My sister recently classified January as “one big ass long Monday” and I think she’s right.  It is post holiday,  it’s cold and it still gets dark pretty early (although the days are getting longer).   The gym(s) are packed with resolutionaries:

resolutionary:  People who join a gym after the New Year, only to quit going within 3 months.

I couldn’t find a free treadmill, the place was crawling with resolutionarys.  -  Urban Dictionary

Fortunately for us here in Colorado, we can still run outside most of the time.. a little snow, some cold and/or wind doesn’t really stop us (i.e. Pueblo) and it has actually been pretty mild this January.    Just this past weekend, we went out to join local runners in the Winter Series race #2.  It was a bit chilly but a great, flat course!

Kathleen, me, Mark and Mo after the run!

Mark had a particularly good race.  He’s been running pretty pain free these days and is attributing part of his success to running in the Hoka OneOne shoes.   Read his shoe review:

Hoka Bondi B Review

by Mark Modisette

I am not a graceful runner.  In my mind I am a Kenyan but reality is another thing.  I tend to over stride, I heel strike and I pronate… and  I also suffer from shin splints and other various pains… you say “Mark you are old and that’s why you hurt when you run” – I have some choice words for those who say that, but running with pain kinda sucks.

A few months ago,  I was told that I should lay off running for two weeks when I went to see my new ART doctor (Active Release Technique) .  I was in about a level 7 – 8 pain when I started going to ART due to shin splints.  I was running in regular stability shoes to correct pretty pronounced over pronation in both feet – particularly my left.  They were typical stability shoes – heavy, clunky, with a high heel but they fixed my over-pronation issue (but not much else).   At the time, my shoes had about 300 miles on them and I was breaking in another pair of kicks with some off/on pain in my shins.  I did what the doctor prescribed and started running again as soon as I had the green light.  While I was down, Sonal convinced me to try out the Hoka Bondi Bs.  On my first run in the Hokas after being grounded, I was amazed by the light weight and NO impact these shoes offered. Hoka touts that their shoes disperse 80% of impact – I am inclined to believe this after now running 200+  miles in them.   In addition to the reduced impact, the shoes are comfortable and fit well.

Bondi.B

The Bondi B is marketed as a road shoe – I tend to migrate to the trail and can say that they hold up well on groomed trails as well.  The Bondi also has a “rockered profile”, meaning that the shoe has a nice toe-off feeling that aide in running hills or flats for that matter. The profile is much lower than the typical shoe – a 4mm heel to toe drop (vs. 12 mm in my stability shoe).    So while no one can accuse Hoka of being a minimal shoe (quite the opposite), they do promote a more natural running style.  I find that I am heal striking a little less, moving toward a more natural midfoot landing.   The Hokas are a relatively level shoe with a lightweight force field strapped to the bottom!

winter series 2 running in my Bondi.B

I ran in the Bondi’s for the 2012 Rescue Run and had a great race.  However, the race did have some unexpected detours that found us on more technical portions of the trails in Palmer Park. I did find that they did not perform that well on these sections.  My foot tended to move around a bit inside the shoe – so much that I was worried about twisting my ankle.  I will be getting the Hoka trail shoe or combo shoe (debating the trail Mafate  or combo/XT Stinson) for more technical trail running and I am predicting that they will perform better than the Bondi on rougher terrain.

At first glance, the price tag on the Hoka shoes are steep: average pair is about $169.  However, most runners who have reviewed them confirm that the shoes last 600-800 miles (average shoes 300-500 miles)… either way, they are worth the money.

Bottom line for me is I’m hooked on Hokas.   Some say they are an ugly shoe but  if you want to run in extreme comfort – try them. I am running pain free!

Try them, love them, buy them.  Long live Hokas!

winter series

my two cents:   Mark summed up the Hokas really well in his review.  I’ve also enjoyed running in the Bondi.Bs.   I purchased them originally just for long runs.  Talked Mark into a pair and gradually started running in them for 99% of my training runs.  I’m also sold!

