Sunday Long Run

December 20, 2009 / 9:00 am

Santa Fe Trail

13 miles

2:14 hours

Indecision, indecision. Tracey and Louisa needed 16 miles and I just wanted distance. They first planned to run up Rampart Range Road 16 miles and drive back down. I said no to that. I told them I would run with the Incline Club and do the planned route with the pack.

Then Tracey called me and said they were not going to drop a car off after all and planned to run only 8 up the road and run the 8 back down. Okay, I'd do that. However, my mother's plane was late coming in Saturday night and it was 12:45 am before I knew it. My older daughter, Whitney, also came in from school Saturday night and offered to ride a bike beside me if I wanted to sleep in and run later. Deal!! For multiple reasons! Yes! I did not have to get up at 6:00 am; I could run a long run without power hiking; and best of all, I would be running with my daughter!! So, a hasty email at 12:45 am to Tracey letting her know my change of heart and I was able to sleep in until 8am!

The weather was in the high 30s with not a cloud in the sky when we started at the Baptist Trailhead of the Santa Fe and we ran up to Palmer Lake. Okay, I ran and Whitney biked. It was wonderful having mother daughter time together. We chatted about finals, her last date, friends and about how I needed to find a tree!

Once we hit Palmer Lake, I ate one of my peanut butter sandwich quarters and she walked beside me until that was finished and then we began again. As soon as we rounded the north end of the lake, the wind hit us. Yikes, cold and steady. I stopped immediately to put my windbreaker on and Whitney did the same. I don't like running with too much stuff around my waist; but the wind on this day made me very happy that I tied my windbreaker on me and kept my gloves.

I checked later in the afternoon, the wind was steady at 16mph with gusts to 21mph. I told Whit on the way to the trailhead she would have to pedal up to Palmer Lake but would coast on the way back. Wrongo sportsfans. It was work for her as well as me on the way back. 6.5 miles of that wind. I just had to tell myself that a month ago, it was worse and it was for 13 miles. The Indianapolis Monumental Marathon was on a very windy day - gust 20-30mph. I hated that race.

However, the fact that I was out with my daughter on the run more than made up for the wind. I love spending time with my girls and I love being outdoors. That usually translates into forced marches and hikes in all kinds of weather on holidays. But this time Whitney volunteered! Despite the distance and wind, it was a very good run on that account.

13 miles later and Whitney and I were both sore but very glad that we got out and did it.

Saturday - Garden of the Gods

December 19, 2001 / 8:25 am

Garden of the Gods Trails

5.6 miles

1:04 hours

We waited in the parking lot for 25 minutes for Mike to show up. A no show if there ever was!Therefore, it was just F and I out for the Saturday run. The week before Christmas and it is difficult to get all of us together for a run. However, F and I have run many a run by ourselves. Last year, he asked me to help him train for his first marathon. This year I asked him to help me train for my first ultra. Which meant that I ran the marathon with him and he ran the ultra with me when the time came for both of our races.

What a nice day! Great weather, no wind, few people on the trail and little ice. The trail is single track all around the Garden of the Gods park and a very nice run when the weather is cool. Not so nice in the summer as it is exposed most of the way.

When F and I run together, we don't talk much. I told him once on a run that he reminded me of my father. My dad and I could drive for hours and hours and not say two words; yet enjoy each other's company all day. That's how it is with F when I run with him. Granted, there are times when we have had a bad day and we vent to each other; however, most of the time, it is companionable silence and today was no different.

After running one loop around the Garden over various trails, we were back at the parking lot with bagels and coffee afterwards. A good day and a nice run!

Tuesday December 17, 2009 / 10:00 am

USAFA Cadet Trail
Distance: 5.1 miles
Time: @ 53 minutes

With the warm weather we have had lately, the snow has melted from flat, sunny spaces fairly well. Today, I wanted a nice run without the snow. I've hit that each weekend and fear more is on the way as fall turns to winter next week here in Colorado. With that in mind, I talked Tracey into running around the Academy grounds with me.

We met at the North entrance parking lot and then carpooled to the second overlook of the athletic fields. The weather was great - breezy, warm in the 40s and sunny. Capris and a long sleeve shirt (with a short sleeve underneath) was all I needed. That, and my bottle of water. Even if I don't need it, I like carrying it just to get used to the weight of it.

