Hubris of Leadville - A Race Report

Hope Pass and Elbert from Tabor at Turquoise Lake
The Eve of Leadville

Week Summary 8/18/2013

Wednesday

Maple Grove Trails (UT): 3.7 mi (+380); 10:21 pace
Friday
Turquoise Shaker (CO): 2.1 mi (+115 ft); 10:00 pace
Saturday
Leadville 100 (CO): 76.6 mi (+12,061 ft); 18:11 pace

Weekly Totals: 82.4 mi (+12,511 ft); 24:18:28 on trail

Months of preparation – physical, mental, and financial – led to Leadville where, this past weekend, I toed the line on 6^th Street with almost 1,000 runners. I felt well prepared and ready to run a fast time, capturing a silver buckle of “under 25 hours” seemed doable. I probably should have relaxed and simply enjoyed the run, because instead of a shiny new buckle, I can only hobble away with a DNF.  I set some lofty goals and at times in the past few weeks, even several hours into the race, I felt it was likely to come together. But mountain runs, especially 100-milers, have a way of putting things back in perspective and of putting even a little exuberance back in its place.

I was pulled from the race at 3:18 AM having missed the 23-hour mandated cut-off time (3:00 AM) at the Outward Bound – Fish Hatchery Aid Station, 77 miles after starting in downtown Leadville at 4:00 AM. How did I get there?

The alarm went off in the trailer at Father Dyer Campground on Turquoise Lake at 2:30 AM – a few clouds, but rather warm for 10,000 feet in elevation. I did my typical pre-race intake of banana-blueberry smoothie with yogurt and Udo’s Oil along with 20 ounces of Roctane electrolyte as we got ready. At about 3:20, Dennis, Mary, and I headed for downtown while Des took the truck to the Mayqueen Aid Station (Mile 13.5). She’d meet Dad and Mom back at camp after I came through that first station.

The Start - a 4 AM crowd (Mile 0.0)

At the start line at 6^th and Harrison, I joined several other runners in the morning ritual of hoping to get into a porta-john. Successful, I got into the start chute so that I’d be about 20 people deep and waited at the edge of the barricade. In this position I could hand my jacket to Dad and Mom a minute or so before the gun. I was feeling very ready at this point, relatively relaxed and simply wanting to get underway. I’d never started with a field this large, spread across an entire street and each person ensconced in their own personal headlamp halo. I’d long dreaded the single-track pinch at Turquoise where we’d encounter the rocks, stumps, and roots of the trail. But for now, we stood through a cheesy recording of the national anthem, I handed my jacket away, and the countdown culminated in a shot-gun blast ringing through town – it’s 4 AM, time to run.

I held an easy pace down 6^th Street actually finding it pretty easy-going, not as crowded as I expected. I ran the first 5K in 28 minutes, a little fast but all downhill and easy.  I couldn’t see much around me but I had a pretty good feeling of where I was. Things bogged down at the first real hill below Turquoise Dam, but it’s short and soon we crossed to the single-track.  The hill staggered the runners enough to make the transition to single-track uneventful. I soon set a comfortable pace, probably a little under a 10 min-mile, and decided I’d simply sit in and let those that wanted to pass, pass. As long as I was going smoothly, I wouldn’t pass anyone, I’d just keep an even spacing so I could watch the trail.

There was a lot of chatter on this section. Most of it seemed to be old-timers coaching rookies on what to expect, where to look, how to get it done. The advice varied from the immediate – make sure you drink – to advice on how to navigate this same trail on the inbound twenty-some hours from now. I was feeling so good I didn’t care what they said and simply enjoyed the endless string of headlamps circumnavigating the lakeside trail.  It appeared to have no beginning and no end so I figured I was placed just about right, midstream in the scheme of things.

I saw Dad and Mom quickly at Tabor boat ramp where they had walked over from camp. I was about seven miles in. A bit later, I’d just turned off my headlamp in the growing sunlight when I transitioned to the pavement of the Mayqueen Campground.  I cruised through the station in 2:15 just a bit ahead of my projected splits and feeling great. Exiting the gauntlet of cheering people, it seemed like thousands lining the little campground road, was exhilarating and one of my craziest experiences in running, ever. And then I saw Des waiting with my Nathan pack. I dropped off my headlamp and handhelds, squeezed into the pack, took a sip of coffee, and headed out. Perfect.

The climb on the short section of the Colorado Trail to Hagerman Road passed quickly. I broke between a walk and a run on the single track and easily jogged the road as it climbed to Sugarloaf. It was still a little crowded with runners but the graded dirt road spread things out. I was relieved to be away from Turquoise but already missed the single-track. The climb is moderate and you quickly rise above the lake and the early morning views confirm you are truly engrossed in Leadville. With the summit upon me, I dropped down the other side chatting with a young runner from Washington DC, a roadrunner who’s picked Leadville as a first 100. I let him run away.

