Runnin' them Rockies

noreply@blogger.com (Becky) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 20:47:00 +0000

I've decided to buy another heart rate monitor. My first one served me well. It was an Polar FS1 watch. Basic stuff. I think I'm going to go for the ramped up version: the Polar F6 for $100 bucks!

noreply@blogger.com (Becky) — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 14:59:00 +0000

From this weekend at A-Basin: Thanks Kiki!

Wolf Creek: Step Bowl.jpg

noreply@blogger.com (Becky) — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 03:09:00 +0000

Wolf Creek: Step Bowl.jpg
Originally uploaded by CSCUSA.

noreply@blogger.com (Becky) — Mon, 11 Sep 2006 02:23:00 +0000

Recently, someone I work with was scoffing at the the fact that his wife would do a part of the Outward Bound Relay. I found it amusing, but it also got me thinking. Those who haven't gotten the chance to step out into the energy of a race miss the whole point.

"Why would anyone go out, run all that way, for no other reason than to run it?"

Simple. But I want to compare it to the droves of HOG clubs - that's Harley Owner's Group - who get up from their couches, and rev the ever-so-branded rumble of their engines across towns, states and countrys. They do it for good reasons. To meet people who love the sport. To meet people they actually like. To try, to question the decision to go, then overcome it, and stay on track - to finally hit the milestone that kept them at it - well, that's just an experience that you all had better try. It's really kind of a "high".

But that's not to make the "runner's high" so cliche. Now that's something completely different. But of course, all part of it. Anyhow, the next time you spend part of your weekend shopping, surfing the internet or hell, even working, try getting out to one of the 1000s of races in Colorado going on right now, even some of them with teams - like my friend's wife completed this weekend - and run 'em.

One of my favorites is the California to Rhode Island Coast-to-Coast Run that's going on right now. The team is now in Steamboat Springs, and this coming Wednesday, they'll be in Denver!

noreply@blogger.com (Becky) — Mon, 21 Aug 2006 03:09:00 +0000

The next time you're thinking of skipping a run when it's hot, just remember these things:

Gulp the water/Gatorade beforehand - remember the feeling of being parched?
Carry a hydration container if you're headed out for more than an hour.
Eat a Gel - this is going to be key energy that keeps you out.
Slap on some 'screen - 'specially if you're at altitude.
Name a goal - any goal: 40 minutes, 5 miles, to the park and back.

Oh, and by the way. October 15th isn't far away. That's the Denver Marathon if you forgot! We've got a 4-person team planned and we're gettin' ready. Then, of course, there's Rim Rock Run.

noreply@blogger.com (Becky) — Sun, 09 Jul 2006 20:20:00 +0000

5 little tips for getting out even when it's HOT or raining:

Run with a group. Take along pals and you'll forget that you're there to run. Just hang out while you move your feet and talk.
Sign up for a race. If you pay for and sign up for a race in the near future, you'll "fear" not being able to run it - and you're less likely to slack off.
Set small goals. Like, "By August 10th I will have run 100 miles." You are more focused on tallying up the miles and planning rather than skipping one day with the excuse of going the next.
Race other runners in the park. Even if you don't admit it, everyone loves to pass another runner. Pick out people and make a goal of catching up or passing them and maintaining it.
Plan the day that you'll rest. Like: "I'll take July 19th and 24th off to go to a movie." Plan and anticipate how you'll savor every minute of the time you now have - free!

I had to get out and run even though it seems it's been pouring for a week now. I made my run shorter and ran with a few friends. Then when you're trying to run in the heat - heh - rain doesn't seem so bad!

noreply@blogger.com (Becky) — Fri, 02 Jun 2006 04:35:00 +0000

The Bay to Breakers was a complete blast. Costumes like I've never seen, amped crowds, hyper runners, tortillas flung like frisbees for the first mile, naked people, insane elite times, and so fun that I'm going back next year for sure. OH yeah.

noreply@blogger.com (Becky) — Mon, 29 May 2006 21:58:00 +0000

Last fall I started riding Cherry Creek bike path south towards the reservoir. Today, I finally ran this trail. Here's what I found.

It's close to downtown, so you don't have to travel far. But it's also quiet enough for the zen-running fix. If you like to trail run but your buddies don't like the hills, take them here. There's almost no incline either way. Likewise, if you want to run a trail alone, this doles out the trees and narrow dirt; And keeps you from big trouble on the back-roads trails sans help. Keep your eyes up for Mtn. Bikers. And finally, check out the parking situation. Park along Cherry Creek Drive North and cross the bridge on Cherry Street like I did.

