Wednesday 31MAY2017

AM – 7.2 with a handful with Greg.  More snakes.

PM – 5.1 miles along the ditch and then back through the Ridgeview Trail.

May – ends with 315.6 miles, 41.08 hours and 12610 feet.  On the year I am at 1556 miles, 209 hours, and 69000 feet.  Through the year I am averaging 9.75 hours a week, 72.6 miles a week.  And maybe one speed workout every 40 days.

On my run with the GOM group this past week, I was contemplating what value set in our society would shift that I would find to be not acceptable.  The context here is that views on topics like marriage equality have shifted over the years, and in part that goes with a shift in age.  An older demographic that might view such a topic with concern pass on, and a younger demographic is open and accepting to that (speaking in broad generalities).  I wondered what societal topic would be a challenge for me to accept as I grew older. 

I think I found it. 

Tuesday 30MAY2017

Some shots taken by Michael Mewes from the Georgetown Pack Burro Race are making their way up.

AM – 7.2 miles, with some of that with Greg as a couple of kids did a shakeout (before they head out of town for some sea level competition).

PM – 4 miles:  hot but it is about time.

Evening – walked another 8 miles with the Scouts as part of their shake down of equipment and feeling out the gear.  We walked to the DQ and back.

Monday 29MAY2017

Really sore today.  Like stupid sore.  Like sore as in how I would be after a race like Barr Trail.  That is the lack of mountain, down, hard work showing. 

AM – 5 miles.  Ouch.

Sunday 28MAY2017

Sore.  In the legs from the up and down pounding of the burro racing yesterday.  In the butt from the same.  And as is the case when burro racing … the arms, neck, shoulders, etc.

7.2 miles easy in the AM, with two and change with JZ before I spun out for my own thing (dang kid was going to fast for me anyway).

3.3 EZ with TZ in the afternoon over at Metzger.

Saturday 27MAY2017 Georgetown Pack Burro Race

First pack burro race of the season!  This serves as a bit of a rust buster, allowing folks to figure out what they and their donkeys need to work on before the bigger races later in the season.  Jack and I had done very little training together this year, so I was not sure what I was going to get.  Then again, I figured since we have a couple hundred miles of racing together in the books, we’d figure it out pretty quick.  On this, I was both right and wrong.

I got to Georgetown and it was raining.  Then it was sunny.  Then it was raining.  Then it was sunny.  This would be the case for the entire day, with some folks even seeing some snow.  It was a large field of racers – 67 teams with a rumored 30 coming out of Laughing Valley Ranch.  Some of the regulars like Justin and Yukon and John V and his mini crew were quickly spotted.  Other expected faces were missing:  Hal, Dave T. 

The race was to go off at 11, but on “donkey time” we started at 11:15.  I was surprised at how aggressive Jack took to the start and we were quickly rolling through the field up into the top 8, then the top five and then we were closing in on the top two which included Justin and Yukon (as expected). 

But Jack pulled a move on me that I did not expect.  As we came back through the newer part of Georgetown where our trailers were parked, he took a hard left directly for the trailer.  We were going so fast, and he made the move with such confidence, that I didn’t even see it coming.  And like that we were off the course, and in the parking lot.  I tried to quickly adjust and to that he determined he wanted to go back to the start and we whirled around and started going back up against the other racers.  I had not seen a move like this from Jack in a race (although he has done this me while training at Bill’s place).  He was whipping me around quickly, and we were losing ground to the field.  After what was probably 45 seconds of dealing with this mishap, I managed to get him back on course, pointed straight and moving. 

Once back on the route, he began his steady trot that rolled up other teams.  I am guessing we were about 25th at this point, but the lead group was well out of sight.  As we approached the under pass of 70, I looked over the highway and in the distance I could see Justin and a contingent of other racers already heading up the mining road to Union Gap well above the highway.  We were probably some 300 yards back.

As I did this math it seemed that Jack recognized the need to move up and he upped his pace.  We kept rolling up teams and as we hit the dirt where I could get long views, I recalculated that were probably now in 15th place.  On the short downs, Jack plowed ahead and I really felt my lack of speed work this year.  We blasted by Bob and Sheba and a handful of other teams.   The lead group was still far out but we had made up some ground, and I thought if we could progress like this through the race it would be a fun day.

We hit the single track, which is cliff wall on your left and large drop off to the highway to your right – passing is not really an option and so we were stuck.  Ellroy and Dave were marching on the steepest parts of this and while Jack clearly wanted to pass, it was clear this was not going to happen in this section. 