I tried to hold it in on the steep descent to the Hatchery road. I’d run this before and remembered most of it very clearly. Crossing a creek, I was soon scrambling onto the road and turning to the 23-mile Aid Station. Yes, road. There is a crazy amount of road running in the Leadville Trail 100. Probably ten percent or more is heavily traveled two-lane road. It’s the first of several cracks in the boastful reputation surrounding the event. For a few minutes, however, I forget it because I’m entering another string of race fans and well-wishers prior to the Aid Station. I easily forget I’ve almost completed a marathon in about 4:30 and enjoy the festivities. Until I run into the cars.

The traffic – oh, the traffic – of crew vehicles is a huge conundrum. And here, we are sharing the road with the traffic as we leave the station. My crew has smartly chosen to skip Outward Bound and go directly to Treeline, Pipeline, or Halfpipe Crew Area (whatever it’s called) to avoid this traffic mess. I check in and out and re-join the road to run along white fog-line while the traffic nudges past. It gets old quickly.

Mary and Des at Treeline (5:15; 9:15 AM Mile 26.5)

It’s a relief to leave the pavement and head toward the forest. I meet the crew at the “treeline” and trade my Nathan for handhelds. This is the first race I’ve used a gel bottle holding the equivalent of five gel packets. It stows nicely in my pocket and keeps things simple – a good idea. I seem to be keeping up with the intake too.  The climb to Half Pipe is gradual and I skip through the aid station having just seen my crew a couple miles earlier. I’m now on a nice section of dirt road changing to the Elbert section of the Colorado Trail, now we are trail running. But it seems to take a long time, and I understand why Darren struggled with the inbound portion of this in 2011. I top off my bottles at Elbert (fluids only) station and begin the steep drop to Twin Lakes. Still on target.

The drop into Twin Lakes is a blast. I take it easy trying to not pound the downhill and soon I’m in the town. My wonderful crew has taken up a spot at the cabin of John Trent’s crew (the Trent Family) just past the fire-station. Here, I gulp down an Ensure and trade my handhelds for the Nathan with my poles attached. I’m a little over 8 hours in at 40 miles and feeling very good. But it’s also here that the cracks in my race and the event in general begin to grow.

I didn’t expect the climb to Hope Pass to be completely un-runnable. I’m not sure why, but I thought there’d be a few more switchback sections. It’s a good hike and I try to keep a rhythm going. Soon enough, the front of the pack comes cruising the downhill. At intervals, I step aside for Mike Aish, Ian Sharman, and Nick Clark, along with their pacers. I actually only recognize Nick, as he’s sporting his usual Pearl Izumi jersey. He gives me a cheerful “good work” as he passes. Not long thereafter I see Footfeathers coming down the trail. Wow, I think, but then his pace seems different as he stops to tell me his body just won’t let him continue and that he’s dropped at Hopeless. As we pause, Hal Koerner comes by pacing Scott Jurek who doesn’t look so good but is still moving quickly downhill.

Although the chaotic mix of inbound and outbound runners is just beginning, Hopeless Aid Station still has the feel of its classic reputation. The llamas are grazing nearby and a few tents dot the little plateau just above tree-line. I pause to fill my water and continue the walk upward; I’m now an hour and a half behind my projected pace and have to re-focus on the now crowded trail. There is, however, a highlight that makes Leadville special. An exceptional mountain panorama spreads out before me as I attain Hope Pass. It jolts me to life and I’m suddenly looking forward to running into the scenery below.

Start and stop, start and stop. I’m trying to be courteous to those climbing the steep trail but it’s frustrating. Little packs of runners moving in opposite directions on the narrow trail. The climbers are hurting in their efforts, but we wait. Off the trail, it’s too steep to pass side-by-side. But I guess this is the nature of this segment of the race.

John Trent (Reno, NV) falls in behind me as we approach Winfield. It is here that it becomes evident that the event has taken a turn for the worse. We drop onto the road and begin a jog among two-way vehicle traffic, most of which isn’t moving. It’s a slalom course between sideview mirrors and scattered crews. Des sees John first as I missed their little set-up, but then she escorts us both to the Aid Station. Once over the timing mat, it’s complete chaos. The small station tent was a mess, so I simply grabbed a coke, got my water filled, and left the tent. That was my plan anyway. Turns out that Des, Dennis, and Mary had to hike into Winfield from several miles down the road, having seen the traffic situation ahead. It was almost as tough for them as it had been for me. I should have left a drop-bag at this station, but then I heard that it often took considerable time for drop-bags to be retrieved by the few volunteers struggling with the onslaught of traffic, crews, and runners. Who knows? But thanks to my crew for the beyond-the-call effort, I felt better for seeing them. Although we sat inches from idling traffic, I paused at Winfield for too long – almost a half-hour. I left at 13:15 into the run.

