Back on Barr trail with Jill and the Incline club

As I sit looking at the snow dusting the city and the cloud obscuring the mountains, I am once again thankful that I was given the opportunity to run on a beautiful and clear day. How quickly our Colorado weather changes!

Sunday 2/2 was my first club run of the season, which felt wonderful. I am so glad to be back on Barr trail. There's just something special about it. It was nice to see Lindsay, Mark, Debbie, and many others at the start of the club run. We all had various training plans today, but I knew I wanted to go on Barr trail at a comfortable pace. I recruited Jill to go with me (more like wrangled.)

My legs felt a little heavy and I didn't want to push as far as Barr Camp today, but I did plan to get up above No Name Creek and past the 4 mile sign.

The hill at No Name Creek was like a giant ice slide!! I had brought my nano spikes but Jill's screw shoes were rather worn down and it was not an easy hill to tackle. (I tend to bring traction in the winter no matter what, especially if I'm going past just the Incline).

The weather was amazing! It was warm and perfect to soak in the day before the coming storm.

At Bob's road I was about ready to turn around, but I wanted to get some nice views of Pikes Peak.

I convinced Jill to scramble up a very small rocky top and soak in the sunshine for a few minutes.

After we had had our fill of sunshine and cool rocks, we descended Barr trail and ran into Bryan at the intersection of the Incline connector! We ran down with him until the bailout, where he was going to go back up the second half of the Incline. (What a trooper!)

What a great winter day on Barr trail. Thanks Jill for being adventurous with me! I always love Barr trail in the winter, and being with friends makes it even more fun.

Finally back on that Incline (with Sharon) + double crossover of Palmer Park/ UCCS Bluffs

Hello all,

Let me start by saying that I'm glad to have finally gotten back to the mountains after my recovery! Today Sharon and I did the Incline. I attained 38:15, with moderately-difficult effort level. I'm very glad I'm not too far behind.

We took a summit of the Incline photo, first one of the year!

The weather was quite comfortable. For winter, I was satisfied with shorts and a long sleeve shirt. We could see Pikes Peak as we descended the connector to Barr trail.

In classic Colorado style, the summit of the Peak got swallowed in clouds shortly after, making me glad I picked to drive home through Garden of the Gods.

Perhaps I was a little tired on the Incline today, because yesterday I did a Sunday long run, 9 miles in town. I did a double-crossover of two major bluffs in town, Palmer Park and the UCCS bluffs.

I loved this route as a good way to get a lot of climbing in the central city without needing to go to the mountains. Plus the views!!

Starting out in Palmer Park, I climbed directly to Grandview Overlook via the steep trail on the west side of the mesa.

Views at the top of Grandview are always good eye candy.

Next I crossed over the top of the southern mesa of Palmer Park, descending through Greencrest and coming to the northwest corner of the park at Union & Austin Bluffs, where the Templeton Gap trail crosses underneath the intersection via pedestrian tunnel.

From here, it's a fast uphill jog on the sidewalk through campus until you reach the small trail at the base of the UCCS bluffs. There's a stairway that indicates the start of the trail.

I often hiked this short trail up the bluffs while I was on breaks between classes here at UCCS, my alma mater.

From the top of this second bluff in town, I could easily see over to Grandview Overlook, where I'd started the day.

I love the workout station atop the bluffs. Considering how often I run to the station just like this one in Monument Valley Park, this one has much better views.

I then descended the bluffs, crossing through the UCCS campus. This informative sign on the UCCS campus was really neat (I am familiar with all these mountain names because I like to seek their summits!)

A perfect winter midtown jog, showcasing the best views of the mountains from town.

Next weekend, I hope to be back on Barr trail and back in the mountains. What a mild winter we're having, and it feels good to be outside.

Back to the trails for 2020

Hello all, just a brief update from me. I did post a year end summary for 2019, including summaries from previous years.

So far for 2020, I have been keeping mostly to urban trails. My daughter has been running with me for several shorter runs.

Our first run together was up to Grand View Overlook, on the first day of the year. What a great way to start off a new year!!

I've been trying to keep short and consistent runs. So far, so good.

Today I went back to Palmer Park and did Templeton loop, catching the classic views.

At the top of the Yucca Area, I went down Greencrest trail and doubled back towards Palmer Point.