We crested Union Gap and there was no sight of anyone ahead.  Jack began to barrel the downhill and as we got the long view into Empire, it was clear that we had probably LOST ground to those teams working together and running nearly the same or faster pace than us. 

Jack and I kept rolling and we caught a group of racers out of Conifer, and it seemed that we were putting a dent into that stretch ahead of us.  This group and our team would stay near each other through the “lolipop” in Empire, which helped us.  Jack was not exactly sure how he wanted to cross 40 but when he saw the other burros do it, he quickly figured it out. 

As we turned back up to Union Gap, I could see that the last lead pack was out there but they were probably 150-200 yards out.  I rationalized that if we could get to close to them it would be a very good day given my earlier error.  We broke away from the Conifer group, threading between teams still coming down from Union Gap, and made our way back.  As we crested the gap on the way back, again I could not see any of the teams but as we curled around to the broader view sections I could see that they had splintered a bit.  There were five of them, including 2 minis, Justin and Yukon, Louise K and Pandora and Kirt C and Mary Margaret.   They had spread over 25 yards but with 2 miles left in the race it was any body’s to take. 

Jack was abusing me pretty well here, really running the down of the single track, as fast as I would have run it in a race without a donkey.  It was really impressive and any thoughts I had that “well we are another year older, maybe we are done” were being quickly put to bed. 

As we hit the wider section of dirt road out of the single track we began to catch the tail of the group.  There is a little climb before getting back to the asphalt road that goes under 70 and we came by Justin and Yukon.  Surprised, he asked “where did you guys come from?”   Winded I replied “we have been playing catch up all day.”  But now we were back in it.  Kirt and MM were up about 20 yards but we were in the mix. 

As we came back into town, Jack struggled a bit under the highway but we caught back up to everyone on the other side of the rotary.  All six teams were in the hunt now.  About a half mile from the finish, Andrew began to really drive Crazy Horse (John V’s mini) while the rest of us exchanged positions in the pack.  I was not overly eager to get Jack to lead to early as he can sometimes struggle from that position with other burros near behind him.  The energy rose with all of us as we curved around the last little bridge and we fought catch up to Andrew and Crazy Horse.  Jack got the spirit as we hit the final road and we ended up second.

Given the early mishap, I can’t help be hugely happy with the outcome.  Jack ran the 8.5 miles of the 9.2 course faster than any other donk, showed he has a lot in the tank for speed and that he has the nose still for the game.  All good signs!

I try to approach any burro race with a bit of a “this is going to be good day, regardless of what happens” because frankly – ANYTHING can happen.  And then when I get a much better than expected result like this, it is all the sweeter.  I approached this race with low expectations:  little burro training, little mountain running, hardly any speed work, and little expectation that we’d perform as a team.  I could feel the soreness setting on for the lack of work on my part, but Jack yet again put it in my head that we can have a fun run at the races later this summer.

Pix forthcoming.

I ended up bailing pretty early to get back to the Front Range for a graduation party. 

Friday 26MAY2017

AM – 7.1 miles, over to the track and some with Greg while helping some of the post season kiddos.

PM – I walked and jogged a bit with TZ down to the Dillon washout (which is not a washout anymore).  Once down there we split and I headed out on the Coal Creek and then back for 5.6.

So, it appears my first race of 2017 is tomorrow … the Georgetown Pack Burro Race.  I am not expecting much as I have not done much with Jack this season, and the last mile plus of the race is through the Georgetown neighborhoods … stuff that Jack and I don’t navigate particularly well.  But it is a good rust buster, sort of a see where you are sort of thing, and to work out the kinks.  Of course, we are both a year older, etc.  It will be fun.

Also thinking I might jump in a BRR race next week.  I might be able to break 5:20 for … the 1500.

Thursday 24MAY2017

Got to run with great friends TWICE today.  First I got an AM run in with Lucho.  He taught me the ancient arts of snake charming.

A little later I got another hour in with Bob, Shad and Neeraj. 


Bob did his thing to teach us how to walk on water. 

Wednesday 24MAY2017

AM – got together with DD for easy jogging and connecting up along the Coal Creek trail.  It is flooding out in portions with the snow melt.  5.5 very easy miles.

Afternoon – another 8.5, including helping a few kids that have lined up some post season races.

The evening was filled with the end of the year track banquet. 




Some kid I live with was awarded one of these.

Tuesday 23MAY2017

Afternoon – 10.1 miles.  Ugh fest.