Before the end of the year, Mark, Sophia (my daughter) and I registered for the 2012 Rescue Run, the annual New Year’s Day run in Palmer Park that benefits the El Paso County Search and Rescue (EPCSAR).   This is a pretty challenging course for both the 5K and 10K with the first mile being a long uphill climb, after which the 5K runners turn around and the 10K runners continue through some rolling hills before heading back down.

I tried to talk my boys into running the 5K but they were both skeptical about a post New Year’s Eve run (even with the later start of 10 a.m.) – they opted to sleep in on the first day of the year.    Waking up after a late night ringing in 2012, I definitely appreciated the wisdom of my sons and was tempted to sleep in instead of heading over to the park on what was a pretty chilly morning (temps in the 20s, windchill around 10 degrees but plenty of sunshine).

I fought the desire to stay in my warm bed, fueled by Sophia’s enthusiasm and joined the 800+ runners for the 5K/10K.  I am very happy that my daughter  motivated me to run this first run of the new year – it was a beautiful course that I had never run before – it was great to be out there and bring in the new year right!  Sophia did a great job completing the 5K and Mark ended up having a great 10K race!

Sophia's 5K finish

good race for Mark!

I enjoyed the beautiful run.

New Tunes:

Chamber of Hellos by Wire Train (song from 1983, just heard it!)

Tongue Tied  - Grouplove

Hazel - Weekend

Goodbye Horses – Garvey

Love comes Close – Cold Cave

As the end of the year approached, I started writing a ‘year in review’ but it was turning out to be a lengthy blog post that was simply summarizing what I’ve already reflected upon as the year was happening.    The injury, the trips, the races, the recipes… family and friends.    I enjoyed the look back, it was nice to remember the moments in what was a very satisfying year.

As I was looking back, what really struck me was how fast the days went by… 365 days in what seemed like a really quick trip around the sun.  It’s cliche but it feels true.   2011 was filled with some very memorable adventures and I am looking forward to the adventures of the next 365 (362) days.

me and Mark @ Garden of the Gods for a 10 miler on Christmas Day

Another thing that stood out on my trip down memory lane, is that there is always one constant in all my posts.     The person who runs every race with me.  Takes the photos, the videos, drives the car and gets my gear together…The person who sits out a run because I am injured, cranky and unable to run…most of my posts refer to “Mark” or “my husband.”   Often, he has a unique perspective and a different experience than I do.   Mark also tends to be a little more obsessed with the mechanics of running, the gear and nutrition that goes into our hobby. As such, we are thinking of starting another blog where he’ll be able to share his perspective and give some good techie opinions and reviews on various products… stay tuned.

Happy New Year, Happy New Adventures in 2012.

I ran the same two end of year races this year, that I did last year:  Briargate YMCA Turkey Trot and the Rock Canyon Half Marathon in Pueblo, CO.    One went really well, the other…not as good.

Turkey Trot 2011, November 24, 2011.

I don’t run many 5K races.  Usually if I do, it is a school event or like this race, an annual tradition.    Unlike last year when we stressed the chilly weather, we had a picture perfect day this year.   It was warm (mid-50s) and sunny!   So without any qualms (but plenty of chaos), we headed out to the race – all of us, my parents included!

we all turkey-trotted!

mom and dad

we had a fun filled holiday

The Turkey Trot was good for me… I ran a PR of 25:03 (8:05 mm) on a fairly hilly course and came in 5/146 in my age group…a pretty good day for me!

 Rock Canyon Half Marathon, Pueblo, CO, December 3, 2011

Rock Canyon is great race for many reasons: local, later start (9 a.m.), cheap ($35), a finisher’s sweatshirt and this year, a medal!  It’s also not ever going to be a PR race for me – trail, uneven terrain, a steep hill to finish… I ran the race in 1:58:55 last year and I just wanted to run something similar or a bit faster this year.   The 2010 Pueblo race was the last non-mountain race of any distance that I ran before getting injured earlier this year.

