"Dream barriers look very high until someone climbs them. They are not barriers anymore." Lasse Viren

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Fox Run in July

July 15, 2012
Fox Run Park
3 miles

It has been a long time since I've felt at home.  Today I did.  There is something about running through the trees on soft trails that makes me feel at home.  Nothing is better than running through the pine trees with the heat of the sun bringing forth that wonderful aroma of a forest in the summer.  Your legs burn, the sweat tickles your nose,  your breathing is labored; but man oh man, what a great feeling. 

I am in the process of moving back to Colorado and I cannot stress how nice it is to run, even on a wickedly hot day, in a Colorado forest. 

Three miles; that's it.  But it's a start.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Computers!

October 13, 2011                                                                                                     

Arrrggghhh.  You want backup of electronic records because you don't have one and you don't have enough storage space on your hard drive so you elect to use a website, i.e. big brother in the sky, to store your data and then you find out that in order to do that, you have to load all those files onto your hard drive -- yep, the same hard drive that you don't have any room on to start with.  I'm not talking 2GB of files; I'm talking 60 GB of files.  My hard drive is freaking out over 14GB right now.  Yes, I'm frustrated.  Yes, I need another solution because now my hard drive is telling me it's not going to work anymore due to the amount of stuff I've just pushed onto it. 

I'm an archivist, not a blinkin' IT guru.  Finding a solution to our ever growing electronic records stash is killing me.

                                               

Friday, February 4, 2011

Casper City Streets

February 4, 2011
4.05 miles
42:11 minutes
10:25 min/mile

A slow, really cold week and not too much motivation to get myself out of work before it is too darn dark at night.  Finally, Don gets me out Friday night and we run the loop we've grown accustomed to - Sage park down to 2nd and then around the city to end back where we started.  A beautiful cold night and a great run.  And once again, so happy that I got out.  Thanks Don for getting my butt out the door tonight to run! 

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Short Long Run

January 30, 2011
Casper
9.03 miles
1:28:15
9:46 min/mile

Today is my first pull back on my long run distance runs for this year.  I run longer runs three weeks in a row, then on the 4th week, I cut the distance to give myself a break and rest the legs a bit. Also, my family has been visting this weekend so that has an effect on when I actually get out for the run.  I originally wanted to do 11; however, it is a little later than I'd like before I actually head out for the short, long run today -- it is almost 4 pm when I hit the trail with Don and the sky is overcast and threatening snow. 

We park at the Parkway Plaza and head north up the North Platte River Parkway all the way to Bryan Stock Trail.  Don and I have an easy pace averaging around a 10 min/mile pace.  Once on Bryan Stock, we decide to head up a gravel road to give us another mile before turning around.  By this time, a few snow flakes begin to swirl down and around us. 

As we continue back to the truck, we are still doing a very steady pace and having a good run.  We hit the starting point and we've run 7 miles, enough for Don to stop and jump on his bike to accompany me on the last bit. 

After hopping on his bike, Don made some comment about how I must have taken it easy on him and that I could probably go a lot faster.  That gets me thinking.  No wind, cold and just a bit snowy ... perfect conditions to blow out the lungs a bit.  With that, I'm off and running.  Mile 7 with Don was at the very good pace of 9:39; mile 8 on my own, I hit 8:41 with mile 9 a little slower at 8:59.  However, during mile 8 the snow became faster and by the time we turned to run the last mile back to the truck, visibility was nil and the quickening snow and darkness was enough for us to say 9 miles was enough for the day. 

A very nice run and we finished just in time to get out of the worsening weather.  I just wish I could get off the pavement a bit more, I'm beginning to feel it in my achilles tendons and think it's high time for a new pair of road shoes. 

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Saturday Casper Group


Running Group - Left to Right: Jim, Barry,
Don, Crystal, Rebecca, Danica & Donielle
Casper January 29, 2011
4.7 miles
53:05
11:18 min/mile

Jim emailed us earlier in the week and suggested we meet at his house and run from there since he lives above the trails we've started running on along the Platte River.  Great idea!  So we met at Jim's at 7:39 am and almost left Barry.  Barry and Rebecca are new runners and man, we almost took off without Barry!

