Thursday, June 30, 2011
Bling!
Friday, June 24, 2011
Happy Trails!
Wow! I hadn't run since the half on the 12th. Has it really been that long? How did I let that happen? Well, it doesn't matter anymore because I had a very nice run in Chautauqua. We did about 3.26 miles in about an hour and 13 minutes. I was so looking forward to this run since it had been so long for me. And the trail is a nice place to get your groove back.
What I like about trail runs is that you get more bang for your buck. We only ran about 3 miles or so but put in over an hour of time. We moved slowly at times but also pushed up some hills for a short time. Navigating the rocks and roots makes for a multifaceted workout that I don't get in even an hour long road run. My glutes were happy! I also think I have better running form on the trails. I hold my head up straighter to look ahead for obstacles and turns. My arms are looser as I bound from one spot to the next over rocks. I think I even move my feet quicker because of the obstacle. I also think my shoes make a difference. I bought an inexpensive pair of Adidas trail shoes at Sports Authority. There isn't much rise in the heel and there isn't much cushion either. And they feel great! I'm going to adjust the shoe strings a little tighter next time so my foot doesn't move around so much in them. I really like them. I haven't done much distance with them yet but, I'm sure I will at some point.
At the start of our run, another hiker warned us of a bear on one of the trails. We weren't planning to go that way so we carried on. We made it as far as the NCAR connector trail before heading back. Some day we'll bring two cars and some food and extra water to make the complete trek. That'll be fun. :-)
Next week my mini trail running group from work moves our runs to Tuesdays instead of Thursdays.
What I like about trail runs is that you get more bang for your buck. We only ran about 3 miles or so but put in over an hour of time. We moved slowly at times but also pushed up some hills for a short time. Navigating the rocks and roots makes for a multifaceted workout that I don't get in even an hour long road run. My glutes were happy! I also think I have better running form on the trails. I hold my head up straighter to look ahead for obstacles and turns. My arms are looser as I bound from one spot to the next over rocks. I think I even move my feet quicker because of the obstacle. I also think my shoes make a difference. I bought an inexpensive pair of Adidas trail shoes at Sports Authority. There isn't much rise in the heel and there isn't much cushion either. And they feel great! I'm going to adjust the shoe strings a little tighter next time so my foot doesn't move around so much in them. I really like them. I haven't done much distance with them yet but, I'm sure I will at some point.
At the start of our run, another hiker warned us of a bear on one of the trails. We weren't planning to go that way so we carried on. We made it as far as the NCAR connector trail before heading back. Some day we'll bring two cars and some food and extra water to make the complete trek. That'll be fun. :-)
Next week my mini trail running group from work moves our runs to Tuesdays instead of Thursdays.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Estes Park Half Marathon Race Report
I was super excited for this event! Last year, this was the race I'd originally registered for when I decided to start training for a half marathon. It was scheduled for June 13th so I wanted to run 13 on the 13th. But, it turned out I had to miss the race that year. I ended up going to Germany for work for a conference. I'm not complaining. Germany was awesome. But, I missed my goal, my first running goal failed. I lost my mojo a bit after that and didn't get it back until the Rock and Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon last December. So, I felt a bit of redemption last weekend as I crossed the finish line. And it felt great!
The Estes Park Marathon is a pretty low key but well organized event. It's a family friendly event with a kids fun run the day before, a 5K, 10K, half, full and relay marathons. It's also a cup free event using the Hydrapouch system. Marathoners received a free Hydrapouch cup. I opted not to buy my own but to carry my water via my Camelbak 1.5L pack. I also bought an Amphipod fanny pack, without water bottles, to carry my Clif Bars. I forgot my iPhone belt clip so ended up carrying my phone in the tiny pocket on the Camelbak. I'd planned to bring some Sport Beans but forgot to buy more. But, I learned there would be Gatorade at the aid stations so decided that was just as good.
I also decided, that week, that I wanted to spend the night in Estes Park so I wouldn't have to get up so freaking early if I was leaving from home. I looked around and was planning to stay at the Rocky Mountain Park Inn when I had two offers from friends to stay with them. I ended up staying with my professor and mentor from library school. I always feel right at home there so it was perfect!
Race morning couldn't come soon enough!
I found a close parking spot, gathered my race number and settled in to wait for the start. It was a little chilly but not cold so I debated on whether or not to wear my long sleeve shirt. I often carry it around my waist when I run so I knew I'd be comfortable if I had to take it off. I decided to wear it. I'd decided the night before to wear my running skirt and my compression sleeves on my legs, mostly for warmth, although, turns out they are quite comfortable using them as they were intended.
