May Summary

Runs - 19
Workouts - 4
Injured - 0

The Bad: As I've pointed out, two things have frustrated me this month. One being the fact that I had to taper much more then I cared to going into Jemez. Would have loved going into the race not so much in full training mode, but with a few more runs and miles in the system. I honestly feel that this would have paid off nicely heading to Lake City. Then again resting the injured body parts isn't the worst thing for me so I digress.

Two, and easily the most frustrating, was my fuel intake during Jemez. Gotta do a better job on this matter or I will crumble while in the heart of the San Juans. I know better and just didn't bother taking in the necessary liquids and carbs. Great lesson learned here cause it sucked how one mile I was feeling solid only to lose it a few miles later.

The Good: Since Jemez, I've been running pretty strong. Of course there were a few days of tightness but overall I've very pleased. So encouraging that it's giving me a positive outlook as the San Juan 50 closes in.

I also am really happy with how the Jemez 50K went down. As tough as the day was at times, never did I want to quit. Never did I have thoughts of "man this sucks" go thru my head. The opposite actually. Loved the brutal ups and downs, the vibe of race day for an ultra and the level of fitness by the competitors. It was such an amazing thing to be a part of and consider myself so lucky to experience it all.

Bottom Line: Ending the month on such a positive vibe, it's easy for me to get ahead of myself in regards to races and running in general. Leadville or Bear? More weekly miles? More vert? Gotta check myself here. I think the best thing for me to do is take this month as it comes. Get some miles in, run and complete The Solstice and rest up a bit. I'll decide on the 19th, hopefully around 5pm, what my next step will be.

What I do know is it's finally summer and summer means playtime above treeline!!!!

Jemez 50K: Tale of Two Races

Wow, what a tough freakin race. While I've run 1 ultra prior to this, never had I taken on anything of this magnitude. 33 miles with just under 8,000 feet of up and down at a pretty high elevation. Race descriptions for some reason forgot to mention hot temps and windy conditions.

Before the race ever got started, Michele and I were lucky enough to break away from Denver Thursday afternoon. By 8pm we were kicking it in beautiful Taos. While I went to sleep early, Michele stayed up past midnight doing homework. The next morning was spent sleeping in, eating a wonderful breakfast at Doc Martins and driving over to Los Alamos. Checked into the North Road Inn (Highly Recommended), some more homework by Michele, bib pick up, pasta meal, few cold beers and another early bedtime.

Saturday morning came early and I was feeling good and excited for the what the day was about to bring.


(prerace excitment at what the course would throw at us)



Tale One:
Race pace started out very comfortable with me up front with a dozen plus folks. Deep down inside I knew I should have pulled back but just went with the flow. This pace went on up and over Guaje Ridge. Again, I knew I should have checked my pace but the whole climb up Guaje was runnable. I was also more motivated by passing up a good half a dozen runners and a few 50 milers. The climb up Guaje was steep on occasion but nothing worse then I've trained on here along the front range.

Now the decent of Guaje was a different story. Sharp switchbacks, steep drop offs, a fall here could get really ugly so a fast decent was out of the question. Still held my own nicely as I arrived to climb number two of the day. Caballo Top. A hell of a climb at that with 2 miles, 1,771 feet of steep up and an elevation peak of 10.5K. My pace up here went extremely well. While the running was a rarity, I was power hiking past more 50 milers then I could count. I also managed to pick off a few 50Ks in the process. The views from the top were amazing and I was at possibly 8th place overall.

The decent off Caballo was almost too steep for me to run but I gave her hell and made it down the peak in half the time it took me to summit. As proud as I was of my decent, I got straight smoked by a few folks running the 50K. One of them being a gal who came in 3rd overall. Seriously, this gals downhill running was amazing to watch. Pipeline was the next aid station with the third climb of the day to the outskirts of the Caldera rim. Kept up a somewhat runnable pace at times during the climb but in honestly I was shocked by how steep this ascent was. Thankfully not as long as Caballo's climb but still rough. Pipeline came and went and before I knew I was arriving Ski Lodge.