We took off toward the mountains and ran along the apron of Academy Drive. Most of the apron is groomed, tiny gravel and dirt and very nice to run on. This course is rolling hills and circles the cadet area from the athletic side to Sijan and Mitchell halls. Almost all of it is groomed and labeled Cadet Trail; however, once we rounded around Mitchell hall, and headed around the education building (can't remember that hall's name) we hit the Falcon Trail for a bit before it was back on the Cadet Trail. When the trail turned toward the Field House, we continued along Parade Loop to hop back on Academy Drive and our overlook above the athletic area.

The course was almost exactly five miles and will make a great loop for running longer distances and needing stops for refueling. I think it will be a perfect one for Collegiate Peaks training; it is similar in its terrain.

Running with a friend is great therapy. I don't realize how much I miss running with a female friend at times until Tracey and I get together. We talk about our kids, our spouses, our mothers, and question what we are doing with our lives. Most of the time, we just listen to each other and commiserate.

After races, those runs together are for the post race recaps. We tell each other about the details of a race: how her foot felt, how the wind bites, what it was like at the turn or mile 13, how the downhill was bliss and the uphill torture, things that other runners understand and want to know. Afterwards, it back to our lives til we run together again.

Today's Run - Santa Fe Trail

December 15, 2009 / 11:00 am

Santa Fe Trail

8 miles

1:14 hours

A good easy run.

I wanted to get out and hit a stretch where I would run and not have to power hike as I did over the weekend; the Santa Fe Trail is always good for that. Today was no different. Image from Trailmonkey.com

I started in Monument and headed up toward Palmer Lake and hit only a few icy-snow patches on the trail. It is a gradual incline toward Palmer Lake but the wide trail and low-grade is perfect to get the leg turnover going.

I didn't realize there was wind until I ran around Palmer Lake and headed back down the trail. It was enough for me to push my sleeves down and zip up my shirt again. I just wanted a nice, easy run today so I did not push the pace down. There is something to be said for just running and enjoying the run without pushing yourself. It brings back the pureness of running for me. I know I'm on a plan; however, I still want to enjoy running.

A very nice run today with only one stop for an untied shoe!

Sunday's Run

Sunday December 13, 2009 / 8:00am

Ute Pass - Waldo Canyon - Williams Canyon
11.68 miles
2:53 hours

My second run with the Incline Club and what a rugged start we had! The plan was to run up Ruxton to the Ute Pass trail and then do a Waldo Canyon loop and then head back down Ute Pass and retrace our steps to Memorial Park. However, it did not pan out as planned. I was looking forward to this run and dreading it at the same time. The previous day, I ran Waldo Canyon and it was very nice and yet, still challenging. I was a little concerned with the warm temps that we had the afternoon before and what that did to the trail.

This time I drove since the weather was nicer (no snow) and Tracey drove last weekend. The temps were in the high 30s to low 40s; however, there was a little wind that kept a chill in the air when it hit us head on during the run.

After signing in and getting the route, I took off up Ruxton with Tracey at a nice, slow pace. However, once on Ute Pass, the enjoyment was over for the time being. The trail was murder. Light, fluffy snow about 6-8 inches thick that did not pack down. How this translated to running meant that no matter how many people went ahead of you, the trail did not pack down; the snow just squished to the side here and the side there. These were the conditions the entire length of Ute Pass and it took a toll on me. I was silently thinking to myself how much I hated this stretch. Unknown to me at the time, I was not the only one thinking those thoughts.

When our group all met up at the junction of Longs Ranch Road, it was decided that no one wanted to repeat that trail on the way back and our plan for the morning's run was readjusted to go down William's Canyon instead. Fine with me. I assured the group that Waldo Canyon was much better than Ute Pass, at least it was the previous morning.

So we took off and crossed highway 24 to Waldo. As we headed up the stairs, a runner on the way down warned us of ice on the trail. Yep, that afternoon sun really did a number on the trail the day before and most of the snow covered trail I ran yesterday was now covered in ice. This was still better than Ute Pass in my book. I took the trail slower than the previous day and fell in towards the rear of the group.

Once we hit the bail out to Williams, Tracey took the lead. She is an awesome downhill runner. I told my family after the run that she reminded me of an Indian scout. Someone you never saw unless there was danger. We would run for minutes without seeing her and then, there she would be, waiting on the opposite side of a treacherous patch, warning us. Once we negotiated the obstacle, she was off again, never to be seen until the next hazard.