A few days out, weather forecasters started predicted “miserable” conditions for the race.  The race day weather was almost unimaginable just a few days before – when I ran in the sun, 64 degrees and no breeze!   Usually Pueblo has better weather than the north-end of the Colorado Springs area…but on this race day, it was fairly brutal down in Colorado’s ‘banana belt’ as well.    Our group was committed though – we headed out to run this race despite the cruel weather (although I think if anyone of us had said the word, we all would have been happy to stay cozy at home .)   Ultimately, over 550 people finished this race – Coloradoans are pretty intense!

The first few miles of the run proved to be pretty slick, icy pavement.   The trail itself was in good condition but the winds after the turn around were harsh!  All things considered, I ran a decent race (finished in 2:06) but it was my slowest half marathon to date…

Video by my husband, Mark sums up the day, what an adventure!

just like that – summer has slid into autumn … the leaves on the trees are changing into vibrant colors…the first few snowy days on the peak have already made the local news.

snowy peak, second week of September 2011

Fortunately the temperatures are still summer like…creating the illusion that we won’t soon be donning our tights, half zips and gloves before going out on the roads and trails!

After this summer’s Pikes Peak Ascent, I had a bit of post-event blues.   I guess when you spend so much time on the mountain (or planning trips up the mountain), you are bound to miss it a little when it’s all over!  Just like last year, I find myself slowly (key word…slow) returning back to non-mountain running. .. slow twitch vs. fast twitch and all that I guess.

I’ve also participated in a few very fun fall events:

The American Discovery Trail Marathon (relay)

The relay is always a great way to cover these 26.2 miles on the Santa Fe trail.   This year, we had two teams – double the fun!  Our team came very close to coming in 3rd for the co-ed relay category.  Unfortunately, I was the weaker link with an average 8:40 mm pace on my leg.   Like I said, I return slowly to non-mountain running!

fun group of relay runners!

our team

The Dirty Girl Mud Run (5K)

A great 5K with 11 obstacles, a lot of mud and no clocks, timing or regular race pressure – just a great time with some fabulous ladies (and for a good cause – proceeds goes to support breast cancer research, awareness & education).

looking good (and clean) pre-run

finish!

muddy, dirty girls

And just this morning, we took a trip up the Incline to No Name Creek … the trees are changing for sure!

a fall day on the Manitou Incline

self portrait

we’ll keep running this fall and to keep some structure during this season and the holidays, my friends and I have put the Rock Canyon Pueblo 1/2 marathon on the fall/winter schedule.  I ran this one last year as well – it’s cheap, local and a good time!  Can’t beat the race schwag: big, cozy sweatshirt!

A few new tunes on my iPod:

Santa Fe by Beirut

Go Away by the Coathangers

After the Moment by Craft Spells

Wild Window by Fool’s Gold

Down by the Law by the LK

]]> http://keeprunningirl.com/2011/09/29/summer-eases-into-the-fall/feed/ 0 http://keeprunningirl.com/2011/08/24/pikes-peak-ascent-2011/ http://keeprunningirl.com/2011/08/24/pikes-peak-ascent-2011/#comments Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:39:29 +0000 Keeprunningirl http://www.keeprunningirl.com/?p=1342

Your biggest challenge isn’t someone else. It’s the ache in your lungs and the burning in your legs, and the voice inside you that yells ‘CAN’T’. But you don’t listen, you just push harder. And then you hear the voice whisper ‘can’, and you discover that the person you thought you were is no match for the one you really are.  ~ Unknown

This year’s race experience was incredible.   I had some of my best girlfriends to train with this summer which made the journey so much more enjoyable.   I skipped the TCR series this year – missing both the Garden 10 and Summer Roundup, opting to train on Barr Trail instead for just two races: July Barr Trail Mountain Race and of course, the PPA.  I also had a little Epic adventure thrown in .   The rest of the summer was spent with weekends somewhere on the Barr Trail, weekday trips up the Incline and eventually time at the summit just breathing.

summit training

amazing views

The week before the race was very reminiscent of 2010 for me.   Looking at the mountain, checking the extended forecast (repeatedly), checking out the marathon and Ascent message boards, planning an outfit, planning what to bring, what to eat… and trying to get all negative thoughts, and PPA 2010 memories out of my head.  After all, it was a new year, new race.

