May Is Done

May Is Done


Well, that was a wet month! Although I had plans on getting up into the high country and starting to get on the Nolan's course this past month, that did not materialize due to the insane amount of rain and snow we received. The snowpack actually increased during the month as opposed to the usual melting that begins. So, I was limited to the Front Range peaks, banging out laps on Green Mountain with a few faster runs tossed in here and there. Overall, despite a crimp in the plans, things turned out OK. I did 291.1 miles and 63,415' of gain (with the same in descent). That is right about where I want to be, although I would have hoped to have more of it at altitude.

I did get in a couple good sessions for the Skyrunning series at altitude, with a 10 mile tempo at 10,000' and a 10K at 10,000', along with some stuff down on the plains, mostly surges of 30 secs. to 1 min. during a run. Playing the balance between trying to build for Nolan's while also keeping some speed for the Skyrunning is certainly hard, but I think as long as I get in one or perhaps two good speed sessions per week I will be alright. We will see as the races approach.

 Went to the Flatirons Running event with Kara Goucher. She is obviously better and more used to taking photos then me. I had an English class with her at CU back in '95 - neither one of us could remember what it was other than the fact that we hated it.

 Got to meet and run with Meb Keflezighi also. Pretty cool. His shakeout run was at 7:20 pace. I could obviously crush him with my stature and girth, if I could catch him! ;)

 I was pretty proud of this photo, simply because I was able to hold the camera steady enough to do a mega-zoom after running Green Mountain. My heartrate recovers pretty fast I guess.

 Green had about 5 different streams running down the mountain, something that you hardly ever see. So despite all the rain, the mountain has been pretty magical.

 Standard after run legs for the past month.

 Snow on the Brainard road. Still tons of it. Won't be melting out until mid-June.

This is the road to Long Lake and Mitchell Lake trailheads. Not even close yet!

So, despite everything, a fairly descent month. I backed off on the climbing, only able to get in a couple days a week due to life factors, but I was able to maintain my fitness, which was good. I'm hovering around the V9 grade right now in 2-3 attempts, with onsights at V5-6 on a regular basis. I was really happy to be able to go and do an old circuit of mine up on Flagstaff that involves 4 V4s, 3 V5s, 2 V6s, a V7, and a bunch of moderates without any problem. This is more a backburner this summer as my primary goals are Nolan's and the Skyrunning series, but I do want to keep my strength up as I have projects in mind come fall.

As for living, we are still both living in our VW Rabbit. Life is good up at 9,000' on the Peak to Peak. If anyone needs a housesitter, let me know! ;)