgers and see people drinking mimosas and beer. I really did not want to go back out. Then I realized that at least I hadn't been lapped by the winners, so I GUESS, I'll go back out.

Runnesia has always prevented me from making super smart decisions when registering for races. As I turned the corner, I saw a gal only about a tenth of a mile ahead of me. I COULD TOTALLY PASS HER!!! By now I'm on FIRE. It is so hot. I am feeling a little iffy and I really have never wanted to be done with a race more than this.

Pretty flowers behind the condos

When I get to the base of the Aspen Glade, I pass her! We power hike through the trees and chat a bit. She is having a much worse day than I am and I try to encourage her that she can finish. She mentions that this is her FIRST HALF MARATHON. Oh my god, poor thing! I get to the summit of the trees and I drop both her and the bike sweep. Aid station, and... I see another runner! Maybe I can catch her too!

I eat a handful of peanut butter pretzels before jumping on Allie's Way. The other runner, Sara, let me pass, although by the time we get through this section my legs are TOAST. We actually hiked/jogged with each other for a few miles, before she took off. My legs just didn't have anything left. Thankfully, it seemed to just be because I'm incredibly under-trained for a hilly half marathon at 8000', and NOT my hip.

The best picture I took during the race in the Aspen Grove

Selfie in the Aspen Glade - half marathon #150!!!

I caught up to Sara just before the tiny out and back section, and met up with another runner!! I did, however, find out on the way down when I saw the bike sweep, that I was back to being last because the other gal had DNF'd. Dang it!! I couldn't keep up with Sara, but the guy (Gabriel) and I ran together the last mile and a half or so. After chatting with him, he also said this was his first half marathon! I figured we tied for last place when we FINALLY crossed the finish line, but turns out I actually was 10 seconds or so faster thanks to chip timing.

Went to collect my free Darn Tough socks, only to find out they were out (again). Wah!!! They weren't, however, out of beer. I sat and had a beer and hot dog and chatted with the handful of runners that were still at the finish line.

Official time - 3:22:24 (28 minutes slower than 2 years ago)
Overall place - 77/78
Gender place - 39/39
Division place - 7/7
Mile 1 - 16:23
Mile 2 - 18:19
Mile 3 - 15:23
Mile 4 - 16:36
Mile 5 - 16:04
Mile 6 - 12:02 (look at me, I'm a RUNNER!)
Mile 7 - 16:35
Mile 8 - 20:24
Mile 9 - 16:05
Mile 10 - 16:50
Mile 11 - 19:42
Mile 12 - 13:06
Mile 12.4ish (11:40 - FOR REAL, I AM RUNNING!)

Fellow ERS ambassador Tom and I at the finish.

So by my Garmin, the course measured short. I'm sure it was accurate though, the aspen trees is where I stopped matching up with the course markings.

I left the finish area by 1:00, and sure enough, got stuck in horrific traffic on the way down. I actually came to a complete stop on Vail Pass, they were doing "safety metering" at the tunnel (which had traffic backed up all the way to Silverthorne, and then of course, the usual 10 mph from just before Georgetown all the way to Idaho Springs. HATE MOUNTAIN WEEKEND TRAFFIC. This is why I try to never be up there on a Sunday!!

Thoughts:

• Dang, I had not even remembered how hard this race is. I wish it started earlier and that the race distances were more staggered so I didn't waste so much time letting the faster people pass. It is what it is though.
• It is an incredible course. So pretty!!!
• Had I actually raced Black Hawk, this probably would have killed me. Two back to back half marathons with 2500+ feet of climbing AND at 8000'??? That's a LOT.
• Course was very well marked, markers at every mile (except 8, that sign has been missing since the beginning of the season). 
• 2 aid stations on course, with water and Gatorade. Second also had sport beans. I brought my own nuun tablets and food and the spacing was fine.
• Medal is the "least" interesting of the season, but it's big, and that's what is important, right?

• Shirt is white, gender specific. Probably won't wear again.

Thoughts not specific to the race:

• Damn. I am in rough shape. While I got through this event, it was insanely hard. I have been on the steady decline in terms of speed and endurance for a few years now, but this is getting ridiculous and borderline irresponsible. I know I'm "injured," but that is only one piece of the puzzle. As much as I enjoy racing, is it time to stop? I'm not sure if this is my MS slowly sneaking up on me, but I have lost so much energy and drive, and after years, it doesn't seem like it is ever going to come back. So depressing.