2 days to go…

I found some peace in the few days before the race.  I had some nerves but mostly anticipation and a readiness to simply get it done.   We had a nice lunch the Thursday before the big day, followed by a movie (the Help).   It was a perfect, relaxing way to spend a non-workout, taper week day!

cheers! a little beer with my training buddy, Julie!

well wishes from my favorite cheerleader!

The evening before the race, my husband and I had a nice pasta dinner with a side of potatoes – yeah lots of carbs!!  I had most of my race stuff planned out.  There were some rumblings about early storms on the Peak the following morning and even some snow talk at the Expo.  So I added some gloves and a long sleeve t-shirt to my race gear … just in case.

Race morning

In the morning, my husband was up early for his wave 1 start.  He brought me some coffee which I sipped while in bed.   After the coffee, a few deep yoga breaths, I was up and preparing for the day.   My breakfast was 2 waffles with soynut butter and syrup (a meal I had been using for all long training runs).  I gulped it down with a bottle of Aclimate and headed out the door to meet my gang for the carpool into Manitou Springs.

We arrived in Manitou with plenty of time to see the wave 1 runners start their race and to hit the restrooms a few times before we crammed our way into the wave 2 start.

we are ready!

team beanies take on the PPA

_____________________________________________________________________________

not your typical race. just sayin'

the race.

This year, I had actually thought about my strategy.  I spent some time looking at my splits from last year trying to figure out what went wrong. In the 2010 PPA, I hit Barr Camp at 2:11… according to Matt Carpenter’s calculator, that would’ve put me at close to a 4:20 Ascent!  But then I lost it completely between Barr and A-Frame (1:28)… so I was thinking I must’ve really gone out too hard.   Therefore, I made the decision to go out a little more slowly this year, begin my race at Barr Camp and test the theory that I would feel better at the top.

The slow strategy was a sound one but it did mean more bottlenecks, a few areas of just standing around waiting for the crowds to move.  It was frustrating but I stuck to my plan and avoided passing anyone but the slowest runners until Barr Camp.   From the start to Barr Camp, I made sure to drink lots of water with Nuun, I ate one GU Rocktane gel and took 2 Hammer Endurolytes.  I also relied on FRS chews along the way.  I felt pretty strong (albeit slow) to Barr Camp.   I hit Barr around 2:28 minutes.

cruising the W's

At this point, I opened up my Mix 1 and drank half, refilled my handheld water bottle and my spare 6 oz bottle with water as well.  Between Barr and A-Frame, the crowds were still thick.  I did start passing people in this section as I could. I had stayed hydrated pretty well up until this point and I started to feel the urge to pee.  I kept looking for a spot to stop but never really found one (I managed to hold it all the way to summit somehow).  I made the Barr to A-Frame trip in about 58 minutes (so far the strategy seemed to be working).  As I approached the A-Frame Aid station, I drank my remaining Mix 1, ate a FRS chew and dropped a Nuun in my water bottle in anticipation of filling up at the station.  Unfortunately, at A-Frame volunteers were urging people to go on if they had any fluid at all because the filtering process was going very slowly – everyone was waiting minutes (tick tock) for half of a cup of water.   I made the decision to wait, got 2 little cups, partially filled with water so I could dilute my Nuun a bit.   Six minutes later (yeah – six minutes!!), I headed up, away from A-Frame and above tree line.

last few miles

I’ve never felt better above tree line.  I had a steady pace and passed so many people at this point… cruising along ,”on your left” my mantra.     I can’t explain how good I felt… or why.  Maybe the fuel, maybe I saved a little too much.. but regardless, those last three miles were mine!  I think I ate one additional FRS chew and took 1 more endurolyte in this section as well.   I had a fellow runner urging me on to make up the time we lost at A-Frame.  He happily provided me with goals for each mile – it helped!   The weather held out pretty well.  I didn’t need my gloves or long sleeve shirt or even my arm sleeves. As we hit the Golden Stairs, the crowd was very backed up and I was very aware that per my watch, I could easily break 5 hours if people would get out of my way!!   Once the thunder started rolling at this point, I was vocal about it.  I am sure I annoyed my fellow runners as I urged them to hurry so we could break 5 hours and not get hit by lightening – but somehow we did it, 4:58:40.  I was so excited at the finish – I had a little “I did it” moment!! PPA 2011 –  joy instead of tears.