As I mentioned, this is a pretty low key event, which means not nearly as many people as the Colfax race a month ago. The lines for the port-a-potty were manageable. They were oddly located very close to the start of the half marathon, which was convenient on the one hand, but there were also people waiting for the 10K start (in the same location) who were in line for the port-a-potty who got caught up in the crowd for the start of the half. Not a big deal but I thought they could have been moved a bit farther away from the start line. Here is a photo to illustrate that. I took this while standing in the port-a-potty line. The start line is the blue carpet near the orange cones.
No worries really because off we went! I decided not to run my iMapMyRun app because it would drain my iPhone battery and I wanted to be able to take photos along the route. I also didn't want to be able to check my time or pace because I wasn't shooting for anything but to have fun and finish feeling good. A race strategy I heard at the start was "I'm going to start slow and then ease up." I thought that was a brilliant idea.
As we made our way onto highway 36, the other back of the packers and I noticed a group of vultures sitting on the tower on the side of the road. It seemed as though they were waiting for us. "That's not a good omen!" some one said. We all laughed as the vultures all took off at once.
It was warm enough at the start that I opted to take the long sleeve over shirt off right away. That meant unhooking and removing my Camelbak. I had to slow to a walk to get this accomplished and then sprint a little to catch up to the folks I was planning to be my pace group. I managed all of that ok and didn't feel too stressed after catching up. I then was able to settle into a groove, find my pace, and begin to enjoy the run.
Have I mentioned that I love being in Estes Park? It's one of my most favorite places in Colorado. I am familiar enough with the town to know where I am on the course. I'd also driving the course once so sort of knew what to expect. I was feeling good. The weather was perfect. The sun was shinning, the sky was blue, and I was finally meeting my goal to run this half.
Here is the official course description:
"The half marathon course starts in front of the Estes Park middle school, heading West towards Manford Avenue. Turn right onto Community Drive, descending towards Lake Estes. Turn left onto Highway 36, keeping to the right of the highway within the coned section. Take a right at Highway 34, passing the visitor center on your right.Head up the hill, joining the last half of the marathon course. Take a left onto Elk Trail Court. The course winds through an open residential area that is mostly flat to downhill. Take a left onto North Lake Avenue, which is a downhill paralleling Hwy 34. Turn left onto Dry Gulch Road. The course climbs gradually for 3 miles and turns south onto Devils Gulch Road. The course is mostly downhill to mile 10, with a steep climb around mile 8. Mixed terrain takes you past the Stanley Hotel and down to Hwy 34. The course goes through the coned visitor center parking lot onto the bike trail around Lake Estes. The last 2 miles travels along the south side of Lake Estes, through the tunnel under Hwy 36, past the Stanley Fairgrounds and sports areas, and up to Brodie Avenue, turning right for a very short uphill before entering the Estes Park High School track and field at the SE corner. Complete less than one lap of the track counter clockwise and be greeted by enthusiastic crowds at the finish line!"
"The course climbs gradually for 3 miles..." I was ready for this gradual climb. When I drove the route earlier, I noticed red fire hydrants spaced along this stretch. My plan was to use them as my run/walk markers. There was an aid station at the bottom of the climb so I took in some Gatorade and settled in for the uphill 5K. I found myself paying more attention to my pace group than to my own strategy. That actually ended up working ok. There was a group of about 8 of us who leap-frogged up this part of the course. We all alternated between walking and running.
Where Dry Gulch Road headed south, at what I initially thought was the top of this climb, was another aid station and a port-a-potty with no line. I thought it best to utilize it so I wouldn't be second guessing and possibly suffering later. I'd been faithfully hydrating for several days leading up to race day, and had continued to take in fluids all of the day before and into the morning of the race. And I had plenty to carry me through the race. Stopping was a good idea. It was probably a 2 minute stop as I had to take off my waist pack and untie my shirt from my waist and then rearrange it all again, in addition to getting more Gatorade. After my long pit stop, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself catching my pace group on the downhill! Woo hoo!
About mile 9, when I stopped to take some photos, I was finally able to properly adjust the left shoulder strap on the Camelbak. It had been bouncing and in the process, rubbing my neck. It was quite annoying but I didn't want to stop to fix it. But, I stopped for a photo op of the Twin Owls.
