Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow

Olympic Trials Marathon

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Location:

Fort Collins,CO,

Member Since:

May 15, 2003

Gender:

Male

Goal Type:

Local Elite

Running Accomplishments:

Unaided PR's:
5K: 14:48 (Track - 2001)
10K: 30:45 (Track - 2001)
10K: 31:32 (Bolder Boulder - 2013)
Half Marathon: 1:06:09 (Duluth - 2013)
Marathon: 2:17:54 (Grandma's) - 2014)
Marathon: 2:19:47 (Indianapolis Monumental - 2013)
Marathon: 2:19:49 (Indianapolis Monumental - 2010)

Aided PR's:
10K: 29:38 (Des News - 2011)
Half Marathon: 1:05:30 (TOU Half - 2011)
Marathon: 2:18:09 (St George - 2007)
Marathon: 2:17:35 (Boston - 2011)

Short-Term Running Goals:

Diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis in June of 2008. Started taking Enbrel in March, 2009.

Run as much as I can, and race as well as I can. Make the most of however much time I have left as an able-bodied runner.

Training for the 2018 Colorado Marathon

Long-Term Running Goals:

  Run until I'm old, and then run some more. Stand tall.

Personal:

1 wife, 2 kids. 1 cat. Work as a GIS Specialist/Map Geek

Endure and persist; this pain will turn to your good. - Ovid

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. - Romans 5:1-5

 

 

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Miles:This week: 0.00 Month: 0.00 Year: 0.00
Saucony Trail Shoe Lifetime Miles: 247.50
Hoka Clifton Lifetime Miles: 491.50
Saucony Type A6 Lifetime Miles: 186.50
Saucony Zealot Lifetime Miles: 478.75
Saucony Kinvara 6 Lifetime Miles: 433.50
Saucony Kinvara 6-2 Lifetime Miles: 358.75
Brooks Pure Connect Blue Lifetime Miles: 337.25
New Balance Trainers Lifetime Miles: 314.50
New Balance 1400 Racers Lifetime Miles: 65.00
Brook Pureflow Lifetime Miles: 99.50
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
2563.4558.70105.406.200.002733.75
Brooks Launch (3) Miles: 141.25Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 251.50Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 514.75Saucony Hattori Miles: 99.50Saucony Kinvara Miles: 397.50Asics Blur 33 Miles: 513.25Saucony Guide TR Miles: 15.00Saucony Type A Miles: 48.00Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 439.25Brooks Green Silence Miles: 232.25
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
6.500.000.000.000.006.50

ez 6.5 miles, at about 8:00/mile

***

We'll I haven't written in personal blog in...forever. So it's with great delight that I announce a (gasp) new blog entry on my (unofficial) Olympic Trials course map and elevation profile. For those who don't know me, I am a map nerd. I used to do maps like this "for fun" all time, but it's pretty rare now days. Fortunately the holiday weekend let me bust the rust off my keyboard and mouse.

Comments
From Jake K on Mon, Jan 02, 2012 at 14:00:01 from 67.177.21.60

Funny that you had to create your own elevation profile... I can't believe they never bothered to post one. Looks like a fair course, a little rolling but nothing too challenging. Should be a good course for you to get into a good rhythm and really roll people down that go out too hard.

From Bill on Mon, Jan 02, 2012 at 20:09:07 from 174.23.2.152

I will be looking for you on TV Paul.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
13.000.000.000.000.0013.00

am - easy 5 miles, Fossil Creek to Mason. Averaged 7:55/mile

pm - 8 miles, Mason Trail. Averaged 6:49/mile. Beautiful, warm day.

Brooks Launch (3) Miles: 8.00Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 5.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.000.006.000.000.0014.00

Medium Workout. Did 14 miles, with 6x1-mile LT intervals, 2-minute recovery. Power Trail to Spring Creek to Poudre River, and back. Intervals were 5:03, 5:01, 4:59, 4:57, 4:50, 4:43. Felt very good, gotta love tapering.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 14.00
Comments
From Jake K on Tue, Jan 03, 2012 at 16:55:49 from 155.100.226.54

Nice... looking sharp! (well I don't really know how sharply you were dressed, but at least the splits look razor sharp). Seems like you've had a nice progression in the workouts over the past couple months and its coming together at just the right time.

From Paul on Tue, Jan 03, 2012 at 17:23:31 from 207.224.39.118

I think I looked pretty sharp in my shorty-shorts and my new Brooks Launch with neon green shoe laces.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
13.000.000.000.000.0013.00

AM - Power Trail, 4 miles, 8:05/mile average

noon - did an out-and-back to the west side of town. 9 miles, averaged 6:48/mile. Felt great.

Brooks Launch (3) Miles: 9.00Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 4.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
13.000.000.000.000.0013.00

am - 5.5 miles, Fossil Creek to Mason, no watch.

noon - 7.5 miles, Fossil Creek Park. Averaged 6:50/mile. Did some strides.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 5.50
Comments
From Scott Ensign on Fri, Jan 06, 2012 at 02:56:23 from 67.40.119.246

how bout those packers? you haven't gotten caught up in tebow mania I hope. if I hear you switch to a bronco fan I will be coming out to set you straight.

From Paul on Fri, Jan 06, 2012 at 09:58:46 from 184.96.141.187

No, Tebow has lost three straight, so I'm off the bandwagon. But now I'm on the Matt Flynn band wagon.

From Jake K on Fri, Jan 06, 2012 at 11:37:52 from 155.100.226.54

Yeah its definitely time for someone to sign Matt Flynn to a $50 million contract. It worked out great for the Bills w/ Ryan Fitzpatrick.

From Paul on Fri, Jan 06, 2012 at 11:46:55 from 207.224.39.118

I'm thinking either Raiders or Redskins. They're also up for overpaying people. Also Denver could use a quarterback as well.

From Jake K on Fri, Jan 06, 2012 at 11:48:31 from 155.100.226.54

Whoever doesn't get Peyton Manning will severely overpay for Flynn!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
13.000.000.000.000.0013.00

am - Power Trail, 4 miles, averaged 8:30/mile.

noon - out-and-back on Swallow Rd. 9 miles, averaged 6:50/mile.

Brooks Launch (3) Miles: 4.00Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 9.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
15.750.000.000.000.0015.75

Did a loop, Mason Trail to Spring Creek Trail, to Fossil Creek Trail. 15.75 miles, averaged 6:49/mile.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 15.75
Comments
From Steam8 on Sat, Jan 07, 2012 at 14:44:00 from 166.70.55.77

WOW..what a run! You are fast!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
5.000.000.000.000.005.00

Fossil Creek park, 5 miles, averaged 7:30/mile.

Saucony Hattori Miles: 5.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.002.000.000.000.0010.00

Power Trail to Spring Creek Trail. Did 2 miles at MP in the middle, in 10:11 (5:04, 5:07). Averaged 6:22/mile for 10 miles.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 10.00
Comments
From Oreo on Mon, Jan 09, 2012 at 17:20:29 from 206.81.136.61

Gooooood Luck this weekend! Have a great time and enjoy it!!

From Jon on Mon, Jan 09, 2012 at 17:28:28 from 98.71.175.203

That's a fast run for a taper. Good luck this weekend.

From Rob on Mon, Jan 09, 2012 at 19:44:43 from 206.81.136.61

Good luck and have fun this weekend!

From jtshad on Wed, Jan 11, 2012 at 14:47:59 from 204.134.132.225

Travel safely and good luck on Saturday, we will be cheering for you.

I agree with Jon, that is quite a taper run...but you are the one with OTQ!

From Paul on Wed, Jan 11, 2012 at 14:55:44 from 207.224.39.118

Thanks. It's easy to run fast taper runs...everything feels good! Also, when it's sunny and 60 degrees out, that makes it easier too.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.000.000.000.000.0010.00

AM - easy 5 miles, Power Trail south. Averaged 8:15/mile

noon - easy 5 miles, home and back for lunch. Averaged 7:15/mile.

Brooks Launch (3) Miles: 5.00Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 5.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
6.000.000.000.000.006.00

Power Trail, south. 6 miles, no watch. Did some strides in the middle.

Well, that's just about it for the taper. Tomorrow is my travel day, and I plan to take it off, other than some walking or maybe some light jogging to work out the flight. Friday is an easy 3-4 miles, probably on the course. Saturday is the race. I couldn't have asked for better weather this winter to train in. I have been able to wear shorts more often than not. Other than losing a few days to moving and to having a slight headcold, it's been a great December. And I am of the opinion that runners are too anal, and missing a day here or there really makes no difference. ;-) So I'm ready to go.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 6.00
Comments
From Superfly on Wed, Jan 11, 2012 at 15:51:54 from 74.211.21.81

Awesome! Going into the race feeling good is super helpful and helps that positive mojo start to flow.

Good luck man. We'll all be cheering and following ya.

From Jake K on Wed, Jan 11, 2012 at 16:08:15 from 155.100.226.54

Good luck Paul! We'll be rooting hard for you on Saturday! Run smart, give it everything you've got, and mow people down!

And considering your head start, please don't get caught by any of the women :-)

From allie on Wed, Jan 11, 2012 at 16:13:22 from 161.38.218.168

i presume you are digging google's homepage today...

best of luck to you on saturday. it's pretty cool you are the one and only runner on the list for utah (even though you aren't here anymore -- colorado has 44!) you have lots of fans cheering for you. have fun.

From Barry on Wed, Jan 11, 2012 at 16:41:53 from 184.155.125.187

Good Luck, Praying for you...

From Cody on Wed, Jan 11, 2012 at 17:13:39 from 63.161.193.100

Go get em Paul!

From Holt on Wed, Jan 11, 2012 at 17:30:52 from 204.113.55.41

Before you get started...

Best of luck and I hope all the stars align in your favor.

You will do excellent!

From SlowJoe on Wed, Jan 11, 2012 at 17:44:08 from 132.3.53.68

I'm marathoning with the masses on Sunday in Houston, but will be there watching on Saturday. Let me know if you want me to trip/injure some of your competitors as they run by. Anything I can do to help...

From JasonD on Wed, Jan 11, 2012 at 18:52:35 from 24.1.80.94

Best of luck, Paul. Hoping for the best.

From emruns on Wed, Jan 11, 2012 at 20:30:40 from 76.27.114.171

Good luck, Paul. Enjoy the amazing experience. The Utah running community is behind you all the way.

From steve ash on Wed, Jan 11, 2012 at 20:46:23 from 24.10.169.210

Good luck Paul. Hope the best for you, and have a good time:)

From Jon on Wed, Jan 11, 2012 at 20:58:04 from 98.71.175.203

Good luck, man. By the way, we fully expect mid-course tweets and facebook updates!

From Hamdog Alum on Thu, Jan 12, 2012 at 00:03:12 from 24.240.65.116

I have no doubt you'll run a smart race and I know you'll give it your all. Your smart racing tactics, experience, and heart will place you well. Prayers are with you!

From Clay on Thu, Jan 12, 2012 at 00:55:07 from 71.195.211.7

Good luck Paul! My prayers go with you and I hope you kick butt!

From David Nelson on Thu, Jan 12, 2012 at 12:09:56 from 50.135.121.98

Good luck buddy, looking forward to the story. Have fun.

From TBean on Thu, Jan 12, 2012 at 16:56:04 from 63.241.173.64

Good luck. We'll be watching.

From CBirt on Fri, Jan 13, 2012 at 00:02:23 from 12.25.230.223

Race well, Paul. Hope you have a great run!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
0.000.000.000.000.000.00

travel day, I took the day off running. Travel out to Houston was good and uneventful. Met Karen from the blog and chatted with her during the shuttle ride. Arrived at the host hotel at about 2pm. Checked in with USATF, checked my race gear (they are wayyy anal). Then got a 20 minute massage that turned out to be 50 minutes...and very deep. Both good things, although I'm glad I got it today and not tomorrow. Showered, then ate dinner. Everything here is very nice. My roomate is Peter Gilmore, although he has not arrived yet. Wish that my family were here, although Zoe got sick last night, so it's a good thing on multiple counts that they stayed. Now that I'm here I really realize how much I've moved on...I know very few people, and rather wish I was at home rolling around with my kids. Well, if I can just make it to Saturday, I will feel "at home" once I start running

 

Comments
From Jake K on Thu, Jan 12, 2012 at 21:19:15 from 67.177.21.60

So they are really cracking down on all the uniform rules, huh?

Peter's "Get out the door and run" blog post from a year or two ago is one of the simplest, best pieces of running advice I've ever read.

Get some rest, stay relaxed... really excited to see how it plays out on Saturday.

From Jon on Thu, Jan 12, 2012 at 21:49:10 from 98.71.175.203

Did you race against Peter once?

Glad they didn't pull a Boston and give away your hotel room.

From Holt on Fri, Jan 13, 2012 at 10:35:33 from 204.113.55.41

Welcome to being an old family man! I guess your uneventful arrival was better than Josh Cox's attempted carjacking!

Enjoy the experience and rip it up!

From Paul on Fri, Jan 13, 2012 at 12:03:18 from 12.14.62.2

Jon, I met Peter a couple years ago at RnR Seattle, but we were in different races.

Dave, yes that's why I took the shuttle! Very small chance of being shuttle-jacked.

From Seth on Fri, Jan 13, 2012 at 19:42:22 from 184.228.152.25

Good luck Saturday! Being there must be an incrdible experience, but going home will be nice too

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
3.000.000.000.000.003.00

Easy three miles on the dourse, with some strides at the end.

After breakfast, took a course tour, then met a client who lives out here and also runs, and we checked out the Houston Marathon expo. Then had lunch, went to the technical meeting, got my bib, and then dropped off fluid bottles. After that had about an hour free before dinner. Mer Emily Bates for the first time while waiting in line for dinner, so my blogger count is up to two. After dinner, I've been killing time with the NFL Network (aka - the Tebow Channel). Definitely ready for the main event.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 3.00
Comments
From Rob Murphy on Fri, Jan 13, 2012 at 22:56:16 from 76.27.122.13

We're all pulling for you Paul. Good luck.

From Dan on Fri, Jan 13, 2012 at 23:00:10 from 24.209.83.20

We are at that. Hoping for the best.

From scottkeate on Fri, Jan 13, 2012 at 23:18:54 from 71.199.4.146

Have a great race, Paul. You've got so many people pulling for you. What an amazing opportunity to experience! Thanks for the inspiration.

From Jake K on Fri, Jan 13, 2012 at 23:30:13 from 67.177.21.60

Go get 'em Paul! Good luck!

From Jon on Fri, Jan 13, 2012 at 23:32:18 from 98.71.175.203

Good luck! Who was the other blogger.

By "main event" I hope you're not referring to the NFL Broncos game, even though you're now a Coloradoan...

From Fritz on Fri, Jan 13, 2012 at 23:41:30 from 67.182.226.25

Good luck Paul. I am sure you will have a great race.

From James on Sat, Jan 14, 2012 at 00:18:20 from 174.23.146.70

Race hard buddy!

From Vis on Sat, Jan 14, 2012 at 01:11:03 from 208.88.8.22

If anyone knows how to consistently tap into peak performances it's you. Have fun out there.

From Kory on Sat, Jan 14, 2012 at 02:24:14 from 184.155.127.141

Paul, Your fitness is peaked. Run with your heart and your faith.

From Walter on Sat, Jan 14, 2012 at 03:33:48 from 97.163.178.212

Go get Em tiger! It's yours!

Race: Olympic Trials Marathon (26.2 Miles) 02:20:31, Place overall: 55
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
0.8026.200.000.000.0027.00

2:20:31, 55th place. Went through a lot of rough moments, but fought hard and didn't quit on the race. Was rewarded with a memorable last 4 miles. Will write more later. Thanks everyone for the support.

Splits: 5:00, 5:09, 5:06,  5:09 (44th place), 5:03, 5:07, 5:12, 5:06, 5:29(!), 5:18, 5:10, 5:13, 5:05 (1:07:03 for 13 miles), 5:13, 5:27, 5:17, 5:37 (now in 71st place), 5:29, 5:38,  5:51, 5:52, 6:01, 5:47, 5:24, 5:30, 5:17, 1:10 (55th place).

Results with splits are listed here, and also here. It's actually quite fascinating to me, to recreate the race from numbers. For the first 16 miles or so, you can see nice packs, people running the same splits...but the last 6 miles are just total chaos. Everyone's splits were all over the pace, people making huge moves upward, and other people going through epic crash-and-burns. Utter carnage. Cool stuff, I'm glad they had timing mats at every mile.

Here's kind of a photo journal for my race report:

The pace early on felt great. Just clicked off 5:05-5:10 for the first 8 miles of the race, got in a great rhythm. Was it too fast? Oh, definitely! But I wanted to roll the dice. And I was excited about it. Maybe I could be the Trent Briney of this year? I know others had similar thoughts. Unfortunately, side stitches threw me off after Mile 8, and I had to slow down for miles 9-10 to try to work them out. I worked a bit of it out, and then latched on to the next pack who had caught me, and got a good pace going again through Mile 14. But then during Mile 15 my legs quickly became toast. Yup, too fast early one! A death-march soon started. It was dispiriting knowing that I had 11 miles left and that my legs were gone. Side stitches came and went the whole race, which made things even worse, and threw off whatever rhythm I could muster. I acknowledge that I probably could have ran better if I went out more conservatively, but I don't necessarily regret it. Since I ran the 2008 Trials, and this would likely be my last Trials, I had nothing to lose, and I didn't see much to gain by running 2:18-2:19. Trying for 2:14-2:15 sounded a lot more interesting.