one last push

to the finish

Post race was a madhouse.  My friends had driven my children up to see the finish – it was so nice to have my babies there.   But the temps were cooling and the thunder was rumbling and we were all urged to get off the mountain.  Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see some of our girls finish but it was too dangerous (especially with the kids) to hang around with the looming weather.   We all agreed to meet in town at the Expo tents.   We picked up our race shirts, had a beer and relaxed in town while the rest of us finished up.

happiness

Mark, an astounding: 3:47 finish. wow!

Me and Mark .. Mods finish!

post race

At a glance, the numbers show that I was less than 20 minutes faster than last year and my finish time certainly doesn’t impress any seasoned PPA’ers.  But I am satisfied with my achievement. I felt strong, and in charge (instead of helpless) on the mountain this year.  I was human after tree line instead of a zombie.  Trail running is a challenge for me and facing this challenge in good spirits was a powerful feeling.   And unlike last year, when I felt defeated, this year I felt victorious. I also feel like I may have left some minutes on that trail – at A-Frame, maybe at some of the bottlenecks (although who knows, maybe I got those moments back after tree-line)…regardless,  I was happy.   I am happy.   And I’m not ready to say “I’m never doing that again.”

pikes peak

I was runner #12 for team Get off My Pass in the Rocky Mountain Epic Relay last weekend: 2 vans, 12 runners and 200 miles of Rocky Mountain running.

Having signed up for this event almost a year ago, I kept putting it in the back of my mind as I spent most weekends this spring and summer training for the Barr Trail Mountain Race and the Pikes Peak Ascent.   And having never participated in anything like this before, I had no idea what to expect!   So I entered the unknown with a bit of nervousness, a little trepidation and much excitement…embarking on a new adventure with my husband, three of my girlfriends and a brave girl who joined us sight unseen – and who we all enjoyed getting to know over the next 200 miles!

what an adventure it turned out to be…

Get off My Pass at the start

day 1, Friday morning

Since we were van #2, we were scheduled to start running once van 1 completed running all 6 of their legs …sometime after 12:00 p.m. in Canon City.  So after sending off van #1′s runner #1, we decided to eat some real food at Adams Mountain Cafe before heading to our van exchange.  This turned out to be a wise decision as it would be more than 30 hours before we saw any semblance of real food again!

Fueled, carbed-up and ready to go, we headed to Canon City and our first runner (runner 7) began preparing for her leg.  The heat was oppressive.. even standing outside felt overwhelming.  Despite the heat, our runner finished her run in good spirits and we sent off runner 8, then 9 – all completed in unbelievably hot temps.  I am truly impressed with my team members and their ability to hang in there and finish those difficult, uphill routes in what felt like a sauna (or maybe hell)!

we had fun with our van art

As runner #12… the very last runner, my anticipation/nerves were building all day.   A rattlesnake warning around the time runner 10 took off added to my anxiety and the revelation that my 9.25 mile leg was going off road after only 4 miles, pushed me a bit over the edge.   After an easy, rolling 4 miles, I ran 5 miles along an ATV trail that really didn’t seem to be designed for foot traffic – but somehow I got it done and our van was able to cruise on over to Salida… we were all anticipating some sleep.    Unfortunately, we were sleepless in Salida as by the time we got there and settled in a little bit, it was time to run again.  It was time for our night runs!

the air was hot and heat was coming up from the asphalt... unforgiving heat!

me and Mark

day 2, Saturday around 12 a.m.

The nighttime was as cool as the day was hot.  Our van had routes that varied in distance from 2.4 miles to almost 7 miles.  To keep us safe, we ran in reflective vests and blinking LED lights.   We were all showing the first signs of no-sleep and fatigue. I think our true loopy-ness started about now.   We had some funny moments with runners from other vans that we’d started to get to know along the route.   My night leg was short (only 2.4) and my husband ran with me.   In hindsight, I probably could’ve.. and should’ve run it on my own as it ended up being a well -lit route.