The climb back to Hope went pretty well and I kept the pace I’d projected for that upward and inbound section, and that includes my idle at Winfield. But Hopeless was beginning to look pretty ragged. It’s designed to be a “safety” station supported by hearty volunteers who pack their llamas in-and-out several times in preparation. It wouldn’t work without them. But they were overwhelmed, and supplies were running low. Runners shared broth from a single metal cup, others scavenged a cup or two from trash bags. I donned a warm shirt and my headlamp and ducked into the forest. In the dusk I began to lose energy. I fueled with gel but the downhill seem too steep to run, my quads began to revolt. The over-effort started to weigh on me, and my confidence waned. Would I reach Twin Lakes by the cut-off?

And so the chasing of cut-off times began. As I descended, it seemed too many people were passing me. I was eventually at the river-crossing and the water felt great, but I had to keep moving. I tried jogging through the meadow area below Twin Lakes and it seemed to work. But what should have been a beacon (wasn’t I once exhilarated by the cheers), turned again to chaos. I had to get into the timing mat before the cut-off at 17:45. This forced me to run past my crew, though Dad had met me at the highway crossing. We jogged into the firehouse and then found the timing mat. I was in with 18 minutes to spare.

Leaving Twin Lakes (17:50; 9:50 PM Mile 60.5)

It took a little time to get going again. I pulled on some pants and added a second long-sleeved shirt. The station had very little warm food (only oatmeal), but I’d down an Ensure and a Starbucks double-shot can. A volunteer kindly handed me a subway sandwich in a plastic bag, one for the road. And from there I climbed out of Twin Lakes.

I spent the next three and a half hours (really?!) getting to Half Pipe. At times I thought I was going pretty good, but obviously I spent a lot of time simply walking. This should have been a bit of a recovery section due to its gradual downhill following the climb from Twin Lakes. Seems I could barely keep a 20-minute mile going. I could eat just fine; I’d downed the sandwich and kept the gel intake going (I think). The night was perfect, a gibbous moon following the trail, but I couldn’t respond. I made Half Pipe by the cut-off, but I could see the cards about to be dealt.

I moved onward hearing a goofy trumpet far off in the distance, probably someone’s crew at Treeline. But it seemed very far away, and soon I noticed I was on the Treeline dirt road and a few crew cars were parked up ahead. Finally, I came upon my crew where Dad was ready to go – we’d agreed he’d pace me this section to at least the Fish Hatchery. Although I’d suspected my race was about over, it seemed good to keep going. Maybe something would jolt things back in order, and all were encouraging me to keep at it. 

And so Dad and I set out from the same spot I’d joined Darren in 2011. We chatted about that symmetry as we headed toward the dreaded pavement. It was at the road where the trumpet was blaring as a kind of warning of the impending cut-off (it wasn’t an actual trumpet but one of those non-musical horns so common at soccer matches). Quiet please. We jogged the road ever so slowly. I searched for leg-power, but it wouldn’t come. At one point, my pacer even dropped me as another pair passed us. He hung with them until realizing I hadn’t matched up. And then the time cut-off passed as we were about a mile from the station. The lights ahead pulled us in, but I arrived at 17 minutes past 3 AM and 17 minutes beyond the cut-off. My race was over.

The End (23:17; 3:17 AM Mile 76.6)

The Fish Hatchery (i.e., Outward Bound) station was relatively quiet and had certainly seen better times. With a kind hug the station chief cut off my timing band and we climbed into the truck. Soon we were back at camp, the eastern sky just beginning to hint of Sunday morning.

I’m not really sure what happened out there. It is likely that my confidence got the best of me and I enjoyed the early racing too much. I felt pretty good until about 55 miles, the point of my return to Hopeless. There, the combination of effort-at-altitude, downhill hesitation, fuel mismanagement (possibly), and deterioration of the event’s personality (the valiant volunteers, thank you all, were overwhelmed) seemed to conspire against my forward motion. And yet, mountain ultras are all about overcoming obstacles – internal and external – and I lacked the ability, in this case, to do so. It is something I look forward to working on.

The blogosphere is rife with criticism and sadness that storied Leadville has lost its soul. I would have to agree, but that can’t be the cause of my DNF. My exuberance made it fun and allowed me to push harder than I thought I could, but the costs were ultimately too great and I could only continue until time ran out. 

Thanks so much to all the volunteers that kept at it amid the growing chaos. The Trent crew was very generous and happily allowed us to share their Twin Lakes spot; and way to go John! Immeasurable thanks and love to my crew – Desna, Mary, Dennis, and Tephra. You fought the demons with me and even with the setback, I had a most excellent adventure in your company. Dad, I’m proud to have run a little bit with you, wish it could have been more. To Darren, Tim, and all the trail-mates who shared the prep time with me, many thanks – and let’s find some redemption and regain some trail-running soul none too soon. Keep going…

Running to Leadville

Week Summary 8/11/2013

Monday

Nimbus Walk: 4.3 mi (+68 ft); 14:00 pace
Tuesday
River Flats: 9.0 mi (+47 ft); 9:37 pace
Thursday
Emma Quarry OB: 5.6 mi (+446 ft); 9:13 pace
Saturday
Spooner Short: 7.2 mi (+571 ft); 9:19 pace
Sunday
Emma Quarry OB: 5.7 mi (+455 ft); 10:05 pace
 