Finally, out of the canyon and onto the paved roads of Manitou and the end of the run. What a morning! Those 11+ miles were difficult; but the sense of accomplishment was still there and worth it.

P.S. Happy Belated Birthday Tracey!

Today's Run - December 12, 2009

December 12, 2009 / 8:00 am

Waldo Canyon Loop

Distance: 6.8 miles

Time: 1.33 hours

The flurry of emails the night before again and Waldo Canyon this morning. Chris, F, Bob, Mike and I and a wonderful morning to run. The temperature was in the low 30's and no wind or snow -- okay, snow on the ground; but not falling from the sky.

I failed to mention earlier that I had a slow week. Finals and grading for my 5 classes kept me busy Monday and Tuesday with a little ear trouble and below freezing temperatures forcing me onto the treadmill the latter half of the week.

The run was difficult due to snow on the trail. It was the soft, dry type and packed by previous footsteps. In addition, ice littered the trail in places. Yaks or no yaks was the discussion before we took off. I elected to wear the spikes on my shoes and they worked perfectly.

Waldo canyon trail is a lollipop trail. You head up the stairs from the parking lot and then go up a side of a mountain/hill until you drop into a valley. The loop begins at the far end of the valley and we usually elect to take the loop clockwise getting the steeper climbing out of the way early.

During the run, I checked my Garmin twice for elevation. At one point we were at 8100' elevation. I cannot say definitely if this was the highest point; however, it was the highest of my two readings.

Bob is our mountain goat and made it to "summit" of the loop first with Mike, Chris, F and I trailing. I am truly humbled by his ability to float up trails seemingly effortlessly. I need to run behind him and pick up his technique! Each of us have our strengths in our group; but Bob is the strong one going uphill.

At one time this morning, power hiking up a steeper portion, I looked up and thought wow. The sun was out and the sky was crystal clear blue and it was a beautiful sight. I love looking up through the pines and seeing the brillant blue Colorado sky. I don't know if there is a better way to view the sky than that, and if there is, I'm not sure I want to know.

Once we headed "down" the loop, back to the meadow, F took the lead and kept up a brisk pace despite the snow and ice on the trail. What a great run down. It only has a few uphill points and those weren't too bad.

After the run, Mike treated us to a great breakfast and, of course, stories were told. I've got to remember that Chris works with Rick and stop telling Rick stories!

December 6, 2009 / 8:00am

Garden of the Gods and Rampart Range Road
Distance: 13.1 miles
Time: 2:22 hours

Whew! Sorry about not posting yesterday; a little tired and a lot of mall Christmas shopping after the run.

Yes, I ran half marathon distance yesterday in almost 2.5 hours. Can I explain? How about snow and continued snowing? Hills? Fire road up hill for 1.25 miles, does that count?

Yesterday was the first time I ran with the Incline Club. Tracey, yes, the infamous Tracey, has run with them for almost two years and I finally caved and said yes, I'd run with her. she picked me up at 7:05am and drove me to Memorial Park in Manitou in time for bathroom break and sign in before deciding what to run with her core group. I stepped out of the car with some trepidation; not sure how this was going to work - it looked like there were 30+ runners there, standing in line waiting to sign in for the second run of their season. Wow. Now, that's a lot of runners going up a trail at one time.

The scheduled run was up Longs Ranch Road; however, the amount of snow on the ground and the fact that it was still snowing, made most people change their mind about that run. I hung back and waited to hear what Tracey and her friends would decide. I found out that the Incline Club usually has a long run and a short run scheduled with quite a few runners showing up, sharing the early morning comeraderie and then taking their own tack for the run.

Tracey is running a marathon at Catalina in March with her friend Louisa and they need their mileage. Finally, it was agreed to run in the Garden, do the 10 mile road race route and add mileage somewhere along the way. We took off down the road toward Garden of the Gods and the run was on.

Wow. It was cold; but this time I wore my ski gloves. Thought I was kidding didn't you? I actually was quite warm and, at one of the bathroom breaks, stripped off my outer shell and just had on a sleeveless and long sleeve tech shirts with a fleece tops over that. I did have have two layers of pants and probably could have done with just one. It is difficult to know what to wear in weather like that. The snow picked up during the run and I couldn't decide if it was better to have the snow stay on the fleece or sweat under the shell. The fleece won out. It's not a traditional outer layer for runners; however, I really like the fact that the occasional breeze makes it way through the fleece to cool me down a bit.