But for an evening run after work, you win. It's quick, quiet, and works out the mental kinks like any 'ole trail run. And no driving, mountain lions, or crazy changes in tempurature.

noreply@blogger.com (Becky) — Sun, 14 May 2006 14:40:00 +0000

Cheeseman Park: 1.44 miles

This is the perfect run from anywhere in Capital Hill or Governer's Park, or Congress Park. Or Washington Park if you are very motivated to run more. In any case, after a long day of Frisbee in the park yesterday, I decided to measure the circuit of the park once and for all. And Buzzcut, you were right. It's closer to 1.5 miles! Here's the Google Earth image of this measurement.

noreply@blogger.com (Becky) — Tue, 09 May 2006 04:14:00 +0000

Traveling in the near future? I know I am. And I needed to know where to run in San Fransisco - it is mostly urban and urban can be tricky. For a $2.95 per month, you can peruse the Athletic Minded Traveler for your answers. Hotels, gyms, eating, gearhead shopping, or "play" areas are all the focus of the site. Thanks for the link, Dale.

noreply@blogger.com (Becky) — Tue, 02 May 2006 16:56:00 +0000

Monday: Run 45 minutes. Make it easy.
Tuesday: Run 55 minutes. On a hill! (up and down is fine)
Wednesday: Run 30 minutes. Make it super easy. Bring the dog.
Thursday: Run 50 minutes. Tempo (WTF is tempo?) (See below)
Friday: Rest and Relax. Use the remote. And Valet. Chinese Delivery for dinner.
Saturday: Run 8 miles slow. Never get out of breath.
Sunday: Sleep in. Go to church. Take a walk. Have fun. (Jen says so)

Tempo running is at a pace where you can't easily have a conversation, but you aren't completely uncomfortable. With a little of your own mental encouragement, you can hold this pace for 50 minutes. If you need to recover, slow down for 5 minutes, but don't stop. The point of tempo is to teach your muscles to recover even at a high heart rate.

noreply@blogger.com (Becky) — Sun, 30 Apr 2006 21:27:00 +0000

The Bay to Breakers race is 3 weeks away!

noreply@blogger.com (Becky) — Wed, 26 Apr 2006 03:56:00 +0000

So, if you have been trying to follow my training scribble, rest assured. I will promise to write the programs a little less elusive. In any case, the numbers on these programs is in minutes. Two years back I joined a running group with a coach. He (and a number of other coaches) believe that time and not distance is a good way to plan your programs. I believe the time measurement works better for me, but it may not work better for everyone. Most programs name distances (then quality of distance, such as "hill" or "easy" or "hard".)

There are days that I even walk. And yes, I count the time walking as the total tally of time for that day. Maybe I'm too easy on myself. But I try not to walk for more than five minutes. This isn't my idea. It's whoever layed the rules for the adage "listen to your body". (Are there rules?) In any case, I trust it! Good luck with your training this week!

noreply@blogger.com (Becky) — Tue, 25 Apr 2006 04:48:00 +0000

Okay, now it's building up to a 7 mile long run.

Monday: 40 mins (easy)
Tuesday: 55 mins hill
Wednesday: off
Thursday: 45 mins (little bit harder than easy)
Friday: off
Saturday: 7 miles!

noreply@blogger.com (Becky) — Tue, 18 Apr 2006 04:41:00 +0000

So, the workout is in. (Drum roll, anima-style)

Monday: 40 mins
Tuesday: 45 mins
Wednesday: Off
Thursday: 40 mins
Friday: Off
Saturday: 6 miles at 8AM

Have fun boys and girls!

noreply@blogger.com (Becky) — Mon, 17 Apr 2006 21:33:00 +0000

Mesa Trail:

Okay, I know I wrote about Mesa before. But this time, we ran it by the book: Trail Running Colorado's Front Range. In this book, it brought us through to the Blue Bellstem trail, then back on Mesa, then to Towhee trail and finally back to Mesa Trail once again. The one-and-only thing I thought of as I ran/walked this trail was: Where's Oxygen when you need it?

Looks like I'm gonna need to run the Capital Building Stairs a time or two; Bay-to-Breakers is only a month away!

noreply@blogger.com (Becky) — Mon, 17 Apr 2006 21:18:00 +0000

16th Street Mall goes wireless!

As I was walking down the 16th Street Mall today, I overheard a Denver Post newsanchor interviewing a woman: "So, how do you feel about the entire 16th Street Mall becoming a hub for wireless internet?"