Tale Two:
It was at the Ski Lodge that I noticed I hadn't taken in a S-Cap or Gel in easily an hour (which I was already slacking on to begin with). Worse my water intake was pathetic. 18 miles and under 4 hours into the race and I had maybe drank 20 ounces of water. 20 ounces on a day that saw temps in the 80s in town. And my body was starting to feel it. I took in some watermelon, water, Heed and off I went in 10th place. Within 10 minutes my stomach turned on me. It just wasn't happy and I couldn't figure out why. Was it the watermelon? Or the huge amounts of liquid I just took in? Either way the 3 miles back to pipeline were SLOW. Once at pipeline I took a seat for a good 5 minutes. Took in a little water, S-Cap and off I went.

By now, my stomach was starting to come around. My legs were still feeling well and my body as a whole felt good. However what was frustrating me was how little energy I had. Damn near running on empty at this point. Every little climb just got the best of me. Making matters worse I was starting to get passed up by those same runners I had passed early on in the race. The worse stretch for me easily was between the Ski Lodge and Guaje Ridge.

(Pipeline just kicking my ass)

Upon leaving Guaje Ridge, I felt like I had something in me and was able to finally cruise a manageable pace till Rendija Canyon. The climb out of Rendija Canyon, while short, about killed me. And for the first time in 6 miles, I got passed 2 more times. It was stubbornness that got me to the finish and prevented me from getting passed again.

18th place with a finish time of 6 hours 50 minutes. As rough as a race I had, it was a wonderful day. The conditions were hot and windy but made for incredible views. The volunteers were beyond amazing. Each and every single one of them were greatly appreciated. I can see coming myself coming back down and signing up for the 50M. Lastly, got to thank the race committee. Hell of race they put together in a hell of a town.

Finished up the weekend by bombing it to Santa Fe for a little B&B action, amazing Mexican food and a lot of relaxation under the warm sun of the beautiful New Mexican northern mountains.

With 4 weeks till the SJS50, I need to figure out two things quickly. 1) Hydration/fuel and 2) pace. If I don't get a grip on this, it will be a very long day.

(relieved to be done)

Some rough splits follow:

Start to Guaje Ridge - 1:04.06
to Caballo Base - 36.29
to Caballo Mt - 40.53
to Caballo Base - 21.13
to Pipeline - 42.02
to Ski Lodge - 30.26
to Guaje Ridge - 1:30.15 (ouch)
to Rendija Canyon - 55.11
to Finish - 29.43

Countdown to Jemez 50K

It honestly seems like yesterday when I signed up for the Jemez 50K. And here I am, just days away from running that race I've been training so much for over the past few months.

Training for the most part has been solid. My body, not so much. Never have I been 100% over the past 5 months. And never have I logged in so many miles and vert feet this early in the year. Yet I've somehow stay pretty consistent with my training. Not sure what any of this means or says but I'm sure to find out Saturday morning.

Part of me is feeling extremely confident. Part of me is honestly a bit freaked out. And for two reasons. 1) How will my L.Quad react race day? It just hasn't been 100% for 3+ weeks now. Not sure why either. Rest, ice, stretching just doesn't seem to help it out much. Hasn't impacted my actual training too much but it has impacted my original game plane which leads to my second concern. 2) How will this all impact me for the upcoming San Juan Solstice 50M? I've tapered much more then I wanted to going into the Jemez 50K. Was initally going to use this as another long run before the SJS50 but the damn quad has forced a few extra easy/rest days. Days I could have used to get stronger for my first 50 miler.

Yeah, this whole ultra thing is new to me, but that's a terrible excuse to not perform to the best of my ability. Still, it's frustrating having so many unknowns around my training. At the same time, I'm so freakin into getting this figured out and making it work.