My face was sore afterward from grimacing so much. :-) It's definitely the tensest I've been during a marathon, due to the side stitches. I had a hard time relaxing my arms and shoulders too.

Speaking of side stitches, here's a shot that captures that. Yup, nothing like trying to sustain 5:10-pace while clutching your gut with one hand. The guy in orange chucked his yellow PowerAid all over the course a little bit later in the race...made me grateful that my stomach problems were not of that variety. 10 minutes later he passed me again, though, much to my surprise. I ended up passing him for good with a couple miles left. "Battle for 60th". Those are the dramas that they don't show on NBC but definitely should. I do respect Luke Watson a lot for heaving the entire contents of his stomach, and then regrouping enough to finish the race. Most people wouldn't. There were a lot of unheralded performances like that out there within the mid-packers that people will never know about.

More grimacing. Right here I'm thinking: "Man I hate this. I'd better grimace to make myself feel better." It didn't work though. I never came so close to dropping out in a marathon. Miles 15-17 were absolute low points. I almost did drop before the last lap, but then thought of all the friends and family back home, on the Blog, at my work, and yes even on Facebook, who had been SO supportive of me. And I knew then that I needed to finish at any cost, even it it meant 7 minute miles and a lonnngg period of pain. This is Trials baby, can't quit! I prayed to God for the will to finish, and He granted me that. Before the start of the last lap, at Mile 18, I made the decision to keep going. I was rewarded by not just finishing, but finishing well.


 Here's the thing, though: we ALL felt terrible. Just look at these other guys. That was one thing that kept me going, knowing that if I just stuck with it, other people would die worse than me. And eventually the side stitches went away, I passed some people, and received some positive feedback and mental encouragement from that. My legs responded to my positive emotions, and I ended up running the last 5K in about 16:45, and passed about 15 people. The big lesson: never quit on a marathon. You just never know what can happen. I've never dropped to 6-minute pace and then bounced back to 5:20 pace, but there's a first for everything. The last 4 miles were certainly painful, but very exhilarating.


Above is the photo of the sprint to the finish. One last guy to get...I was pretty pumped though. This was my 20th marathon, but the first time I ever had someone to sprint with at the finish. I tried to encourage the other guy as I went by, "hey, we made it!!" Meb, Abdi, and Hall were standing near the finish wearing American flags...I gave them a thumbs-up as I went by. Ah, the cheesy things you do when you finish marathons...

Glad I had the honor to run again, glad that I persevered. 2:20:30 is still one of my better times. Placing 55th out of 111 starters is almost an exact median, which the stats geek in me thinks is kind of cool. Funny that I finished in almost the exact same spot as 4 years ago (I was 52nd), but ran almost exactly 2 minutes faster. So it's a Trials PR? Gotta find a PR in everything. Also, it's my half marathon PR, so there was some fruit today.

What's in the store the rest of the year? Probably just some local stuff, as I lie low and get to know the Colorado racing scene. I think this will be my only marathon for 2012, since I've done 4 in a 12-month span I probably need a year off. But I'm sure I'll re-evaluate later. Thanks all for the support. T


Comments
From Scott Ensign on Fri, Jan 13, 2012 at 20:27:50 from 67.40.113.148

the time zone in Houston must be really messed up. it is Saturday already???

From steve ash on Sat, Jan 14, 2012 at 14:39:02 from 24.10.169.210

Great work Paul. What else is there to say? Hold onto those memories.

From CBirt on Sat, Jan 14, 2012 at 14:40:46 from 74.202.77.223

Great effort, Paul. I was on the course cheering for you. Saw you 6 or 7 times. Your effort was truly inspiring. Looking forward to your report.

From Bill on Sat, Jan 14, 2012 at 14:44:34 from 174.23.11.3

great race Paul! You are very inspiring.

From Jon on Sat, Jan 14, 2012 at 15:32:53 from 98.71.175.203

Glad to hear you had a nice finish. Looking forward to the whole report.

From Holt on Sat, Jan 14, 2012 at 17:17:41 from 97.126.206.196

Way to push through Paul - great job.

From Jake K on Sat, Jan 14, 2012 at 18:28:32 from 67.177.21.60

Way to go Paul. We caught a few glimpses of you on the broadcast, and were yelling GO PAUL at the TV, despite the fact that the race had been over for hours :-)

You're an absolute inspiration to me, man. Looking forward to reading your full report later.

From Walter on Sat, Jan 14, 2012 at 18:43:01 from 97.149.206.124

Most excellent job! Just being there is amazing.

From jtshad on Sat, Jan 14, 2012 at 19:45:29 from 69.20.183.178

Congrats on persevering and running a great race. Can't wait to hear the rest of the story.

From Rob on Sat, Jan 14, 2012 at 19:47:46 from 67.177.25.183

Great race! Congrats

From Russ on Sat, Jan 14, 2012 at 20:12:21 from 24.72.198.228

Congrats on a great race! That is an awesome time.

From Bonnie on Sat, Jan 14, 2012 at 20:41:15 from 64.119.33.134

Great job Paul!!

From Scott Ensign on Sat, Jan 14, 2012 at 20:46:44 from 70.58.47.91

nice job Paul, you are awesome. hope to see you memorial day in Boulder?

From allie on Sat, Jan 14, 2012 at 21:24:59 from 97.117.82.156

congratulations, paul.

From Hamdog Alum on Sat, Jan 14, 2012 at 23:28:01 from 24.240.65.116

I saw you on T.V. Paul! Way to go, another fantastic marathon time!

From Oreo on Sat, Jan 14, 2012 at 23:55:50 from 174.27.151.219

Awesome.. Great job. Inspirational.

From Jacob Flaws on Sun, Jan 15, 2012 at 10:38:58 from 173.29.149.105

congrats on the accomplishment! running in the olympic trials is an amazing thing! good work!

From Kory on Sun, Jan 15, 2012 at 18:54:02 from 184.155.127.141

Great job Paul. Through all adversity you've been through with injures you've achieved greatness with a great attitude and perseverance

From Rachelle on Sun, Jan 15, 2012 at 21:03:59 from 66.7.127.115

Wow Congratulations!

From Dave S on Mon, Jan 16, 2012 at 11:53:59 from 4.254.222.42

Awesome job! Looks like you ran a smokin first half! Can't wait to read the rest.

From Bec on Mon, Jan 16, 2012 at 13:14:21 from 68.206.133.141

My husband and I were at the trials, what an AMAZING experience. I thought that no one from Utah was running the race, until I saw you! I said, "hey that's PAUL!!!! From Utah!" I cheered for you about the five times I got to see you. Thank you for making Utah look really good. It was really cool to see you cross the finish line in such high spirits.

Congrats man. I did get a picture of you and I will try to post it to my blog.

From Jake K on Mon, Jan 16, 2012 at 13:28:45 from 155.100.226.54

So at least a 30 second 1/2 marathon PR? I can't believe how quick the race went out - almost the exact opposite of the last trials

From Paul on Mon, Jan 16, 2012 at 13:50:47 from 207.224.39.118

Yeah, about 30s faster than my previous unaided PR (which is soft, but...)

I would have been under 1:07, if I hadn't slowed to work out the side stitch.

Hall just took it out hard from the gun, and that influenced the entire field...why 2:15:00 was about 22nd or 23rd this year, whereas most other years 2:15 would put you in the top 10. Lot of people PR'd huge because of Ryan Hall, and a lot of other people had epic blow-ups because of Ryan Hall. It was good conditions to run fast though, so I'm glad it got out fast.

From ebates on Mon, Jan 16, 2012 at 14:13:55 from 97.117.103.1

Great job! I cheered for you a couple times along the course. Fun to watch the trials. Wouldn't trade it for anything except being in them myself :-)

From Dragonvulture on Mon, Jan 16, 2012 at 14:15:31 from 65.44.116.4

Awesome Experience! Congratulations!

From Teena Marie on Mon, Jan 16, 2012 at 14:48:19 from 174.27.210.108

A huge congratulations. :) I am excited to read about your memorable last 4 miles. :)

From Jed on Mon, Jan 16, 2012 at 14:53:11 from 65.100.242.20

Every time I heard the commentators talk about the lead pack trying to separate themselves from the "pretenders," I wanted to throw something at the TV. You are the real deal, Paul. Thank you for consistently inspiring me, a true pretender, as well as so many others. Can't wait to read the details.

From Brent on Mon, Jan 16, 2012 at 15:02:51 from 168.178.30.219

Paul, 1 million commando points, your one of the few that has a great race in two trials - it looked brutal on TV, relentless. Proud, Brave, mentally tougher than nails -

Stay Kool, B of BS Rools out

From Bonnie on Mon, Jan 16, 2012 at 18:37:33 from 150.135.114.115

Jed, the commentators weren't talking about Paul and it is not really based on "time". Pretenders refers to runners who try to stay with the lead pack, when they know they haven't a chance to keep with it for the duration of the race - this happens in just about every marathon majors race (New York, Boston, Chicago). In this case they were referring specifically to Brian Ollinger and Joseph Chirlee (a 2:12 marathoner -- a good marathoner, but all of the guys in the lead had run 2:09 or faster, and 3 mins is a huge PR, it can happen but that is why they were testing the waters). One could argue that if Ollinger had been ready for the marathon he certainly has the leg speed to be with the lead pack (28:05 or something for the 10K), but he didn't make it 10 miles.

Sometimes there is a guy who comes out of nowhere and tries to take the lead, and if the "favorites" don't know who he is then they will go out of their way to try drop him -- or they will let him go and assume he is just in it for the cameras and will die by mile 10 or so (this sometimes backfires like it did in New York in 2008 when Dos Santos took off and won. It is not meant to be slight to the chase pack or anyone else in the race.

From Paul on Mon, Jan 16, 2012 at 18:55:10 from 207.224.39.118

Ha ha. Yeah, people in my packs were not pretending anything...to busy hanging on for dear life to pretend!

I agree Bonnie, I interpreted "pretenders" as people vying for the lead pack who shouldn't really be up there.

From SlowJoe on Mon, Jan 16, 2012 at 19:03:23 from 74.195.74.62

Congrats on a great race Paul, it was fun to watch. Thanks for wearing the same color singlet as your picture, it helped me spot you right away on the course. Great job.

From Benny's on Mon, Jan 16, 2012 at 20:26:22 from 24.170.92.226

Way to kick please do not swear Paul! Good Job! Proud of you...

From Jon on Mon, Jan 16, 2012 at 21:23:27 from 98.71.175.203

I think you have more comments than words in your report. This has to be some kind of record.

From Paul on Mon, Jan 16, 2012 at 21:33:41 from 184.96.141.187

I will write a full report someday, I promise.

From Jody on Mon, Jan 16, 2012 at 21:49:32 from 75.141.131.35

Paul - Congratulations on a great race! We were there cheering you on and as someone who has followed your training for the past 4 years, completely amazed. Thank you for inspiring!

From Clay on Mon, Jan 16, 2012 at 22:54:12 from 71.195.211.7

Nice job Paul on battling through the pain, you are an inspiration to us all here on the blog and that carries a lot of us through our own struggles in life and in running! Awesome race!

From Jon on Mon, Jan 16, 2012 at 23:08:40 from 98.71.175.203

Thanks for sharing the pain, the pics, and the joy. Nice comeback. We're glad you finished. Enjoy the time off.

From James on Mon, Jan 16, 2012 at 23:24:08 from 174.23.146.70

Excellent post, and I am sure an excellent experience.

From JD on Mon, Jan 16, 2012 at 23:29:37 from 71.32.200.226

nice job! the last photo is great - you both look pretty psyched.

From Smooth on Tue, Jan 17, 2012 at 02:53:02 from 75.162.95.99

WOW!!! AWESOME!!! CONGRATZ on the *Trials PR* and speedy 5K to a STRONG finish!!! :)

EXCELLENT performance! Thanks for the wonderful report and pictures! You're an inspiration!!! :)

From Jake K on Tue, Jan 17, 2012 at 10:37:13 from 155.100.226.54

Comment #3 for me - but this report is worth at least that many!

Man, you are a tough racer. I love the attitude you went into this race with - going for one of those magic days. What better stage than the trials to go for broke and give 2:15 a shot? I think what I'm amazed with is that usually when the wheels start to come off, they come off... but you dug down and got back rolling again in the last 3-4 miles. Not many runners could pull something like that off. Not many runners can say they have a "trials PR" either (b/c you can only say that if you run at least 2!).

Congrats Paul - you have a lot to be proud of. You're an inspiration to so many people.

Oh, and were you running for the black electric tape team? :-)

From allie on Tue, Jan 17, 2012 at 10:59:12 from 161.38.218.168

congrats once again. that was a great report -- i especially loved the pictures that said so much. i admire the fight you put up during that last lap. i can't imagine bouncing back like that after feeling like your legs were gone, but you proved that you can come out of a low point and tap into strength you didn't think was there. unbelievable mental toughness. thanks for sharing your journey to and through the trials with all of us. you are one impressive athlete and person.

From Paul on Tue, Jan 17, 2012 at 11:10:15 from 207.224.39.118

Thanks all.

Jake - they were exceedingly anal about uniforms. I had to tape my gloves and shorts too, because they had two "Brooks" logos...only one is acceptable. Even had to tape the "Ogden Marathon" logo on the random top I used for warmup. And despite the St George Running Club being a registered USATF club, and despite the logo specs on my singlet being perfect, they made me tape up the singlet too, due to pure bureaucratic red tape (err...black tape I guess). I was ticked. It's not actually the USATF, it's the USOAC and IAAF. But my own personal opinion is that runners should be able to look like NASCAR drivers if we so choose. Sponsorships are lean for mid-level guys, and it doesn't make sense to strangle them even further. Better get off my soap-box...

At least I can say it freely here on the blog: St George Running Center ROCKS!! Everyone go buy shoes there!

From Andrea on Tue, Jan 17, 2012 at 11:20:30 from 72.37.244.100

Great race! Way to stick it out, work through the pain, and be able to push it at the end. I wish I could've seen what happened to the racers beyond the top 5...I bet it was much more interesting and exciting to see the epic "race-of-your-life" and blow-ups. People going for it, pushing past their limits - that's what it's all about. Congrats on a great Trials.

From Rachelle on Tue, Jan 17, 2012 at 11:29:19 from 199.190.170.21

Wow so cool to read the full report. You are incredibly tough and it is no suprise you have been so successful. You obviously have the mental toughness to persevere. Thank you so much for sharing your amazing journey!

From Paul on Tue, Jan 17, 2012 at 11:29:27 from 207.224.39.118

Andrea - if you are ever bored, check out the mile splits that I linked to at the top of my blog. I'm kind of a numbers geek, but to me they tell a fascinating story of each racer. You can pinpoint the exact moment of brilliance or calamity for each person.

From Superfly on Tue, Jan 17, 2012 at 12:35:21 from 74.211.21.81

This is my favorite race report of yours ever. And there have been soo many good ones. But it's is just straight to the point and I can feel your pain and emotion. Honestly I've never scene your marathon pace roller coaster from 5:05 to over 6 min and then back down again. That's amazing- That's tuff and shows real guts. Way to battle so hard Paul. Your a rockstar in "these parts". Rest up and re-evaluate later. I'm sure there are more great races in your future.

From Hamdog Alum on Tue, Jan 17, 2012 at 14:44:34 from 66.188.108.30

Way to persevere! A trials PR and a 1/2 marathon PR - nice work! I loved the report and pictures. Your reports beats the boys down at NBC by A LOT!

From Fishon on Tue, Jan 17, 2012 at 17:28:56 from 71.208.51.44

Congratulations! You should be very proud of yourself. That is an awesome race and way to persevere!

From steve ash on Tue, Jan 17, 2012 at 20:43:49 from 24.10.169.210

One more comment to bring your total up:)

Sweet photos by the way.

From Jon on Tue, Jan 17, 2012 at 21:22:45 from 98.71.175.203

Seriously, what's wrong with logos? They nitpick the stupid things, but then blow it on the big things (i.e. mile splits during the race, finishing times within 4 hrs of the race, etc).

From Logan Fielding on Tue, Jan 17, 2012 at 21:34:09 from 74.211.12.125

Paul,

You are truly an inspiration. Nice job gutting it out and representing yourself, your family, and the "little guys". I respect you so much.

I also noticed the black tape and was a little surprised.

Enjoy a little break and tell the family "hi".

From MarcE on Wed, Jan 18, 2012 at 00:16:31 from 204.16.82.120

Congratulations, Paul! I had the honor of watching the historic events in Houston on Saturday. What a perfect day for racing and spectating! Thanks for sharing your experience with us mortals.

If you want to relax and check out some photos I took along the course of both the men and women check them out at:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/creativeapps/slideShow/Main.jsp?sourceId=533754321803&cm_mmc=Share-_-Personal-_-Email-_-Sharee-_-Images&_requestid=169905

I snapped quite a few, so there's bound to be one or two keepers in there. Some of the shots definitely capture the pain, especially the ones taken with about 3/4 of a mile to go.

Congrats again!

From prlman on Wed, Jan 18, 2012 at 00:45:12 from 96.25.110.207

Congrats on a great race and thanks for the awesome report what an inspiring job digging down and gutting it out

From Paul on Wed, Jan 18, 2012 at 09:41:00 from 207.224.39.118

Hey Marc, the link only takes me to one photo?

From Tom on Wed, Jan 18, 2012 at 09:55:34 from 67.199.179.59

Great race report and pics. So inspiring I don't know that I recall hearing of anyone recovering so well after a massive crash & burn early in a marathon. A great lesson to remember! I do wish NBC would spend at least a little bit of time covering runners besides just the lead pack.

