So, Saturday was the first day of ‘Mark’s mini training camp’. Tom and I started with a quick 4.5 before meeting up with SLR for 13.5. The SLR course was one of my favorites; crossing over Key bridge, up through Glover trails, West on Mass. Ave, and downhill back to the start on the toe-path. This is a great route that I always negative split.
Normally, I don’t have any problems with trails and can remain pretty concentrated on my footing. But, for some reason, maybe it was the sweat pouring down into my eyes, I looked up, caught a tree root and went flying. It was a nasty spill, but got up and finished the final 10miles dirty with a few scraps.
My f-ing thumb was killing me the rest of the run. Turns out I had dirt and splinters jammed under my cuticle. I hurt like a Chinese concentration camp. Normally, if I were reading this post I would think I am a whiny bitch. But, I’m not kidding this was like an all-body pain. Ridiculous! I mean this is running – I guess I’ll wear thumb protectors next time – or just grow a sack.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Colorado Marathon - Ft. Collins, CO
Race Day: 5/6/2007
Weather: Low 40’s. Absolutely beautiful morning! The sun rose to totally illuminate the canyon just in time for a 6:15am start.
Course: The race began at a small campground nestled along the canyon at Stephen’s Gulch. Totally downhill, the course meandered its way from 6100ft down to about 4900ft. The first 16 miles were completed framed by the canyon walls. The foothills created a remarkable setting and totally took my breath away, both figuratively and literally. As we traveled along the river, we were greeted by several fly-fishermen waving encouragement. Eventually the course exited the canyon and headed for Old Town, Fort Collins. The last several miles of the course were set on a scenic bicycle trail allowing amazing views of the foothills.
Personal Experience: This was my first marathon in six weeks (since Ocean Drive). I’ve been nursing some injured IT bands and trying to regain my confidence. I anticipated an easy downhill marathon with beautiful scenery. As it turned out, the marathon was considerably more difficult than I anticipated. The constant downhill took its toll on my quads, and the altitude made felt as if someone were sitting on my chest. That’s what I get for being a flat-lander.
Other than the physical side-effects, Dave and I had an amazing experience. Our times were less than stellar, but even a poor time could not diminish the beautiful course scenery and the lively nights spent in Ft. Collins.
Conclusion: Great technical T-shirt! I loved this race. I hope in the future I will come better trained and prepared for the altitude. The organizers did a terrific job. There were plenty of Pot-o-potties, well organized bus rides, and super easy bag check. This is definitely an A race.
Final Grade: A
Weather: Low 40’s. Absolutely beautiful morning! The sun rose to totally illuminate the canyon just in time for a 6:15am start.
Course: The race began at a small campground nestled along the canyon at Stephen’s Gulch. Totally downhill, the course meandered its way from 6100ft down to about 4900ft. The first 16 miles were completed framed by the canyon walls. The foothills created a remarkable setting and totally took my breath away, both figuratively and literally. As we traveled along the river, we were greeted by several fly-fishermen waving encouragement. Eventually the course exited the canyon and headed for Old Town, Fort Collins. The last several miles of the course were set on a scenic bicycle trail allowing amazing views of the foothills.
Personal Experience: This was my first marathon in six weeks (since Ocean Drive). I’ve been nursing some injured IT bands and trying to regain my confidence. I anticipated an easy downhill marathon with beautiful scenery. As it turned out, the marathon was considerably more difficult than I anticipated. The constant downhill took its toll on my quads, and the altitude made felt as if someone were sitting on my chest. That’s what I get for being a flat-lander.
Other than the physical side-effects, Dave and I had an amazing experience. Our times were less than stellar, but even a poor time could not diminish the beautiful course scenery and the lively nights spent in Ft. Collins.
Conclusion: Great technical T-shirt! I loved this race. I hope in the future I will come better trained and prepared for the altitude. The organizers did a terrific job. There were plenty of Pot-o-potties, well organized bus rides, and super easy bag check. This is definitely an A race.
Final Grade: A
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Universal Sole's Lakefront 10 - Chicago, IL
Race Day: 4/29/2007
Weather: Low 70’s and not a cloud in the sky. Beautiful!
Course: The race started just off of Montrose Harbor on the north side of Chicago. The route traveled north a short distance along the running path and then south for 6 or so miles; then returning to the start via the same running path. The Chicago Lake path presents some of the best view of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. The announcer continued to refer to the course as the “most beautiful in all of Chicago.” She was probably correct!
Personal Experience: I’ve run this race once before in 20 degree weather. With the weekend’s consistently beautiful weather, this year’s race was complete different than my past experience. It was a wonderful day for a 10 miler. The people were friendly and festive. The route is crowded because it was not closed to non-racers, but anyone who regularly runs on the Lake path is used those conditions.
Conclusion: The T-shirts are the best around and for $35 this is a hard race to beat. Great race! I’m giving it a B+ only because the route was not closed. Other than that, I consider this a yearly must do.
Final Grade: B+
Weather: Low 70’s and not a cloud in the sky. Beautiful!
Course: The race started just off of Montrose Harbor on the north side of Chicago. The route traveled north a short distance along the running path and then south for 6 or so miles; then returning to the start via the same running path. The Chicago Lake path presents some of the best view of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan. The announcer continued to refer to the course as the “most beautiful in all of Chicago.” She was probably correct!
Personal Experience: I’ve run this race once before in 20 degree weather. With the weekend’s consistently beautiful weather, this year’s race was complete different than my past experience. It was a wonderful day for a 10 miler. The people were friendly and festive. The route is crowded because it was not closed to non-racers, but anyone who regularly runs on the Lake path is used those conditions.
Conclusion: The T-shirts are the best around and for $35 this is a hard race to beat. Great race! I’m giving it a B+ only because the route was not closed. Other than that, I consider this a yearly must do.
Final Grade: B+
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