We had another van exchange after my leg was completed at 4 a.m. and then an adventurous drive over Cottonwood Pass in a full passenger van with sleepy passengers, a sleepy driver and serious hair pin turns.  I was a sleepy passenger – all I can say is thank you to my driver and copilot for getting us over that pass!

trying to catch some zzzz's in the van. the temps were freezing outside!

Our next van exchange was in Gunnison … we arrived at a beautiful reservoir just as the sun was coming up.  I think we all managed about 1 hour of sleep. We had the reservoir management knocking on the the windows asking us to move and the sun rising up in the sky (not to mention we were all sleeping in the van because it was cold outside!).

We were all sleep-deprived, tired, and weary as we started our final runs the following morning.   We hadn’t had any real food and were primarily subsisting on Mix 1 drinks and fritos.

Fortunately, these final legs of the run were very scenic.  We all tried to enjoy the moment, enjoy the beauty of the run and ignore our achy, tired, sleepy bodies!

beautiful views during our final legs into Crested Butte

My final run into Crested Butte seemed never ending as the route was changed and the 5.34 mile run turned into 6.5+  miles up a very long, big final hill.   I sang along to my iPod pushing those final miles.. running, walking and shuffling to the finish!

final runner (me) headed into Crested Butte to finish this thing!

completely done!

Saturday night found us eating some pizza while struggling to keep our eyelids open.. . most of our van members were in bed and dead asleep by 7:40 p.m.!  We did have a little time to enjoy the charming town of Crested Butte the next morning before heading back to Colorado Springs.   On the way home, we happened upon a little Epic souvenir:

we loved to hate this sign

It’s easy to sum up the Epic in a few words – what we did, where we ran, where we slept or didn’t sleep.  It’s harder to really capture the experience. The  funny and silly moments,  the camaraderie and teamwork, the admiration for our fellow runners.  It’s hard to describe the sheer strength and willpower it took to get through some of the tougher moments and the feeling after we’d  completed the 200 mile journey.

All I can say is that it was truly an amazing experience with an incredible group of runners.

and to all my team, I dedicate this tune that I will always listen to with a smile on my face, thinking of our epic adventure:

♪ ♫ ♬ Booty Man ♪ ♫ ♬

I ran my second Barr Trail Mountain Race last weekend.  I don’t have anything dramatic or spectacular to report.  I ran the course in about the same time that I’ve been running the last few training runs on the mountain.  The heat was pretty intense and I didn’t push the downhill segment but I completed the race within the 3:30 cutoff.   I definitely did better last year.. but I made a decision going into the race this year that I was not going to risk injury on the way down.  (Barr Trail Mountain Race 2010).   Speeding down Barr Trail can be fun…but painful!

the course:

to Barr Camp and back

on the trail

With BTMR behind me, I spent the week preparing for this weekend’s Epic Rocky Mountain Relay… 200 miles from Colorado Springs to Crested Butte, 2 vans, 12 runners.   I wasn’t sure what to expect but I can honestly say that it was one of the most fun, amazing and rewarding experiences that I’ve ever had.  I will be posting much more about this event soon.

Mother’s Day in Boulder on a summer-like day…Title 9K (6.1 miles around the Boulder Reservoir) with my babies and a backyard picnic catered by Illegal Pete’s at a good friend’s home.   It was perfect.  I enjoyed running with my daughter and her friends.  My younger son also ran the 9.9K course – but he chose not to hang out with the girls.  My oldest son cheered us on along with my husband.   No pressure for me as I decided well in advanced that I would not turn in my bib, so no finish time to worry about!   It was refreshing to run without the normal race day stress out!

The girls did great.   We did have an unfortunate snake sighting at the Boulder Reservoir but we survived.

New tunes on my iPod!

Dear Miami by Roisin Murphy

Fidelity by Regina Spektor

In My Arms by Mylo

Love Like a Sunset Part II by Phoenix

Neighborhood #3 (power out) by Arcade Fire