From MarcE on Wed, Jan 18, 2012 at 10:23:23 from 129.188.33.26

This is the real link...I promise! :)

http://www.kodakgallery.com/gallery/creativeapps/slideShow/Main.jsp?sourceId=533754321803&cm_mmc=Share-_-Personal-_-Email-_-Sharee-_-Images&_requestid=169905

From TBean on Wed, Jan 18, 2012 at 15:44:32 from 63.241.173.64

Thanks for blogging your results. Very fun to read an account from someone that actually ran in the trials. The TV coverage didn't do justice to all the great runners that participated. I mean, can't they at least split the screen so we can see all the runners go by at least some of the major points such as 5K, 10K, 15K, Half M. with a timer above the runners?

From Jon on Sat, Jan 21, 2012 at 14:10:15 from 98.71.175.203

Paul- I think you ran the race just to pad your FRB quantcast numbers and your comment totals...

From Vis on Sat, Jan 21, 2012 at 14:53:09 from 208.88.8.22

Love the pictures. Belated congratulations for a great race. Someone once told me the cool thing about marathons is that you get to toe the line with the finest in the sport. You've definitely done that in Boston and at the trials. I'll also add an AMEN to the many comments about the inspirational manner you have as you go throughout running and life. Thanks.

From josse on Sun, Jan 29, 2012 at 15:19:36 from 166.250.9.72

I just remembered I never read your race report. Loved it as always and so happy you didn't give up. I enjoyed the pictures to go along with the story, it's the kid in me. Great Job:)

From Sasha Pachev on Mon, Apr 09, 2012 at 15:17:55 from 67.222.225.187

I did not get around to reading the race report until now. Mid-pack among the guys that have run under 2:19 is a place where the word mid- really does not belong. A good place to be.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
4.000.000.000.000.004.00

Power Trail, 4 miles, about 7:30/mile. Felt crappy.

Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 4.00
Comments
From Jake K on Mon, Jan 23, 2012 at 10:55:59 from 155.100.226.54

Just looked at some of the potential races you listed for this year... simply in terms of cool places to visit w/ the family - the Sneffles and Lead King races are going to be awesome. Ouray / Silverton are probably my favorite towns in Colorado... you really feel like you're in the old west when you are down in the San Juans. And anywhere in the Elks (Lead King) is amazing to visit in the fall... the whole area around Aspen is a lot of fun.

From Paul on Mon, Jan 23, 2012 at 11:09:57 from 207.224.39.118

Thanks for the feedback. I'm looking for ways to explore Colorado, and these races seemed like a pretty sweet way to do it. Plus they are all part of the USATF grand prix, so there is money at all of them...plus I was forced to buy a 2012 USATF membership for Trials, so may as well use it... The Lead King looks particularly cool to me.

From Jake K on Mon, Jan 23, 2012 at 11:15:21 from 155.100.226.54

Another fun event that the kids would probably love is the Teva games in Vail (usually early June). In addition to watching the dock dogs (probably the best event) they have a few races including a 10K XC/trail race that you could probably kill everyone in and take home some good prize $$ too.

From Paul on Mon, Jan 23, 2012 at 11:43:46 from 207.224.39.118

That looks cool too. Maybe for 2013. I'm trying to limit myself to 6 races this year.

From Jake K on Mon, Jan 23, 2012 at 11:57:21 from 155.100.226.54

Probably smart... 4 marathons in less than a year is a lot

From SlowJoe on Thu, Jan 26, 2012 at 23:47:06 from 24.139.44.147

Paul - just curious - what kind of shoes did you run in for Houston? I did the Chevron Houston in Type A4s and have been paying for it ever since...

From Jon on Fri, Jan 27, 2012 at 00:05:03 from 98.71.175.203

A4's? I think Paul likes them just cause they match his red singlet.

From Paul on Fri, Jan 27, 2012 at 09:08:52 from 184.96.141.187

Saucony Type A. I don't know which version, whatever was out in 2008! They have almost 400 miles now, and I love them. And as Jon noted, they match my singlet. :P

My feet were pretty shredded from all the choppy concrete on the Houston course, but not much worse than normal.

From Jake K on Fri, Jan 27, 2012 at 10:37:19 from 155.100.226.54

Hey Joe - I'll chime in (I know my Saucony shoes!). Paul's red Type As are the A2s, most likely. As the newer versions have come out, they've really stripped down the shoe over the past couple years. I wore the A3s for the Utah Valley Marathon, but the A4s are even more minimalist and aren't great marathon flats (in my opinion, especially on a course with lots of concrete). I like them, but for shorter races. I wore them for a 1/2 that had a lot of concrete, and my feet took a beating. The Fastwitch is a great option for 26.2 that you might want to consider.

From Paul on Fri, Jan 27, 2012 at 10:51:44 from 207.224.39.118

Here you go:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofuM_eQYRio

From Jake K on Fri, Jan 27, 2012 at 10:54:53 from 155.100.226.54

That's interesting - the older A2s are a LOT more similar to the new Fastwitch than they are to the A4/A5s.

From SlowJoe on Fri, Jan 27, 2012 at 15:57:13 from 74.195.74.62

Thanks Paul.

Jake - I actually bought the fastwich for that marathon on your recommendation but then changed my mind (to the type A's) since they felt so much lighter and faster...figured I needed all the help I could get. Live and learn, I guess! It worked out though, and I do like running in the fastwich.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
3.750.000.000.000.003.75

3.75 miles, averaged 8:08/mile. Gotta start somewhere.

Brooks Launch (3) Miles: 3.75
Comments
From Jon on Sat, Jan 28, 2012 at 22:47:24 from 98.71.175.203

Overachiever.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
5.750.000.000.000.005.75

Power Trail, south. 5.75 miles, averaged 7:15/mile.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 5.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
6.500.000.000.000.006.50

Lunchtime run. 6.5 miles, averaged 6:40/mile. It's amazing how much better I feel each consecutive day I run. Legs have some pop in them again.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 6.50
Comments
From Jake K on Mon, Jan 30, 2012 at 15:52:32 from 155.100.226.54

Assuming you continue to increase distance and decrease pace on the same linear trajectory that you've established the past 2 days, by Saturday you'll run 10.25 miles at 3:55/mi pace, which will be very impressive!

From Kory on Mon, Jan 30, 2012 at 17:22:51 from 184.155.135.194

Good to hear. You desire the relaxation and break from a great performance.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.250.000.000.000.007.25

Horsetooth Rd over to Mason St and back home for lunch, then back to work. 7.25 miles, averaged 6:28/mile.

Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 7.25
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
5.750.000.000.000.005.75

Work to Warren Farms, and back. 5.75 miles, averaged 6:15/mile.

Brooks Launch (3) Miles: 5.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
4.000.000.000.000.004.00

easy 4 miles on the Power Trail. Un-timed.

Brooks Launch (3) Miles: 4.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
5.750.000.000.000.005.75

Fossil Creek Trail, 5.75 miles, no watch.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 5.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
9.000.000.000.000.009.00

lunchtime loop, 9 miles, forgot my garmin.

Saucony Hattori Miles: 9.00
Comments
From Jon on Tue, Feb 07, 2012 at 21:56:14 from 98.71.175.203

So how much snow did you end up with from the recent storm?

From Paul on Tue, Feb 07, 2012 at 22:04:39 from 184.96.141.187

Not a ton, about 6 inches. The wind was coming from the south, so Fort Collins got sheltered a bit, and Denver got the brunt of it.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
6.750.000.000.000.006.75

Ran home for lunch. 6.75 miles, averaged 6:50/mile.

Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 6.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
6.750.000.000.000.006.75

Ran down to Fossil Creek Park from work, and then home for lunch. 6.75 miles, averaged 6:18/mile.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 6.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
5.250.000.000.000.005.25

Ran home for lunch, plus through a couple neighborhoods. 5.25 miles, averaged 6:50/mile.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 5.25
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.000.000.000.000.007.00

Power Trail to Trilby to Lemay. 7 miles, averaged 6:50/mile.

Brooks Launch (3) Miles: 7.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
9.500.000.000.000.009.50

Lunchtime Loop. 9.5 miles, averaged 6:45/mile.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 9.50
Comments
From Rob Murphy on Mon, Feb 13, 2012 at 22:58:29 from 76.27.122.13

You're over to the right there under "Lone Faithfuls (need a comment)".

So I'm commenting. I hope that satisfies your need.

From Paul on Tue, Feb 14, 2012 at 15:46:06 from 207.224.39.118

Thanks. This is added light to my day. Hopefully I can stop being so needy now.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.500.000.000.000.007.50

Fossil Creek to Mason Trail out to Horsetooth and back. 7.5 miles, averaged about 7:10/mile.

Brooks Launch (3) Miles: 7.50
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
4.500.000.000.000.004.50

Ran home from lunch and back. 4.5 miles, averaged 6:45/mile.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 4.50
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
5.750.000.000.000.005.75

Hmm, was it just me, or was the blog down for most of the day? Oh well. Ran 5.75 miles this morning on the Power Trail. No watch. Didn't run yesterday because I had no real reason to.

Brooks Launch (3) Miles: 5.75
Comments
From Jake K on Fri, Feb 17, 2012 at 14:51:06 from 155.100.226.54

No point in running if the blog is broken! :-)

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.000.000.000.000.008.00

Mason Trail. 8 miles, averaged about 7:00/mile.

Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 8.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
6.000.000.000.000.006.00

Ran to Fossil Creek trailhead, and back. About 6 miles.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 6.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.000.000.000.000.0010.00

Power Trail to Spring Creek to Mason. 10 miles, averaged 6:45/mile.

Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 10.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.500.000.000.000.007.50

Fossil Creek to Mason to Horsetooth Rd, and back. 7.5 miles, no watch.

Brooks Launch (3) Miles: 7.50
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
5.250.000.000.000.005.25

Very windy today (30-40mph), but also very warm. Kept it short, about 5.25 miles, ran home for lunch and back. No watch.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 5.25
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.000.000.000.000.0010.00

Lunchtime Loop, 10 miles, averaged 6:20/mile.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 10.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
9.750.000.000.000.009.75

Power Trail down to Trilby, and then back through Fossil Creek Park. 9.75 miles, averaged 6:44/mile.

Saucony Hattori Miles: 9.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.500.000.000.000.008.50

Fossil Creek trail, 8.5 miles, averaged 6:01/mile. Nice day.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 8.50
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
5.250.000.000.000.005.25

Ran home for lunch. 5.25 miles, no watch.

Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 5.25
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.000.000.000.000.0010.00

Ran out to Fossil Creek Reservoir and back. 10 miles, averaged 7:07/mile.

Brooks Launch (3) Miles: 10.00
Comments
From Kory on Tue, Feb 28, 2012 at 14:06:07 from 134.50.89.24

Great runs your doing in a new area. I like my second pair of Brooks launch their great shoes. Very solid.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.000.000.000.000.0010.00

Lunchtime Loop. 10 miles, averaged 6:00/mile.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 10.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
6.750.000.000.000.006.75

Fossil Creek to Mason and back. 6.75 miles, averaged 7:15/mile.

Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 6.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.000.000.000.000.007.00

Power Trail to Poudre River. 7 miles, averaged 6:20/mile.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 7.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
11.000.000.000.000.0011.00

fossil creek trail to Harmony Rd, and back. 11 miles, averaged 7:17/mile.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 11.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.500.000.000.000.007.50

Fossil Creek Park to Provincetowne and back. 7.5 miles, averaged 7:24/mile.

Saucony Hattori Miles: 7.50
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.000.000.000.000.0010.00

Lunchtime Loop. 10 miles, averaged 6:20/mile.

****

I posted on the forum as well, but I am looking for a double jogging stroller (ie - for two kids). There's a few on eBay, but I thought I'd try the friendly people of the fastrunningblog first...is anyone looking to get rid of one?

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 10.00
Comments
From Hamdog Alum on Fri, Mar 09, 2012 at 14:08:56 from 66.188.108.30

That should be a good workout for the legs! My son is almost 50 lbs now, he gives me a workout on those windy days. Make sure you get a good one, don't settle for cheap. We have a Charriot Cougar and it flys down the road.

From Paul on Fri, Mar 09, 2012 at 14:19:02 from 207.224.39.118

We ended up getting fairly cheap one. I don't plan on using it for more than a few miles at a time. We already have a nice Baby Jogger single stroller, but needed a double for occasional use...

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
9.750.000.000.000.009.75

Fossil Creek Trail to Taft Hill Rd. 9.75 miles, averaged 6:58/mile.

Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 9.75
Comments
From Scott Ensign on Tue, Mar 06, 2012 at 16:29:32 from 129.123.3.84

you are like the energizer bunny. he keeps going, and going, and going....

From Paul on Tue, Mar 06, 2012 at 16:49:29 from 207.224.39.118

Nothing else to do.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.000.000.000.000.007.00

Ran from work to Fossil Creek Park, and then to our apartment for lunch, and then back to work. 7 miles, averaged 6:35/mile.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 7.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.000.000.000.000.0010.00

Mason Trail to Spring Creek Trail. 10 miles, averaged 7:03/mile.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 10.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
9.000.000.000.000.009.00

Power Trail to Poudre River Trail, and back. 9 miles, forgot my watch.

Brooks Launch (3) Miles: 9.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.003.004.000.000.0014.00

Ran the first 7 miles of the Horsetooth Half Marathon course (elevation profile is here). Ran a few miles at race pace, the hardest effort I've done since the Trials. This course is tough. The first two miles have almost 500' of elevation gain, and then a lot of steep downhill, with more uphills mixed in. I ran out to the base of Bingham Hill before it was time to turn around. Going back was even harder, but I took it pretty easy. Splits for the first half of the run were 6:45, 6:54, 5:28, 5:36, 5:46, 4:55, 5:04. 7 miles in 40:27, about 5:46/mile. I think I will be hard-pressed to break 1:12 on this course, but I've got 6 weeks to work the hills a bit more. Ended up averaging 6:38 for the entire 14-mile run.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 14.00
Comments
From Hamdog Alum on Sat, Mar 10, 2012 at 13:21:39 from 24.240.65.116

That Horsetooth profile looks brutal. I bet the training for the Horsetooth will make that Colorado 1/2 feel like a walk in the park :-)

From Paul on Sat, Mar 10, 2012 at 15:12:33 from 65.128.29.187

Yeah, the Colorado Half is gentle downhill the whole way...should be cake.

From Jake K on Sat, Mar 10, 2012 at 18:48:04 from 72.201.142.201

Whew that is gonna be a tough course! Good work Paul.

From Scott Ensign on Sat, Mar 10, 2012 at 18:50:02 from 67.40.114.236

are you doing the Bolder Boulder this year?

From Paul on Sat, Mar 10, 2012 at 19:07:03 from 65.128.29.187

Scott, no not this year.

From Scott Ensign on Sat, Mar 10, 2012 at 19:25:42 from 67.40.114.236

bummer.

From Superfly on Mon, Mar 12, 2012 at 10:46:19 from 74.211.21.81

Good to see ya back in the saddle after your little hiatus. I'm excited to see how you like the racing scene out there in comparison to Utah.

From Paul on Mon, Mar 12, 2012 at 10:58:47 from 207.224.39.118

Yeah, it should be fun to try some new races. I'm doing a few races here in Fort Collins this spring, and then a few this summer/fall that are out in the mountains, on dirt roads with crazy elevation changes. I expect pretty decent competition at most of them...the competition will be made even stronger by the fact that I don't plan to do any doubles or get mileage over 70 mpw for the whole year. And I still need to lose the 5-10 pounds I gained after Trials. :-)

From Superfly on Tue, Mar 13, 2012 at 12:55:06 from 74.211.21.81

Well your one man that can do amazing things off 70 mpw. Haven't you ran a sub 2:20 off 70 mpw or less:)?

From Paul on Tue, Mar 13, 2012 at 13:28:18 from 207.224.39.118

I wish. 2:23.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.000.000.000.000.007.00

Ran from work to Fossil Creek Park, and then back to our apartment for lunch, then back to work. 7 miles, averaged 6:45/mile. Did some strides in the middle. Legs are a little sore from Saturday (which is sad), but it felt good to run.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 7.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.250.000.000.000.0010.25

Lunchtime Loop. 10.25 miles, averaged 6:24/mile.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 10.25
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
9.750.000.000.000.009.75

Ran from work to downtown to pick up my packet for the 5K this weekend. Warm and windy. 9.75 miles, averaged 6:56/mile.

Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 9.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.000.000.000.000.008.00

Power Trail south. 8 miles, averaged 6:45/mile. Did some strides near the end.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 8.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
6.000.000.000.000.006.00

easy 6 miles during lunch. Averaged 7:09/mile.

Brooks Launch (3) Miles: 6.00
Race: Sharin O The Green 5K (3.1 Miles) 00:15:37, Place overall: 1
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.900.000.003.100.0011.00

Ran my first race in Ft Collins today, the Sharin O The Green 5K. It is a fundraiser for Partners Mentoring Youth, and was very well-attended (2700 runners). The course, although flat, fast, and USATF-certified, unfortunately was designed to accommodate maybe 500 runners, so it was a bit messy out there.

The Fort Collins running scene proved to be pretty decent, as three of us broke 16 minutes. I ended up winning by 8 seconds. After a fast start (to clear out of the mess of people), I settled after about a quarter-mile, and then took the lead just before the mile mark, and then led to the finish, without serious challenge. But when I finished, I was surprised how close the next two guys were.