On a lighter note, I had the pleasure to pace my friends wife, Becky and her friend, Robin, thru their first marathon yesterday. The gals, who just picked up running less then 2 years ago decided to make Colfax their first marathon attempt. Over the past year I've shared my knowledge and love of the sport with them so when they asked for a little help, I was more then happy to do so.

Met the girls just shy of mile 20. Both of them looked strong and were cruising along at a 10:30 pace. I simply ran with them offering up encouragement every few minutes and helping them with water and gatoraide whenever needed. By mile 22 1/2, Robin started falling off. I knew that the 17th Ave hill near mile 23 was approaching and with the girls now running different paces, I was caught up on who to pace thru that mentally tough section.

Decided to run up to Becky and get her thru the 2 block stretch. You could tell the last thing she wanted was to run up that hill but she ran it like a champ and I knew the last few miles for her would be easy sailing. Mere seconds after reaching the top, I made a sprint back down and got Robin motivated up the hill. 2 steps of walking followed by me yelling out "get your ass moving" was all Robin needed to make it up the hill smoothly. Motivated her in thru numerous "I gotta stop running now" and let her enjoy the final .2 miles on her own. Outside of a few steps thru aid stations, these gals ran the whole distance

Congrats ladies, it's a hell of an accomplishment!!!

April Summary

Runs - 20
Workouts - 7
Injured - 2

The Bad: During a nice 8 day stretch during the latter end of the month, I got in a hearty 2 runs in. Far from ideal. While the L Quad was giving me some issues, hence the injury days, I think the blame could be pointed at the fact that I was working 70 hour work weeks. That left me mentally and physically exhausted. An excuse? I guess so. Way I look at is I lost out on 5 runs and probably 60 miles as my weekend was shot. Could turn this into a positive and look at it as a nice rest period but screw that.

L Quad still somewhat bothersome but nothing that can't be corrected between now and Jemez 50K. And that damn L bursa sack near the patella tendon. Still a bit puffy but thankfully far from giving me issues. Still, would love for that fucker to calm down and act normal.

The Good: Got in some healthy long runs this month. Hell, I got in three 20 plus mile runs in within 8 days of each other. The vert gained over the month was also positive. Didn't hit the number I had initially set myself but still very productive. I was also very consistent (except for those 8 days).

Bottom Line: I knew going into this month that work would be in the way and boy was it. Still, I am very pleased with my long runs, vert and consistency. I honestly think I've done a lot of good work leading up to Jemez. Goal for May is to stay strong, healthy and sharp all while getting ready for San Juan the following month. How will I do this? No fucking clue as I've never had back to back races of such difficulty and mileage during my life. I guess June's summary will show how I did.

Run To Work Day

Morning Leg: 12.55 Miles in 1:39.10, 7:54 pace
Afternoon Leg: 12.59 Miles in 1:37.17, 7:43 pace
Total: 25.14 Miles in 3 hours 16 minutes and 27 seconds, 7:48 pace

A run to and from work has been on my radar for some time now. Always figured it was a marathon distance round trip and could easily be done mid week at a comfortable pace. Down side was who the hell wants to run thru the DTC? Regardless, a few weeks back I pegged today as the day to do it. Work and weather have played havoc with my training schedule as of late so was really curious to see how my body would respond by taking on my 2nd 20+ miler in 4 days.

Morning Session: This morning started out early! Out the door by 5am. The pace started out slow, 8 plus minute pace, and I let the body figure it out over the first few miles and before I knew I was cruising along at a very comfortable pace. At times I had to check myself speed wise. The roads were quite, the sunrise amazing and before I knew it, I was just a mile plus away from the office and turning it down a notch. Got to the office feeling great. Not winded, not tired, just fresh. I was extremely happy with how the morning run went. Honestly could not have gone better considering a return trip was still on the plate.

Work Day: Then it happened. A long work day of sitting around at my cube, in meetings, with the boss. I could just feel it as the day went by that my legs were starting to tighten up. Nothing major but enough to be concerned about with 12+ miles left to run. Tried stretching out the legs, taking in lots of liquids, carbs, electrolytes and doing whatever I needed to do to prevent them from crapping out on me.