Weekly Totals: 31.8 mi (+1,585 ft); 5:22:12 on trail

As I worked on keeping even pacing this week, the Young Mountain Runners/Trail Option team was getting down to business.  Darren returned to racing on Saturday at the Genoa Peak Madathon, a new trail marathon put on by Ascent Runs. Living up to both the name of the event and the name of the promoter, this crazy excellent course culminates in a half-way turn-around at Genoa Peak after a vertical gain of almost 5,000 feet. Desna and I worked the half-way turnaround, and saw Darren come through in 4th place. He would hold that to the finish -- a solid effort with relatively little foundation in his busy year. He's entered in the Headlands 50-Mile on the Pacific Coast on September 14th; looking for a Western States qualifier there.

Speaking of real altitude, Dennis and Mary lined up at the Leadville 10K. The race starts in downtown Leadville at over 10,000 feet in elevation. They run the first and last 3.1 miles of the Leadville 100. They basically head down Broadway, getting in a little dirt before the turnaround. They then turnaround to climb back into town. Dad hit the turn-around in 3rd Place by about 10 seconds in the M70 group, but ran a great return, trading places with David Watson a couple times, to take home the M70 silver medal by 30 seconds (there were five M70 racers in the 10K; two in M80+!). Mom kept to her steady pace to bring home gold in the F70 group. As the oldest woman in the field she has no competition in her age-group, but she finished ahead of 35 other hard-running ladies in a field of 208. Great runs up high, I hope I can keep the Leadville vibe going!

Desna and Strider got into the act with a PR for 20 miles as they look to a 50-mile event in September. It was a test of horse and rider -- if they got in under five hours, we'd enter the Far West event. All systems are go after a 4.5-hour workout in the hills above Washoe Lake. She wrapped the week with a charity ride with Chloe Young and Lassen at Washoe Lake State Park. A good week.

With all this going on around me, I focused on getting my head into Leadville. We drive on Monday evening, dragging the trailer on easy daily drives to arrive at Leadville (camping at Turquoise Lake) on Thursday. My miles/week average is a bit lower than I'd hoped, but I've had some quality runs. For example, I focused on my pacing this week, starting with a brisk walk on Monday and some solid but short runs over varied terrain. The Grand Mesa 50K a couple weeks ago brought it all together. I've also been getting stoked by listening to some great interviews at the Elevation Trail podcast. I highly recommend Tim's chats with Jason Lantz (Winner at Vermont 100) and Jeff Browning (Winner at San Diego 100; and 10 wins across the 15 100-milers he's done).

Footfeathers' Leadville Buckle

My ultimate goal and exuberant challenge at Leadville will be to get the big silver buckle. Yes, finishing in under 25 hours means a 100-mile best on a course that will certainly test all I've got. It means keeping steady and efficient, especially through the night. I only have to better my pace by a minute per mile; much of that can be gained with better use of aid station time. It'll also mean that the many other demons of the ultra are kept at bay.

To that end, I appreciate the time and effort of the Young Mountain Runners, my coach, and my friends on the trail as I head out on this beautifully silly adventure. Whatever the outcome, I'm stoked to run well in the Rockies. Let's do this...

 


  

Trifecta at the Mesa

Week Summary 7/28/2013

Tuesday

Ophir OB: 6.0 mi (+626 ft); 9:38 pace
Wednesday
North Loop: 3.8 mi (+366 ft); 9:57 pace
Saturday
Grand Mesa 60K: 34.5 mi (+3,200 ft); 13:20 pace
 

Weekly Totals: 44.4 mi (+4,191 ft); 9:12:10 on trail

They did it! The Grand Mesa 60K is on the books. Thirteen hours and thirteen minutes after the 5:00 AM start, after cajoling from Footfeathers and encouragement from other runners and Aid Station volunteers, Dennis and Mary crossed the finish with great relief and that ultra-joy of success.

We started in the cool darkness at almost 11,000 feet on the Grand Mesa east of Grand Junction, Colorado, under perfect conditions for a day of trail running, though those in the 100-mile distance would deal with harsh monsoon conditions through coming night. I started up in the combined pack, all three races started together, looking for a good training run under race conditions, and D&M settled in with a bigger group further back with Tim as their guide and pacer for the day. Although Dad had worried about the technical conditions of this first 11-mile loop over Crags Crest, the trail was a joy to run. It was too early for the mosquitos to ruin things, and the trail through the forest made us pay attention but it was soon light enough to enjoy passing above the lakes before climbing to the crest. Mom did take a fall in the first section of single track -- getting it over with early in the day! -- and I joined a small line of runners for a short detour, but we made the crest at sunrise.

