Fall Series IV (7ish miles)

We loved checking out the course map before this race.  Though I thought I understood the course, I was only right about it being in Palmer Park.  Additionally, the map reported the mileage at approximately 6.5 to 7.4 miles.  Luckily, I am familiar enough with the park to have known when the end was near.

Fall series courses always change, and comparing this to previous years, I thought it was easier.  The race runs through some of the toughest trail within Palmer Park, but I felt that some key hills were left out.  Other people, Duane included, felt the run was tough.  I thought it was pretty easy.  Which indicates that I either didn't run hard enough or I couldn't feel my legs after descending 2,000 feet of road over 13.1 miles the previous day. 

I ran this race better than all of the fall series events.  I finally understood which runners were better pacers and went out with them.  Having lost a little bit of time to another competitor in the Ute Valley race, I was mostly concerned with keeping her off my shoulder.  She, however, didn't really compete in this race, running a much slower time than usual. 

I was able to finish as 4th place overall female and 1st place in my age group.  Duane finished 1st in his age group and 11th overall.  His focus was to maintain the 1st in age group position, which let his guard down to the 11th place series runner.  Needless to say, he lost 10th overall by a few seconds in this last race.  We look forward to competing as a team in the 2012 Winter Series, but we are preparing for our next event, the Rock Canyon Half Marathon.

Rim Rock Marathon Relay (26.2 mi...13.1 each)

Jaclyn writes:

The Rim Rock Marathon was an amazing experience, and probably one of my favorite races this year.  Having driven through Grand Junction and Fruita to raft Ruby Horse Thief or Westwater Canyon in the past, I hadn't thought much about the Colorado National Monument, until this race.  We anticipated doing well as a relay team and were hoping for first place.  Compared to the top marathon runners, we anticipated being in the top ten or twenty.  Up until this race, we had a solid training base and were ready to give a strong competition.

The race runs along the road, starting in Grand Junction and ending in Fruita, through the monument.  I honestly can't tell much about the first 13 miles, though another runner told me that Duane would be looking at cedars and dirt the entire time.  His leg involved about 2,000 feet of climbing.  He maintained the top 3 position, when around mile 10, he took 1st place.  I was warming up at the aid station, anticipating that he would finish around 1:50.  I was able to see the 1st place position for 1/4 mile at 1:30.  He kind've ran like Duane and seemed to be wearing the same clothing.  At 150 yards, I was dumbfounded to see that it was Duane.  My shock clouded my memory, and for a moment he needed to remind me to remove the timing chip and start running.  In disbelief, I followed the lead vehicle, while dreaming about crossing the finish line in first place.  After a short time, the excitement began wearing off.  Knowing that much faster runners were behind me, I began feeling like prey running from a fierce predator.  I lost first place at mile 4, but it was fun while it lasted. 

While I analyzed our competition and worried about other runners taking my spot, I'd take short breaks to remind myself of how beautiful the Monument is and not to look down.  The amount of dimension within the Colorado National Monument is amazing.  From a distance, it just looks like another mesa.  Up close, it has amazing canyons, monoliths and cliffs.  This race boasted the most amazing views, making it one of my favorites.  The Rim Rock showed the beauty we had hoped to see in the Canyonlands Half Marathon.  Rim Rock had so much more to offer.

I have never had so many "fans" in my life.  Many spectators and bicyclists cheered me on to the finish.  I didn't see any other runners for the remainder of the race, and I crossed the finish line in third place.  Finishing as the psuedo first female was a little awkward, though, in my mind, we were the first team.  Crossing the finish line at 2:59:45, I was disappointed to find that the first place runner was on a male team.  Duane and I finished as the second team overall and first in the coed division.  Better luck next time, and I know there will be a next time. 

Duane writes:

I have never won a race. And I still haven't. But I was the first runner to come into the 13 mile transition of the Rim Rock Marathon and that was the first time I have ever been the front runner in such a competitive race. It was one of the coolest highlights of my racing history, one that I'm not likely to repeat, and the excitement of handing over the first position to Jaclyn was priceless.

At the beginning, before the race even, I was the only one totally underdressed--which is to say, I was the only one not dressed for a winter run in, say Waldo Canyon--in just shorts and a short sleeve technical. I've long since given up carrying water or even guu on these runs because they're so well supported that anything I need would be available. Still, the Colorado Monument is famous for having a different climate zone than Fruita and I didn't know that. Luckily, my half was under mostly clear skies, a light, cold breeze, and up one of the most gorgeous stretches of road I have ever had the fortune to run.  I was counting on the breeze dying when we entered the shelter of the monolithic walls of the Monument and the furnace being stoked by 2000 feet elevation gain. I was fine.