A beautiful day and Jim led us down the hill from his house.  We head down the dirt road and then, where to?  Jim forgot to mention to us that we would need to bushwhack down to the trail.  Yup, no trail down from his house.  But that's okay; all we needed to do was run down a steep downhill, negotiate a barbwire fence, watch the catcus and whew! We finally land at the base of the hill.  From there, we picked up one of the numerous trails in the valley, regrouped and began the run proper. 

Jim did a great job of leading and we finally popped up onto the paved Parkway path.  At the gazebo, we stopped to stretch and take the above photo before continuing.  Our goal was 4 miles today so we continued south until we hit the Parkway Plaza at 2 miles.  Unfortunately Danica had to leave our group early to go to work so she headed back before the turn around.  Too bad for a couple of reasons - 1.  she got lost trying to find Jim's house and 2. she wasn't with us when we got lost trying to find Jim's house!

Looking up the hill from the valley --
Antelope up there

On the way back, Jim lead us past the turn off up the hill to his house accidentally which left us to double back in order to find it.  Donielle piped up from the back something to the effect, "never again Jim!"  Other than having the run almost a mile longer than anticipated, it was quite nice ... until the slog up the hill, over the barbwire, and don't forget to mind the cactus!  Back to Jim's we were tired; but as always, it was a good tired.

Afterwards, we went to Metro Cafe again and did not know until Jim met up with us that his mother had made us cinnamon rolls.  Goodness!  I think Jim not telling us that was worse than leading us astray! 






Friday, January 28, 2011

Friday Morning Loop

Sage Park Loop

January 28, 2011
4.04 miles
10:32 min/mile

Don and I meet up early this morning before my daughter and her friend who are visiting from college get up.  I have been staring at my calendar and truly, I believe, it is smirking at me.  It flashes the empty days in my face and tells me I'm lazy and cannot run.  Therefore, I must fill one more square with red numbers noting distances and miles and paces and feed the calendar.

We elect to do the same loop we did earlier in the week and we tackle it without any problems.  After which, we head to the 1st Street Bakery for a bagel and coffee.  Over our breakfast, we meet Anne and chat with her. She is another CC runner; however, she got up at the ungodly hour of 5 am to run this morning.  Yikes.  Now, that is dedication! 

We have had a good run and the calendar has been fed once more. 

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Late Run

Casper -- Sage Park Loop
January 25, 2011
4.05 miles
10:14 min/mile pace

Another late day for me; however,  I do want to get these runs in during the week.  I am only averaging around 24 miles a week and it is killing me.  Soon, though, I know I will be running longer and harder.  These winter runs are killing me though. 

Don has agreed to run the loop with me tonight and as we meet at the park, it is already twilight and rapidly losing light.  I have my headlamp on my head and will switch it on when needed.  He's wearing a black jacket and black running pants.  Don. Really?  In the dark?  I, on the other hand, have on my neon yellow jacket and headlamp and I will run on the outside so he doesn't become roadkill tonight.  Really Don.

Sage Park down to 2nd and up the steep hill to the Pizza Hut as we did last week; however, this time, we continue on up the hill and go through the church parking lot, skirting major businesses as we snake around to hit another path that will take us back up the hill. 

On this stretch, we are on streets and I turn on my head lamp now just for cars to see us and hopefully, avoid us.  It is still remarkably easy to see given the night as we run along.  Finally, we are off the streets and back on the trail.  During this continuous uphill section, Don walks again; but never for very long.  This is okay, our pace has been very steady in the 10:30+ range and we have incorporated different elevations tonight. 

We pass 15th and continue on the trail just to see where it goes and then snake back down and around to find 15th.  There is still ice on the sides of the streets so we take it very easy. Even with that, our final mile is at a 9:50 min/mile pace as we finish tonight. 

Both Don and I are excited and happy we did this run.  It was a beautiful run and one we want to repeat in the future. 

