Cedro Peak 45 Race 2014

Cedro Peak 45 Race 2014


On Saturday I ran my first 45+ mile race. Located just outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico in the rocky and dusty southern Sandia Mountains, the Cedro Peak 45 race looked like a good option for an early season attempt at the ~50 mile distance. Having never run a race of this distance, I didn't have a lot to go on, but I felt confident that I could manage and was excited to give it a try. Tara and I headed down Friday early, stopping in Las Vegas to do some bouldering to break up the drive. There is a little known bouldering spot just outside of town that hosts problems between V3 and V10+, and it was nice to check the zone out after about 4 years of not climbing there. Although I didn't manage to send Fugazi again (V10), I did send a few of the easier V3-V7 problems in the cave. A couple of holds have broken since the last time we were there, making for new variations to try and tackle. After a good 2 hour session we continued on down to Albuquerque for packet pickup and to get ready for the race the next day.

Cedro Peak 45 is basically a lollipop course, with a long out-and-back to the top of Cedro Peak, followed by a loop that takes you back to the top of Cedro Peak before returning on the out-and-back section. The course continues to change each year a bit (this was the 3rd year of the race) and so there was no overall course map to study. I didn't really feel nervous about the race, most likely because I didn't know what to expect.

At 6:00 am we took off from the start in the dark, just as the sun was coming up. You need your headlamp for about the first 30 minutes of the race before it becomes light enough to see all of the rocks and twists and turns in the course. The course drops, then rolls along over very rocky (mostly baseball sized cobbles and stones) and sandy trails through pinon and pine forests as it makes it way to the first aid station (Juan Thomas). During the night part of the course had been sabotaged, so the lead pack ran around for about 15 minutes back and forth looking for markers until finally someone came along who had run it last year who could direct us on the right trail. I didn't really mind, but it did bunch us up all again until we spread out a bit later. I decided to not use any drops, and went with one handheld and food in a Nathan HPL vest. I felt good, but didn't quite have the pep in the legs I was hoping for, probably because of my earlier double G & T. After the first aid station, I was pretty much alone for most of the first section, just cruising along up and down rocky and sandy washes, small hills, and through the twisting pinon and pine forest towards Cedro Peak. I worked on fueling consistently and drinking plenty of water, and I felt fairly good as the temperatures began to climb into the 70s.

This continued for most of the first 30 miles of the race, and although I started to slow a bit, mentally I was solid and happy to be out in some new mountains. Then things went south. There is a big climb up a trail called "Powerline", which is really just a scramble up the side of the peak following the powerline. I was still good, and halfway up the climb there were some guys handing out Popsicles, which at the time I though was awesome. I took one and continued up. As I climbed and finished my Popsicle, I started to get fairly hot as it was around 80 degrees in the sun, and about 2 minutes after everything in my stomach decided to come up. About 20 feet from the top of the climb, sweating like a beast I was hands on knees puking up a ton of liquid. That lasted for about a minute or so, and then I felt OK so continued on. However, I could now no longer put anything in my mouth, and when I did, I would instantly retch. I struggled for about 4 miles up the long climb to the top of the peak and down to the Cedro aid station, where I had to stop and take a seat, hoping that I could get my stomach back on track. I sat there drinking ginger-ale, taking some Tums, and just hoping things would get better. Nothing seemed to work, and I really didn't know what to do - I didn't want to DNF my first ~50miler and didn't really feel anything else was wrong, I just couldn't get or keep anything down. After about 20-30 minutes, I re-motivated, telling myself it was 7 miles to the next aid station, then 5 miles to the finish. I had some energy again, and ran the first 4 miles of the next section, until the next long climb, where once again I got really hot and retched. I would continue to retch up water about 3 more times as I SLOWLY moved along the trail, weaving, seeing spots, and feeling extremely lightheaded. I didn't hit a "wall", but since I had not been able to take in any calories for about 15 miles and 3 hours or so, I was in a weird state of total exhaustion. Finally, I made it to the final aid station, where I again had to sit and wait for about 15 minutes to come around. After downing about 1 liter of Coke and Ginger-ale, I felt good enough to take off. I was able to run once again, and started to make up some time on the people who had passed my while I was retching in the previous section. I ran in to the finish and crossed the line feeling actually fairly good in a time of 10:26:07, which was still good enough for 20th place.

