Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Climbing Sucks

Today's run: 14.5 miles/2:21/9.7 min pace

Erin and I went to do a trial run on the half marathon course we'll be running in April. This course was a bitch. So much treacherous climbing in the foothills outside of Ft. Collins, CO. And while it was scenic, it was intense. That's all I can say. By the end, my glutes and hams were screaming at me. STOP STOP. I swear, I felt more pain in my legs than after my marathon. It didn't help that we took a wrong turn and ended up going 1.5 miles out of our way, climbing a 9% grade hill. Here's the course so you can see for yourself what we were dealing with:

I am just hoping for decent weather on race day. In April, Colorado can get a ton of snow (it's one of our snowiest months). Running this thing in snow would add a whole new dimension.

All and all, I'm glad we did a trial run so we can know what to anticipate come race day. I think that really helps mentally. Also, it was completely beautiful, although I was having to concentrate so much o the climbing that I couldn't take in all of the beauty. the best part of the race is that it ends at the New Belgium Brewery (Fat Tire micro brew) and there is supposed to be an awesome post race party. Something to look forward to while I'm hurting on those hills.


8 comments:

  1. Great job on the run! That course looks brutal. The post race party at the brewery sounds like fun, enjoy.

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  2. Those steep courses are brutal. I think a trial run is smart, although with my super-hilly half I ended up thinking to myself that if I'd known what to expect, I never would have entered it. ;)

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  3. When the elevation map goes to RED, you know you're in trouble!

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  4. WOW that is one intense course!!!! definitely a good call on the course preview.

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  5. The course looks great. I admire anyone who races those hills. I train in Florida and the biggest hill we have is the overpass going out to the beach. I am going to start doing some out of state races next year (and hopefully Boston after that) and I am a little concerned about the hills. I just do not think the treadmill will give me the training I need! It should be interesting.

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  6. Oh yes New Belgium brewery, we spend many weekends there! No races for me but I'll meet you at the end for a drink!

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  8. Well, the wind probably didn't help. Also, sometimes it's there and sometimes it isn't. Real good physiological explanation, huh? I set a 10k pr while easing my way out of a hangover once. I was having back spasms 10 minutes before the gun. Then there have been times when all the training, diet, mood, weather and other data told me I should kill a particular workout and I tank it. Some of this stuff makes no sense at all.

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