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Sunday Long Run

Casper, Wyoming
January 23, 2011
North Platte River Parkway
13.25 miles
2:18:33
10:27 pace

I was supposed to get out around 10 am this morning; however, it was freezin' outside and I texted Don to delay until after noon.  He was just fine with that ... thank goodness!  Unfortunately, the longer you wait to run, the more powerful the wind is in Casper.  When we finally hit the trail at 1:50pm, the wind speed was 26mph with gusts up to 36mph (wunderground.com).  The wind is my friend, the wind is my friend ...

Joints creaked as we eased into the run.  A nice tailwind pushed us along we headed out from the Ramada parking lot north on the trail.  Today is the last long run, next week I drop back in distance only to pick it up the following week.  I need a break every now and then.  Don is running smooth and doing so much better than I ever anticipated.  His weightlifting is paying off in spades -- no sore legs, no injuries.  I must begin this.  It is a New Year's Resolution afterall.

The hill to our left protects us from most of the wind right now and the going is pretty smooth.  We hit Bryan Stock Trail and head up the road to a likely looking turning point.  From there, we feel the wind.  Our speed drops about 30 to 40 seconds a mile but that's okay: long runs are not meant to be speed workouts.  We are building endurance and learning to run on tired legs.  I turn to Don in this section and state, "I'm sure you've heard this before but it would be a rather nice day if it weren't for the wind!"

At the 5.4 mile mark, we are back at the truck and Don hops on the bike to ride next to me for the final 8 miles today.  We are heading directly into the wind and Don does his best to let me draft behind him.  My pace is a bit better now that I'm running on my own (from about an 11min/mile to 10:30 min/mile heading into the wind).

We wind along the outside North Platte Trail and head into Mills and beyond the water treatment facility.  This stretch is beautiful and I love running here; however, today this is also the only stretch that has ice on it and we pick around it some until the turn around point at nine miles or so. 

Once we turn, I have one major hill on the way back and a nice tailwind for the most part.  I am moving much better and the pace drops again to below 9:45min/mile for 3 of the final 4 miles.  I am very pleased that after running 9 miles, I am able to find my legs again and use them!

Pulling into the parking lot, I see I am not on an even number so I tell Don I just need to get to 13.25 (instead of 13.15) and I head down a bit more as he loads the bike.  I am tired; but it's a great, good tired and I am happy I got out in this weather.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

Casper Trails


Casper from the top of the hill and trail
January 22, 2011
Casper
4 miles
46:31
11:38 min/mile pace
I am going to have to remember to record the run times somewhere other than my garmin.  I have all the information; it is just not handy at the moment.  That means I will update this blog with the pertinent information later ... stay tuned for the nitty gritty details~ (updated!)

Today we had a new runner join us, Crystal!  Our meet up point for the Casper Crew was Mike Lansing Field to have Mike and Eric lead us across the dirt trails north of where we have run the last two weeks.  The North Platte Greenway continues north up to Bryan Stock Trail; however, we wanted to get off the road and onto the beaten path this morning.

It's not too cold and actually rather nice out for January in Wyoming.  Eric takes the lead and suggests we run up toward the Ramada and turn around before we head up the hill to warm up our legs a bit.  This idea is well received by all and we are quickly on our way.

Crest of first hill looking back down the trail we just ran up.

After our little jog up the Platte River Parkway, we leave the asphalt path and head up the hill by the Interpretive Trails Center.  I ran around the base of the hill earlier last fall; however, I never saw the path up the hill that now appears so well-marked by the lack of vegetation and the amount of snow.  We are quickly huffing and puffing as our crew heads up the hill.  However, the view is gorgeous and the hill is well worth it. 

Once we crest, Eric informs us that there are a couple of more trails off to the left that we can tackle at a later date.  Today, we decide to just head straight on the trail we are on until we reach a trail that will take us back down the hill and create a nice circle heading back to our cars on the paved trail. 

At the trail leading down to the paved path, we stop for a second to make sure all can see which way we are headed. That is enough for me to look down at the trail and wistfully wonder how fast I can tackle it.  I do so love floating downhill with a prolonged, out-stretched stride.  Mike takes the lead with Maisie and I cannot resist to pass others as I decide to let it go down the hill.  But Ho!  I am brought up short not too far down the trail as it rapidly becomes very steep.  Now, I do not like to press my luck and tumble down that section so I pull up and shorten my stride and take it easy and much smarter down until the angle decreases and I can run a bit faster. 