Afternoon Session: Started this session at 4:40pm and it was warm out there. And warm early spring days equal wind. A stiff wind at that blowing in from the west with gusts reported in the 35mph range. Running any route west straight sucked and chunks of my run were due west. With all that said, I kept up a pretty good pace early on. Faster then I wanted to run. 7:20 pace. Legs were feeling it too. Muscle fatigue was never an issue but the on going bursa sack and runners knee were not liking me by this point. Got to about 3 miles from home and just down shifted to a pedestrian 8+ minute pace. Figured there was no need to push it by this point. Got home tired but satisfied with what I had just accomplished.

Aftermath: Laying around the house, I can tell a few things. 1) My nagging issues will be extremely obvious the next day or two. 2) Muscle fatigue will be nonexistent. A mix reaction to this obviously. So close to be 100% yet so far from it.

Green/Flagstaff/Sanitas Loop

With it being Easter and given a rare 3 day weekend, I had plans of heading off to Utah for some warm desert running. A long workday Thursday basically cancelled those plans. Probably best as I-70 over Vail Pass was closed most of the day leaving it almost impossible for me to make it to Moab anyway.

So I opted for a long run on trails in town. Choose Boulder and specifically Green Mt, Flagstaff Mt, and Mt Sanitas. Just recently it occurred to me that I can make it to Sanitas from Green via trails. Never knew this option was available and was all about it this morning.

Normally I get my long runs in on the weekends due to work constraints so getting this run in on a Friday got me excited. What didn't excite me was a dip in temps and lots of cold wind.

Headed out of Chautauqua up Gregory and then Ranger and summited Green in 50 minutes. Legs from the get go were tight and tired and the trail conditions the last mile plus made running almost impossible. Windy at top and spring snow storms hammering the divide. Good old Bear Peak below full of winter love.



From there I made it back down Ranger over to Ute, thru Flagstaff and over to Valley Point trail on my way to Sanitas. This was my first time on Valley Point and was it beautiful. Views of Sanitas and all of Boulder were breath taking. The view below reveals what I still had to climb.



Finally at the doorsteps of Sanitas I felt a bit exhausted but eager to make that climb up that mother. Trails were busy, as to be expected, and considering how tired I was by this point, I was happy with my ascent. 25 minutes flat. Far from my best but felt mentally strong the whole way up. Green Mt didn't look so snowy an hour ago.



Yet another windy mountain top and from there I was heading back down the south trail thru the Red Rocks area and back to my car in Chautauqua. 3 hours of slow running, 14 miles and a solid 5K of up and down.

Here's to days off spent on trails beating up the body in preparation for race day!

March Summary

Runs - 24
Work Outs - 8
Injured - 0

The Bad: So the left knee issues I've been having starting late last year are kind of still there. The issues have nothing to do with the tendon thankfully. However it's the damn bursa sack that lies underneath the patella tendon and above the tibia. I've been pretty religious on icing but the reality with this injury is it needs time off. However the bursa being inflamed doesn't bother me at all during running so I'll wait to rest it a bit during my taper period prior to the Jemez 50K.

Also bummed out about the lack of vert I've gotten in over the month. Mother nature decided snow storms would be a nice way to introduce spring this year. That left me with no choice but to get my long runs in around town.

The Good: A healthy month of solid running. Tripled my Feb miles and easily doubled Jan and Febs mileage. I was consistent and worked on turnover, consistent pace over long miles and ran on tired legs. Extremely happy with the month. As noted, stuck to the city streets for a few of my long runs. Not ideal but beneficial. Nice to see I can log in a 20 one day and still get some good hill workouts the next day.

Bottom Line: While I'm very happy with March's numbers, I need to carry this thru April. This will be tough with work about to get very, very busy. I'll stick with what's worked best this past month. Early morning runs starting in the dark cold 5am hour. But here's to longer warmer days that April brings.