I also carried my water bottle upside down since, on Thursday, my water froze within and I had difficulty getting water on the run. Tracey said she had used the technique in the past and, believe me, it worked like a charm. I highly recommend that for anyone running in cold weather.

The route starts out on the city streets of Manitou before you make your way into the park proper. What a great view once we hit the park. The towering red rocks jutting out of the ground were blanketed with a layer of snow. It was also very quiet with few vehicles daring to drive through the park at that time and the snow masking the rest of the noise. I really like running the trails in the park and shy away from the roads as much as possible. However, yesterday, one had to run on the roads due to the weather. I picked out a tire track and tried to stay in that one until a better one appeared.

We wound our way around the Garden with light banter coursing through the group. I did not contribute much, just tried to listen and get a bead on each runner. There were seven of us in this group and it was a perfect number. I enjoyed them very much and the courtesy shown to all with bathroom breaks and equipment malfunctions was nice.

At 8.75 miles into the run, Rampart Range Road loomed ahead. This is where those runners who wanted more distance peeled off to tackle the road, others continued out of the park to finish their day. By this time, I was with Tracey and Louisa with Larry behind us somewhere and another runner already up the Road. I told Tracey and Louisa to take off, I wanted to practice my run / power hike method up the road; a technique I will need for Leadville. I practiced this for Collegiate and it worked great. You do engage different muscles as you transfer into power hiking and those muscles need to be exercised and prepared as well.

Unbelievably, there were already tire tracks up the fire road! And people think I'm crazy. The views from the road are just beautiful. It heads up, up and up out of the park and when you finally turn around on the road, the city carpets the valley below.

At the ten mile mark, Tracey and Louisa turned around and I wasn't too far down the road from them. When they met me coming down, I turned around and joined them for the easy, slow run down the road. Snow makes everyone take it a little easy. I felt my left calf tightened up on the way down. It did this last spring and bothered me a bit. I hate the feeling of a knot in my calf. At the end of the road with about two + miles left, I told Tracey and Louisa I needed to stretch it out. That worked for awhile until we hit a downhill section again and I felt it tighten once more. Not bad enough to stop, but enough for me to slow down a bit and not stretch it out on the down sections.

Finally! The park was in sight and the end of the run was met at a stop sign. I'm not sure if that's a rule; but we didn't stop until we made it to a stop sign. There were still other cars in the parking lot; other runners still out for the morning. Unbelievable.

My hair was crusted with ice and my fleece had a thin layer of snow on it which was rapidly melting and making my outer layer wet. The fingers, which stayed warm throughout the run, also began to get very cold. It always amazes me how quickly I can go from being comfortable on a cold run to downright freezing when I stop.

Back in the car and heading home, I told Tracey it was a good run. Hard but not overwhelming. Something that I truly feared with this group of runners. I'd say weather permitting, I would run with them again; but as yesterday proved, they run despite the weather! Thanks guys for a great day!

Saturday's Run

December 5, 2009 / 8:00am
Distance: 5.46 miles
Time: 48:46

Santa Fe Trail from Cache Le Poudre up and back

A flurry of emails the night before from my ad hoc running friends and a set time and place for Saturday's run finalized. It's agreed; meet at Cache at 8am and run.

The temperature outside was 22 degrees; a virtual heatwave compared to two days ago. I wore two thin layers; this time with a fleece overall. My quads were still a little tight from the Incline two days ago; but overall, not feeling too bad.

Finally, Bob, Mike, Chris and I opened the car doors and headed out for our run. Our group has changed over the years. I've only started running with these guys two years ago; and a couple more have come on board since I've started with others leaving. The core group of guys have known each other for a long time and have run various races together throughout the years. The stories they tell of when they were in their "prime" are hilarious. Of course, Bob later pointed out over bagels, coffee and chocolate milk that they never had a "prime!"

Back to the run. We started slow, going up behind Colorado College, past Unitah and around the soccer field to the second bridge by the railroad track. There we stopped, stretched and enjoyed the break. Chris asked if I was out of sorts since I didn't say much on the way out. Nope, just can't talk and run and keep up with you guys at the same time.

The run down was very nice. No jack rabbits today and we all ran together, something I really like. The pace was smooth and the trail had been graded recently so no major bike ruts. A really, very, nice run overall. The marathon a month ago helped me keep a pretty even pace throughout and I was pleased I was able to rejoin the guys without difficulty when we divided for fellow runners on the trail.