Debating how to go out on the race had as much to do with the race Jaclyn and I I were going to be in the next day--the fourth leg of the Fall Series, in which I was defending my age group place from a runner who could easily catch the two and a half minute series lead I had-- and the fact that this race, a relay, was the culmination of a year long commitment that Jaclyn and I had made to run a half marathon a month. Finishing this race strong was our goal. So I went out solid. I wasn't up front, but I was far forward. As I passed each runner, I announced myself as a relay runner so that I wasn't egging on some unsuspecting marathoner. When the real climbing began about mile 2, I was in 6th place. By mile 7 I was in 4th. By mile 9 I was in 3rd. Most of the nine miles had been climb. Maybe 1 mile of coasting flats with a little down had been woven in. The 2nd and 1st place runners were within a long view and I decided that the Fall Series would end the way it ended; I was going for broke. The end of mile 9 was a climb and I took 2nd. I again said that I was a relayer and the response was muddled. It turns out he was a relayer too, but not an experienced distance runner. He said later at transition how much he appreciated what I said, but that at the moment he was totally confused by what I was saying, and had wondered why I was talking to him. When I took the first place position at the mile 11 water station, I was following the pace car for the first time in my life.

I spent the next 2 miles in the front and the conversation in my head was a mess. Another climb had me at my physical limit and the fear of the runner behind me kept me on edge. Turns out, the man I just passed would win the marathon, but when I came into transition, almost 90 seconds ahead of him, I was a hero. Jaclyn was waiting, but she was in so much shock that I had to remind her about getting the time chip off my leg. She took off so fast that I don't think she had ever started a race as fast. The excitement was contagious. That second place guy I passed at mile 10 transitioned with his partner who was almost 3 minutes behind. He said his partner was an experienced runner and a strong runner, but I told him and the crowd of other relayerers waiting for their teammate, that so was my wife. I told them she could win the whole thing. She didn't. Our team finished third in the overall, but for more than a couple of hours, I know that a whole bunch of people, inspired by my finish and the unknown x-factor that was Jaclyn, were cheering us on.

What a great day and we have learned that we make a great running team. We're running as a team at least once a year now, or so we've said to each other. I can't wait for the next transition.

Canya Canyon 6K

This race is one of the toughest trail runs around.  Though it is short, the 6k is a continuous uphill climb into Cheyenne Canyon.  The race is run along the Columbine Trail, which is remarkably beautiful.  The canyon always reminds me of the ecosystem diversity within the Springs.  This area really gives you the feeling that you have drifted away from the city, though you really tread a few miles west of town. 

On the morning of the race, I recognized a few fast, local women.  However, I didn't try to maintain any of their paces and just accepted that I was racing for myself.  I did find a male that typically runs close to my pace, but after a couple hundred yards, I realized that I felt good about running faster.  After all, the lower portion of the trail defines your finish.  As you begin the mid-Columbine trail, you are climbing a series of intense switchbacks and your chances for passing runners becomes slim.  I felt excellent throughout the entire race.

At 4k into the run, I recognized the faster women ahead and realized that I must be the third female.  I finished about forty seconds behind the other two women (41:21).  This was my first local top three finish.  Duane was shocked to see me so soon.  We enjoyed a cool down run through the canyon, and finished the event with some Bristol beer and La'us tacos donated to the event.  This is definitely a great run to raise money for the canyon.  Duane and I also think it boasts the best after party around. 

Fall Series III (5.9ish miles)

I guess I stalled to write on the Ute Valley Park run, because it felt pretty anticlimactic.  I did pretty well, but felt defeated early on, influencing my drive to push harder.  I tried to keep with the 12 year old, and that clearly wasn't going to happen.  This resulted in my pace being too fast at the start.  Next thing I knew, I was trying to keep up with some amazingly fast local women, who passed me as a pack.  While I fought to keep some place and maintain my footing, I regrettably elbowed someone.  I still feel embarrassed about this.  I wasn't trying to be overly aggressive.  I was really trying to keep myself from falling over. 