At first glance, the course would not seem that demanding. Not much climb, mostly single track, and a few roads. It isn't even a full 60K, actually totaling a little over 34 miles. But the single tracks are adventurous cross-country ghost-trails or newly developed, just-hacked out of the ground paths. It grows into a love-hate relationship very quickly after leaving the beautiful Crags Crest loop and heading west on a snowmobile path. The rocky meadows are picturesque spaces in the forest, but on this "trail" it is difficult to get any running rhythm going. I cruised through the Mesa Top aid station happy to get moving south on the Mesa Top single track. Elizabeth Gold, winner of the 50-mile, joined me early on trail south, but smartly, she had a race to run and soon left me to stumble my way toward Flowing Park. And stumble I did. For some reason I had little focus on this section and though parts of it were exhilarating running on expansive cliff edges, I felt awkward and lethargic most of the way. Once I was passed by the in-bound leaders of my event, the focus returned, or maybe the s-caps kicked in. Patrick was first and he was making good time high on his return. Michael was next just before the transition to the road. I was feeling better on the gravel road above Flowing Park when I saw Chris Wright coming smoothly up the road. He's a friend of ours from Grand Junction, and coming off a nice sub-24 finish at Western States. Joshua was a little behind him. That's it. Hmm, that means I'm in fifth when I hit Flowing Park. About the time I hit Flowing Park, D&M were leaving the cross-country trail and coming into Mesa Top.

I felt great on the return to Mesa Top; I even had some delusions of catching Joshua, but his mohawk never appeared. I met D&M as I passed through 29 miles; they were in their 17th mile. They were in good spirits and only a little rough for the wear. Tim was still laughing in the midst of one of the tougher pacing duties he'd volunteered for.

The snowless snowmobile trail made for an interesting finish as I tried to keep momentum up to the finish. Patrick and Joshua cheered kindly as I crossed the line at 7:39. Patrick had killed it a 6:04 and I hadn't made much time on Joshua. Chris had indeed caught Michael near the finish and got second place with a same-time finish for Michael at 6:45. I'm super happy with a top-5 on this course, but also realize it was a small field event. Still, good to be competitive and done.

Back on the course, D&M continued a relentless move toward the finish. Dad joined Mom and I in taking a good fall, and though bruising a rib or two, got moving again. Tim encouraged them forward, keeping them fueled and hydrated and encouraging constant movement. I saw them as I retrieved drop bags from Flowing Park. The looked tired but, as always, their spirits remained high and they kept moving. They were gone when I came back up the road -- back on the single-track heading toward Mesa Top.

In the meantime, I cruised to Grand Junction to get Tim's dog from his home-bound confinement. Pippit had been waiting since our 3:00 AM departure, 14 hours ago. I cheated and grabbed a shower too. I then figured I would meet them at Mesa Top and encourage them onward, secretly hoping that they wouldn't be too long in getting there or too discouraged once they got there, if they got there. I rolled into the aid station parking lot at about 5:40. As I walked up to the station, the volunteers excitedly told me, "they were here and gone at 4:42! That coach of yours was really pushing them." I jumped back in the car and dashed for the finish, they may already be there.

But the finish was quiet when I pulled up. I chatted with a 50-mile finisher and mentioned I was waiting for my parents. He said, "Oh, I just saw them, only a few minutes ago." With that, I saw Tim's hat in the forest, and soon he pulled aside, letting Dennis and Mary come down the last hill, crossing the finish line together. 13:13. They are ultra-runners now. Happy, tired, and wonderful.

Thirty-five miles of thanks to Tim for advice, constant encouragement, stubborn maintenance of task, and shared joy. Thanks, of course, to Phil Berghauser the Race Director. If you want a hard challenge in great scenery, a race you'll love and hate in equal parts, do his race. You won't forget it.

The Young Mountain Runners are a bit wobbly today, but today's talk is of success and amazing little details that these events of endurance burn into us. Now on to Leadville.
 

High in the Whites

Rock-scape of White Mountain Peak

Week Summary 7/14/2013

Monday

Ophir OB (Walk): 4.0 mi (+399 ft); 15:34 pace
Tuesday
Yellow Jacket (Hills): 5.8 mi (+1,115 ft); 11:03 pace
Wednesday
North Loop: 3.8 mi (+359); 10:21 pace
Thursday
Occidental Hills: 6.2 mi (+798 ft); 10:19 pace
Saturday
Geiger Summit OB: 10.4 mi (+1,381 ft); 10:58 pace
Sunday
White Mtn 14,252: 15.0 mi (+3,365 ft); 13:31 pace

Weekly Totals: 45.2 mi (+7,416 ft); 9:06:02 on trail

I started the week among the echoes of the descent from Freel Peak – my quads reverberating with each step. Here’s to hoping it’s good seasoning for the tasks at hand, Grand Mesa and, of course, Leadville. I tried to break through a bit with an hour of brisk walking on Monday. Efficient walking and the transition from running to power-hiking are critical weaknesses that I’ve simply suffered through in my previous 100s. Still, even in a little Monday walk, I feel clumsy in the transitions, going too fast or too slow and only occasionally hitting a groove. This is something I will focus on over the coming weeks.