Mile splits were 4:59, 5:01, and 4:56, although I think the last marker was a little short, because the last 0.1 was long for sure. Probably about a 15:30-ish effort, due to all the weaving and going off-course I had to do at the end to avoid walkers with baby strollers and dogs. And that was my goal coming in, to run about 15:30, so I was pleased with the effort despite not being in stellar shape. I think I can count the 5K's I've run since 2007 on one hand, and I hate that burning feeling in my chest...but a fun way to spend the morning. Results are HERE.

Perfect morning to run, about 55 degrees and no wind.

I ended up winning a $100 gift certificate to a local sporting goods store, and a free entry to another race. I'll take it. We went and watched the St Patty's Day parade afterward. And then got big burritos.

Comments
From Jake K on Sat, Mar 17, 2012 at 14:05:49 from 67.177.21.60

Nice race Paul! Seems like a lot of the big names (you, Meb K, Ritz) are all making their first post-trials race appearance this weekend :-)

Pretty darn good to average 5-flat pace when you haven't really been doing anything other than base mileage lately. And excellent job not crashing into any babies or dogs.

From Jon on Sat, Mar 17, 2012 at 14:07:22 from 98.71.138.90

Yeah, I agree with what Jake said- 5 flat with minimal training, just coasting on your laurels! Nice work.

From allie on Sat, Mar 17, 2012 at 18:34:43 from 97.126.223.167

nice ft. collins debut. great race.

From Hamdog Alum on Sat, Mar 17, 2012 at 20:22:55 from 24.240.65.116

Very nice race Paul. Congrats on another win! You're really racking up some great races. Solid time considering the course obstacles and lack of speed training!

From Jon on Sat, Mar 17, 2012 at 20:26:00 from 98.71.138.90

Hey- question for you, as you have lots of experiences on TOU 1/2 course and flat sea level halfs. How would you say a TOU 1/2 time converts to equivalent flat sea level 1/2 time? Add a minute or two? Even?

From Paul on Sat, Mar 17, 2012 at 20:30:59 from 65.128.16.198

Well, Jake ran 5 seconds slower at sea level than at the TOU 1/2, so it might be somewhat close. Might be 30s faster if the tailwind is strong.

From Jake K on Sat, Mar 17, 2012 at 20:52:14 from 67.177.21.60

I would say they are pretty close. I was in a bit better shape @ Long Beach than TOU... TOU 1/2 is maybe 20-30 seconds faster than a flat sea level 1/2 in my opinion.

From Lybi on Sun, Mar 18, 2012 at 01:06:06 from 68.3.188.21

Nice, Paul! Way to show them how to run. I love that you can run a 15:30 when you are "not in stellar shape".

From Jon on Sun, Mar 18, 2012 at 12:57:58 from 98.71.138.90

Hmm- 20 to 30 seconds. Sounds good. Pretty even, basically.

From Little Bad Legs on Sun, Mar 18, 2012 at 21:26:22 from 68.186.75.3

Race. Winnings. Big Burritos. Sounds like a good morning! Congrats.

From Burt on Mon, Mar 19, 2012 at 15:15:01 from 72.223.93.158

There's a new sheriff in town. (I hope I spelled sheriff right. allie?)

From Superfly on Mon, Mar 19, 2012 at 16:22:10 from 74.211.21.81

I like Glens comment. If you add bacon to that list then your set for life:)

Good job Paul. I'm guessing the usual local boys are kind of bummed you moved into town. No more EZ winnings.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
5.000.000.000.000.005.00

Easy 5 miles on the Fossil Creek Trail. Tried out my new Asics 33s, and liked them. Kind of minimilist, without the crazy

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 5.00
Comments
From Jake K on Sun, Mar 18, 2012 at 11:48:42 from 67.177.21.60

"Minimalist without the crazy"

Now that is a philosophy I can get behind. If only the other 99.9% of people were so rational.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
5.250.000.000.000.005.25

Ran home for lunch. 5.25 miles, averaged 6:56/mile.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 5.25
Comments
From Jon on Mon, Mar 19, 2012 at 18:54:29 from 98.71.138.90

Nice TOU 1/2 shirt, Paul:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ubSCFdkfWc/T2dPBJ92eLI/AAAAAAAACUk/b5HDF4dMeeQ/s1600/Paddy5k2012Start

From Paul on Mon, Mar 19, 2012 at 20:47:18 from 65.128.16.198

Going for the man-in-black look.

From Superfly on Mon, Mar 19, 2012 at 21:04:42 from 74.211.21.81

same old type A's ay.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
9.750.000.000.000.009.75

Lunchtime Loop. 9.75 miles, averaged 6:15/mile.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 9.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
9.000.000.000.000.009.00

Power Trail to Trilby to Fossil Creek Park to home. 9 miles, averaged 6:55/mile.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 9.00
Comments
From Rob Murphy on Wed, Mar 21, 2012 at 20:53:51 from 76.27.122.13

I just spent about 10 minutes watching your penguin smack down video on the message board with my six year old. He was almost crying he was laughing so hard.

From Paul on Thu, Mar 22, 2012 at 07:22:54 from 207.224.39.118

Sounds like a good evening.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.250.000.000.000.0010.25

Lunchtime Loop. 10.25 miles, averaged 6:25/mile.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 10.25
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
3.750.000.000.000.003.75

Didn't get to run during lunch, so I just did a little loop with the kids after work. 3.75 miles, no watch.

Saucony Hattori Miles: 3.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
15.000.000.000.000.0015.00

Trail run. Parked at the Coyote Ridge trailhead, and then up the Coyote Ridge Trail to Ridge Rock Trail to Blue Sky Trail (south), and back. 15 miles total. It was fun, but I got a bit bored and frustrated for having to run so slow during the last few miles. Ended up at 9:15/mile pace for the run.

Saucony Guide TR Miles: 15.00
Comments
From Jake K on Sat, Mar 24, 2012 at 12:49:02 from 67.177.21.60

haha that's the problem w/ trail running sometimes - its takes forever! :-)

From Paul on Sat, Mar 24, 2012 at 12:51:53 from 65.128.16.198

I'm just way too impatient. But at least there were some good views.

From Jon on Sun, Mar 25, 2012 at 13:27:34 from 74.177.96.130

You can go faster if you want... unless you're with slow people. :)

So do you find you get fewer blog comments now that you're out of the FRB motherland?

From Paul on Sun, Mar 25, 2012 at 15:27:39 from 65.128.25.185

No, I get fewer comments because I rarely write anything interesting...

From Jon on Tue, Mar 27, 2012 at 15:49:38 from 74.177.96.130

So you ever run into any of the crazy ultra guys up there? Nick Clark, Dakota Jones, Ryan Burch, etc?

From Paul on Tue, Mar 27, 2012 at 16:27:59 from 207.224.39.118

Not unless they start wearing name tags.

From Jake K on Tue, Mar 27, 2012 at 16:28:55 from 155.100.226.54

you can usually smell the ultra guys, that will give their identities away

From Hamdog Alum on Tue, Mar 27, 2012 at 18:57:34 from 24.240.65.116

Just look for the guys with tarahumara sandals.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
0.000.000.000.000.000.00

been sick, so I haven't run yet this week. Feeling fat and groggy.

Comments
From David Nelson on Wed, Mar 28, 2012 at 21:09:29 from 71.227.142.105

Just like most of your fellow Packer fans on Monday mornings! Ba-dum-bum.

From Paul on Thu, Mar 29, 2012 at 07:26:31 from 65.128.25.185

Exactly, but without the bratwurst aftertaste.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
4.500.000.000.000.004.50

Been sick most of the week, but finally felt well enough to get outside a run a few miles. Ran home for lunch and back. 4.5 miles, no watch.

Brooks Launch (3) Miles: 4.50
Comments
From Hamdog Alum on Thu, Mar 29, 2012 at 20:22:33 from 24.240.65.116

Welcome back! Hope the weekend serves you well. Being sick enough not to run usually means really sick for us runners.

From Paul on Thu, Mar 29, 2012 at 20:33:35 from 65.128.25.185

Yeah, it feels good to run again. I'm much more conservative about running while sick than most people. My arthritis medication compromises my immune system, so I'm extra cautious. Plus, I have no real incentive to get miles these days...

From Hamdog Alum on Sat, Mar 31, 2012 at 11:42:42 from 24.240.65.116

I never gave thought to the medication.

I can imagine it's such a lull after running the trials. I remember that feeling after Nationals in college. It always seemed like those first few months dragged on, but the marathon trials is a whole different level! I'm sure the motivation will work it's way in as you start racing some more of the longer races.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
5.750.000.000.000.005.75

Power Trail south. Still coughing some, but energy is there.

Bought a house today too.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 5.75
Comments
From Jake K on Fri, Mar 30, 2012 at 19:26:55 from 67.177.21.60

congrats on the new house! hot tub and indoor basketball court, right?

From Paul on Fri, Mar 30, 2012 at 21:10:05 from 65.128.25.185

Nah, just a basic little box home. All we can afford out here in CO.

From Rob Murphy on Fri, Mar 30, 2012 at 21:38:54 from 76.27.120.194

Congratulations.

From Hamdog Alum on Sun, Apr 01, 2012 at 12:20:04 from 24.240.65.116

Congrats!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.506.000.000.000.0013.50

Finally got to run with someone today, a guy named Jordan who I met through the race I did the other week. Met Jordan at Hughes Stadium, and we ran along Horsetooth Reservoir, then up Bingham Hill, and back on Overland for a nice loop. Did some tempo miles, although we had both been sick during the week so we agreed not to push it. I had zero pop going up the hills, but downhills and flats felt okay. Just kind of cruised in the last few miles.

Averaged 6:15/mile for the 13.5 mile run. Splits were 7:21, 6:59, 5:37, 5:45, 5:42, 5:31, 5:35, 6:08, 6:07, 6:25, 6:26, 6:33, 6:43.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 13.50
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.750.000.000.000.008.75

Ran down to Provincetown and back. 8.75 miles, averaged 7:14/mile.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 8.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
6.000.000.000.000.006.00

Ran home for lunch. 6 miles, averaged 7:19/mile.

Brooks Launch (3) Miles: 6.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
9.750.000.000.000.009.75

Lunchtime loop. 9.75 miles, averaged 6:40/mile. Finally got some rain today, hurray!

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 9.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.750.000.000.000.008.75

Power Trail south to Trilby, then through Fossil Creek Park. 8.75 miles, averaged about 6:50/mile.

Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 8.75
Comments
From James on Wed, Apr 04, 2012 at 20:19:51 from 97.126.222.106

Do you like the DS trainer? I was thinking of getting a pair.

From Paul on Wed, Apr 04, 2012 at 20:20:35 from 71.211.150.204

Yup, great shoe, I like them a lot.

From James on Wed, Apr 04, 2012 at 20:32:34 from 97.126.222.106

Sweet! I'll probably get some then. I was also thinking about the DS racer too, you have any info on them? I have been too out of the running loop for too long to know what is good and what is not.

From Cam on Wed, Apr 04, 2012 at 20:40:30 from 166.147.77.250

I've been thinking recently about what you blogged a year or more ago about not being nervous for the marathon. How it's like painting a house and the hard part is scraping and putting on primer, the fun part is painting or racing. Hopefully Boston is as good to us as it was last year for you!

From Paul on Wed, Apr 04, 2012 at 21:26:11 from 71.211.150.204

Sounds like something I'd say. Good luck in Boston. Enjoy it.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.250.000.000.000.0010.25

Lunchtime loop. 10.25 miles, averaged 6:29/mile.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 10.25
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.000.000.000.000.0010.00

Fossil Creek Trail. 10 miles, averaged about 7:15/mile.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 10.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
12.000.000.000.000.0012.00

Ran to get our moving truck. Then moved to our new house (counts as cross-training?). Then dropped the truck off and ran back home, plus a few extra miles to pick up my car. 12 miles total for the day, averaged about 6:10/mile. Tried to keep everything pretty brisk.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 12.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
4.250.000.000.000.004.25

Easy little loop on the neighborhood trails, down to the neighborhoods south of Carpenter St. 4.25 miles, easy.

Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 4.25
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
9.000.000.000.000.009.00

Power Trail out to Poudre River Trail, and back. 9 miles, averaged about 6:40/mile.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 9.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.500.000.000.000.008.50

Ran home for lunch, and back. 8.5 miles, averaged 6:50/mile.

Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 8.50
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.000.000.000.000.0010.00

Fossil Creek to Mason and back. 10 miles, averaged 7:04/mile. Light drizzle, it was nice.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 10.00
Comments
From Superfly on Thu, Apr 12, 2012 at 10:58:48 from 74.211.21.81

How's the weather been there so far this spring? What do you expect summer to be like?

From Paul on Thu, Apr 12, 2012 at 12:07:32 from 207.224.39.118

Warmer-than-normal winter, followed by the warmest March on record. Although we are finally getting a little rain now. Temps are usually mid-70s these days, lows in the 40s. Summer will probably be similar to Salt Lake, although cooler in the morning since we are a little higher. One thing is that I'm now on the east part of the time zone, so it gets light out really early, which is nice for early morning running.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
9.250.000.000.000.009.25

Trilby to Shields to Fossil Creek Trail. 9.25 miles, averaged 7:15/mile.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 9.25
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.750.000.000.000.008.75

Power Trail south to house for lunch. And back. 8.75 miles, averaged 6:20/mile.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 8.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
15.500.000.000.000.0015.50

Trilby to Shields to Fossil Creek Trail to Spring Creek Trail to Mason Trail to Fossil Creek Trail, back home via Lemay. 15.5 miles, averaged 6:30/mile.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 15.50
Comments
From Nan on Mon, Apr 16, 2012 at 21:26:49 from 98.245.117.176

You are a Coloradoan now? Cool! Maybe we'll see you around at some races...when I eventually get back into that scene.

From Paul on Mon, Apr 16, 2012 at 21:36:33 from 71.208.141.66

Yup, moved here in December. I might do the Boulder Half in October, but not sure, I'll let you know if we,re in town. Let me know if you're ever up in the Fort

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.750.000.000.000.008.75

Ran home for lunch, via Power Trail. 8.75 miles, averaged 6:50/mile.

Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 8.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.000.000.000.000.0010.00

Pelican Marsh trail out to Carpenter, to Timberline, to Boyd Lake. Very slow, sloggy run for some reason. 10 miles, averaged 7:25/mile.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 10.00
Comments
From allie on Wed, Apr 18, 2012 at 13:37:12 from 97.126.212.58

this all sounds very scenic. probably beats "landfill loop".

From Paul on Wed, Apr 18, 2012 at 14:19:51 from 207.224.39.118

Well, to be fair, I loved the Landfill Loop. 5 miles of pancake-flat (and somewhat stinky) bliss. Yes, it's fairly scenic out here, prairie and foothills, but my old routes along (and in) the Wasatch Front are prettier in a lot of ways. There are no canyons to run up around here.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.500.000.000.000.008.50

Ran home via Power Trail. 8.5 miles, averaged 6:20/mile. Averaged 5:45/mile for the first 5 miles, so got a little bit of tempo in.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 8.50
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.000.000.000.000.0010.00

Fossil Creek Trail to Mason Trail, to Swallow St., and back. 10 miles, averaged 7:16/mile.

Brooks Launch (3) Miles: 10.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
6.000.000.000.000.006.00

Easy 6 on the Power Trail and Spring Creek trail. 6:38/mile. Did a few strides too.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 6.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
5.000.000.000.000.005.00

Dropped the car off to get serviced, then put the kids in the double stroller and ran downtown to pick up my race number for the Horsetooth Half at the New Belgium Brewery. Then ran back. 5 miles. Race tomorrow. I think the hills will eat me alive.

Brooks Launch (3) Miles: 5.00
Comments
From Jake K on Sat, Apr 21, 2012 at 14:50:59 from 67.182.215.126

Good luck tomorrow Paul! That course profile looks FUN :-)

From JasonD on Sat, Apr 21, 2012 at 17:30:07 from 24.1.80.94

Do you suppose anyone has ever crashed into the brewery? Good luck, Paul.

From Dan on Sat, Apr 21, 2012 at 21:26:39 from 24.209.83.20

Have a great race Paul, good luck!

Race: Horsetooth Half Marathon (13.1 Miles) 01:11:57, Place overall: 2
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
3.400.0013.100.000.0016.50

Ran the Horsetooth Half Marathon this morning. This is a classic Fort Collins race, the 39th edition this year. The course starts at Hughes Stadium, and immediately climbs up the dam to Centennial Dr., which is about a 500' climb right off the bat. From there the course rolls a bit, with a net downhill, to Mile 7, and then the last really substantial hill through Mile 8. The last 5 miles are gentle downhill along the Poudre River Trail, although is more or less flat. All in all, it's a 230' net drop from start to finish, but is probably the hardest half course I've done due to all of the hills in the middle. For the sake of record-keeping, today was my 26th half marathon.

Weather was good. A little warm, with temps in the mid-60s by the end, but it was the sun more than the actual temperature that made it warm. Still, can't complain, especially right after Boston. A little bit of breeze, not bad by northern Colorado standards. Had a cross-wind or tailwind on the first half, but then a headwind for the last 5 miles.

Prize money was $500-$300-$100, so I knew there would be decent runners. On top of that, there were tiered time bonuses for breaking 1:11, 1:10, 1:09, 1:08, and 1:07. After doing a few workouts on the course, though, I knew that even sub-1:11 would be pretty darn tough, and close to impossible with my recent slacker training. But one can dream.