We finished with one final loop back to the parking lot and were pleasantly surprised to find out the overall pace was sub nine; even with the increased grade on the way out. The weather was absolutely perfect; or maybe I was dressed just right.

Afterwards, bagels on Bob and story time! Chris once again told me he's in as a pacer for Leadville. Mike stated I could keep him in the back pocket as an alternate if need be, and Bob; well, Bob can't decide yet if he's running the Ascent or the Pikes Peak Marathon yet. If he does the Ascent, he said he would pace me up Hope Pass and then Chris would get me over Sugarloaf. We have time to clean up the details and think about all that later.

Tomorrow, the forecast is for snow and Tracey wants to do 14 miles. Maybe I'll take my ski gloves!

December 3, 2009 / 8:35 am

Incline, Barr Trail
Distance: 7.83 miles
Time: 2:23 hours

Once again, an email from Tracey the night before during class. Something about weather permitting we'd do the Incline. Okay, I thought I was safe saying yes to her since it snowed off and on all day and I was sure she wouldn't want to do the mile straight up the Incline on a very cold and snowy day. Wrongo sportsfans.

I met her at Memorial Park in Manitou and pointed up, she nodded. Yikes. The outside temperature was 12 degrees when I got out of the car. Very cold. I told her this is what I call Freakin Freezin Cold. Strong words from me, she replied.

I have only done the Incline once before; and yes, with Tracey. She's determined to either kill me or make me a better runner. Hmm, now that I think about it, I do move into her age group next year.

We ran 1.1 miles up to the Incline through Manitou. Once there, I told her to take off and don't worry about me, I'd eventually get to the top. I've read it's a 3000' elevation change from top to bottom of these sinister steps (google Incline pictures and you'll see what I mean). Snowy, cold and steep steps didn't deter me though; 46 minutes later, I made it one mile straight up. Tracey had been waiting for over 8 minutes.

From there, it's insult to injury since you have to run up a little trail to catch the Barr Trail. I thought we would hit it, run up to No Name and then turn around. Oh no, I did not read her entire email ... we were continuing up a side trail so she could get at least 7 miles. The real name calling began in my head as I fell in behind her.

Finally, after watching her trip up the trail like a deer, she stopped. Thank goodness. I am not that graceful deer; I fell, thankfully only once.

The glorious turn around! Running down the Barr Trail is great fun; when there is no snow masking wicked patches of ice. Due to the conditions, I ran it very carefully. Despite the freezing cold, it was still a great run. We peeled off at Hydro and I told her once we hit the pavement again that we would finally begin running. "What have we been doing?" she asked incredulously. Floating, Tracey, floating.

Coming into town, I noticed she had frost on her face and she commented so did I. Yes, it was that cold. at 6400' it was 12 degrees. Imagine what it was 3000' above that. My toes were frozen after the Incline. They thawed as I began to run; however, then my fingers froze. I finally had to hold my water bottle in my armpit, pull my fingers out of the gloves and ball my hands in the gloves with the fingers of the gloves flapping in the wind. Eventually, I pulled my windbreaker over the gloves to warm the hands. That finally did the trick. Yes, I've requested wind mitts for Christmas.

A great, if very cold run. We only saw one set of tracks up the Barr Trail from Incline and none past the Incline until we got to the switchbacks.

It took a very hot bath to warm me up and I am still tired from the run. But what a sense of accomplishment. To do the Incline and then still run 5 more miles!



Website for history of Manitou Incline: http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.manitouincline.net/inclinehotel.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.manitouincline.net/history.htm&usg=__tLqcHytQ-e6xbqu6DJYDSND9o8A=&h=400&w=303&sz=52&hl=en&start=50&um=1&tbnid=k-9mM3tFVPHbaM:&tbnh=124&tbnw=94&prev=/images%3Fq%3DThe%2Bincline,%2Bcolorado%2Bsprings%26ndsp%3D18%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1I7DKUS_en%26sa%3DN%26start%3D36%26um%3D1

Spruce Mountain Trail map

I may not add these all the time; however, if available, I will try to remember!