On Tuesday I pushed some hill repeats on the switchbacks of the Yellow Jacket Mine at Gold Hill. They actually felt pretty darn fast with the legs responding pretty nicely for early in the week, only a few days after the Freel Peak tour. Tephra hates the up-and-down intervals, probably thinks I’ve gone nuts and wonders why I bark at her for constantly chasing squirrels. Doing 10, one-minute all-out intervals ain’t much different.

Simple morning runs the rest of the week, really getting in the groove of the early mornings. Dad and Mom went for a practice run on the upper loop of Crags Crest at Grand Mesa. They were pretty disappointed with the outcome, mostly due to the technical trail conditions. It is a big step up for them and the rock-strewn, exposed trail must be intimidating. They are concerned about the cut-off times but are determined to push it and do their best to get through. They missed the cut-off during practice by a bit over an hour, but Footfeathers and I are sure if they stay focused, race-day will be very different.

Camp at Grandview

I write this in pinyon-juniper of Grandview Campground at 8,400 feet in the White Mountains. After a morning run at Virginia City, Darren and I hit the road for a go at White Mountain Peak via the dirt road to the research station. It’s a perfect evening in camp and I’m looking forward to getting some time at high elevation as we make for the summit at 14,252 feet...  tomorrow...

What a great morning! Sure, we could have backed off the road a little bit, instead of driving all the way to the gate below Barcroft, but the test was the altitude. We left camp just after dawn and took our time driving to the gate, and it takes some time. The trail isn't really a challenge, you're basically on a two-track road all the way to the summit of White Mountain Peak. Not too surprising to see several cars at the trailhead gate given that is probably the easiest 14er in California -- it's the third highest point in the state. We worked our way to the summit feeling pretty good. I pushed where I could and tried to the keep the hikes steady. I averaged a bit better than 16 min/mile on the climb to the peak. Picked up the pace on the descent, of course.

The Gate

Darren on the way up

We passed several hikers and met couple others on top. No wind, clear skies. Perfect. The descent was easy -- actually took us longer to drive back to the highway below the bristlecones than it did to get back to the truck at the gate. The trip home left us stiff, Highway 395 can hurt worse than any run.

Summit and Beyond

Great to spend a night on the mountain with Darren and happy to be feeling good at altitude. I'm hoping to stay high for the next few weekends.

The register, as always...

Blog vacation: Trails continue...

Darren on Freel.

Week Summary 7/7/2013

Tuesday

Emma Quarry OB: 5.6 mi (+438 ft); 10:43 pace
Wednesday
Carson River Flats (Tempo): 8.2 mi (+37 ft); 9:12 pace
Thursday
Ophir Grade OB (PR): 9.5 mi (+902); 9:44 pace
Friday
North Loop: 3.9 mi (+359 ft); 10:32 pace
Saturday
Freel 3 Peaks: 21.7 mi (+5,245 ft); 15:20 pace
Sunday
Long Valley OB: 9.5 mi (+145 ft); 10:48 pace
 

Weekly Totals: 61.3 mi (+7,125 ft); 11:01:06 on trail

Ok, Trail Option is back after a month-long vacation from blogland. I hope we've all been on the trail in the meantime. I've had some good weeks moving toward Grand Mesa 60K and Leadville 100M. The heat let up a little around here, maybe back to just a little above normal.

This was my first week in a summer-time run pattern. I have shifted all my training runs to the morning. Always consistent in getting to work by 6:30 or so, I have never been a fan of daily morning runs. I like breaking the day with a couple hours out on the trail at lunch, and the out-of-bed and into-a-workout idea has never been appealing. Except on raceday. But the heat is unbearable and probably unhealthy in daily doses. So up and out at dawn is the new routine. And it's been surprisingly nice. Tephra thinks so too, she can come along and harass the squirrels again.



This beast tugged on Darren's shirt for a handout. Where's Tephra?

I'm looking toward Grand Mesa 60K as a prep-race for Leadville. It'll be good to run at altitude in race-like conditions, although the field right now is only about 14 people. Most entrants at Grand Mesa are going after longer distances (50M & 100M), but that small field includes Dad and Mom, and that'll be the highlight of the weekend. They are going for their first ultra, a big step on a challenging course at Crags Crest high on the mesa.

Cool times above Lake Tahoe

My Tempo work felt good this week, running on the flats at the river. One of the benefits of that kind of workout comes when you slow back into your base or cool-down pace and find that this new pace is actually quite a bit faster than your previous base pace. This carried into the next morning when I cruised up and down Ophir Grade on a Base effort and knocked out a PR for that course. Easy enough.

The link from summit of Freel to Jobs Sister and Jobs Peak,
descending single track trough the forest on the right.

The highlight of the week, as is often the case, was Saturday's link up of the three summits of Freel, Jobs Sister, and Jobs Peak, all above 10,300 feet. Darren and I started in Hope Valley and cruised the forest roads to the connector to Armstrong Pass on the TRT. We then followed the standard trail to Freel (10,880) and then dropped over to Jobs Sister, and then really dropped over and back up to Jobs. The descents took their toll, especially coming off Jobs, twisting trail dropping over a 1,000 feet per mile. It took some effort to keep the pace going back to Hope Valley, and that pace wasn't very impressive. But I couldn't ask for a better day on the trail, especially good to be back out with Darren in the high country.