Not running news, but definatly local.

noreply@blogger.com (Becky) — Wed, 12 Apr 2006 15:16:00 +0000

Thanks for the fun look, Knighthawk. It's a running podcast. I"m gonna listen!

http://pouringdownpictures.com/morningrun.mov

noreply@blogger.com (Becky) — Tue, 04 Apr 2006 02:42:00 +0000

Four of us are going to run the Denver Marathon Relay!

Buzzcut, BrianD, and Sarah and I are in for a four-person relay on October 15th. It's a long way away, but in the meantime are a whole bunch of other races worth trying out. The relay distances are:

6 miles
4 miles
7 miles
9 miles

noreply@blogger.com (Becky) — Sat, 25 Mar 2006 18:45:00 +0000

Okay, if for some reason you are on disability, go ahead and stay on the couch. A man on disability was caught training for a marathon, and he's in jail.

noreply@blogger.com (Becky) — Sat, 25 Mar 2006 14:33:00 +0000

I just bought a men's running shirt to wear. It was the only one that fit my torso. What do you think? My next business is going to be an online running gear store, with the scope of sizes as complete as most casual clothing stores (petite, tall, etc.) Why aren't there more?

Anyway, later on today I'm going to post the first week of the two month training program in prep for May 21st. Look for it!

noreply@blogger.com (Becky) — Thu, 23 Mar 2006 04:07:00 +0000

The Cooper River Ridge Run

noreply@blogger.com (Becky) — Wed, 22 Mar 2006 04:54:00 +0000

We love Denver because we love running. What a great place to escape with a run! I am currently in Charleston, South Carolina for the week - a little Spring Break break. So what exactly have I discovered?

The south isn't set up for running.

First of all, it's hot. And, there are little trails or even trail setups for a good, long, hard run. But of course, I want to leave you with good news. Google Earth DOES know South Carolina, and does know how to recognize trails even among the rural highways of Goose Creek.

Owen and I ran a trail marked as a 4-miler, weaving through more traffic than we should for the population, but better, nice quiet trails that ask for a quiet footsteps. So, you ask, is the south unfriendly to running? I guess it depends. Austin, TX is south - but friendly to runners.

What you should remember about traveling, is that you shouldn't let messy drivers, pavement-filled runs and wild dogs get the best of you. Run even though the locals don't, and you really may start something. Or just get some funny looks, but whatever.

noreply@blogger.com (Becky) — Mon, 13 Mar 2006 05:53:00 +0000

Runnin' of the Green

Sometimes there's a sentiment that snow's a pain in the city. Traffic, commuting, dirty slush on your Dockers, and large patches of yellow snow makes urban snow showers less than friendly.

Yesterday morning, however, 2500 runners made it in perfect time to an early morning run before Sunday's snow showers. To me, a great run before the snow comes is as satisfying as hitting all green lights on the way down Broadway. The LoDo Runnin' of the Green 7K set off this season's races (for me anyhow) - packed with green-wigged runners, Irish music and free beer at 10:30 am.

The race started at 17th and Wazee at McCormick's. The 7K (about 4.3 miles) led us down Wazee and Blake to 20th, up past Forest Room 5 (a great wine bar) and around some Art Deco buildings before doubling back. It was cold, for sure, but only until the race energy heats those streets and speeds up your step.

What was an even better surprise was that after a long Sunday brunch, I came home, checked the results of the race and boom: they're posted! Let me tell you, for someone obsessed with times, you can see your results while the race endorphins are still fresh.

Wash-Park-Run-Web

noreply@blogger.com (Becky) — Wed, 08 Mar 2006 03:26:00 +0000

Wash-Park-Run-Web
Originally uploaded by runtherockies.

Google Maps and You

As a runner you want me to tell you what's cool and new in the running community and hopefully as much as I can about the Front Range running culture. This, my friends is the newest old news: Perhaps you've heard of Google. (The Starbucks of Search Engines) One of the niftyest tools for runners out by big "G" is Google Earth. You can measure your runs using the Tools>Measure>Path[tab] function.

Once you get over the novelty of the fact that you have a real, live satellite at your every command, you realize that planning training and run distances is a piece of cake. Just measure them out, like I did on this run to Washington Park from my apartment.

What this image doesn't show is that a dialog box appears as you are drawing the path, updating the actual mileage. For this run, it was exactly 6.79 miles. Kinda puts that last, hard .09 miles in perspective for you. In any case, check it out and ditch your clunky heart rate monitor/GPS/calorie counter/breathalizer wrist watch, and run like no one's watching.