Starting to get some more miles in the legs, which is always good with a race coming up. Of course, the weather (usually) and longer days appropriate more available time, and generate more positive energy, for running. We both got in nice runs Monday - Kathleen at the Garden and me on Santa Fe post-work. Wednesday morning started out snowing like mad for 4", then in true Colorado style for spring, the sun broke out and 90% was melted by drive time home. Sweet. So Thursday night, we hit the Garden for part 2 on the week and did an 8 miler on totally dry trail - nice!
We have been wanting to hit a training run at Greenland with the 25k coming up May 1, so we headed there today. It was cool with some wind (always windy there) but the sun was mostly out and there is not snow covering the trails - hot diggety! A little pre-run pose at the kiosk at the main trailhead. Thought about going Johnny Cash today, but opted for the gray liner shirt at the last minute... Oh, and I broke Kathleen's cardinal rule of photo taking #1 by cutting our feet off - sorry!!!
Awesome view of Pikes from the race start area.
Kathleen passes an old corral on the Kipps Loop climb.
Steve rolling through the prairie meets mountain landscape.
Kathleen on Greenland Trail, cruising past the pond on the climb over the saddle.
Finished ... and smiling!
We came up just a hair short of 11 miles, but our estimate was pretty close. The nice thing was that we ran well today and hope it is a good sign of positive and progressive spring fitness level. We had no splits over 8:56 average on the climbs, and hit low 7's average on the descents. So we're liking where we are for "speed" (for us! since we are not fast!), if you can call it that, and pretty positive about our conditioning this spring in spite of a few setbacks over the past few months. Looking forward to a nice, long run tomorrow - Happy Trails!
Shoes - K Asics 2150 Trail
S - Brooks Cascadia 2
Stats: 10.7 miles, 1070' elevation gain, 8:13 avg. pace
15 comments:
Nice. Trails don't even look that muddy?
The trails were great GZ - hardly any mud, just a lot chewed up from horse travel when it was wet. Sweet day. Good luck next weekend.
Hi guys,
I love the pictures, it looks like you had another gorgeous run:)
Kathleen, where do you purchase your running skirts? I really like how they look on you but I have not seen anything like it in any of the stores here in Minnesota:)
8:56 on the climbs is mega impressive! Sounds like you had a great run. I am now in the Outer Banks and plan to post later but I had a very sweet run on the beach yesterday. I'm going to head out soon for a longer run this morning. Can't wait.
My cardinal rule for photos is to suck in my gut.
You two are NOT slow. I think if you let loose at Greenland, i.e. jump out of your comfort zone, you'll suprize the heck out of yourselves. After running with you, I'm certain of it.
Yes, I could see why it's always windy there - it's a vast open space....which of course gives you your breathtaking views of the Front Range (and Pikes Peak :) ). Always envious, of course, of your trail running...but guess what?? I picked up a copy of Trail Running magazine yesterday and am going to read it on the plane to Boston next weekend - I'm thinking my running needs a new direction and maybe more tails are it. When I ran Pikes Peak last year, I sucked BIG TIME (I am not part mountain goat - and it shows!) but I enjoyed it so much! I can't wait for your race coming up...it's going to be so much fun!!!
Enjoy your Sunday!! :)
That kind of "slow pace" would win a lot of races roun here. You guys are way fast! We're still kicking around our summer plans. Still thinking about some Colo time.
I love the info. on the hill paces and decents. You two are going strong despite the weather and other things that have cropped up. I hope your long run goes well today!
Good Running! We hit the course today!! It was windy and a lot colder this a.m. then yesterday -- but it's a pretty sweet course... our first time on it. Lot's of runners were out training today.. I bet yesterday even more so.
Great Run - not fast - that depends on the reader. lol :)
Kathleen - you need to be paid for your advertising of those skirts. You are a great model.
Glad the spring is slowly making it your way and the training is going so well.
Love the prairie pictures. And, not fast? I'm envious of your times. Good luck at the upcoming race!
Nice pic of both of you, but where are your feet?! ; )
I saw my old blog Gotta Read Now listed on your list of blogs you follow. I decided I really just wanted to have one blog after all so I shut that one down, but thanks for being one of my followers there! : )
Was just showing my husband your blog. You have great photos, but how do you find the time to stop and take so many pics, or even carry a camera everywhere? I think it's great ... but I know when I'm into a run I really don't want to have to stop, and then pick it back up again. You guys must have some secret....
It is great you two can enjoy running together and get some great picture's.
You are looking super cute Kathleen!! Love the outfits!!!
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