Monday 22MAY2017

Felt ill.  Took the zero.  Went to bed early.

Weekend 20-21MAY2017 State Track Meet

Busy weekend, with most of it down at the “shortened to two days instead of three” State track meet in Lakewood. 

I got in 10 Saturday AM before heading down.  I did some weighted leg work on Friday so I was a bit sore but I still moved pretty well once I got going. 

The Broomfield squad had 4 x 8 teams in the mix for both boys and girls.  The girls were up first.  Using a come “run with us” tactic, the girls had led most of the race, but were ultimately overcome by a strong second half by Fairview.  Despite setting a school record, it was a tad bittersweet to take the silver.  All pix from Broomfield T&F FB.

The boys came in seeded 18th – meaning they were the last team to get in.   Performing well, they ended up 7th.

Back at on Sunday (typically no high school athletics event happens on Sunday but the extreme weather on Thursday and Friday forced it) the Eagle girls had 2 entries in the 800.  Madison made a strong bid for the 800 title, but came up a hair short (0.3 seconds) to the very strong Lauren Gregory from Fort Collins. 

It was a long stretch of races then throughout the day before the afternoon 1600s.   I headed out for a run and made my way up the local Green Mountain a bit (not all the way) for 10 miles.


Broomfield fielded 3 of the 18 girls on the line for the high school “mile” (as did Mountain Vista, the team that put up 2nd in state XC this past fall).  It was a tough race for our kids – but that is what state competition is about.  Gregory sealed her second state title over the 3200 meter champ from Grandview, Brie Oakley. 

On the boys side, Madison’s twin brother Michael ran in the mix where the boys went 65, 70, 67 to set up for a crazy last 400.  Michael pulled a 62 to land 6th – a great finish for his first season of competitive running.

There are no end of other stories from the weekend.  Take for example Monarch’s Isaac Green getting a win in the 800 … but only when a 1:51 bound and three steps ahead Fitzsum from Denver East fell with 2 meters to go in the race.  Green would end up with wins in the 800, 1600, 3200 and a 4 x 800 team victory, but his efforts (and the strong efforts of Monarch distance crew that would score many points with placings like 1-2-3 in the 3200) would still come up short by five points for the team title to Fountain-Fort Carson.

But beyond the fit for print stories, there are many stories behind it all.  It has been a long season, and the Eagle kids I have had the opportunity to work with have progressed well.  It has been a pleasure to be a little part of this.  It has taught me much, given me much to reflect on, and many good memories.

Apparently I missed Steve Cram walking around at the state meet.  I am bummed that I did not get to see that guy.

My week ended up at just a few 10ths over 70.  Not a great week, but challenged both by travel to the east coast and a heavy spring storm on Thursday-Friday so I am happy to sling out another week of basic consistency.

By the way, Billy Nelson has a belt buckle cooler than any one from any ultra.

Friday 19MAY2017

Snow finally started to stop around 10AM.

Mid day – 11.1 miles.  Just amazed at how quick everything is melting out.  Listened to a lot of Audioslave today.  Sad to hear about Chris Cornell. 

There was a man who had a face
That looked a lot like me
I saw him in the mirror and
I fought him in the street
And when he turned away
I shot him in the head
Then I came to realize
I had killed myself

If you're free you'll never see the walls
If your head is clear you'll never free fall
If you're right you'll never fear the wrong
If your head is high you'll never fear at all

Another 4.5 with the gang at practice.

Thursday 19MAY2017

Ridiculous snow storm today.  I was busy catching up on a bunch of work and was not overly motivated to fight the elements.  So I kept it to running indoors on the track at the local community center with Greg during practice.  4 miles.

Of course – we had practice – which is news.  The State track meet was supposed to be today but it was postponed because of the weather.  As the weather looks to be poor tomorrow as well, the punted on that day as well and the whole affair will be held on Saturday (and somewhat controversially) and Sunday.  No prelims for any of the sprints, and limited throws for those events but there ain’t a lot of choices that are going to be perfect.

Wednesday 17MAY2017

Last day in Alexandria before I head back to another winter storm pending in CO.  I got out a bit earlier and was able to get in 10 over the Woodrow Wilson bridge and back. 

Ever since a less than wonderful experience trying to go over the Mississippi in Dubuque on a bridge there, I have been a bit more aware of my lack of love for them.  And not surprisingly, in knowing that it causes me to think about it which makes such bridges less enjoyable for me.  I have found that I can quell this vibration however with some thought.  Additionally bridges over water tend to have higher walls for peds on the sides.  Bridges over other traffic tend not too and also seem to have more narrow sidewalks.  As the WW bridge actually is wide enough that there are sections with trees planted on it, it was not a problem for me.