There was a couple in a minivan parked there cheering some of us on. That was cool. It was also where I learned I was on pace to meet or beat my Vegas time. I heard one of the people call out to some one that it wasn't yet 9:00. When I took out my phone for the photo, I did check the clock time. That made me feel very good. I considered pushing it a bit to try to improve my time but thought better of it and settled back into my same pace.
I started to get a little tired, heavy in my legs, shortly after mile 10. I had a triumphant feeling when I say the 10 mile marker and I may have tried then to pick up my pace. But, I couldn't really go any faster and continued to take my walk breaks. We ran onto the Stanley Hotel property for a short bit of the course. That was fun but a little uphill. Once we got to highway 34 and crossed over it and onto the bike path, I knew we were in the home stretch! I knew then that I'd be able to finish strong. I picked it up just a little. But, right at the 12 mile marker I started to get a headache. And it felt like an altitude sickness headache, quite painful. So, I slowed to a walk and drank more water. I started to wish I had the sport beans. But, I did have the Clif Bars so I also ate another one of those. I'd eaten a few during the run but maybe I should have had more. I felt fine walking so, after a second attempt to continue my running pace, I decided to just continue to walk until I got to the high school track. I definitely wanted to run through the field and to the finish line. It turned out to be a good strategy.
Hooray!! My friend Florence was there to take these finish line photos! It was awesome! I stretched, finished off my water, had a Mix1 protein shake, ate half a banana, and watched a few more runners come in. Florence and I hung around a little and listened to some of the awards being presented. Then she went into town and I went back to the house to shower and pack. Nancy and Jim weren't able to make it to the finish line but were waiting to hear all about it when I got back to their place. Yay!! What an awesome day! After saying my goodbyes to them, I met Florence for some celebratory ice cream.
I felt very good after this run, much better than I did after Vegas, my first half. I grabbed some grub before heading back home. Once I was home I got very sleepy and took a nap before enjoying a nice steak dinner that my hubby had prepared for us. He's the best! Thanks love!
My finish time was 2:45:22. I was very pleased that it was faster than my Vegas time (2:49:03). Even though it wasn't very much faster, it certainly had more hills and altitude than Vegas so I'm happy with that. It's all good. My goals were met - keep moving, enjoy the scenery, don't pass out from the altitude. Hooray!! I'm so proud of myself! Thanks everyone for your support especially Florence for taking photos and celebrating with me, Nancy and Jim for letting me stay with them and for their encouragement, Natasha for her on going support, encouragement, and advice, and of course to Tim, my love, for everything.
When's the next one? :-)
I also decided, that week, that I wanted to spend the night in Estes Park so I wouldn't have to get up so freaking early if I was leaving from home. I looked around and was planning to stay at the Rocky Mountain Park Inn when I had two offers from friends to stay with them. I ended up staying with my professor and mentor from library school. I always feel right at home there so it was perfect!
Race morning couldn't come soon enough!
I found a close parking spot, gathered my race number and settled in to wait for the start. It was a little chilly but not cold so I debated on whether or not to wear my long sleeve shirt. I often carry it around my waist when I run so I knew I'd be comfortable if I had to take it off. I decided to wear it. I'd decided the night before to wear my running skirt and my compression sleeves on my legs, mostly for warmth, although, turns out they are quite comfortable using them as they were intended.
As I mentioned, this is a pretty low key event, which means not nearly as many people as the Colfax race a month ago. The lines for the port-a-potty were manageable. They were oddly located very close to the start of the half marathon, which was convenient on the one hand, but there were also people waiting for the 10K start (in the same location) who were in line for the port-a-potty who got caught up in the crowd for the start of the half. Not a big deal but I thought they could have been moved a bit farther away from the start line. Here is a photo to illustrate that. I took this while standing in the port-a-potty line. The start line is the blue carpet near the orange cones.
As we made our way onto highway 36, the other back of the packers and I noticed a group of vultures sitting on the tower on the side of the road. It seemed as though they were waiting for us. "That's not a good omen!" some one said. We all laughed as the vultures all took off at once.
It was warm enough at the start that I opted to take the long sleeve over shirt off right away. That meant unhooking and removing my Camelbak. I had to slow to a walk to get this accomplished and then sprint a little to catch up to the folks I was planning to be my pace group. I managed all of that ok and didn't feel too stressed after catching up. I then was able to settle into a groove, find my pace, and begin to enjoy the run.