Obviously, this was not the race or performance I was hoping for. But I learned three critical lessons. I was on pace for a much faster time, but when the heat got to me and the corn syrup bomb of the Popsicle hit my stomach, my race was over. I've been running in winter conditions, and this was the first time I've run in shorts and a t-shirt, let alone high 70s and low 80s. I can adjust to heat, but not that fast. I think heat training via a sauna over the winter is essential, and something that I will be looking to incorporate on a regular basis as this is now the second race where the heat has caused issues for me. The second lesson is to not take in fuel that you are not used to. Although the Popsicle seemed like a good idea, I think the combination of a bunch of straight corn syrup (as opposed to my alternation of maltodextrin and solids) and heat caused my stomach to turn. Once it turned, it was gone for the entire race. The third, and perhaps most important lesson I learned was the power of Coke. I've read about how people can run the final 20 miles of a race on Coke alone, but I never really believed it. Well, it is true. Despite not being able to even put anything else to my lips without hurling, I could down a TON of Coke and it would sit pretty, giving me almost instant fuel. I filled up my water bottle with Coke and drank it all the way to the finish. Instead of wasting 45 minutes trying to get my stomach back, I should have just slammed Coke, filled my bottle with Coke, and I could have kept moving.

Overall, the race was great. Despite the early confusion about course markings (there were other issues with the markings later in the race, and some people cut the course), the race was well run, the volunteers were really amazing, and the course itself both tough and beautiful. Now that I've got one under the belt, I'm really eager to try another because I know I can improve my time by a lot. These first races are always tough, especially when you don't perform up to your abilities, but if it had been smooth sailing, I would not have learned some valuable lessons. Now to figure out what the next race will be....

Bouldering in Las Vegas, New Mexico: Climb On Your Way to Hueco Tanks

I live up in the Boulder area, along the Front Range of Colorado, and every winter mass numbers of human apes make the annual pilgrimage from "The Centennial State" down to the "Lone Star State" to test their strength (and finger tips) at Hueco Tanks State Park. Perhaps one of the finest bouldering areas in the world, and one of the top 5 in the US, Hueco is the place to go - and be seen - during the winter months.

Most people from the Front Range just bomb it straight down, missing the excellent bouldering to be found along the way, such as the stuff in Deer Creek Canyon or up on Glorieta Mesa - both out of Santa Fe. Another spot that will get you ready for Hueco's steep overhangs can be found just outside of Las Vegas. Sitting on the eastern side of the Sangre de Cristo mountains, Las Vegas resides on the outer edge of a massive granite playground. But before one reaches the granite, as is often the case along the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, one crosses over another layer of stone. In this case, it is some limestone-type riverbed sandstone overhanging mud stone.

Facing southeast, this little bouldering cave gets sun all winter long, making it the perfect stop along the way for stretching the limbs, pulling on some roof problems, doing some long link-ups, or establishing some new problems on the boulders found in the vicinity. Once you have had a nice long session, drop by the hot springs and soak those bones before you get back in the car and make the rest of the drive to Hueco.

It's like a much wider version of the CATs cave, with problems going left, right, straight out, and everything in between. So next fall or winter, when the Colorado Front Range is wet or under snow, head on down. This place will be dry and warm, and not a soul will be around.

Colorado and New Mexico Adventure Trail Running: Recent Trips

I'm a real big fan of what I call "Adventure Trail Running." This is where you find a trail - usually on a map at poor resolution - and decide to run it. Other times, it can simply be finding a peak or mountain that you want to run, finding the closest access point, and heading up on old trails or animal paths. I've been doing this for years all over Colorado and New Mexico, and I figured I would share a couple. Why? Well, I doubt anyone will actually go and do these trail runs. They are not easy to find. They don't have clear, wide pathways where you can get up a good gait. There are river crossings, serious bushwhacking, talus slopes, exposure, canyons to surmount, and the like. But that is the whole adventure; running a trail or obscure path that perhaps has not seen another human for years and years.