I do think I am enjoying the sea level aspect of this run this go around.  My easy runs have suddenly clicked to under 7:30 pace (v. say 7:45 to 8) this week.  It might also be that things are relatively flat here.

Tuesday 16MAY2017

AM – I got to bed late, and then slept horribly.  It was a challenge to get up and get out but I was glad that I did.  I did 6.4 miles down to Mount Vernon and back, enjoying the morning views, including one of a bald eagle.

Between evening activities, I snuck out for another 4.1.  I found a better connector to the Mount Vernon trail that brought me right under the Woodrow Wilson bridge.  I am no fan of those sort of runs but I might give that a shot tomorrow.  I even managed a few efforts tonight of minute on, minute off.  Ugly but a something.

Monday 15MAY2017

Off to DC today.  I got in 6.1 on the Carolyn Holmberg loop before heading off to DIA.  I am stiff and sore. I almost feel swollen.  Not sure why.  Maybe I got a bit too dehydrated over the weekend. 

My ear buds pumped in “La Villa Strangiato” by Rush for about half this run.  I have most of the guitar parts down and now have three or four significant steps to finish this song:  the three solos (the initial “Spanish” run at the start, the 2 solos later in the song) and then putting it all together.  Alex is ridiculous on what he does with some of these solos so I am not sure I will be able to keep up.  I also think he is doing a good amount with pedals (volume swells, some wah-wah) that I might need to play with.

I felt like crud post the flight but I had a small window before the fun and games started here so I got out for a jog down to the water.  4.3 miles.

Weekend 13-14MAY2017

Friday afternoon and evening I was up at the St. Vrain meet in Longmont.  For a lot of kids, this is a “last chance” meet.  As only the top 18 make it in the 5A classification for any event, there are a bunch of kids competing to “protect” a spot or to get one.  We had a mixed bag – the heat and wind around the 3200s did us no favors but the cooler temps and calmer conditions got some of our kids the 1600s we have been thinking they could post.  Nonetheless, it seems pretty well understood by those around these events for some time that this year is measurably stronger on some of the distance events.   The girls 1600 for example … last year a 5:18 got you in.  This year, it took 5:12.  That may not seem like much but it probably does to the dozen girls that ran between 5:12 and 5:18. 

Broomfield has 3 girls in the 1600, and no surprise, the squad they tangled with in fall for XC – Mountain Vista – does as well.  So in other words, those two schools make up 1/3 of the 1600 field.   On the distance side Broomfield will also send 4 x 800 relays from both genders, two 800 contenders from the girls, a boy for the 1600 and one girl for the 3200.  In all, that representation is just four boys and five girls.  State is a tough place to get to.

After the meet, I bolted over to Fort Lupton.  We camped there with the Scouts. 






On Saturday I got in a little jogging with TZ and then tacked on a handful plus of more easy miles.

Sunday afternoon I got in the typical 10.  As is typical I was pretty spent after weekend of Scout camping.  Continued to work my way through “Grit” and various news podcasts.

73 plus miles on the week.  Off to DC next week so there may be a hit on the running.

Friday 12MAY2017

AM – 10 miles.


These are supposedly emerald ash borer traps

Thursday 11MAY2017

Afternoon – 10.2 miles, a few before practice, then a few with the coaches and then a jog home. 

Started listening to the audiobook version of Duckworth’s book “Grit” today.  Excellent so far.  And a nice combo coming right off of “Extreme Ownership.”

Wednesday 10MAY2017

Mid day 8.1 miles in the fog, misting rain.

Afternoon another 3 with the coaches in the mist.

Tuesday 09MAY2017

Mid day – 11 miles.  Felt pretty good, but I was certainly aware of the acute soreness from the work I did with Lucho yesterday.

Afternoon – 5 miles with the coaches at practice.

Monday 08MAY2017

Lucho came down and we did one of his workouts on the track.  Or I watched him as he sped away from me.  In less than four minutes of work, my legs were effectively thrashed from the explosive work.

It is always fun to see Lucho.  It is especially fun to see him amped up for an event again.  He has shifted his game from the ultra stuff to the 400m … where that m is meters, not miles.  Topics discussed were Kipchoge, Kipchoge, and Kipchoge.  Of course.  200s for me were 33s.  150s were 24.

Afternoon – easy four in the rain with the coaches as the lightning eased up.