Have I mentioned that I love being in Estes Park? It's one of my most favorite places in Colorado. I am familiar enough with the town to know where I am on the course. I'd also driving the course once so sort of knew what to expect. I was feeling good. The weather was perfect. The sun was shinning, the sky was blue, and I was finally meeting my goal to run this half.
Here is the official course description:
"The half marathon course starts in front of the Estes Park middle school, heading West towards Manford Avenue. Turn right onto Community Drive, descending towards Lake Estes. Turn left onto Highway 36, keeping to the right of the highway within the coned section. Take a right at Highway 34, passing the visitor center on your right.Head up the hill, joining the last half of the marathon course. Take a left onto Elk Trail Court. The course winds through an open residential area that is mostly flat to downhill. Take a left onto North Lake Avenue, which is a downhill paralleling Hwy 34. Turn left onto Dry Gulch Road. The course climbs gradually for 3 miles and turns south onto Devils Gulch Road. The course is mostly downhill to mile 10, with a steep climb around mile 8. Mixed terrain takes you past the Stanley Hotel and down to Hwy 34. The course goes through the coned visitor center parking lot onto the bike trail around Lake Estes. The last 2 miles travels along the south side of Lake Estes, through the tunnel under Hwy 36, past the Stanley Fairgrounds and sports areas, and up to Brodie Avenue, turning right for a very short uphill before entering the Estes Park High School track and field at the SE corner. Complete less than one lap of the track counter clockwise and be greeted by enthusiastic crowds at the finish line!"
"The course climbs gradually for 3 miles..." I was ready for this gradual climb. When I drove the route earlier, I noticed red fire hydrants spaced along this stretch. My plan was to use them as my run/walk markers. There was an aid station at the bottom of the climb so I took in some Gatorade and settled in for the uphill 5K. I found myself paying more attention to my pace group than to my own strategy. That actually ended up working ok. There was a group of about 8 of us who leap-frogged up this part of the course. We all alternated between walking and running.
Where Dry Gulch Road headed south, at what I initially thought was the top of this climb, was another aid station and a port-a-potty with no line. I thought it best to utilize it so I wouldn't be second guessing and possibly suffering later. I'd been faithfully hydrating for several days leading up to race day, and had continued to take in fluids all of the day before and into the morning of the race. And I had plenty to carry me through the race. Stopping was a good idea. It was probably a 2 minute stop as I had to take off my waist pack and untie my shirt from my waist and then rearrange it all again, in addition to getting more Gatorade. After my long pit stop, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself catching my pace group on the downhill! Woo hoo!
I started to get a little tired, heavy in my legs, shortly after mile 10. I had a triumphant feeling when I say the 10 mile marker and I may have tried then to pick up my pace. But, I couldn't really go any faster and continued to take my walk breaks. We ran onto the Stanley Hotel property for a short bit of the course. That was fun but a little uphill. Once we got to highway 34 and crossed over it and onto the bike path, I knew we were in the home stretch! I knew then that I'd be able to finish strong. I picked it up just a little. But, right at the 12 mile marker I started to get a headache. And it felt like an altitude sickness headache, quite painful. So, I slowed to a walk and drank more water. I started to wish I had the sport beans. But, I did have the Clif Bars so I also ate another one of those. I'd eaten a few during the run but maybe I should have had more. I felt fine walking so, after a second attempt to continue my running pace, I decided to just continue to walk until I got to the high school track. I definitely wanted to run through the field and to the finish line. It turned out to be a good strategy.
I felt very good after this run, much better than I did after Vegas, my first half. I grabbed some grub before heading back home. Once I was home I got very sleepy and took a nap before enjoying a nice steak dinner that my hubby had prepared for us. He's the best! Thanks love!
My finish time was 2:45:22. I was very pleased that it was faster than my Vegas time (2:49:03). Even though it wasn't very much faster, it certainly had more hills and altitude than Vegas so I'm happy with that. It's all good. My goals were met - keep moving, enjoy the scenery, don't pass out from the altitude. Hooray!! I'm so proud of myself! Thanks everyone for your support especially Florence for taking photos and celebrating with me, Nancy and Jim for letting me stay with them and for their encouragement, Natasha for her on going support, encouragement, and advice, and of course to Tim, my love, for everything.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Estes Park Half Marathon...
New personal best half marathon time. 2:45:22 including a potty break. So much fun! Race report coming soon!
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