Here is the link to the map of the trail.

http://www.douglas.co.us/openspace/documents/SpruceMtnPamphlet.pdf

Really, The first training run

December 1, 2009 / 8:48am

Spruce Mountain Meadows Trail
Total distance: 9 miles
Time: 1:31hours

Tracey emailed me the night before and asked if I wanted to run with her. Depending upon the winds we had a choice of either, or. No wind! Yes, we met at the Spruce Mtn trailhead and began the run with great weather and a lovely day. No other runners, no problems except the occasional pebble that gets in my shoes. I have to remember to wear my Dirty Girl Gaiters even on these short runs.

About halfway through the run, I stopped to get out one of those pesky pebbles and stripped off the long sleeve. December 1st in Colorado and I'm running in a sleeveless shirt. Can it get any better?!

The trail is not as soft as Greenland Open Space which I am thankful for. I do not like Greenland very much because of the soft sand and terrain - wide open and hilly. Unfortunately for two women who want to chat and haven't run together since before Thanksgiving, it is only single track. Being considerate women during training runs, neither of us took the trail; so, therefore, both of us were on the apron running on grass. Not too bad since Douglass county park systems had mowed a swatch on either side of the trail.

My recovery drink is Ensure. Tracey turned me onto that and I am at the point where I really like those now. After stretching, back in the car to begin the day!

First Training Run

I decided on my second training run to log my training for Leadville, while, of course, running. This was relayed to my friend running ahead of me on the trail and she replied, "Why don't you create a blog?" Great idea. She even guaranteed that I would at least have one person tracking my experiences. So, you may all thank Tracey for this blog as I log my training publicly instead of privately.

Unfortunately, I've already run the first run on December 1st with Tracey; therefore, let me backtrack before continuing and give you the history of this undertaking.

Now, I did not idly decide to run Leadville. Last year, I paced a friend (Felix) during Leadville. On the way up to the run, I thought to myself, "These people are crazy! Running 100 miles in under 30 hours." Once there and caught up in the rain, hail, night, freezing cold, I again thought to myself; but this time the thought was, "Wow! What a great experience!" Yes, I was accused of being very Pollyanna in the middle of the night; I couldn't help it. I loved it. The night, the rain, the moon peaking out between clouds as the rain moved out and the absolute, complete, dogged determination to keep going exhibited by those exhausted runners around me.

After watching Felix cross the finish line and fulfill his goal, I was hooked. This spring I began my ultra odyssey by running my first 50 miler, Collegiate Peaks Trail Run out of Buena Vista, Colorado. By this time, I had run numerous other events from 5K to marathon distance and found out I enjoyed the longer distances and getting off the pavement and onto the dusty, rocky, uncertain trail.

After two 25 mile loops and crossing my first 50 mile finish line under my goal (goal was 11 hours and I finished in 10:28) this past May, I was tired, locked legged, but very happy. I not only came in below my estimated time; but after I wobbled out of the bathroom, I saw my name listed in second for my age group. Not world class running; but definitely hooked ... again.

That leads me to the ultimate decision to run Leadville. I enjoy testing my limits. I have a huge desire to do my best, be my best; but also am a realist and know I will never be Kara, Deena or Paula; but I could be me. A slow, but steady trail runner who wants to know what her ultimate limit is.

Wow. The Gods aren't crazy, you are was the general reaction of my family. My friends that I run with publicly encouraged me, despite whatever private concerns they may foster and that was enough for me. I even have experienced pacers and ultra runners in the ad hoc group of friends along with a very excited father-in-law who plans to pace me as well.

That's the history. Now for the nuts and bolts.

I give myself nine months to train for Leadville starting the first of December. I ran a marathon the first of November therefore, my base is there, albeit on roads. That just makes me even more excited to get off the pavement and hit my trails at my own pace. I have two goals - finish and the more lofty goal of finishing in 26-28 hours. I plan to create a training plan from a conglomerate of plans that works for me. I know what I do best, how many days of rest I need and hope I can use the experiences learned from this Spring training for Collegiate Peaks for next Spring. I plan to run Collegiate again and maybe through in another 50 depending on how I feel before August and Leadville.

Hang with me and read what an everyday master female runner -- not Team Dean, not King of the Peak Matt, nor ultra-extraordinaire monster Scott, or naked but wicked fast Tony -- but me, someone just like you, goes through in this wonderful, crazy, trail running experience. I have the utmost respect for all who can do this in under 17 hours (Matt, Scott, Tony listed above to name a few) and I am envious as heck; but, once again a realist here, so here goes!