It was such a perfect winter day, with a crisp breeze in the air, but mostly sunny skies. All throughout my run, I had great expansive views of Pikes Peak and the southern Front Range.

I feel I am ready to go back to the mountains. My healing process has gone very well so far. Today I rounded out 10 miles, checking off my first double-digit run since my surgery.

I can't wait to be back in the winter woods on Barr Trail... it will be soon!

Year's End Running Summary for 2019

Since this is my first time posting my year's end running summary on my blog, I want to go all the way back to the first year I tracked my running mileage, 2014. Mostly for my own information, I'll update a tidbit about each year before doing my summary for 2019.

2014 isn't the first year I was a runner (that was 1998), but it is the first year I kept dedicated track of my training.

I use Marty Jerome's logbook, which is specific for runners.

2014

In 2014, I ran 1861.4 miles total. I ran on 240 days out of the year. This averages out to 7.75 miles per run, and 35.8 miles per week.

In this year, I ran my very first full marathon, the American Discovery Trail Marathon, in 4:51:21. I ran many shorter races, including the PPRR Fall Series.

2015

In 2015, I ran 1875.9 miles total. I ran on 244 days out of the year. This averages out to 7.69 miles per run, and 36.07 miles per week.

In this year, I ran my first ever Pikes Peak Ascent in 4:51:57. I also ran my second marathon, the Denver Rock & Roll Marathon. I had a tough day and it took me 5:39:38.

2016

In 2016, I ran 2171.7 miles total. I ran on 245 days out of the year. This averages out to 8.86 miles per run, and 41.76 miles per week.

In this year, I attempted to run my first ultramarathon race at the Greenland Trail 50k. Instead, the weather was absolutely horrid (blowing snow and frostbitten winds). The race director made the call to shut the finish line several hours early, so I didn't get my first 50k finish, instead completing three loops for 37.5k. This was the first race I actually wrote a blog post about on this blog.

I made up for it with my main goal of the year, which was my first ever Pikes Peak Marathon. (And third marathon ever run.) I broke my Ascent record from 2015 during the Marathon, topping out in 4:24:35. My round-trip time was 7:25:53, a time I was satisfied with.

This was also the year that I ran my first ever ultradistance, although it wasn't in a race. I turned 30 and I ran 30 miles to celebrate, running from Greenland Open Space to Jack Quinn's (downtown.)

This was ALSO the year that Bailey and I ran to Cripple Creek from North Cheyenne Cañon, a big adventure run that I'd been wanting to do for some time.


2017

In 2017, I ran 1749.9 miles total. I ran on 192 days out of the year. This averages out to 9.11 miles per run, and 33.65 miles per week.

This was the summer that I worked at the Garden of the Gods as a park safety (foot ranger). I walked a ton of mileage, which I didn't include in my training log, but amounted to a lot of additional ultramarathon training.

This year, I ran a number of important races, beginning with my fourth marathon at the Sedona Marathon in Sedona, AZ. This somewhat hilly course was a challenge for me, and I finished in 5:12:18.

In April, I ran the 24 Hours of Palmer Lake (Death Race.) I intended to make the full 24 hours, but I bailed after 17.5 hours, giving me a total of 65 loops around the lake and approximately 55 miles by my GPS. Although this was my first time running more than 50 miles, I still hesitate to "count" that distance, since it was completely pancake flat.

Then, in June, I ran my fifth marathon at the Leadville Trail Marathon. This interesting course climbs around Ball Mountain before ascending Mosquito Pass and returning the same way. This was more on par with the Pikes Peak Marathon for elevation gain. I finished in 7:01:08.

My final goal race of the year was the Grand Traverse, a 40 mile point-to-point race from Crested Butte to Aspen which ascends two major mountain passes (Star Pass and Taylor Pass). I had one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life, even though I was only 5 minutes in front of the tightest cut off. I finished successfully, in 11:51:26. (This is a race I never wrote a blog about, but I hope to review in a future post.)


2018

In 2018, I ran 1127.6 miles total. I ran on 109 days out of the year. This averages out to 10.34 miles per run, and 21.68 miles per week.

To start the year off, I ran an adventure run with Bailey, this time from Balanced Rock to Woodland Park.

I got more into weightlifting this year, and ran fewer times on average. When I did run, I preferred to run longer, since my runs were less frequent.