The race started, and we had a pack up 4 guys for the first uphill mile, which I was surprised to hit in 6:14. We separated down to 3 people during the second uphill mile, which was a 6:12. So far, so good, as this was faster than I expected, and I felt pretty relaxed.

During the third mile (or maybe sooner, I don't really remember), a guy in orange separated, and put about 50 yards on everyone. I soon left the people behind me, and established myself as a clear 2nd place. This is how the race remained for the rest of the way (not be a spoiler, but you probably already read the race report heading anyway).

I was trying to stay patient, and wait until after the last hill after mile 8 to really push hard and catch the first place guy, if he didn't come back before that. I thought that if he was a poser, there was a good chance he'd come back before that though. Mile 3 was mostly downhill, and was 4:55. Mile 4 had mixed up and down, and was 5:19, followed by 5:16 for Mile 5. The guy in orange would come back a little bit, and then extend again, so the gap remained about 10 seconds. Still lots of time though...

During Mile 5 we made a short climb before the dam, and then "fell off", a 6-8% downhill. Painful more than fast. The next mile was nice steady downhill though, and I was 4:57 for Mile 6, but the guy in orange still extended a little bit. He might be for real, but the Bingham Hill at Mile 8 would reveal that for sure... Miles 7 and 8 were both 5:24, and included the final hill (Bingham Hill). I might have closed on the guy in orange a little bit, but he was still running strong.

Mile 9 was 5:21, coming off the downhill. Not fast enough, and my legs were, and had been, feeling pretty hammered from the first half of the race. The good news was that I ran really well on the hardest parts of the course, but the bad news was that I didn't have legs left for the flat part along the Poudre River Trail. Up until now I was thinking I might break 1:11 or even 1:10.

On top of that, the paved trail was very exposed, so we got direct sun and a headwind that I estimate at about 5-10mph. Ordinarily, this wind would not be a big deal, but it was enough to put a hurt on at a point when I didn't have much to give.

I was hoping to hit close to 5-flat for the last 4-5 miles, and close the gap on the leader, but instead was 5:34, 5:35, 5:27, and 5:35 for miles 10-13. The guy in orange ended up beating me by 50 seconds, 1:11:07 to 1:11:57. Third place was about 1:13-flat. For a while I was sure that I'd get under 1:11 and get a $100 time bonus, but that quickly fell apart during the last miles. Oh well, $300 is still good for a morning's work. I feel like I ran a pretty good race, and hit the time that I was hoping for. First half of the race was great, but then I just wasn't fit enough to recover from the hills enough to engage the flats, or deal with any sort of headwind.

Turns out the guy who beat me was Jason Delaney, who I ran with at Boston last year for the first 10 miles or so. Jason ran the 2008 Trials, and narrowly missed qualifying for this year's. He has also won Des News and Top of Utah marathons several years ago. Nice guy, and a worth opponent to get beat by.

Next up is the Colorado Half Marathon, which should be MUCH fast than this race, as it is a classic "Utah-style" downhill half marathon. It is the reward for running this race.

Some pics from the local newspaper:

Delany in foreground, me in background. Going up Bingham Hill, near mile 7. Note Delany's sweet 'stache.

Going up Bingham Hill, near Mile 7.

Saucony Type A Miles: 14.50Asics Blur 33 Miles: 2.00
Comments
From James on Sun, Apr 22, 2012 at 16:43:11 from 174.23.151.40

I kind of remember the guy who won, funny how it is a small world. Good race! Looks like a course that is hard to get going on.

From Jon on Sun, Apr 22, 2012 at 17:10:47 from 74.177.96.130

It's good to see you get beat in a semi-human time every now and then to keep you humble!

Just kidding- keep up the slacking. Nice run.

From Jake K on Sun, Apr 22, 2012 at 18:03:43 from 67.182.215.126

Good race Paul! It seems like it would be tough to get into a good rhythm on a course like that... I'm sure you'll be flying on the next one.

From Superfly on Sun, Apr 22, 2012 at 19:33:59 from 74.211.21.81

I'd be lucky to run a 6 min avg on a course like that... so your 1:11 looks pretty good. Courses like that really do rock a runner. Pace jumping up and down makes it really hard to be consistent. Good job!

From Kam on Mon, Apr 23, 2012 at 10:20:13 from 68.66.163.179

Great race, Paul. Those hills sound horrible. That is a sweet mustache.

From JamesH on Mon, Apr 23, 2012 at 10:26:46 from 205.126.32.108

Nicely done Paul. Your still my hero!

From Superfly on Mon, Apr 23, 2012 at 10:27:34 from 74.211.21.81

If you would have tried you could have skooled him with a better 'stache.

From Paul on Mon, Apr 23, 2012 at 10:41:47 from 207.224.39.118

Maybe. But I didn't get the mustache memo.

From Jake K on Mon, Apr 23, 2012 at 10:49:57 from 155.100.226.54

That's a Frank Shorter-esque 'stache.

I think if we all really want to maximize our marathon potential, we need to go back to that look. Although I'm sure that would be the end of having wives and girlfriends.

From Kam on Mon, Apr 23, 2012 at 10:51:54 from 68.66.163.179

I'm thinking something like this would definitely put you in 1st place:

http://tiny.cc/tn87cw

From Paul on Mon, Apr 23, 2012 at 10:59:09 from 207.224.39.118

For the record:

http://marathongis.com/blog/pics/gitrdun_sm.jpg

From Jake K on Mon, Apr 23, 2012 at 11:02:40 from 155.100.226.54

I hope that is not only on the record, but also the refrigerator :-) Love it! haha

From Andrea on Mon, Apr 23, 2012 at 12:56:48 from 72.37.244.100

Great job out there - strong performance! Sounds like a tough course - the Colorado Half course will be a breeze compared to this one.

From Holt on Mon, Apr 23, 2012 at 19:07:53 from 67.2.255.79

When I first quick glanced I actually thought, "paul's got the sweet stache going again!". Then I realized that it wasn't you and was mighty disappointed. Super strong race though. So I guess you still have that going for you!

From jtshad on Tue, Apr 24, 2012 at 09:00:02 from 204.134.132.225

Great race! Congrats on a solid time and prep for the Colorado marathon.

Go for the full goatee!

From Hamdog Alum on Tue, Apr 24, 2012 at 19:53:10 from 71.82.247.163

Nice race on a tough course! Hope the recovery goes quicker than expected. In college I remember going the opposite on hair growth. Our whole CC team decided to shave all of our hair off, legs, armpits, etc.. some even went for the eyebrows!!

From Clay on Thu, Apr 26, 2012 at 10:37:29 from 66.182.65.162

Nice race paul and great pictures!!!

From Adam RW on Mon, Apr 30, 2012 at 21:52:38 from 67.182.250.241

Always great to read your race reports. Nice race!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
0.000.000.000.000.000.00

Treated myself to a day off today. Definitely a bit sore and tire from yesterday. I've found that I can run pretty good race times off of low mileage, but it's the recovery that really suffers the most.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
3.500.000.000.000.003.50

Still fairly sore. I ran around the neighborhood this morning and explored some of the trails and side streets. 3.5 miles, about 7:40/mile.

Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 3.50
Comments
From Scott Ensign on Wed, Apr 25, 2012 at 15:47:48 from 129.123.3.84

you should run the bolder boulder. it is a full 3+ weeks after your next half. how can you live in colorado and not run the bolder boulder????

From Paul on Wed, Apr 25, 2012 at 15:51:04 from 207.224.39.118

Because I dislike large crowds of people. And I dislike spending money. And I dislike 10Ks. I probably dislike Boulder too, despite never having been there.

Other than those factors, it's tempting.

From Paul on Wed, Apr 25, 2012 at 15:55:11 from 207.224.39.118

But I like YOU, Scott. Don't take my comment the wrong way. :-)

From Scott Ensign on Thu, Apr 26, 2012 at 12:49:19 from 129.123.3.84

Paul, those are some pretty compelling reasons! Now I'm trying to remember why i run it... I guess because my brother lives there and it has become a tradition of sorts. But smithfield health days is more my style and price range too.

From Paul on Thu, Apr 26, 2012 at 13:11:41 from 207.224.39.118

I was planning on running it this year, and then I started thinking about how I'd rather spend Memorial Day grilling bratwurst, sitting on my deck, and drinking beer. Maybe playing some Bocce Ball. Fighting traffic, navigating a new town, being on a start line with 35,000 other people, and running a butt-slow 10K time at altitude just didn't fit in. Maybe if it wasn't on a holiday I would do it.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.750.000.000.000.007.75

Still a little sore from Sunday. Ran home for lunch, and then back to work. 7.75 miles, averaged 7:10/mile.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 7.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.250.000.000.000.008.25

Ran up the Power Trail, out to Harvest Park, and back. Explored some nice neighborhoods. 8.25 miles, averaged 7:45/mile.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 8.25
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.000.000.000.000.0010.00

Ran home for lunch, and back. 10 miles.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 10.00
Comments
From Jon on Fri, Apr 27, 2012 at 19:14:53 from 74.177.127.77

So do you shower once you get back to work?

From Paul on Fri, Apr 27, 2012 at 19:18:23 from 71.208.124.216

Yep, I use my work's shower more than I use my own...

From Jon on Sat, Apr 28, 2012 at 14:26:08 from 74.177.127.77

That's how I am, too- probably twice as many at work as home. Saves money...

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.000.000.000.000.0010.00

Fossil Creek to Mason Trail to Harmony to Coventry, and back. 10 miles, averaged 6:20/mile.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 10.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.000.000.000.000.008.00

Ran out to Fossil Creek Reservoir, and back. 8 miles, 7:15/mile.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 8.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
9.000.000.000.000.009.00

Ran from work, north on Power Trail to Spring Creek Trail, to Poudre River Trail, and back. 9 miles, averaged about 6:30/mile.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 9.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.750.000.000.000.007.75

Ran home for lunch, and back. 7.75 miles, averaged 6:54/mile.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 7.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
9.000.000.000.000.009.00

AM - dropped car off at shop and ran to work on the Spring Creek and Power Trails. 4.5 miles, averaged 7:01/mile.

PM - ran back to pick up the car. 4.5 miles.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 9.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.000.000.000.000.008.00

Fossil Creek to Mason Trail, and back. 8 miles, averaged about 7:20/mile. Did a few strides on the way back.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 8.00
Comments
From Superfly on Thu, May 03, 2012 at 10:03:29 from 74.211.21.81

Good luck in the Colorado half. Is that there in Fort Collins or anther city?

From Paul on Thu, May 03, 2012 at 11:06:30 from 207.224.39.118

Thanks. Yeah, it starts outside Fort Collins and run into downtown.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.000.000.000.000.007.00

Power Trail north to Spring Creek Trail. 7 miles, averaged about 6:40/mile.

Saucony Hattori Miles: 7.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
4.500.000.000.000.004.50

Power Trail, north. 4.5 miles.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 4.50
Race: Colorado Half Marathon (13.1 Miles) 01:07:49, Place overall: 1
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
2.400.0013.100.000.0015.50

Ran the Colorado Half Marathon today. Had perfect conditions, temps in the upper-40s, and a gentle tailwind for most of the course. Ran alone from start to finish, and ended up winning by 10 minutes. I was hoping to get some competition, as two guys broke 1:08 last year, but they were obviously no-show. Oh well. It was a beautiful course, and a nice day to be out. On top of winning a half to start my morning, I was able to make it home, shower, go to church, and then make it back downtown for awards at noon. Pretty good way to spend my Sunday morning. The only bummer was that I missed the course record by only 6 seconds, and getting the record was my primary goal going into today. Coincidentally, my last mile was about 7 seconds slower than any other mile during the race, so I think I can see where I could have improved. Not too trashed after this race; it was a pretty mellow, downhill course with about 350' of total drop. The only hard part was retaining focus during the last 4 miles, where I was having to go around all of the 10K runners/walkers on a bike trail. But I was pleased with my effort and time, especially given the 50-60 mpw I've been averaging. This is was "retirement" is all about.

Mile splits were 5:04, 5:12, 5:06, 5:08, 5:03, 5:16 (the one uphill of the course), 5:03, 5:10, 5:12, 5:05, 5:13, 5:16, 5:23.


Comments
From Jake K on Sun, May 06, 2012 at 16:06:50 from 67.182.215.126

Great retirement race you old dog! Sub 1:08 solo is never easy... nice run!

From Andrea on Sun, May 06, 2012 at 16:11:29 from 67.182.215.126

Nice race today! You ran strong, despite the lack of competition.

I especially like that shirt tan line you are sporting!

From allie on Sun, May 06, 2012 at 16:18:14 from 174.23.159.187

nice race, paul. congrats.

From Jon on Sun, May 06, 2012 at 16:53:16 from 98.101.207.145

50 mile weeks. 1:07 halfs. Almost CR's. Win by 10 min. Man, not too bad for retirement and some major slacking.

From Superfly on Sun, May 06, 2012 at 18:21:08 from 74.211.21.81

Great race Paul. After your last half I was hoping you'd get a rematch with the guy who beat you a couple weeks ago. Where I thought you'd get redemption for sure. Oh well. Good old mans race:). I've had that same brooks top for about 5 years so when I saw your picture I had to do a double-take to make sure that wasn't me...

From Scott Ensign on Sun, May 06, 2012 at 22:28:52 from 207.224.194.188

nice race, congrats on the win. cool shades. and nice farmers tan.

From Burt on Mon, May 07, 2012 at 01:51:51 from 72.223.82.180

Great job!

From scottkeate on Mon, May 07, 2012 at 09:38:54 from 216.49.181.254

Great race! I'm impressed with the effort without the competition.

From Kory on Mon, May 07, 2012 at 13:01:01 from 134.50.89.24

Your just amazing a wonderful determined athlete. Nice job and well deserved. God Bless your future races and health.

From josse on Mon, May 07, 2012 at 16:49:51 from 166.250.162.143

Great job on the win! Enjoy the down time.

From Conner Mantz on Mon, May 07, 2012 at 18:20:26 from 209.181.85.125

Amazing, with no one pushing you, you can still run that fast of a time.

From Clay on Wed, May 09, 2012 at 08:52:25 from 71.195.211.7

Nice race Paul! Your even better when your in retirement:)

From I Just Run on Fri, May 11, 2012 at 13:15:45 from 67.79.11.242

Wow...sounds like a GREAT day! Congradulations on the win. A Half Marathon and Colorado...that actually sounds PERFECT day to me :-)

From Hamdog Alum on Sat, May 12, 2012 at 20:48:03 from 71.82.247.163

Congrats on another fine performance!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
0.000.000.000.000.000.00

Day off. No races until mid-August. No hurry.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
4.000.000.000.000.004.00

Easy 4 miles, around neighborhoods. Found Zoe's shoes at the park.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 4.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
0.000.000.000.000.000.00

came down with a cold overnight, no running today.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
4.500.000.000.000.004.50

ran around the neighborhood. 4.5 miles, averaged 8:00/mile. Almost over my cold.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 4.50
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
6.000.000.000.000.006.00

Power Trail to Spring Creek Trail. 6 miles, about 6:40/mile.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 6.00
Comments
From Fishon on Tue, May 15, 2012 at 18:55:18 from 97.124.180.93

It's you and I as the only regular Colorado'ans - what gives?

Great reading your reports. Congrats on all you've accomplished this year!

From Paul on Tue, May 15, 2012 at 20:47:00 from 71.208.124.216

Yup. And now that I've registered my cars, applied for a driver's license, and registered to vote (all last week), I'm finally a REAL Coloradoan. What are you running this year?

From Fishon on Wed, May 16, 2012 at 07:08:03 from 97.124.180.93

I ran Boston in April and am (maybe) doing the Top of Utah Marathon in September. My schedule is up in the air right now, but that is the goal -- and sprinkle in some local races throughout the next couple of months.

From Paul on Wed, May 16, 2012 at 07:10:11 from 71.208.124.216

Top of Utah is a great race. Good luck with your training.

From Rob Murphy on Wed, May 16, 2012 at 07:42:48 from 205.127.70.66

I've been thinking about moving to Colorado for the simple reason that the Governor used to own a brew pub. How un-Utah is that?

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.750.000.000.000.007.75

ran home for lunch, Power Trail to Trilby. 7.75 miles, averaged 6:57/mile

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 7.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.500.000.000.000.007.50

Ran home for lunch, and back. 7.5 miles, no watch.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 7.50
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
0.000.000.000.000.000.00

Didn't feel like running, so I didn't.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.000.000.000.000.008.00

Power Trail to Spring Creek Trail to Poudre River Trail, and back. 8 miles, averaged 6:47/mile.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 8.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.000.000.000.000.0010.00

Drove out northeast of town and ran the "Bacon Strip" loop, which is an undulating 10-mile route on a wide, dirt county road. The dirt road with the tire tracks kind of looks like a strip of bacon, I guess. Anyway, it's supposedly a staple in the training regimes of Fort Collins marathoners, and if you can do it twice in a row you're ready for a marathon, or so they say. I have no need for silly things like marathons, so I just did it once.

It was a great workout route, simply non-stop rolling hills, all on soft dirt. No traffic at all, I think I saw one car during the 10 miles, plus had good views of the front range, and nice prairie scenery. First half is a net uphill, plus with a slight headwind, but then the back half was that much faster as a result. You can really roll on this route, despite the hills, I'll definitely do it regularly. 

Ended up running 59:50 for the 10 miles, so 5:59/mile. Good workout.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 10.00
Comments
From Jake K on Sat, May 19, 2012 at 14:55:40 from 67.182.215.126

that sounds like a great run!

