Week in Review (October 4 - October 10)

Tuesday (17,515 steps) - It was super windy on my morning run and my legs were still heavy after my "fast" run at RMRR. I only managed to get 2.5 miles in. Blah.

When to Laura's barre fuzed class during lunch. Regular busy afternoon of picking A up from soccer, homework at the library and gymnastics. Dinner, homework, TV and bed.
Wednesday (15,258 steps) - Totally invested in winning the barre challenge, so I got up early and went to a 6 am class with Nicole. This was only the second class I have taken from her, and I didn't love it. After work we went to run club. Fun evening running with Heather and Colfax, and then a pizza party at the store. Managed to not buy anything.

Thursday (14,371 steps) - 6 am barre class with Meredith. After work and school we headed down to Denver Roost for another Ladies' Night. We opted to not run, but we did enjoy the food and raffles.

 

Friday (13,708 steps) - DEAD FROM THE PLAGUE. My "maybe cold" turned into a full blown nightmare. Nightmare compounded by the main bathroom sink flooding.

The universe knows that sugar and carbs makes me feel better, so I had quite the feast for breakfast:

Went to a barre class during lunch with Sasha. I really like her classes, but it's hard to get away for more than one class during the week.

In the lead for now!

After work A and I went to Lowe's to buy parts to repair the sink. I was feeling like crap and we were pretty pleased with ourselves thinking we had it fixed. And then we realized the sink was leaking right at the drain. Long story short, we had to go back to Lowe's, buy more parts and channel locks and completely redo everything. Good news, we fixed it and we are awesome. Not the best way to spend a Friday night, especially when you're sick.

Saturday (8,259 steps) - Up early for A's soccer game. They were actually playing a team from their own school. They are playing better, but they still lost 4-0. A was pretty bummed.

Went back home to rest on the couch until I went to barre at 10:45. EVERYTHING FELT HARD. After showering and grilled cheese for lunch, HOURS of napping on the couch. Got up around 5 to get ready for Heather's birthday party. Instead of having it at her house like usual, it was at a bar/restaurant in Golden. The food had huge portions and the drinks weren't too expensive, I just don't like going out. It was great to see everyone, and I have to say that I was relieved that they kicked all minors out at 9 so we could go home.
Sunday (35,008 steps) - Louisville trail half  marathon.

After the race we headed home to shower and get ready for the Broncos game! We met at Heather's house and then she drove us to the stadium. What a cluster getting into the lot!

We walked around the replica of the original Mile Hi stadium and got to our seats a few minutes after the game started... with the Falcons already scoring a goal. The game was a lot of fun, even though we lost.

I hadn't been that hungry during the game, but pizza sounded really good. We decided to go to California Pizza kitchen for dinner. I had a chipotle chicken pizza (yes, I ate the whole thing), and A and I shared a slice of pumpkin cheesecake. Then we went to Heather's and watched the Presidential debate. What a fucking disaster. We didn't end up leaving her house until 8:45, so by the time we got home it was really late. Where did the weekend go???
Monday (13,913 steps) - Both of us slept in a bit too late. Chaos in the morning and we ended up leaving the house super late. At least it was a "holiday" so there wasn't too much traffic. Picked up A at Scouts and then went to barre class.

Stats:

• 118,032 steps
• 17.9 miles run
• Six barre classes. I ended up skipping the Sunday one since we went to the Broncos game.
• Current weight 123.8. One would think, that being sick with the plague and not being able to taste anything would aid in weight loss. Sadly, I barely moved all week, didn't hit my step goal on more than half the days, barely slept, and ate like crap.

Everything Else:

• Work has been really rough. Troy is getting ready for a 2-week trial and has been an nightmare to deal with. Compound his attitude with scheduling issues and I have NOT been looking forward to coming to work every day.

Bear Chase Trail Race Half Marathon (Race Recap)

Sunday, September 25
Lakewood, CO
Half marathon #154
Weather - perfect

I was off to run the Bear Chase trail races for the 6th year. A had asked to run the Baby Bear (10k) this year as well.