Freel Peak (10,880 ft - highpoint above Lake Tahoe)

After last week's PR from Tahoe Meadows to Spooner (23 miles; 4:09), I may have been getting a little over-confident for Leadville. Putting some steeps in the way (22 miles: 5:31) makes the reality a little clearer. The focus continues.

Des and Strider made some big leaps forward this week. Multiple long rides, visiting Jumbo Grade (the backside of Ophir Grade) and the highlands of Hobart Reservoir near the TRT. Easily a PR totals week for that team.

Vacation Week Summaries---

Week Summary 6/30/2013

Tuesday

Mexican Dam (6x2 Hill Repeats): 6.7 mi (+765 ft); 11:10 pace
Wednesday
North Loop: 4.1 mi (+378 ft); 10:14 pace
Thursday
River Flats (Tempo): 7.0 mi (+31); 8:59 pace
Friday
Emma Quarry: 5.6 mi (+446 ft); 10:22 pace
Saturday
Combination OB: 2.8 mi (+96 ft); 9:57 pace
Sunday
TRT - Tahoe Meadows to Spooner (PR): 22.5 mi (+2,476 ft); 10:55 pace

Weekly Totals: 48.7 mi (+4,193 ft); 8:31:43 on trail

June  Totals: 179.8 mi (+22,343 ft); 34:26:20 on trail

Week Summary 6/23/2013

Tuesday

Goni East OB: 3.1 mi (+481 ft); 10:07 pace
Wednesday
River Flats: 4.8 mi (+15 ft); 9:37 pace
Thursday
Mexican Dam OB: 6.4 mi (+143); 9:48 pace
Saturday
Spooner South OB: 14.0 mi (+2,129 ft); 11:20 pace

 Weekly Totals: 28.3 mi (+2,768 ft); 4:58:29 on trail

Week Summary 6/16/2013

Tuesday

River Flats: 4.8 mi (+15 ft); 10:02 pace
Sunday
Emma Quarry OB: 5.7 mi (+403 ft); 10:01 pace
 

Weekly Totals: 10.5 mi (+418 ft); 1:44:45 on trail

  

A Strong Week

Utah Valley Marathon: No. 1 (and only 70+)

Week Summary 6/9/2013

Monday
Echo Summit Walk: 3.7 mi (+474 ft); 16:04 pace
Tuesday

Goni Hills (Repeats): 8.2 mi (+1,808 ft); 12:07 pace
Wednesday
Carson River Flats: 6.0 mi (+33 ft); 9:54 pace
Thursday
Ash Tracks: 7.7 mi (+1,063 ft); 10:59 pace
Saturday
VC to Rose Trailhead: 26.1 mi (+5,044 ft); 13:14 pace
Sunday
Cottonwood Loop: 9.5 mi (+527 ft); 11:13 pace

Weekly Totals: 61.3 mi (+8,949 ft); 12:35:42 on trail

With record high temperatures beating the seasonal average by 15 or more degrees each day, motivation was lacking as I laced up for each run. Weren't we freezing only a couple weeks ago?

But I felt really strong this week, although not particularly fast. Stuck to my consistent regime on each weekday. It's a bonus that I mixed in McClellan Peak (Goni Hills) and Ash Canyon, I really enjoy those runs. However, there was some emphatic target shooting timed for my Goni run. This went on with total disregard for my presence on the hillside almost in-line with whatever it was they thought they were aiming at. What a nice way to spend a lunch break. I went cross-country to avoid them.

Saturday was the highlight of the week, of course. Dennis and Mary endured the crowds and pounding roadbed at the Utah Valley Marathon. They stuck to their plan and over the last half, Mom pulled away to chase a Boston Qualifier time. But the marathon had other plans and she finished off the BQ pace but was happy with the 5:08 and 1st Place in her Age Category. Dad finished at 5:18. They a feeling good today and headed for Missoula, Montana, for a break as we all now focus on Grand Mesa in July.

Dropping from Ophir Grade, my goal is beyond Slide Mountain

While they conquered the streets of Provo, I headed out the front door in Virginia City with the goal of reach the Tahoe Rim Trail at Tahoe Meadows. I climbed out of town on the Ophir Grade before heading down the long Ophir Road to the north end of Washoe Valley. That's a great route, but it has a rocky mile that halts all intention of running. Although I despise running on roadbed, old 395 is the only way around the north end of Little Washoe Lake so I took to it while envisioning the road stretch around the Fish Hatchery at Leadville.

Dez met me at Ophir Creek to refill the water and get me another shirt. It was 10 AM and already easily in the 90s. From the Ophir Creek Trailhead I followed the trail up toward Price Lake. Matching my time on the same section last week, this week I continued up toward the meadows where a few patches of snow remained. Dez had run from the parking area into the Ophir/TRT intersection so we ran out together. She moved the car up to the Mt. Rose Trailhead area and I finished with 26 miles, knowing that the other two had just finished the same distance in Utah.