There is a Frisbee Golf course along the
North Platte Greenway -- who knew
they had signs like this?!

Once we all are at the bottom, Donielle tells us somewhere in the last section she put her foot down on shifting sand and rolled her ankle.  She decides to take the flat asphalt back to the cars and I decide to run with her.  We are not alone in this and soon, we see behind us more of our group doing the same.  However, Mike, Eric, and a couple others stay on the trails until they run out and must jump on the asphalt with the rest of us. 

All agree at the end of the run the trails were fantastic and must be run again.  At the cars, Eric and Mike tell us they are going to now run the Windy City Striders first run of their Winter Series, a 5K that starts just a tenth of a mile up the path.  Don, Jim, Donielle and I elect for coffee while Danica must hurry to work and Crystal needs to meet up with her daughter. 

After coffee, as I head out, I decide I need a couple more miles under my belt and text Don as I drive to the Pump House to see if he's game enough to join me.  He has informed me that his goal is the 25 mile Collegiate Peaks run.  I'm planning on the 50 miler and he will do the 25.  Knowing this, I ask him to run with me every chance he and I can get together.  He rapidly says, yup, he'll do a couple more miles and we meet to get those in where we've met the previous two weeks. 

We have an easy pace since we both have just sat for about an hour laughing and joking with Jim and Donielle.  We run north for a little over a mile and then turn around.  All in all, we logged 2.55 miles at a 10:29 pace in this little "secret training" session.  Our total for today ... 6.55 miles.  Now I feel a bit better.  I need more mileage to get me ready for Collegiate Peaks.  Tomorrow we plan to meet for 13 miles.  Don says he'll run what he can and then bike the rest ~




Friday, January 21, 2011

Evening Run

Casper - Sage Park
January 21, 2011
3.81 miles

Okay, okay, I work really long hours.  And yes, it's difficult to get out when it gets dark at 4:30 or 5:00pm at night.  But Don is expecting me so I head out of work this Friday early. After all, I work 10+hour days -- most average 11 or so.  Therefore, I don't feel bad leaving a little early on the Fridays that I am up here working.  Or for that matter, coming in a little late on Fridays.  We're closed after all anyway.  Still, here it is, a little after 5 pm and I need to get my butt in gear and get this run in the books.

Don meets me at my house and we take off down 15th Street to Sage Park -- this begins the loop I ran with Mike in October.  He showed me this when there was light; when there wasn't any snow or ice on the sidewalk and when I had some tiny bit of energy.  Note to self -- stop whining and continue the post.

We hit Sage Park and run down the nice paved path that makes it way all the way down to 2nd street.  We are doing well; it's downhill, it's cool and only a little wind.  Once at 2nd St., we turn right to hump it up the hill to the stoplight in front of Pizza Hut where we are both out of wind.  Whew!  A nice little jaunt up the hill and now we are ready to turn around and head back. 

We ease into the run and hit our stride as soon as we hit the trail going back up to 15th.  As we run, Don tells me that he and his wife are taking their house off the market.  This is an important fact for me since I'm beginning my search for a home here in Casper.  He's renting it.  Now that's potentially good news for me and we discuss this as the last mile slips by underneath our feet. 

Don has had to stop once or twice on this run; but that's okay.  He's worked out earlier today and not at the same endurance level as me. I know this bothers him; but I continue to reassure him, it will come, it most certainly will come and soon. 

Once we hit 15th, we elect to powerhike back up to my house since it is much darker and there is too much ice to pick around while watching for vehicles who may, or may not, have a death wish.  He remarks that I can powerhike faster than he run right now.  I get that a lot.  I have years of experience trodding through concourses in heels trying to make it to my flight on time -- all of the with a smile pasted on my face.  That, plus the training up Colorado fire roads the last two years.

3.81 miles today and I'm okay not to stretch it into 4.   A very good run and Don is getting so much better!