Reminded by my run yesterday from Eldora (~9,000 feet) to the 4th of July Mine (~12,000 feet) on several feet of snow (it was possible to make it all the way as of April 16), I thought I would mention two recent adventure runs.

Canones Creek Trail in the Jemez Mountains of New Mexico

This is one of those classic adventure runs. After driving around on some old dirt forest roads out of Coyote, New Mexico, one finds a beautiful old trail that runs along Canones Creek in the heart of the Jemez Mountains. Although the trail is rarely used now, and involves several exciting river crossings, it offers the trail runner an adventure that takes them back in time.

Originally used by the local Native Americans as a trail for going between the pueblos along the Rio Grande into the high Jemez Mountain calderas for hunting and gathering in the summer, the trail was then "improved" after WWII. Since that time, it has seen little traffic and has slowly begun to revert back to its original state. However, one can still run it for over 8 miles one way, as they cruz along the beautiful Canones Creek.

To find it, drive on Highway 96 towards Coyote, and make a left turn onto Forest Road 100 (heading south). Follow this for around 8 miles until there is a turnoff on your left. This turnoff splits: one going back north and around to a spectacular overlook and the other heading south and down to the creek. Park and run here (unless you have serious 4 x 4 traction). Technically, this is called FR 173 but there are no signs. Run down to the creek, and then you have the option of doing a small 8 mile loop back up and around or crossing the creek and heading down the Canones Creek Trail.

There are lots of wildlife in the area, including wild turkeys, hawks, eagles, and mountain lions. Bring some water, a camera, and head out for a trail running adventure. When you are done, drive the 30 miles to Cuba, New Mexico and grab some excellent New Mexican food. Then head back over towards Jemez and hit up one of the hot springs.

Apache Canyon in Southern Colorado

Here is another classic adventure trail run located in a spectacular canyon with 500 foot walls on both sides. The trail, which was originally built by people working on one of the "New Deal" projects set up by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, is now an overgrown jungle of sheer canyon walls, creek crossings, waterfalls, and deep foilage. However, that should not stop anyone, as you can take this trail for over 8 miles until it eventually connects with the Bartlett Trail, eventually reaching the top of Greenhorn Mountain (12,347 feet).

Heading north out of Walsenburg on I-25, take a left onto road 650. Follow this road as it slowly climbs into the gamble oaks at the base of the Wet Mountains. On the map it looks like this road eventually connects with road 271, but that is incorrect. Follow the road all the way until it deadends at a house (with a big dog), and then look due west. There is a small deer trail that leads you to the old trailhead. Taking this trail, one can enter an entirely different ecosystem then the one where they parked, losing track of all time and place. Enjoy, because you are probably the first person on the trail since I ran it.

Both of these trails are perfect examples of adventure trail running. Rediscover some of the lost places in the Rocky Mountains - there are more then you think.

Deer Creek/Apache Canyon Bouldering in New Mexico

I'm a little back-logged on old posts, but I guess that is the way things go when you spend more time outside in the mountains then in front of a computer. However, there are still a couple of posts I need to get up on the last trip to northern New Mexico for some trail running and bouldering.

While I was ostensibly in Santa Fe for a conference (the SfAAs), we still managed to find time to get out for several good bouldering sessions and a couple long trail runs. One of the best bouldering spots found close to Santa Fe is Deer Canyon. Mistakenly called Apache Canyon, this little bouldering playground reminds me of a way cooler version of Morrison. The main overhanging section has as many problems and eliminates as you can imagine. There are some power problems going straight up, or you can traverse into some sloppy fun from either the left or right.

Behind this main section rests two more massive boulders that deserve mention. The first one has a real gem on its northwest side. An angling arete problem, this one is a show stopper unless you are strong, able to squeeze open hand holds, and can keep your feet pasted. It goes at around V10.

The boulder right next door also has some fun problems on it, although one of the nicer lines has two modified handholds which kinda takes away from the area. Up the hill are a couple more boulders with some undone lines, as well as up the creek. However, the main concentration are right in this one area.

This place is great in the fall when the little Deer Creek has dried up and all of the low sit-starts are open. Easy to get a full session in and tick a couple of really nice V5-V10 problems. After a good session, head back to Santa Fe for some solid New Mexican food.