This year, I signed up for the Human Potential Running Series membership, so all of my races were a part of this series. My first race in the series was the 6-Hour Stories Ultra, which was hosted locally in Cheyenne Mountain State Park. I ran 20.2 miles in very muddy conditions.

The second race I ran in the series was the Tommy Knocker 12-Hour Ultra. This was hosted in White Ranch Open Space near Golden. The weather at this race was mystical and foggy, and once again there was a lot of mud along some portions of the course. The race is challenging with plenty of altitude change. I rounded out 33.24 miles. Here is the blog post about that race, with photos.

The third race I entered was the Last Call 50 Miler. This was a crazy midnight-start 50 mile mountain ultra, and I snapped my ankle really badly at mile 14, but walked for another 19 miles until mile 33 where I dropped the race. My first DNF, and the injury still bothers me to this day. Here is the blog I wrote about that experience. Despite the injury and continuing treatment of that, I am thick-headed enough to still be a runner. Go figure. :)

2019


In 2019, I ran 934.0 miles total. I ran on 103 days out of the year. This averages out to 9.07 miles per run, and 17.96 miles per week.
This year, I decided to make one race goal and stick to it. I didn't even run any other races. I went all in for the Pikes Peak Ascent. Unfortunately I had a bad muscle cramp in the race and didn't make my goal time, but I still bested my previous Ascent time, finishing in 4:24:04.

I was hoping to get at least 1000 miles this year, but narrowly missed that goal because I had to take a mandatory 4 weeks of from running after my surgery. Nonetheless, it was a great year for adventure runs! I did a big loop with Jim in Lost Creek Wilderness; and Pawnee-Buchanan loop with Dionne in the Indian Peaks. I tagged 14ers with Dionne and with Lindsay. I saw a lot of new wilderness areas in Colorado, and I finally ascended Pikes Peak via the south slopes. Sharon and I trained all summer for the Ascent with plenty of altitude gain, including one run that "accidently" became more of an adventure when the summit house was closed. It's been such an interesting and fruitful year, and I thank everyone who was a part of my adventures this season.

Looking Forward to 2020

For 2020, I've already modified my goals slightly. My husband gifted me race entry to the Golden Gate Dirty 30! I'm excited and looking forward to this race, which includes over 7,000 feet elevation gain over the 50k course. Since this race is May 30th, I'll still have time in the autumn to do some great adventuring. The Four Pass Loop is still on my bucket list, as is going to the Grand Canyon. I would also like to consider being a pacer for 20-30 miles at the Leadville 100. There's so much to do, so many goals to complete! For now, I'm thankful that I'm feeling better and nearly ready to hit the trails again.

Last Incline of the year with Sharon + Monument run

On Monday, Sharon and I did an Incline, which will most probably be my last time in the mountains for 2019. The moon was setting behind the Incline as we ascended.

I did not push overly hard, but kept going steady. It was nice to see Steve. It wouldn't be an Incline day without seeing him! :)

I was happy that I finished in a solid 37:26, with Sharon less than a minute behind me! Especially considering I was not going overly hard.

On Wednesday, I ran my standard 6 mile loop at Palmer Park, as clouds gathered and enveloped Pikes Peak.

Finally, today (Sunday) I ran my long run, totalling just under 21 miles, ending at Serrano's Coffee in Monument. I figured I'd make the best of it, since I will be undergoing surgery on Wednesday, and I won't be running for at least 4 to 8 weeks.

Luckily for me, the weather was perfect today.

Afterwards, my husband brought the kids for some playtime at the park in Monument and my ride back home. :)

After surgery, I'll be going back into running slowly. Although I hope to keep my goal races for next year on the calendar, nothing will be set in stone (or registered for!) until after I gauge how my recovery is proceeding.

Have a happy holiday season, everyone! I'll likely update near the end of the year with my recovery progress and year-end summary.

Goals of the decade, revisited for 2020.

My last few weeks have been rather uneventful on the running front - I am keeping to local urban trails, Pikes Peak Greenway, and Palmer Park loops. Falling back into a winter routine made me feel like it was the perfect time to look forward to next summer season, and begin dreaming and planning.

About a year and a half ago, I made this post about several major goals that I had for the next decade or so.

For 2019, I picked to do the Pikes Peak Ascent. My goal was less than 4 hours, I had a tough day and came in at 4:24. Here is the link for the race recap post I made.