Dez in Tahoe Meadows

The Carson Area Runners have taken to the TRT and started at the Mt. Rose Trailhead for the section to Brockway. I'd hoped to possibly meet up with the crew coming out, but I think my arrival was well-past their expected finish time. Anyway, the TRT is opening up nicely, get out there.

Heating Up -- Back on the TRT

Week Summary 6/2/2013

The Best Option

Tuesday

Centennial - Mound House Loop: 5.6 mi (+534 ft); 10:23 pace
Wednesday
Emma Quarry OB: 6.1 mi (+441 ft); 9:50 pace
Thursday
River Flats (Tempo): 8.2 mi (+44 ft); 9:27 pace
Friday
VC Shakeout: 4.4 mi (+361 ft); 9:55 pace
Saturday
Ophir to Spooner: 23.1 mi (+5,116 ft); 13:25 pace
Sunday
Ophir Grade OB: 7.9 mi (+899 ft); 10:45 pace

Weekly Totals: 55.4 mi (+7,395 ft); 10:34:41 on trail
May Totals: 167.9 mi (+16,357 ft); 34:21:13 on trail

Summer-like temperatures have arrived on the Comstock, so I've happily added the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) back into the routine for the Long run.

This was a pretty basic and nicely consistent week. I felt good on the Tempo day when I maintained an 8:30 pace for 45 minutes, averaging 170 bpm for the interval. Other than that it was a steady series of base runs leading to Saturday's superb trail-run from Ophir Creek Trailhead to Spooner Lake.

Little Valley

I've long wanted to get into Little Valley, above and west of Washoe Lake. It is a hidden gem between Washoe Valley and Lake Tahoe. I bet it is even unknown to most people driving 395 (now it's called 580) between Carson City and Reno each and every day. I climbed the rocky chutes out of the Ophir Trailhead gaining the Price Lakes trail in about an hour. Then it was a great, rolling trail (two-track dirt road) to the south through Little Valley. I wasn't quite sure of which way to go, simply knowing I was headed for the Red House area below Marlette Peak.

South end of Little Vally, looking toward Sun Mountain above Virginia City

I took one dead-end route, where I think the mapped road is washed out or otherwise non-existent for whatever reason. However, the valley is so amazing that a little out-and-back dead-end is simply a bonus. The roads are generally easy to follow and in a short time the climb to Red House begins. My pace slowed and as the day warmed I kept the effort at a level that I thought would get me over Snow Valley Peak without having to worry too much about water. I could have checked the pump at the Marlette Peak campground, but I thought I would be fine, and I was.

Slide Mountain in the middle background, my start point.

The Snow Valley Peak section of the TRT is one of my favorite pieces of that fabulous trail. Snow drifts are still intact but easily managed. While on top I diverted to the east side of the slightly lower sub-peak north of the main summit -- this is the summit I see from my office window in Carson City, and I just wanted a little verification.  I've monitored the snow-level from that window, but I wasn't quite sure which peak I was actually observing.

Oh joy, I can see my office.

Coming down from Snow Valley Peak I finally ran into a group of people heading up from the Spooner side.  And, of all things, there was Melissa, a colleague at Far Western, lugging a huge backpack along the trail. She's prepping for a month or two on the Pacific Crest Trail, and I can't think of a better place to do so.

Marlette Creek above Lake Tahoe

I settled back into the descent, dropping onto the switchbacks to Marlette Creek and then hit a comfortable job dodging walkers and mountain-bikers on the popular Marlette Trail. My good friend Larry had been one of the walkers, and thankfully, he'd called me that morning to see if I wanted to hike into Marlette Lake with him. I had a better idea (for me at least). I'd meet him at Spooner for a beer and a ride home! It worked out perfectly. Thanks Larry.

Sunday morning cruise up Ophir Grade started stiffly as Tephra and I tried to beat the head in the early morning. But we were soon back in the groove as I climbed at an 11-minute pace and she harrassed every lizard and squirrel that dared to cross our path. Our outing closed a second 50+ week in a row, probably a good standard working toward Leadville. The past two weeks are in the top-three, non-race weekly distances I've done in the past year. Nice.

Darren and Carrie's area of Washoe Lake from the Ophir Trail

Darren and Carrie have finished up their real estate shuffle and can settle into the crazy routine of moving toward Washoe Lake. The "unknowns" are settled, but there's the hard work of shifting home remaining. Although Darren has maintained some speedy workouts, his calendar leaves little room for a Leadville go this year. We'll miss him, but I'll use the things I've learned from him to break the LVT100 curse.

Dennis and Mary are sticking to the routine in preparation for the Utah Valley Marathon in Provo. They are beating the rising temperatures by starting each day in the pre-dawn and working through a routine that actually leaves them better recovered and rested after each long effort. The 70/50-year strides on!