Warmup Run

 This interaction marked my first six or seven minutes into the race.  As they passed, some guy started coaching me to run harder.  Though a nice gesture, I figured I was better off letting him pass, too.  The first mile set precedent for the remainder of my race.  I was pretty down on myself for running out of my league and for elbowing another runner.  All of this negative thought and distraction finally drew me towards one realization, I hadn't even seen any of my age group competitors.  Surely, I had missed them and they were far ahead, but the idea that they may be behind helped to pick up my pace. 

It's a bird, it's a plane...it's Gerald Romero!

 In the end, I finished first in my age group.  This wasn't because of my hard work, but was because the other girls didn't show up.  I lost a place, overall, by 5 seconds.  I blame that on all the negative thought and my "giving up" mid-race. 

I've never really raced, before now.  I've always competed to finish with my personal best.  Learning where to place myself and how to pace at the start has been a constant challenge.  Staying motivated is also difficult.  However, I think I have my race strategy for Fall Series IV, provided that I'm not too torn up from the Rim Rock Marathon Relay and travel the days before. 

Aspen spent the afternoon at home...walking to the neighbors to see the chickens.

Aspen giving you an aspen leaf!

Fall Series II (4.5 mi): Bear Creek Park

I imagine that I feel somewhat like the Detroit Tigers right now...a little deflated.  I've been humbly defeated by a twelve year old girl, whom I look forward to following, in the coming years, during the cross country season.  Comparing this race to Fall Series I, I was not competing as strong.

Ready to warm-up together

Pre-race stretching

The starting line

 The race begins at the soccer fields in Bear Creek Park.  You run entirely around the field at the start of the race.  This year, to get to the trail, we had to run through a field of weeds and cacti.  On our warmup, Duane regretted his trail flats.  Apparently, cacti and flats are not a great combo.  After this debacle, you hit a wide section of trail to climb, climb, and climb.  It was about mile one when one of the Baxter twins passed me.  I instantly knew that I had gone out too hard.  Soon after, the female ahead of me in the series passed, and I knew I was hosed.  I didn't even have the juice to put up a fight.  I have a lot of excuses for my lack of performance, but it all boils down to life getting in the way.  But, that's just part of amateur running.

Excellent park for some baby and grandma fun, while mommy and daddy get crazy.

 The course continues to climb, then winds down toward some creek crossings, only to have some stair and hill climbs around mile 2.5-3.  After about 3 miles, the race becomes a downhill fight, one that I could've pushed a little harder.  I've always been a strong downhill runner, but didn't show it today.  Following the water station, there are a couple of short uphill climbs.  The race finishes with winding downhill switchbacks that dump into a creek bed.  Runners cross the creek twice, then rope climb a steep, muddy wall.  A downhill finish pushes into hay bales stacked two high.  At this point, a female runner passed me.  Though she got a few seconds on me, I'm still ahead of her in the series. 

Duane coming in for a strong finish.  You can see the hay bales in the distance.

Approaching my final creek crossing.

The rope climb

 I didn't expect to run this series as strong or as seriously.  While it's fun to compete, I'm a little reluctant about race IV.  Duane and I will be racing as a partner relay team in the Rim Rock Marathon the day before, and I think we can win the co-ed division.  However, I don't think either of us will be racing our "A game" in Palmer Park the next day.

Fall Series I (3.5 miles): Attack of the underdog!

Jaclyn writes:

I am never excited about running half a mile or so UPRIVER...in a creek.  Then, getting out of the water only to encounter ridiculous hills.  But, hey, that's the Fall Series for ya.  The race starts at the high school cross country starting line and runs, north, along the creek in Monument Valley Park.  The first 1.5 miles are relatively flat, followed by a steep downhill to enter the creek.  The course, loops around the creek before this point.  Creek running was tough, deciding whether or not to commit to the run or trudge into a walk while trying to find solid ground.  At some point, a spectator told me I was in second place.  I knew he was wrong, but it made me realize that I was doing much better than anticipated.  I was actually in fourth place at this point.

After the creek, I lost one place by a couple of seconds, but I was quickly losing my motivation.  I was hungry, from improper pre-race fueling, and the steep hills (by steep I mean all fours on deck) were tough.  I ran my heart out to the finish (31:46 and 5th female).  My "secret overachieving goal" was to be in the top ten...the goal I shared was top 15, so I'm pretty happy with my result.  This series tends to be ridiculously fast, and I hope to keep up my times for a strong overall finish.  I've run this series as a middle-of-the-packer and a back-of-the-packer in different times of health, training and pregnancy.  It's exciting to be out front.   

