If you’re lucky enough to be in the mountains, you’re lucky enough!

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Weather Smorgasboard...and a new Tasty Treat

We had some typical Spring weather this week.  Some nice periods of sun, drastic temperature swings, rain, hail, and snow.  Everything you could ask for in one day....  Wednesday night, I headed into Ute Valley Park hoping to get 6 - 8 miles, however, rain then hail hit when I was at the bottom of the park and I had to quickly climb out of the instant quagmire created by rain and bentonite clay - SLIPPERY SLUDGE!  So I got 4 miles and was drenched/mud covered.  Oh well that is Spring.

Friday we had a big snowstorm.  Mostly thick, wet chunky stuff in the Springs, but huge accumulations north between Baptist Road and Castle Rock - we are hearing 16" on the race course at Greenland - OUCH!  Only 1 week out from race day.  Below are CDOT photos from around noon Saturday at County Line Rd - about the top of the Kipps Loop climb; and at Greenland exit - where the start of the race is.
April Showers?!?!
Up for a trail run?  Anyone? ....
FORTUNATELY, however, just 20 miles south we had cleared out from under the snowstorm and had this view of a dusted Blodgett Peak when we started out this morning.  It was chilly and SUPER windy, but we had dry trail to run on so we had to at least make an effort, right?  The unfortunate part was that we started with tail wind and had to finish all the way home into a 38 mph headwind.  9.5 miles was all we felt like mustering up.  On days like this, you pull off the reverse-negative-split ~ fast out, survival back in!!!  It was for sure a "character builder" run - whatever that nonsense means!!!  Hard effort, hoping to go a bit longer tomorrow but under better conditions, then see where the chips fall next week. 

Shoes - K Asics 2150 Trail
S - Brooks Ravenna
As with almost every run I do, I wore a Nathan hydration vest today.  I wore the HPL#008 which is a 50 oz., compact and lightweight vest.  I also have an HPL#020 which is a 70 oz. and can hold more "junk - aka, Kathleen's Sherpa" - I wear it on long and/or hot days.  I have occasionally been asked why I wear these - quite simply, I go through quite a bit of water for whatever physiological reason.  I always have, even on the bike.  Early on, I got accustomed to wearing Camelbaks on the mountain bike, so it has never been an issue to carry it over to trail running.  I also do not do well at all with handhelds - I have several and I don't like the balance issues and arm fatigue.  The Nathan sits so quietly on the back that it is a perfect fit for my tastes.  I will be wearing this for my race next week, and whenever you see it in the photos, you'll know "why" I always have one on! (and you know where I always have the camera to take cool trail running photos!!!)  If you have not ever tried one, I would give it a shot.
Now for a new tasty treat we recently stumbled across - Nutella spread.  Yummalicious pretty much wraps this one up.  Spread this hazlenut/cocoa concoction on a sourdough English muffin in the morning and look out!  We had always heard about Euro MTB racers that swore by this stuff for their morning kick start but never thought much of it.  Bonus points - it is gluten free, so Kathleen can indulge (just not on regular bread...).  So if by chance we hit some sort of spectacular PR next week, you might just wonder the next time you cruise by it in the aisle at the store ....

11 comments:

T Z said...

Nutella rocks. I can't keep a jar long....it just vaporizes! We're all hanging out in OKC getting ready to do the (road) marathon tomorrow. A blogpost is sure to follow.

Unknown said...

Yummy but I didn't know Nutella was good for you! You are really having some crazy weather but I'm glad you're still getting out there to enjoy the trails!

Jill said...

This weather is totally nutsoid. I was at school on Thursday when we had a tornado warning late in the day so I missed my swim because the thought of swimming laps with a tornado overhead was a little freaky. Friday I got out of school and my car was covered with snow. Today was gale-force 2000 mph winds ;). Kudos to you two for pushing though this madness! And it's been awhile since I've done Nutella, and that's cuz I know if I bought some, I'd inhale the entire jar in one sitting! Ha. Enjoy the rest of the weekend...and oh, Kathleen, thank you SO much for the awesome card you gave me for my birthday party in Boston. You are soooo sweet, it totally made me smile! HUGS!!

Ace said...

Well, all I can say is, Greenland is supposed to be a "trail" run right?

p.s. Nutella addiction can be a serious disorder, beware! :) (especially on crepes...)

ajh said...

Wow! You had some crazy weather. Good job running in the wind. I've had Nutella on crepes before and thought it was excellent!

Anonymous said...

Nutella, I will have to give it a try. Better late than never. LOL. Look's like Mud for Greenland!

Ewa said...

Nutella is one of the most sinful things invented.
You have some wild weather changes there.

Julie said...

Hi Guys,
I like your April showers...LOL!! I love those character building runs....they make us stronger:)

I will have to give the Nutella a try! Enjoy the rest of your weekend:)

Alyssa said...

Wow! That is some insane spring weather! At least we know nicer weather is on the way, right!?

I was fortunate enough to try Nutella before I went vegan. YUM! If they made a dairy-free version of it, I think I'd be unstoppable. :)

Good luck at your race next weekend!

Paige said...

I LOVE Nutella! We usually spread it on a few flour tortillas rolled up. They are great for long runs, just put them in a ziploc baggie and nosh as needed throughout the run!

Tina @GottaRunNow said...

One week out? Your race is this Saturday? My internet is a little spotty, so let me wish you a great race now filled with fast miles!

Nutella - yum! I can just eat it plain out of the jar! Saw nutella ice cream today at Fisherman's Wharf! Didn't have any, but it sounded good!

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