Race Day

We actually had to get up even earlier than we did for a race in the mountains 2 hours away. Alarms went off at 5:05, and we were out the door about 5:30, arriving at the park around 6. I was really surprised to see someone at the front gate at that hour. For the first time in years we were parking inside the park instead of being shuttled in.

The start/finish was at Pelican Point for the second year, and we were ushered into a spot close to the fence. We saw David right away, fixing cones and spray painting the dirt for the loop around the parking lot for the half marathoners. It was chilly out, and we initially planned on hanging out at the start until 7 when I would be racing. It was still cold and dark, however, and no one was at the Roost tent yet, so I just used the port-o-potty and then we went back to the warm car.

We headed down for real around 6:35, when the sun was just coming up. I of course had to use the bathroom again, so I got in line. The race seemed smaller than in years past, but the bathroom line still moved slow. A ran off when she saw Phil, and I met up with Heather to get to the start line. We got some pre-race pictures from Lisa and Jen, and before we knew it, it was time to start. (I'm including pictures taken of A pre-race - I was already running, she didn't start until 8, an hour after me).

I was pretty sure I was going to be going slow, but Heather still wanted to run together, so I made sure to tell her that we were starting in the back and going slow.

When we jumped on the trail after the first .6, I was pretty sure we were dead last. Fine by me, I would rather NOT have to jump off the single track in the very beginning because I am slow. My legs felt like lead and my calves were fiery hot again, which I haven't had happen in a while. I think I made it through the first mile before I had to walk.

Somewhere around mile 2 my legs finally loosened up a bit. We got into a decent running rhythm, and time went by quickly as we haven't spent that much time together lately so we needed to catch up on all our gossip. We had similar mindsets on walking up all the hills (especially Mt. Carbon!) and then running the flats and downhills.

Ah, the lovely view of Mt. Carbon's base

Standard view of the lake from the climb up Mt. Carbon

Neither of us needed to stop at the Homestead, the first aid station. Shortly after we arrived at the river crossings. The first one seemed deeper than in the past and the water was definitely cold! During the ultra races this is always my favorite part - helps to cool down!

Water crossing #1!

Selfie at water crossing #3!

We ran up the sidewalk to Fox Hollow, where I slammed a cup of Mountain Dew before we headed out on the most exposed section of the course to Cattail. This section is mentally draining for sure. Could not imagine how I have ever run multiple loops here!

Very happy to see Pete and the crew. Filled up my handheld, grabbed a pickle and headed out towards "mini Mt. Carbon." A few people in front of us missed the turn, weird that there wasn't a course marshal out there this year. Luckily, I knew where to go.

This is so much steeper than it looks

Mile 8 clicked right at the top of the hill, which is also when I took off the arm sleeves. The course changed just a bit and we got to run down a nice section of single track towards the boat ramp. Alison was volunteering and I grabbed a small cup of coke and finally opened my Stinger chews, although I only had a few. I like that in this new course that we get to run the prettiest section at the end!

We came upon Ali (doing the 10k) and we were running along nicely in the shade. Just at mile 12, Heather tripped over nothing and  messed up her knee. Thankfully she wasn't seriously injured and we both ran well into the finish. A slower time than last year, but faster than I ran the day before, so I was happy.

Right as we were finishing, they were doing the awards - A got first in her age group!

These adorable kids tore up the trails!

We stayed at the finish for a while eating Flippin' Flapjacks, drinking pumpkin beer, doing a jello shot with Jen for her birthday, and hanging out with all our friends and teammates. This is seriously one of my favorite events of the year. Can't wait to come back next year!

Team picture

Jello shots with Jen

Winner, winner!