Duane had an amazing finish at 26:59 and 11th overall.  He lost some push running in the creek, mainly because of a cold we had been fighting all week.  I'm hoping that we will stay in good health to race strong during this "downtime".

Harvest Moon Long Triathlon (70.3)

Jaclyn writes:

Before I was ever thinking about having a baby, I remember working as a personal trainer for many women that came to me with one concern, baby weight.  After having a baby, up to five years prior, their weight had ballooned out of control and they had finally taken the time to reign in their health.  While this pattern is the product of many social issues revolving around pregnancy, I was determined to avoid this struggle.  Keeping weight off and staying healthy, are far easier.  This is partly what fueled my desire to complete a long distance triathlon this year.  I knew that having concrete fitness goals would maintain my motivation to regain fitness.  While I wouldn't recommend the same goal for all women, a 5k would not be out of the question.

Approaching the race, I was nervous about my level of training.  I trained hard and consistently all summer, but could not find the time for distance work once school and cross country began.  Though this only impacted a couple of weeks, I think the first of those weeks made a crucial difference.  I began waking up around 4:30 a.m. to fit in an early run or swim.  My run after school was limited to cross country distances.   So, I only found the time for longer distance workouts on the weekends.  Additionally, a couple of mid-length rides followed by runs would have helped.

 I began the race with the same disbelief of running the Pikes Peak Marathon.  A little voice inside of me was convinced that I would not be doing this today.  Somehow, we were all gathered here, ready to dive into ridiculously cold waters, but it was really just a dream.  The dream feeling seemed to wear off as my numb feet kicked my way past the first buoy.  Reality and panic definitely set in as a kayak notified me that I was headed away from the group.  Yeah, I'm not a fabulous swimmer.  The swim was out and back (1.2 miles total), like an isosceles triangle.  Once I hit the turn-a-round, I finally had visibility, since I no longer had a glaring sun in my eyes.  Even with tinted goggles, it was tough. 

As I hit the shore, I began to experience the worst transition, ever.  I think I was near hypothermic, and definitely delirious.  My transition time was terrible (4:13) as I struggled to change myself with shaking hands.  My first few bike miles were tough, lacking equilibrium, but soon I was having a great ride.  I was able to pass a lot of riders for the first 40 miles, redemption for a 47:08 swim.  I also kept myself really hydrated, maintaining a Gatorade on my frame and a water bottle in my jersey.  I traded out my water bottle at each of the three stations along the course.  I used Cliff bar Shot Blocks to manage my glucose levels.  I also ate an Odwalla bar along the way, which I had unwrapped, broken into bits and stuffed in an open bag in my jersey.  The bike course was not as tough as my 50 mile training rides at the Air Force Academy.  Nonetheless, it seemed endless at mile 40 and running 13.1 seemed impossible at mile 50.  For this reason, I think I needed a few more training ride and run days.  Around mile 51, my front derailleur stopped shifting into the largest cog.  This might have been a blessing, as I allowed myself to coast some downhills, but I also wasn't able to keep pushing.  I finished my ride with a time of 2:57:28.

My next transition was smooth, and with a bathroom stop, I began my half-marathon.  Again, I found myself passing a lot of athletes.  I had estimated that my pace would average around 9 minute miles.  I was looking and feeling better than most.  At the start of the run, I had intermittent cramping in my abdominal and quadriceps muscles.  I allowed myself to walk at each aid station (placed every mile), to keep the cramping manageable.  By mile 5, my quads were in completely cramped, but I still felt strong.  The course was rolling hills around the reservoir (out and back).  At mile 11, with my bearings, I was able to boost my stride to the finish (2:00:51).

The race advertises a "slip and slide" finish.  I was a little intimidated that I would be forced to get on the ground, then struggle my way up to cross the finish line.  I was wrong and grateful that the "slip and slide" was after the finish and looked like a giant "bounce house".  I was doubtful about using it, but did not want to look like a party pooper.  Surprisingly, it helped me to instantly recover.  Every race needs a "slip and slide"; I think the PPRR Fall Series needs to get on that.

I finished in 5:52:06, 8th in my age group and 38th overall female.  My goal was to finish before 6 hours, so I'm pretty happy with my time.  I'd still like to improve my swim, but I think that will just take time.  I've only been swimming since January.  The volume of necessary training, for this event, was absurd.  So, I don't anticipate doing another any time soon, nor do I have plans to compete in a full Ironman.  Instead, I plan to stick with the Olympic distance and improve my performance.