From Jon on Sun, May 20, 2012 at 12:25:17 from 74.177.127.167

Remember running up Franklin Basin road Saturday mornings, smelling all the bacon the campers were cooking? My Tuesday night trail run group discusses bacon all the time, too. Mmm, bacon.

From Jon on Sun, May 20, 2012 at 12:26:28 from 74.177.127.167

So I know you're going to give some misleading, sarcastic answer... but are you really done with marathons forever? Just remember, I broke up with marathons in 2009 and have been clean since, so such things are entirely possible.

From Paul on Mon, May 21, 2012 at 08:01:43 from 207.224.39.118

Unfortunately, no bacon scent on the Bacon Strip. Regarding marathons, I'm pretty sure I'll do one next year, and will probably do quite a few more over my lifetime. What is yet to be determined, is how much training and mental energy I'll put into it. At this point, I can run 2:22-2:23 off of 60 miles/week, or I can run maybe 2:18-2:19 off of 100-120 mpw. Not sure if 4-5 minutes is worth doubling my mileage and time investment. Maybe it will be later on, but for now it's certainly not. My main goal is to find ways to keep running fun and interesting, without a big commitment.

By the way, check out my September race, the Lead King Loop. It actually looks more like a Jon Allen-style race.

Oh, one other thing, "breaking" from marathons in favor or 50Ks, 50-milers, and 100-milers is hardly "clean". Quite the opposite. It's like saying, "Hey, I finally quit smoking! And I discovered this wonderful thing called 'heroin' too!"

From Jake K on Mon, May 21, 2012 at 08:25:48 from 155.100.226.54

hahaha I'm cracking up at that last comment Paul. Marathons seem a lot more "sane" than going out and running for 20+ straight hours! :-) I mean, I love running as much as anyone, but I've been doing 2 hour long runs the past couple weekends, and that feel like just about the perfect amount of time.

From Paul on Mon, May 21, 2012 at 08:39:04 from 207.224.39.118

I felt pretty fulfilled by my 10-mile long run on Saturday...

From Jon on Wed, May 23, 2012 at 17:18:22 from 74.177.120.63

That's a pretty cool looking race. And nice call on the quitting smoking comparison. Except ultras are more enjoyable. Kind of.

From Superfly on Wed, May 23, 2012 at 17:56:27 from 74.211.21.81

lol. That was choice!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
4.000.000.000.000.004.00

easy four miles, all I had time for before church. Air was smoky and foul from the wildfire.

Brooks Launch (3) Miles: 4.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.750.000.000.000.007.75

Ran home for lunch, and back. 7.75 miles, no watch.

Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 7.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
0.000.000.000.000.000.00

Didn't feel like dragging myself out of bed early. Day off.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.750.000.000.000.007.75

Ran home from lunch, and back. Sprinkled rain on the way back, which felt nice. 7.75 miles, averaged 6:48/mile.

Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 7.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.500.000.000.000.007.50

Ran home for lunch, via Lemay. 7.5 miles, no watch.

Brooks Launch (3) Miles: 7.50
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.000.000.000.000.007.00

Perfect day to run, mid-50s and slight breeze. Ran from work, north on the Power Trail, brisk up-tempo pace. Had an interesting experience, where a runner actually caught me from behind while I was tempo'ing. This doesn't happen much, especially in southeast Fort Collins. The guy ask me if I want to work out with him, which sounded good to me. Turns out his name is Rob Watson, #4 ranked Canadian marathoner who recently ran 2:13 at Rotterdam. He went to CSU several years ago, and is in town staying with friends before Bolder Boulder, where he is running on the Canadian team. It was really nice to run with someone, especially someone of that caliber, and we cruised along at 5:30-5:40 pace for most of it. Ended up with 7 miles, averaged 5:42 overall. Felt really good the whole time, it's amazing how cool weather helps.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 7.00
Comments
From jtshad on Fri, May 25, 2012 at 13:39:01 from 204.134.132.225

I am sure that doesn't happen...often or ever! Sounds like Bolder Boulder is going to be a good race (as always). Cool to have some company on a tempo workout.

From Jake K on Fri, May 25, 2012 at 13:55:54 from 155.100.226.54

le Blog du Rob!

He's as entertaining as a blogger as he is fast as a runner

From Paul on Fri, May 25, 2012 at 14:03:48 from 207.224.39.118

Hmmm, I had never heard of him, but then again I don't read many blogs. I'll check it out. Very friendly, seemed like a real solid guy.

...

okay, just read his blog, pretty funny stuff.

It's kind of funny because I was actually speeding up while he was behind me because I don't like the feeling of someone running right behind me, and I thought he was just some random Fort Collins guy doing like a half-mile windsprint or some sort of cross-fit stuff. I felt kind of foolish once I found out he's world-class.

From Jake K on Fri, May 25, 2012 at 14:06:08 from 155.100.226.54

he's one of the few true elites that is candid and open about his training, etc. every once in a while he'll say or do something crazy and the letsrun crowd will go nuts - that's how I discovered his blog.

yeah you never want to get rolled down by a crossfitter. its definitely better on the ego when you find out he's a 2:13 guy :-)

From Fishon on Fri, May 25, 2012 at 18:29:42 from 97.124.180.93

I was wondering if you would be interested in some informal coaching (paid). It wouldn't entail alot, check-ups, email discussion, maybe a coffee once/twice a month. Let me know...thank you sir!

From Jon on Fri, May 25, 2012 at 19:23:03 from 74.177.120.63

Not often two sub-2:18 guys run into each other.

From Paul on Sat, May 26, 2012 at 14:45:07 from 71.208.133.240

Fishon - i'll think about it get back to you...

From Fishon on Mon, May 28, 2012 at 16:39:44 from 97.124.182.125

No worries - just let me know. I'm pretty laid back/informal. I'm 44 years old, and would like to try and break 3 hours and, perhaps, run Boston again. My best is a 3:06:47. During my last training session, I was running 70 miles per week (+/-). If your not interested, I completely understand!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
12.000.000.000.000.0012.00

Fossil Creek to Mason Trail, and back. 12 miles, averaged 6:58/mile.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 12.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
11.500.000.000.000.0011.50

Trilby to Shields to Cathy Fromme natural area trail. 11.5 miles, averaged 6:50/mile.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 11.50
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.750.000.000.000.007.75

Ran home for lunch, and back, via Power Trail. 7.75 miles, averaged 6:58/mile.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 7.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.500.000.000.000.007.50

Ran home for lunch, and back, via Lemay. No watch. 7.5 miles.

Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 7.50
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.750.000.000.000.007.75

Ran home for lunch and back, via Power Trail. 7.75 miles, averaged 7:00/mile.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 7.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
6.000.000.000.000.006.00

Easy morning run, Fossil Creek park to Mason Trail, and back. 6 miles, 7:25/mile average. Am I the one out there who runs tons of out-and-back routes?

Brooks Launch (3) Miles: 6.00
Comments
From jtshad on Fri, Jun 01, 2012 at 12:18:26 from 69.20.183.178

Most of my morning runs are out and back too.

From Rob on Fri, Jun 01, 2012 at 17:12:52 from 206.81.136.61

You are not alone there, most of mine are out and backs.

From Jon on Sun, Jun 03, 2012 at 06:29:58 from 74.177.123.81

You'll make more loops as you get more used to the area, I'm guessing.

From Paul on Sun, Jun 03, 2012 at 07:02:02 from 71.208.133.240

no, I've always been like this...

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
12.000.000.000.000.0012.00

Parked at Kathy Fromme Prairie, and ran from there. Got out to Roland Moore Park, and then came back. 12 miles total, averaged 6:16/mile.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 12.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
6.000.000.000.000.006.00

Fossil Creek to Mason Trail, and back. 6 miles.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 6.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.000.000.000.000.008.00

Did a loop, Trilby to Power Trail to Boardwalk to little hidden road, to Mason Trail to Fossil Creek, and back on Lemay. Turned out to be exactly 8 miles, which is nice. Averaged 7:18/mile. Hot out.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 8.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
6.250.000.000.000.006.25

Easy morning run through the neighborhood and out to Carpenter St, to Timberline, and then through a new city natural area trail that I hadn't been on before. 6.25 miles, averaged about 7:30/mile.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 6.25
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
6.000.000.000.000.006.00

Easy run on Power Trail and through some neighborhoods. Ran back on the dirt trail behind the neighborhoods. Ran through a wetland by accident. 6 miles.

Brooks Launch (3) Miles: 6.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
12.500.000.000.000.0012.50

Drove out to Edora Park, and then ran Spring Creek to Poudre River trail. 12.5 miles, averaged 6:30/mile.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 12.50
Comments
From Jon on Sun, Jun 10, 2012 at 05:57:23 from 74.177.123.81

You getting any smoke from the fire?

From Paul on Sun, Jun 10, 2012 at 07:47:09 from 71.208.133.240

We can smell it in the house.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
3.750.000.000.000.003.75

Ran home for lunch. Had Stacy drive me back because the air was terrible from the fire.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 3.75
Comments
From Scott Ensign on Mon, Jun 11, 2012 at 16:37:31 from 129.123.3.84

good idea to shorten the run. probably a Logan winter red air day x 100 or so.

From Holt on Mon, Jun 11, 2012 at 16:52:58 from 75.162.170.209

And to think I breathed that crap frontline for 8 summers... Glad I am not doing that anymore!

From Paul on Mon, Jun 11, 2012 at 17:02:06 from 207.224.39.118

Definitely worse than an inversion.

Holt, if you want a summer job, I'm sure they could use you out here...it's not even summer yet.

From Holt on Tue, Jun 12, 2012 at 11:01:19 from 75.162.170.209

I'll pass! Let the whole west burn.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
0.000.000.000.000.000.00

Got up early this morning to run, got dressed, and then looked out the window and couldn't see the mountains due to smoke. Decided that was a pretty good indicator that air has gotten worse, not better, so went back to bed.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
0.000.000.000.000.000.00

Still taking some time off. The air is a little cleaner now, but I'm using the fire as an opportunity to let a sore shin/tendon mend. Plus, I'm just not very motivated.

Comments
From Jon on Thu, Jun 14, 2012 at 20:31:33 from 74.177.123.81

Ditto on resting.

From Little Bad Legs on Thu, Jun 14, 2012 at 20:52:07 from 68.186.0.46

Rest does the body good. Smoke? Not so much...

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
6.000.000.000.000.006.00

Power Trail, north. 6 miles, nice and easy, averaged 7:15/mile.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 6.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.000.000.000.000.0010.00

Spring Creek Trail, 10 miles, averaged 6:46/mile. Clearest day we've had all week...

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 10.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
2.750.000.000.000.002.75

Easy jaunt around the neighborhood . 2.75 miles.

Saucony Hattori Miles: 2.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
6.000.000.000.000.006.00

Fossil Creek Trail to Mason Trail. 6 miles, averaged 7:11/mile

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 6.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
6.500.000.000.000.006.50

Did a loop up the Power Trail, over on Oakridge, and then back on Highcastle and Fossil Creek Park. 6.5 miles, averaged 7:02/mile.

Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 6.50
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
6.000.000.000.000.006.00

Out-and-back on Carpenter. 6 miles, averaged 7:25/mile.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 6.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
5.000.000.000.000.005.00

Easy 5 miles, Fossil Creek Park. Garmin went dead in the middle, but I can attest it was pretty slow.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 5.00
Comments
From Holt on Thu, Jun 21, 2012 at 09:40:39 from 67.2.240.4

I don't need a farming to tell me how slow I'm going most of the time!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
6.500.000.000.000.006.50

Power Trail/Highcastle Loop. 6.5 miles, averaged about 7:20/mile.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 6.50
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.000.000.000.000.0010.00

Bacon Strip. 10 miles averaged 6:48/mile.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 10.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.000.000.000.000.007.00

Fossil Creek to Mason Trail to Harmony and back. 7 miles, averaged 6:38/mile.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 7.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
6.000.000.000.000.006.00

Power Trail to Willow Springs, and back. 6 miles, averaged about 7:30/mile.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 6.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.250.000.000.000.008.25

Fossil Creek/Power Trail Loop. 8.25 miles.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 8.25
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.000.000.000.000.007.00

Ran down Trilby and then through a neighborhood I hadn't been through before. It had a dirt trail around the perimeter, which was nice. Fairly clear morning, not much smoke in the air. 7 miles.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 7.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.000.000.000.000.007.00

Power Trail/Fossil Creek Trail loop. 7 miles. GPS quit in the middle of the run. I think it's on its last legs, as it does not seem to hold a battery charge anymore. But I've been using it almost every day since 2007, so I can't complain.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 7.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
12.000.000.000.000.0012.00

Parked at Cathy Fromme Prairie, and ran the paved trail to Sprung Canyon Park, and then ran the dirt foothill trails around there for about 5 miles. Then back to the car. 12 miles total, averaged 6:55/mile.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 12.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.000.000.000.000.008.00

Fossil Creek to Mason to Troutman, and back. 8 miles, averaged 6:38/mile.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 8.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.000.000.000.000.008.00

Power Trail to Willow Springs to Harvest Park, and back. 8 miles, 6:55/mile.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 8.00
Race: FireKracker 5K (3.11 Miles) 00:15:52, Place overall: 4, Place in age division: 1
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
2.900.000.003.100.006.00

Decided on a whim to run the local 4th of July 5K at City Park. Mostly because I thought it would be fun to embarrass myself and try to run a 5K on a hot day while completely out of shape. Also, there was money three deep, to $250 to the winner, and there is always the chance that no one good will show up. Although I thought it was more likely that I would place 4th...which is what happened.

Course was pretty flat. Temps were probably in the 70s at the start. So not too bad, but definitely warmer than what I like for a race. Was sweating profusely a mile into it.

Went out decently hard at the start and led for the first mile, which was 4:56. I had no gauge of speed due to not doing any workouts since early May, but it didn't feel like it was that fast. Until the 2nd mile, then the first mile caught up to me. Three people passed and pulled away during Mile 2, and I felt slow and out-of-sync. Was 10:08 at 2 miles, meaning that the 2nd mile split was 5:12. I was seriously doubting I would break 16 minutes, but was also in the dreaded 4th position, sluggishly watching the money waltz away down Taft Hill Road.

With about half a mile left, another guy caught me, putting me in 5th. But he stayed pretty close, and I passed him with a quarter mile to go and hung on to take 4th. Both 4th and 5th are equally meaningless, but 4th is still better. Or so they tell me anyway. No, it was good to have a little fight at the end and finish out the race on a positive note, rather than whimpering in like a beaten dog. Every race, every place, right? The last mile ended up actually being somewhat decent, about 5:05, I think. Although it might have been short, as the last 0.1 seemed too long. But it was also uphill for the whole last stretch, so maybe it was just very slow, and not long. It was the only hill in the course.

So ended up 4th place with a 15:52. Top 3 went 15:29, 15:31, and 15:36. 5th place was 15:55. Although I wanted to place higher, I was pretty content with my time, given the 40 mpw and no speedwork that has defined my summer so far. Coming into the race, I figured 15:50 was about the best case scenario, and that's where I ended up, although last year my time would have finished 2nd. So you never know. But this gives me a starting point and a reference for the rest of the summer, as I try to get in respectable shape again. My next race is in about a month, and is the USATF CO half marathon championships, so should have pretty good comp, as $1000 is on the line. So I better get my sorry butt in gear.

During the first mile, leading the race.


Finishing up the race.


Comments
From James on Wed, Jul 04, 2012 at 17:16:33 from 97.117.92.183

Your training has been like mine, except you are still 2 minutes faster in a 5k than I would be. Good race!

From Rob Murphy on Wed, Jul 04, 2012 at 17:35:52 from 24.10.249.165

You are right about not knowing who will or won't show up. I WON the Sandy Classic 10k today, and $100, in 37:29.I was shocked to say the least. I know you remember when it was a much more competitive circuit race.

From Jake K on Thu, Jul 05, 2012 at 09:10:45 from 155.100.226.54

Throwing down a good kick for a "meaningless" spot means you are a fighter!

15:50s is pretty good for how infrequently you hit 5K pace in training - ie. never :-)

From Paul on Thu, Jul 05, 2012 at 09:24:34 from 207.224.39.118

Thanks James. I have trouble with 5K's, even when I'm in shape. I feel like I can't go much faster than tempo pace.

Rob, I ran Sandy Classic in '07, and I think my 33-flat was good for 3rd...Hobie Call embarrassed us all with a low 31.

Jake - I can't remember the last time I hit 5K pace in training. Probably spring of 2001. Marathon pace is just so much more comfortable.

From RileyCook on Thu, Jul 05, 2012 at 09:30:54 from 132.3.57.68

Nice race Paul. It sounds like we had similar experiences yesterday. Kicking hard to get 4th place (just out of the money) and very similar times.

From Paul on Thu, Jul 05, 2012 at 09:48:04 from 207.224.39.118

Riley - yeah, I saw that your time was pretty similar to mine. I think my first year doing Circuit races in Utah, I was one spot out of the money almost every race...moving to Colorado is like starting over again in some regards. Except instead of running against ex-Weber and ex-BYU guys, I'm running against ex-CU and ex-Western State guys.

From Hamdog Alum on Thu, Jul 05, 2012 at 15:23:32 from 71.90.5.18

Nice race in the heat. 5K's are painful to race and train for. I much more prefer a long tempo at my age.

From Burt on Sat, Jul 07, 2012 at 09:06:25 from 72.223.80.161

Wow, look at the difference in those pictures. It's hard to believe someone can produce that much sweat in such a short distance. Well, someone other than me.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.000.000.000.000.008.00

Fossil Creek/Mason/Power Trail loop, 8 miles, averaged about 7:05/mile.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 8.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.000.000.000.000.008.00

Power Trail up to Horsetooth, then back on Lemay. 8 miles, 6:56/mile average.

Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 8.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
13.000.000.000.000.0013.00

Cathy Fromme Prairie to Roland Moore Park, and back. Averaged just under 6:00/mile on the first half, and then puttered out a little bit coming back. 13 miles, averaged 6:20/mile overall.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 13.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
2.750.000.000.000.002.75

Ran around the neighborhood. 2.75 miles, averaged 7:36/mile.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 2.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
9.000.000.000.000.009.00

Fossil Creek to Mason Trail to Horsetooth and back. 9 miles, averaged 7:20/mile.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 9.00
Comments
From Scott Ensign on Wed, Jul 11, 2012 at 10:12:05 from 71.35.225.245

he Mason Trail serves as a convenient route in the central core of Fort Collins and is maintained by the Streets Department. Stretching from Prospect Road to south of Harmony Road adjacent to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad corridor, the trail offers a solution to improve safety and mobility for cyclists and pedestrians traveling north and south in the city and is 3.5 miles. This trail will also connect to the other trails located within the city, such as the Spring Creek Trail and the Fossil Creek Trail.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
6.502.500.000.000.009.00

Power Trail. 9 miles, did some unstructured fartlek on the way back. Averaged 7:00/mile overall for the run.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 9.00
Comments
From Scott Ensign on Wed, Jul 11, 2012 at 10:10:53 from 71.35.225.245

Power Trail - This trail follows the west side of the Union Pacific Railroad south from Edora Park to north of Harmony Road via Golden Meadows Park then south on McMurry Avenue and Keeland Drive to the west side of the railroad to Triby Road. Future phases will extend the 10-foot concrete trail and 5-foot gravel path south beyond Harmony Road eventually to Loveland’s trail system. Funding is from Conservation Trust (Lottery) revenue. The Power Trail is 3.89 paved miles.

From Paul on Wed, Jul 11, 2012 at 10:25:19 from 207.224.39.118

Ummm, thanks for the piece of wikipedia knowledge. Slow day in the office?

From Scott Ensign on Wed, Jul 11, 2012 at 10:49:10 from 71.35.225.245

well, yes, a bit slow, but this is more a public service to help your 174 loyal followers get a little more useful information and perspective on where you run in this largely unknown tract called Fort Collins.

From Paul on Wed, Jul 11, 2012 at 10:59:11 from 207.224.39.118

Here's a few more factoids:

The locals call it "The Fort" or "FoCo".

We boast 10 local breweries, 11 if you count the one in my pantry.

We are at least 50% more awesome than Boulder.

From Rob Murphy on Wed, Jul 11, 2012 at 11:15:00 from 24.10.249.165

I learned on my recent visit to Colorado that to say "Colorado Springs" is to advertise that you ain't from around here.

It's simply "The Springs".

From Paul on Wed, Jul 11, 2012 at 11:34:44 from 207.224.39.118

Rob - that is correct. Just "The Springs"

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.000.000.000.000.008.00

Fossil Creek to Mason to Boardwalk to Power Trail, back home. 8 miles, averaged 6:45/mile. Actually felt good this morning, perhaps the mini-workout yesterday sloughed some rust off.

Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 8.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
9.000.000.000.000.009.00

Power Trail to Harvest Park. 9 miles, averaged about 7:05/mile.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 9.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.750.000.000.000.008.75

Ran a new route today, out the south end of our neighborhood and into the north end of Loveland. Found Loveland's trail system, and ran on that for a little while. It was really nice, will have to explore out there some more. The nice thing about living on the south end is that I can double-dip running routes for both Fort Collins and Loveland. 9 miles, averaged 6:53/mile. Did some strides during the second half of the run.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 8.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
15.000.000.000.000.0015.00

Quasi long run today. Tried out a new route, part of the 21-mile segment of the Poudre River Trail between Windsor and Greeley. (obviously I didn't do the whole thing). The Windsor trail head is only about 10 minutes from my house, which is probably closer than the trailhead to the Fort Collins segment. Anyway, it was a nice run. I did an out-and-back, 7.5 miles each way, so 15 miles total. Kept the pace pretty brisk and consistent the whole way, and ended up averaging 6:15/mile for the run.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 15.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
2.750.000.000.000.002.75

Easy lap around the neighborhood

Saucony Hattori Miles: 2.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.000.000.000.000.0010.00

Boyd Lake and back. 10 miles, averaged 6:59/mile. Did a few strides on the way back.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 10.00
Comments
From Superfly on Mon, Jul 16, 2012 at 14:56:42 from 74.211.21.81

Did your area get any of the rain that's been moving through the last week or so?

From Paul on Mon, Jul 16, 2012 at 14:58:16 from 207.224.39.118

We might get some heavy rain today and tomorrow. Or we may get nothing. Keeping my fingers crossed for precip...

From Superfly on Mon, Jul 16, 2012 at 15:02:42 from 74.211.21.81

We've got dumped on- on and off for like 5 days. Totally uncharacteristic for this time of year but I'll take highs in the 80's and rain over the 116 F it was last Tuesday.

Anyways I'm hoping Colorado gets dumped on too- kind of cleans the burned areas out... hopefully no flooding.

From Paul on Mon, Jul 16, 2012 at 15:14:38 from 207.224.39.118

Well, if we get dumped on, it's going to flood, no getting around it. We got some good rain about a week ago, and there were some mudslides in the burn area. But hopefully it will wait a couple weeks, so that folks' flood insurance can kick in (it takes 30 days)

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
6.000.004.000.000.0010.00

Power Trail to Drake, and back. Did 10x2-minute fartlek with 1-minute recoveries. Pace on the hard segments were in the neighborhood of 5:15-5:20. 10 miles total, averaged 6:44/mile for the run.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 10.00
Comments
From Jake K on Tue, Jul 17, 2012 at 09:11:17 from 155.100.226.54

Paul that's kind of a real workout - you must be getting bored with retirement :-)

From Paul on Tue, Jul 17, 2012 at 10:01:48 from 207.224.39.118

Mostly I'm just feeling slow and fat. It's a good motivator.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.000.000.000.000.0010.00

Fossil Creek to Mason to Hinsdale, and back. 10 miles, averaged 6:54/mile.

Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 10.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.000.000.000.000.0010.00

Observatory Village and back. 10 miles, averaged 7:34/mile.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 10.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.000.000.000.000.0010.00

Loveland Trail, west. 10 miles, averaged about 7:05/mile. Did some strides.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 10.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
16.000.000.000.000.0016.00

Bacon Strip loop, plus some extra distance, for 16 miles total. Was hoping for some faster-paced running, but it was already 70 degrees by 6:30, and 80 degrees by the time I finished, so the quality just wasn't there today. Kind if a deathmarchm actually. 16 miles, averaged 6:50/mile.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 16.00
Comments
From Jon on Sat, Jul 21, 2012 at 20:32:26 from 74.177.97.254

Cody and I gave a ride to a lady in Silverton last weekend (last name Pachev- head of CO LDR?) who started talking about a 2:17 marathoner who just moved from Utah to the Fort- sure enough, talking about you. Small world. She told us you were running 2 of her races, one in Ouray, and then proceeded to spend 10 minutes trying to convince me to try out for the US World Champ 100k or 24 hr team. We told her you would be much faster, although neither of us thought there was any way you would ever do a 100k or 24 hr race.

Monologue over. Just a random story.

From Paul on Sat, Jul 21, 2012 at 20:35:35 from 70.58.8.113

Nice. Yes, must have been Tania Pacev. I haven't met here yet, but she seems super-nice, and has been very helpful over email.

From Jon on Sat, Jul 21, 2012 at 20:38:26 from 74.177.97.254

Yup, that was her name. Very nice, indeed- talks fast and non-stop.

Good luck at your races coming up.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
11.000.000.000.000.0011.00

Boyd Lake. 11 miles, averaged 7:14/mile. Did some strides on the way back.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 11.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
11.000.000.000.000.0011.00

Power Trail to Edora Park. Did some tinman tempo on the way back, 5.5 miles at about 6:00/mile pace. 11 miles total, averaged 6:50/mile. I can never run very fast this early in the morning; I can't wait for fall so that I can go back to lunch hour workouts.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 11.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
11.000.000.000.000.0011.00

Fossil Creek to Mason to Hinsdale neighborhoods. 11 miles, averaged 7:00/mile.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 11.00
Comments
From Jason D on Wed, Jul 25, 2012 at 15:02:45 from 24.1.80.94

I think I'm starting to notice a pattern here, Paul. Next week must be the week of 12-milers?

From Paul on Wed, Jul 25, 2012 at 15:12:10 from 198.176.242.185

Jason - yep, you figured out my pattern. 12-milers all next week, but then it levels off. Definitely the doldrums of summer.

By the way, I noticed that you live in Lafayette. I grew up in Crawfordsville, so ran quite a few XC and track meets in Lafayette. Stay cool.

From Jason D on Wed, Jul 25, 2012 at 16:56:39 from 24.1.80.94

I grew up in Maine, but I'm doing my PhD at Purdue. I actually found the blog when I was looking for images of the Monumental course and your name came up. Thought it was a bit of a travel for you from out west, but that makes sense if you are from the area.

Another 100 degree day today, but it's been very dry. Should put me in good shape for fall.

From Jon on Thu, Jul 26, 2012 at 19:21:19 from 74.177.97.254

Paul is nothing if not patient and predictable.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.750.000.000.000.0010.75

Power Trail - Fossil Creek Loop, plus some added on. 10.75 miles, averaged 7:15/mile.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 10.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
11.000.000.000.000.0011.00

Trilby to Shields to Cathy Fromme Praire. 11 miles, averaged 7:05/mile. Did some strides on the way back.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 11.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
17.250.000.000.000.0017.25

Ran the first 10.5 miles of the Horsetooth Half Marathon course at tinman tempo pace, the came back on Overland to complete the loop. 17.25 miles. Averaged 5:55/mile for the first 10.5 miles, and 6:19/mile overall.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 17.25
Comments
From Jon on Sun, Jul 29, 2012 at 07:14:51 from 74.177.97.254

I thought you had some 10k in Ouray today?

From Paul on Sun, Jul 29, 2012 at 07:40:23 from 71.212.254.61

No, the half marathon in Ouray is Aug 12

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
2.750.000.000.000.002.75

neighborhood loop, 2.75 miles

Saucony Hattori Miles: 2.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
12.000.000.000.000.0012.00

Boyd Lake. 12 miles, averaged 7:35/mile.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 12.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
12.000.000.000.000.0012.00

Trilby out to Coyote Ridge Trail. Took the trail up to about 5700' before it was time to turn around. Enough to catch a nice morning view. Did some tempo on the way home, about 6 min pace. Averaged 7:14/mile for 12 miles.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 12.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
0.000.000.000.000.000.00

in the field all day. Did not run.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.005.000.000.000.0012.00

Traveling for work this week, and ran in Montrose, CO this morning. I found a bike trail via Google Maps, and did 12 miles on it this morning. Did some tempo on the way back. Averaged 6:52/mile overall.

Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 12.00
Comments
From Jake K on Fri, Aug 03, 2012 at 09:18:11 from 155.100.226.54

Montrose is in the middle of nowhere! But just a little bit south of there you are one of the best areas in all of the rockies...

From Paul on Fri, Aug 03, 2012 at 09:29:19 from 207.224.39.118

Yes, well there's billable work in Montrose, so I went there. I actually like Montrose quite a bit because it's earthy and not uber-trendy like everything else in Colorado. But I'll be going to Ouray next week for a race, so I can compare.

From Jake K on Fri, Aug 03, 2012 at 09:31:47 from 155.100.226.54

Its a nice gateway to the San Juans. I think you'll find Ouray to be a cool place... there are some touristy things going on there in the summer, but for the most part, it retains its old mountain town charm. Scenery down that way is incredible.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
12.000.000.000.000.0012.00

Back in the Fort. Power Trail, 12 miles, averaged 7:28/mile.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 12.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
18.000.000.000.000.0018.00

Long run, down past Boyd Lake to Eisenhower St on the Loveland trail system. It was a beautiful morning, nice and cool. My calves and achilles were yelling at me the last half of the run, but other than that it was good. I think my achilles have about had it. 18 miles, averaged 6:38/mile.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 18.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
2.250.000.000.000.002.25

Jog around the neighborhood.

Saucony Hattori Miles: 2.25
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
12.000.000.000.000.0012.00

Tribly to Shields to Kathy Fromme Prairie. 12 miles, averaged 7:35/mile. Did some strides on the way back.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 12.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.000.004.000.000.0012.00

Power Trail, 12 miles. Did 7x3-min fartlek with 90s recovery. Pace ranged from 5:05 to 5:25, depending on topography. Averaged 6:50/mile overall for the 12 miles.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 12.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
9.000.000.000.000.009.00

Fossil Creek to Mason. 9 miles, averaged 7:20/mile.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 9.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.000.000.000.000.007.00

Harvest Park. 7 miles, averaged 7:33/mile. Did some strides on the way way.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 7.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
5.000.000.000.000.005.00

5 miles with some strides.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 5.00
Comments
From Jake K on Fri, Aug 10, 2012 at 15:14:28 from 155.100.226.54

Hey good luck this weekend.

Thought you might find this SI article interesting...

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/olympics/2012/08/10/marathon-map/index.html

Race: Mt Sneffels Half Marathon (13.1 Miles) 01:10:50, Place overall: 5, Place in age division: 1
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
3.900.0013.100.000.0017.00

Ran 1:10:50 at the Mt Sneffels half, which also served as the CO USATF championships. Good field, and I fell a little short, placing one spot out of the money. In a nutshell, I went out too hard the first 4 miles, hung on to 4th place until mile 8, stayed in contact until Mile 11, but then was crushed by the last hill to finish about 25s back from 4th. Bummer. I think I underestimated both the toughness of the course, and also the effect of racing at 7500' altitude. The legs were just bricks the whole way. Beautiful course though, gorgeous area of Colorado.

Mile splits were

  • 11:07 (2-mile split. Uphill, then downhill, then uphill, then downhill. Really tough start. Running with the leaders)
  • 5:09 (drop to 4th)
  • 5:04
  • 5:19
  • 5:13
  • 5:23
  • 5:23 (get passed into 5th place at Mile 8 marker)
  • 5:12
  • 5:18
  • 5:52 (last big uphill)
  • 5:35
  • 5:31
  • 40s

 www.coloradorunnermag.com for race details and pics.

 

 

 

 

 

Saucony Type A Miles: 15.00Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 2.00
Comments
From JamesH on Sun, Aug 12, 2012 at 22:06:03 from 208.117.127.7

Great race as always. Congrats!

From Jake K on Mon, Aug 13, 2012 at 08:16:20 from 155.100.226.54

Couple quick thoughts after looking at that article...

That's former U of A superstar Robert Cheseret that won the race? He's Bernard Lagat's brother.

Cool race bibs.

I hope you beat the guy who the giant beard!

Who does money 4 deep? It should be 3 or 5!

From Paul on Mon, Aug 13, 2012 at 08:40:10 from 207.224.39.118

Jake - yeah, 4-deep is a little odd. I think it was originally 3-deep, but usatf finagled some more money.

The guy with the beard is Peter Maksimow, a pretty good trail runner. I did beat him, but he can grow a better beard, so we are even.

No, I don't feel too bad about getting beat by Robert Cheseret, who has a 5K/10K PR of 13:13 and 28:20. Actually, I don't feel too bad about getting beat by any of these people. Top 3 were way out of my league, and the guy just ahead of me in 4th has half marathon and marathon PRs almost identical to mine, so maybe I'm in better shape than I thought. The top guys were about 4 minutes slower (or more) than their half marathon PRs, so I guess this goes to show that that not all downhill courses are cheater courses.

From Jake K on Mon, Aug 13, 2012 at 08:42:15 from 155.100.226.54

I think sub 1:11 is a pretty good effort on that course... that elevation is tough!

There is never any shame in getting beat by Robert Cheseret or any other members of Lagat's family! :-)

From Hamdog Alum on Mon, Aug 13, 2012 at 14:04:40 from 71.90.5.18

Nice race on your 1st attempt at the course.

From Jon on Mon, Aug 13, 2012 at 19:52:34 from 98.84.73.233

Yeah, even your beard in all it's glory (back in the day) couldn't compare to that guy's beard. Maybe growing it again will move you up a few spots. Either that, or shave/buzz your hair like 4 of the guys in the top photos. After all, finishing position has nothing to do with running and training, but everything to do with hair.

From Adam RW on Tue, Aug 14, 2012 at 12:12:12 from 128.110.236.168

Nice race against stiff competition.

From Jason D on Tue, Aug 14, 2012 at 22:29:30 from 74.75.190.42

Strong race, Paul. I think your retirement (I think that was your term) mileage is still allowing you to run strong. 7500' is a good deal higher than the Indiana elevation you group up running at. Say, multiply it by 10!

From Superfly on Tue, Aug 28, 2012 at 13:26:34 from 74.211.21.81

Oy! 7500' sounds horrible. I don't like mowing my grandmas lawn at 7000' but running a 1:10 half sounds like a nightmare. Good job man. That's really really good at that elevation with hills too.

From Paul on Tue, Aug 28, 2012 at 13:32:50 from 207.224.39.118

I guess I didn't mention in the report that the course had a 700' net drop. But it didn't feel like it. Lot of uphill the first two miles, as the route went up into downtown Ouray and back, and the up and back (again). Kind of like running up and down old Main St in Park City. Then from Mile 3 to the end, it was downhill, but not as much as I was hoping for. I guess similar to how the first half of Utah Valley Marathon is downhill, but it doesn't always feel like it.