Jen (overall female 10k winner, A and Ben)

Official Time - 2:48:17
Overall Place - 190/241
Gender Place - 107/147
Division Place - 41/60
Garmin Time - 2:47:48 (weird)
Garmin Distance - 13.01 miles
Mile 1 - 12:34
Mile 2 - 13:53
Mile 3 - 13:43
Mile 4 - 12:45
Mile 5 - 14:02
Mile 6 - 14:37
Mile 7 - 12:01
Mile 8 - 13:07
Mile 9 - 11:44
Mile 10 - 11:33
Mile 11 - 13:12
Mile 12 - 12:51
Mile 13 - 11:36
Mile 13.01 - 8:52

A's results
Official Time - 1:15:32 (which is a substantial PR for her!)
Overall Place - 111/176
Gender Place - 73/126
Division Place - 1/2

Thoughts:

• Such an awesome event. Throughout the weekend you have your choice of distances - 10k, half marathon, 50k, 50 mile, 100k. Something for everyone!
• The shirts this year are a sweet royal blue - will wear this one again for sure.
• Medals for all distances (and buckles for the 100k runners). If only I was fast enough for an overall podium - those awards are super sweet!
• The course markings are phenomenal (probably a giant pain to have to clean up though) - much respect for race directors David and Ben for this.
• Aid stations are amazing. Plenty of volunteers, well-stocked with just about everything you could hope for.
• Finish line party is super fun - music, food and beer.
• I of course will be back next year. Just a little sad I missed the inaugural year, I could totally be a legacy runner. Anyway, I'll be back for year #7 in 2017.
• Random tidbit - shout out to Brock, half fanatic from Florida that came all the way out to run this event after having read recaps on my blog. Hope you had a great time!

Week in Review (September 13 - September 19)

Tuesday (17,902 steps) - Since I had skipped my run Monday, I decided to set my alarm and see how I felt and if I would go out. I decided to run, and when I got outside I saw it had rained. I skipped running to the lake and did the loop around the neighborhood. I consciously ran slow and steady and it turned out to be a pretty good run.

Leaves, they are a-changing!

During lunch I went to Laura's barre "Fuzed" class again, and it was just as challenging as I remembered. A lot different than regular classes and I was sweating like crazy when we were done. After work (and soccer for A), took A to gymnastics. She had a substitute who didn't seem to mind spotting the kids (unlike her regular coach). She has really gained a lot of confidence! Dinner at home, A fell asleep when we were watching TV after.
Wednesday (24,332 steps) - Instead of going to run club after work, A and I headed over to Bear Creek for the Lakewood Trail Series race. A did not want to run, but I figured I would go for the "long" distance, which was about 5.2 miles. The race was only $25, and the weather was perfect.

I gotta say, I have gotten so slow, I'm way out of my element! I started towards the back, and was getting passed by pretty much everyone right of the gate. My legs/butt were a bit sore from Laura's barre class, and my calves were tight.

The course was pretty great, until I realized that we were going to have to go up and around Mt. Carbon! I had to do a bit more walking than I would have liked, and I was concerned that if I got to the base of Mt. Carbon that they would make me do the short course since I was slow. The organizers said they didn't want anyone out on the course in the dark (and I hadn't brought my head lamp).

As dusk came in, I could hear the coyotes, and I was totally alone when the girl I was chasing turned off for the short course. There was a bit of congestion when I was going up and the faster runners were coming down. I felt a LOT better on the way down and managed to run most of the way back, stopping only briefly to get a picture of some deer, and some quick walk breaks maybe a mile out.

I was, I think, the third to last finisher in 1:04:47. We stayed at the finish while Mo finished her beer, and then we headed home.

Thursday (17,211 steps) - When I went downstairs in the morning I noticed a large amount of water pooling under my water heater. I took pictures and sent them to Carl - he told me to clean up all the water, and if it was still wet when I got home to call him. Yippee.

Went to a barre class with Meredith, small, only two of us! Which basically meant that she worked us to death. After work/school, we went down to Belmar to walk with Mo on the last night before her surgery.

A won the first raffle (but they don't let minors collect at the Belmar store, so *I* actually won) - a pair of CW-X compression tights!

We went to Rocko's after for nachos, leaving around 8 for homework, etc. Turns out, water heater still leaking. After face timing with Carl, he determined I needed a new water heater. FANTASTIC.