Despite not quite getting to my goal on that one, I've decided to move on and pick a new goal for next year. I don't prefer to run the same race two years in a row. (Variety is the spice of life, isn't it?)

Looking back at the top goals I had listed, I am not sure I'll ever do a 100 miler. That goal is on hold, pending me successfully completing a 50 miler. With that in mind, my main goal of next year will most likely be the Silver Rush 50 miler in Leadville.

I think the race will be a good way to test my mettle and see if I have the physical and mental capability to go even further in Leadville. (The Leadville 100 being the pinnacle trail race goal for many ultra runners.) I'm giving myself a 50/50 chance of ever doing a 100 mile race. Just saying. It's such an ultimate goal to have, but 50 is tough enough!

The Silver Rush 50 is in the second weekend of July this coming year. The race has a 14 hour cut off. My goal will be to do the race in just 12 hours, but I'll be happy with simply being able to finish under the cut off if it comes to that!

In light of this primary goal, in the spring I will probably plan on doing the Palmer Lake Death Race aka 24 Hour Race (again). I did this one in 2017 for the first time and had a blast. I did end up quitting after about 17 hours, which amounted to about 55 miles.

My goal at the Palmer Lake Death Race will simply be to keep moving and pull through the whole 24 hours. I will keep track of distance, but I won't necessarily have a distance goal for this one.

Another priority for me for next year is the Four Pass Loop. If you're unfamiliar, this is a 28 mile loop near Aspen which is a trail running classic. This will likely be one I do after the Silver Rush 50. Ideally, this will be my big autumn color run, much how this year's Pawnee-Buchanan Loop was.

My primary training will have to include a lot of runs that are high altitude, but fairly flat and long. The Almagre summit road (FS 379A) comes to mind as a good example. But of course, I won't be neglecting my Barr trail runs. I'll do all kinds of other fun stuff in the Pikes Peak region once the snow melts out again, and I'll probably try to target at least a few 14ers when they're accessible.

For now, I'm hoping to get back on the Incline with Sharon and Jill this coming week, and keep at least a minimal amount of altitude training under my belt during the off season.

Williams Canyon to Waldo Canyon to Longs Ranch Road with Dionne

I've neglected to update about my last long run with Dionne, which was over a week ago. I did want to post at least a short update with a few photos, because this run was so interesting to do.

The last time I ran the Waldo Canyon trail -the whole loop - was many years ago, during my cross country team days. This was way before the Waldo Canyon fire of 2012, which forced the closure of the trailhead off of highway 24, which remains barricaded to this day.

However, in the recent years, runners have returned to Waldo Canyon, finding the overgrown trail and running this excellent loop.

This was my first time ever exploring in Williams Canyon, which snakes up past the Cave of the Winds to connect with Waldo Canyon trail.

We first scrambled up to one of the caves in the Williams Canyon area, before continuing up to the top to check out the view.

Then we scrambled back down the steep gully and continued on the trail until it connected with Waldo Canyon.

The Waldo Canyon trail itself is somewhat overgrown from 7 years of no maintenance. But on this perfect autumn day, it didn't seem difficult to navigate the turns between the autumn foliage and yellow grasses. We even got some cool action photos!

We then crossed over highway 24 and went up Longs Ranch Road, where we found the last remaining yellow aspens that hadn't lost their leaves in the recent freeze.

What a fun time exploring in our local area!

Since the run, it's been snowing off and on in Colorado Springs, and every run I've done since then has been something I can access from my doorstep. Without boring you with mundane details, I'll simply post a few photos with captions.

A rock outcropping along Templeton trail at Palmer Park. 

A famous view of Pikes Peak with a prominent rock formation from the northwestern corner of the Templeton trail loop.

Julie Penrose fountain at America the Beautiful Park, with clouds closing in over the mountains. 

Yesterday's long run was the Legacy Loop from my house, totaling a bit more than 12 miles. I then watched as the clouds slowly moved towards town, enveloping the city in snow as evening set.

Yes, it feels as though winter has already arrived in Colorado. It is time for me to back off on the mountain running, and stick to the local trails. More consistent flat mileage is in my immediate future, not to mention more time in the gym. It's also a good time to dream of the coming year and make plans for adventures to come... more on that in a future update!