Trail Running in the Carson National Forest of Northern New Mexico

Northern New Mexico is a trail runners paradise. Most of the runs are at a good altitude (6,000-9,000 feet on average), there are few people out on the trails, and often the weather is good. Last week we were down in that neck of the woods to do some climbing and trail running.

One of our favorite places to run is the Carson National Forest. Located just west of Taos and stretching south from the Colorado/New Mexico state line down to the end of the San Luis Valley uplift around Espanola, the Carson National Forest is a trail runners paradise.

Although there are not many officially designated trails in the forest, there are numerous seasonal dirt roads that offer the trail runner miles and miles of empty runs with no people and beautiful scenery. Some of the finest mountain scenery in the Southwest is found in the 1.5 million acres covered by the Carson National Forest. Elevations rise from 6,000 feet to 13,161 feet at Wheeler Peak, the highest in New Mexico. Our objective is to maintain that natural beauty. Most of the longer runs during the winter months start right out of Tres Piedras or just north, on the south side of Antelope Mountain.

One of our favorites that we often do when we are down there is Fire Road 519. This is an amazing run that starts around 9,000+ feet at the top of the forest ecosystem, and then drops down into a secluded valley where you see rock formations, open meadows, secret springs, and more. You can either do this as an out-and-back for a total of around 15 miles, or if you are up for a longer training run, you can combine this with Fire Road 111 making a long 25+ mile loop of soft dirt running.

This area also has a ton of wildlife: wild turkeys, bears, eagles, hawks, deer, and sheep. That's right, parts of the forest are still used in the traditional method for summer sheep grazing and herding. Don't be surprised if you run across an old sheep herder and his flock. They are very friendly, but most don't speak English - just Spanish. It brings flavor to these runs...

It is hard to beat the Carson trail runs when it comes to Northern New Mexico. If you find yourself down in that neck of the woods, grab your running shoes and hit the trails - you won't be disappointed!

Tres Piedras Bouldering: Granite Problems in Northern New Mexico

We just got back from a trip to Northern New Mexico to explore some remote bouldering areas and to run a bunch of empty trails and dirt roads. I'll be posting the entire trip as individual posts so that we can keep each area and trail as a separate post.

On the first day we drove down to Tres Piedras. This is a small granite outcropping located in Northern New Mexico about 20 minutes outside of Taos. Similar in nature to Vedauvoo up in Wyoming, Tres Piedras is a beautiful spot to do some granite climbing and bouldering. There are several solid trad routes at the formation, as well as some slabby sport routes. However, the bouldering is what we came for - quite, undeveloped, and in a beautiful setting.

Although most of the bouldering around the main formations has been developed, there are a few spots in the outlier areas that have gems waiting to be sent (or resent as the place sees so little traffic each time feels like an FA). The Fins section is full of steep, overhanging crimp lines, while some of the outlier stuff is more crystaly, blobular, and open-handed.

All in all, Tres Piedras is one of the bouldering gems of Northern New Mexico that many people don't know about. Often it is best from fall through spring, as summer can get hot. Sitting in the dry part of the San Luis Valley between the wet Southern San Juans and the Southern Sangre de Cristos, you can often boulder here throughout the winter.

San Luis Valley Bouldering: Problems Galore in Colorado and New Mexico

So I'm adding some pictures of the bouldering down in the San Luis Valley and northern New Mexico. Tara and I go here regularly - lots of good bouldering, secluded, and quality stone are all reasons to make a trip to the Valley. There are several areas that are already known, and ton more waiting to be found or developed. Some of the best places in the Valley include: Boulder City, the Breakfast Boulders, Penitente and Rock Garden area, Rock Creek, Crestone, Orient Mine Wall, Questa Dome boulders, Tres Piedras, the Beach Wall, Cerro Azul, El Rito, Red River bouldering, Hidden Gulch, and many more.

If you are looking for adventurous bouldering in an amazing setting, then perhaps a trip to the Valley is for you. You can climb all year, with some of the best temps occurring from October-March.

Types of Stone: Rhyolite, Granite, and Basalt.
Rest Day Activities: hot springs, mountain biking, trail running, artistic tours, contemplation, excellent New Mexican food.