Friday (12,367 steps) - Spent the morning trying to get a hold of someone that might be able to swap out my water heater. Got a quote from a friend of Heather Baxter's. I ended up leaving work around 3 to home to meet up with the guy, he swapped them out in just about 90 minutes, all for the lovely low price of $1,165. Womp, womp, womp. Picked A up from school, then went grocery shopping. Only to realize I had left my wallet on the coffee table after paying the guy. Whoops. We got all our gear ready for hiking the next morning and went to bed around 9.
Saturday (19,665 steps) - 3:33 wake up call. Finished grabbing all of our stuff for hiking and picked up Lisa at her house around 4:15 am. The drive to Fairplay was uneventful, until we couldn't figure out where to turn for the trail head. We found it eventually, then drove the 11 or so miles on the dirt road (not as bad as some of the dirt roads we have been on), ready to start our hike just before 7:00. We were dressed for cold, as it was only in the mid 20's. We had picked Mt. Sherman for A's first 14er. It was only 5.25 miles round trip, and was deemd "easier" than others. I, of course, forgot 1). the map (again), and 2). my sunglasses!! I was so sad when the sun came over the horizon and I had nothing to wear. Dang it!!

We stopped about a mile up and had our first snacks. Shortly after that was when we got to the saddle and it got a bit colder and super windy. A sort of freaked out when we got to the last section where we had to scramble a bit and the trail got more narrow. Due to the wind gusts, she was afraid of being blown off the mountain, so she wanted to stay super close to me.

On the saddle

 

Luckily, when we got to the top, the wind stopped. We were able to enjoy about a half hour on the summit before heading down.

You know what I wish I had? SUNGLASSES.

Thanks Lisa, for letting me borrow your sunglasses for this picture!

The first 20 minutes or so on the way down were SO MISERABLE. It was even windier than the way up and it was COLD. I was for sure concerned that we might get frost bite! We even huddled behind some rocks to get a break from the wind and try to warm ourselves. When we finally got down below the saddle the weather/temperature improved immensely.

We got back to the car in only about 4.5 hours! A did totally awesome and said she would be up to doing another one... next year.

Changing leaves!!

We went to the South Park brewery, where we played a game of Clue and had lunch. Lisa and I enjoyed S'mores Stout beers, and A had a root beer. We dropped Lisa off around 3:45, then went over to Heather's house to pick up tickets for the Rockies game. By the time we had dinner and watched some TV, we were both exhausted and were in bed before 9.
Sunday (22,653 steps) - Got up around 7:30, getting over 10 hours of (much needed) sleep. A made eggs and pumpkin pancakes for breakfast while I cleaned up the house and finally bagged up all the items we were planning on donating. We left the house around 10:15, dropped off everything at Goodwill, then drove down to Bear Creek where A was doing some horseback riding with her Girl Scout troop.

While they were riding, I went for a run. I picked a bad time to go, it was the sunniest ever and over 80 degrees! For whatever reason, I retraced my steps from the trail race earlier in the week and ran up Mt. Carbon. Still hard, every time.

A and the troop were done by 12:30, and we headed over to Coors Field for the Rockies game! Sundays they have brunch in the clubhouse, and I managed to control my starvation, only having a burrito and a few other items. Not nearly as much as I normally have. We were only able to stay for the first 4 innings, as we had a barre class at 4:15.

Andrea was doing her last free class, so A got to join me. It was pretty challenging and fun.

On the way home we stopped at Target for a few more grocery items. Homework, dinner, in bed pretty early.
Monday (15,375 steps) - Rest day! Uneventful day at work and school for both of us, and luckily, a night of nothing to do (except homework).

Stats:

• 129,505 steps
• 12.3 miles run
• 3 barre classes, walking and hiking (again!)
• Current weight - 122.6. I've been pretty careful about not pigging out. I think it also helps that I went the entire week without having beer (except for ONE the day we went hiking). 

Everything Else:

• Replacing a water heater is freaking expensive. So annoyed that when Carl visited that he didn't think I needed to do it any time soon. Had he installed, it would have saved me like $600. Grrrr.
• Related: I'm out of money from the house proceeds. Really need to get back into having a budget. WHICH FUCKING SUCKS.