From Sasha Pachev on Tue, Aug 28, 2012 at 14:15:23 from 69.28.149.29

Congratulations on a solid time!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
5.000.000.000.000.005.00

Fossil Creek Park with Zoe. 5 miles, averaged 7:15/mile.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 5.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.000.000.000.000.0010.00

Loveland Trail, west. 10 miles, averaged 7:30/mile.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 10.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
12.000.000.000.000.0012.00

Trilby to Shields to Cathy Fromme. 12 miles, averaged 7:27/mile.

Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 12.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
9.004.000.000.000.0013.00

AM - Power Trail, 5 miles, 7:30/mile.

PM - ran home for lunch via Power Trail, and back on Lemay. Did about 4 miles of tempo at 5:40/mile on the way home. Averaged 6:18/mile overall for 8 miles. Nice, cool day today.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 5.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
0.000.000.000.000.000.00

slept in, didn't run

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
18.000.000.000.000.0018.00

We camped with friends near Red Feather Lakes last night, which was a good staging area for a Saturday morning long run. I woke up at 5:30am, and decided to head out a little early. It was a beautiful morning, and I ran Manhatten Rd up to Red Feather Rd, to Deadman Rd. Once I got to Deadman Rd, it was all dirt, and all uphill, starting at about 8400' and peaking at 9600' a little before my turnaround. Was averaging about 7:30/mile for the first uphill 9 miles, and then hit about 5:45-6:00 for most of the way back, until I got back to Manhatten Rd and had to deal with a few long uphills that sucked the juice out of my legs. Ended up with 18 miles total, and averaged 6:58/mile. It was a good run for getting both some vertical and some altitude, both which I really need to train for before my next race. And it was beatiful scenery, good solitude.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 18.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
5.000.000.000.000.005.00

Kathy Fromme Prairie, 5 miles, averaged 6:57/mile.

Saucony Hattori Miles: 5.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
13.000.000.000.000.0013.00

AM - Carpenter out-and-back. 5 miles, averaged 7:55/mile.

noon - ran home for lunch. 8 miles, averaged 7:04/mile.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 8.00Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 5.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.500.004.500.000.0013.00

Power Trail, 13 miles. Did 8x3-minute fartlek with 90s recovery. Ran about 5:10-5:30 on the intervals, depending on topography. Averaged 6:46/mile overall for the 13 mile run.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 13.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
13.000.000.000.000.0013.00

AM - Fossil Creek / Power Trail loop. 8 miles, averaged 7:47/mile.

PM - Fossil Creek Park with Zoe. 5 miles, no watch.

Saucony Hattori Miles: 5.00Asics Blur 33 Miles: 8.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
9.004.000.000.000.0013.00

Boyd Lake, 13 miles. Did a progression run, starting at 8-minute pace and eventually getting down to 5:25 for the last mile. Successful workout in that each mile was actually faster than the previous mile...

Averaged 6:37/mile for the entire run.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 13.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
13.000.000.000.000.0013.00

Easy 5 miles through neighborhoods and Fossil Creek Park. Averaged about 7:45/mile.

noon - ran home for lunch. About 8 miles, no watch.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 8.00Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 5.00
Comments
From Sasha Pachev on Fri, Aug 24, 2012 at 12:47:41 from 69.28.149.29

You made it to Lone Faithful's section, I thought I'd comment to remove the loneliness. Distance running can be a lonely sport unless you are fortunate to have training partners. I used to do a lot of lonely runs, but now I get most of my run done with my kids, and Benjamin can do short speed intervals with me. Have you found anybody in your area to run with yet?

From Paul on Fri, Aug 24, 2012 at 13:22:39 from 207.224.39.118

No, not really. I ran with one guy once for a long run, but he lives on the other side of town, so it's not convenient to get together much. I find it much more convenient and time-efficient to run by myself at this point. There are people who get together for PM workouts here, but I'd have to drive all the way across town to do it, and I'd rather be at home with my family during evenings anyway.

If I lived in Boulder or Colorado Springs, it would probably be a different story: much bigger pool of runners there.

From Paul on Fri, Aug 24, 2012 at 13:23:46 from 207.224.39.118

Fortunately, I really like myself, so I don't get too lonely. And I run with Zoe sometimes, although she usually falls asleep halfway through.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
16.000.000.000.000.0016.00

Poudre River Trail, Windor trailhead. 16 miles, averaged 6:42/mile. Nice and steady the whole way.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 16.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
13.000.000.000.000.0013.00

AM - Fossil Creek to Mason Trail. 8 miles, averaged 7:21/mile. Did a few strides on the way back.

Decided recently to bail on the Lead King 25K in Sept due to scheduling conflicts and the drive time to the race. I could have pulled it off, but it would have made for a very stressful several days for me and my family. The upside is that I can now do the Equinox Half, which is basically the first half of the Colorado Marathon, all in Poudre Canyon. $500 to the winner and $0 to second...apparently I will be running against the 2011 winner of the Bolder Boulder citizen race, also ran low 1:05:xx at RnR Vegas last year. That should give me some motivation!

PM - Fossil Creek park with Zoe. 5 miles, no watch.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 5.00Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 8.00
Comments
From Jake K on Mon, Aug 27, 2012 at 13:26:29 from 155.100.226.191

Jeez - that really inspires the "go out hard with the leader and hang on for dear life" race strategy.

I feel like at the very least, they should split the purse $490 for first and $10 for second

From Paul on Mon, Aug 27, 2012 at 14:30:52 from 207.224.39.118

Technically the $500 is for the course record, but it's a first year race...

From Jon on Mon, Aug 27, 2012 at 19:19:44 from 98.71.131.64

Ahh man, I was looking forward to seeing how you did on the trail 25k race.

From Paul on Tue, Aug 28, 2012 at 13:09:12 from 207.224.39.118

Yeah, I'm little bummed about Lead King, but maybe I'll do it some other year.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.000.006.000.000.0013.00

Boyd Lake, with 6x1-mile, 2-minute recovery between intervals. Splits were 5:25, 5:13, 5:12, 5:04, 5:20, 5:17. (last couple of miles were uphill). Did a few strides during cooldown. 13 miles total, averaged 6:32/mile.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 13.00
Comments
From Brandon on Tue, Aug 28, 2012 at 12:03:07 from 67.214.231.170

Nice work Paul, especially on the uphill ones at the end.

From Paul on Tue, Aug 28, 2012 at 13:08:14 from 207.224.39.118

Thanks Brandon.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
13.000.000.000.000.0013.00

AM - Harvest Park. 8 miles, averaged 7:44/mile.

PM - Fossil Creek Park with Zoe. 5 miles, no watch.

Saucony Hattori Miles: 5.00Asics Blur 33 Miles: 8.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
13.000.000.000.000.0013.00

Cathy Fromme Prairie. 13 miles, easy. Averaged 7:18/mile.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 13.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
13.000.000.000.000.0013.00

AM - Power Trail - Fossil Creek loop. 8 miles, averaged 7:20/mile.

PM - Fossil Creek Park with Zoe. 5 miles, no watch.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 5.00Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 8.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
19.500.000.000.000.0019.50

Ran the first 11.5 miles of the Horsetooth Half course, plus some extra to form a loop. My garmin died as soon as I turned it on (must have left it on yesterday, as I charged it a couple days ago). So I was without pace or distance, so I just guessed a route that would give me 18 or 19 miles, which is what I wanted. Run first, ask questions later. Ended up being 19.5 miles on gmap pedometer. No idea of pace, although I tried to keep it honest for most of the run, but then it ended up being a death march the last 5 miles on Overland. Water or gu probably would have helped, since I haven't ran this long in a while, but oh well. I was incredibly thirsty by the end.

Tour De Fat is today in Fort Collins. 20,000 people dressed like fools on bicycles, waltzing around downtown all day. I passed many of them on my run, saw a lot of tutus. Needless to say, since I am a curmudgeon I will not be going, but I did buy a case of New Belgium in honor.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 19.50
Comments
From Superfly on Sat, Sep 01, 2012 at 12:40:52 from 74.211.21.81

Good long run and I follow the same policy of running first then asking questions.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
4.000.000.000.000.004.00

Ran out on the trail in our neighborhood, and then up the trail in Stanton Creek neighborhood. No watch, but I will estimate 4 miles-ish.

Saucony Hattori Miles: 4.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
14.000.000.000.000.0014.00

AM - Fossil Creek to Mason Trail to Troutman Park. 9 miles, averaged 7:04/mile. Did some strides on the way back.

PM - Power Trail with Zoe. 5 miles, no watch.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 5.00Asics Blur 33 Miles: 9.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.006.000.000.000.0014.00

Power Trail to Spring Creek Trail. 14 miles total. Did some tempo on the way back, 7 miles at 5:40-5:50. Didn't feel snappy, but it was better than nothing. Averaged 6:51/mile for the total run.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 14.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
14.000.000.000.000.0014.00

High Castle - Lemay Loop. 5.75 miles, averaged 7:51/mile.

noon - ran home for lunch. 8.25 miles, averaged 7:14/mile.

Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 5.75Asics Blur 33 Miles: 8.25
Comments
From Kory on Wed, Sep 05, 2012 at 12:56:29 from 134.50.89.24

Nice running and very accomplished year so far. Are you picking another Marathon down the road sometime? Or you just planning whatever is fun?

From Paul on Wed, Sep 05, 2012 at 13:26:26 from 207.224.39.118

Thanks. I will probably run one or two marathons next year (God willing), but none this year. I just have a couple more half marathons lined up for this year.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
14.000.000.000.000.0014.00

AM - south out of neighborhood. 6 miles, averaged 7:35/mile.

noon - ran home for lunch. 8 miles, averaged 7:02/mile.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 8.00Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 6.00
Comments
From Jake K on Thu, Sep 06, 2012 at 12:08:50 from 155.100.226.191

All you gotta do is find someone who has a fast dog and $250 is yours...

http://www.runcolo.com/content/m1le-denver-race-75-000-cash-prizes-1248/

From Paul on Thu, Sep 06, 2012 at 13:37:01 from 207.224.39.118

There's no such thing as cherry-picking out here. I can guarantee that someone like Jason Hartman or Pat Rizzo will show up with a really fast dog.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
9.000.005.000.000.0014.00

Power Trail to Spring Creek Trail to Poudre River Trail. Did 8x1km with 60s recovery jog. Splits were 3:06, 3:09, 3:06, 3:06, 3:07, 3:08, 3:05, 3:02.

Felt pretty good. Ended up with 14 miles total, averaged 6:18/mile.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 14.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
19.500.000.000.000.0019.50

Did a big loop: Trilby to Shields to Cathy Fromme Prairie to Spring Creek Trail to Power Trail. 19.5 miles, averaged 6:49/mile. Just kind of cruised the whole way, and felt for the most part.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 19.50
Comments
From Hamdog Alum on Sun, Sep 09, 2012 at 11:02:14 from 71.90.5.18

You must be back in the mood again. Your miles are looking more like a marathon build-up.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
14.000.000.000.000.0014.00

AM - loveland trail. 9 miles. Averaged 7:49/mile.

PM - Fossil Creek Park with Zoe. 5 miles, averaged 7:44/mile.

Saucony Hattori Miles: 5.00Asics Blur 33 Miles: 9.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
14.000.000.000.000.0014.00

AM - Power Trail - Highcastle Loop. 5.75 miles.

PM - ran home for lunch. 8.25 miles, averaged 6:55/mile.

***

This is pretty good: Paul Ryan Race Time Calculator

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 8.25Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 5.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.000.006.000.000.0014.00

Awesome day to run. It had rained all night and all morning, but had stopped by my lunch time. Cool and humid. Ran Power Trail out to Poudre River Trail. Did 3 miles warmup at 6:30/mile pace, and then did 3x2-mile with 2-minute recovery jog between intervals. Splits were:

  • 10:31 (5:18, 5:13)
  • 10:24 (5:15, 5:08)
  • 10:12 (5:08, 5:04)

Good workout. Ended up averaging 6:05/mile overall for 14 miles.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 14.00
Comments
From Superfly on Wed, Sep 12, 2012 at 14:49:18 from 74.211.21.81

Looking pretty sharp!

From Jason D on Wed, Sep 12, 2012 at 16:34:16 from 24.1.80.94

Didn't take you long to get back into doubles, workouts, and 80-90 miles weeks. Seems like a good indicator workout.

From Paul on Wed, Sep 12, 2012 at 16:40:20 from 207.224.39.118

By my reckoning, it took about 8 months. But I do feel like I'm getting in decent shape.

From Jason D on Wed, Sep 12, 2012 at 16:55:10 from 24.1.80.94

True, true. I guess I meant the increase in mileage, workouts, and doubles from where you were a few weeks ago around 50-60.

From Paul on Wed, Sep 12, 2012 at 17:09:40 from 207.224.39.118

That's true. It's really easy (and not hard on the body) to bump up the mileage pretty quickly via doubles. I was doing 10-12 miles per day as singles, but 14 miles/day as doubles is a bit easier, even though the total volume is higher.

From scottkeate on Thu, Sep 13, 2012 at 14:34:52 from 216.49.181.254

It's fun to see you cranking things back up. Nice workout!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
14.000.000.000.000.0014.00

AM - Fossil Creek trail. 6 miles, averaged 7:50/mile.

noon - ran home for lunch. 8 miles, no watch.

Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 8.00Asics Blur 33 Miles: 6.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
14.000.000.000.000.0014.00

AM - Power Trail - Harmony - Willow Springs Loop. 6.5 miles, averaged 7:50/mile.

noon - ran home for lunch. 7.5 miles, averaged 7:05/mile.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 7.50Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 6.50
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
14.000.000.000.000.0014.00

Parked at Edora Park, and ran Spring Creek Trail over to Poudre Trail, past Shields St. Did a tinman tempo for 14 miles, and averaged 5:43/mile for the duration. Splits were 6:04, 5:50, 5:44, 5:43, 5:40, 5:46, 5:49, 5:40, 5:42, 5:39, 5:34, 5:31, 5:32, 5:46. Felt really good, nice and relaxed the whole way.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 14.00
Comments
From Scott Ensign on Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 22:29:48 from 67.40.116.44

missed you here today.

From Paul on Sun, Sep 16, 2012 at 07:25:23 from 207.224.42.115

Yeah, wish I could have been there. I need two more TOUs to get in the ten-year club.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.750.000.000.000.007.75

Fossil Creek to Mason. 7.75 miles, averaged 6:59/mile.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 7.75
Comments
From Jake K on Mon, Sep 17, 2012 at 09:27:49 from 155.100.226.191

Way to show that 7 minute guy who is boss! :-)

From Patrick Monson on Mon, Sep 17, 2012 at 15:32:46 from 159.212.71.69

Hi Paul. You are a inspiration to me, and a good example too. My name is Patrick Monson. I am a marathon runner and I also have ankylosing spondylitis, bummer. I sent you a message about a year ago on your blog about me working on a Master Thesis at WSU concerning this disease in us marathon runners. I hope the research will help other marathon runners with the disease. I don't know if you remember or not. I was wondering if you would be interested in taking an anonymous and confidential survey in the near future. I would really appreciate it if you could do this cause I think the more marathon runners I can get to do this, the better my research will be. Thanks again, and I hope you continue to run and accomplish your goals. Right now i'm trying to get in shape enough to qualify for the Boston Marathon. That's my next goal after this Thesis fun. Have a good one.

From Paul on Mon, Sep 17, 2012 at 17:35:02 from 207.224.42.115

Thanks for the kind words, and I hope the research is going well. Feel free to contact me anytime. Best wishes with BQ'ing.

From Patrick Monson on Mon, Sep 17, 2012 at 19:31:42 from 65.130.244.129

Hey thanks Paul! Hey do you know Joe Wilson? He's a good friend of mine and he used to coach my little brother Taylor Monson in track? I was just Have wondering. He's an awesome runner too.

From Paul on Mon, Sep 17, 2012 at 21:23:07 from 207.224.42.115

Sure, I know Joe. We've raced against each other several times.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
9.000.000.000.000.009.00

Power Trail, 9 miles

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 9.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.250.000.000.000.0010.25

Fossil Creek to Mason. 10.25 miles, averaged 7:35/mile.

Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 10.25
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.500.000.000.000.0010.50

10.5 miles, some loop. Averaged about 6:10/mile.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 10.50
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.000.000.000.000.008.00

Power Trail, 8 miles, averaged 7:55/mile.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 8.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
6.000.000.000.000.006.00

Fossil Creek to Mason Trail. 6 miles, averaged 7:30/mile. 

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 6.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
4.000.000.000.000.004.00

Four miles around the neighborhood. Half marathon is tomorrow.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 4.00
Race: Equinox Half Marathon (13.1 Miles) 01:07:54, Place overall: 3
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
5.400.0013.100.000.0018.50

Equinox Half Marathon. Was hoping to run under 1:06 here, as it is a downhill course with a similar gradient as TOU. Thought I was in shape to do this, but I guess I'm not. Ran with Jeremy Freed of Boulder for the first 7.5 miles, and then he surged and took off, pretty much leaving me in the dust. After that, I started to struggle a lot, and my pace really slowed quite a bit, especially the last three miles. With about 1.5 to go, another guy passed me, and I didn't do much to stop him. Ended up 3rd place overall, with a time of 1:07:54. It's not a terrible time, but I've run much faster, so I'm a bit disappointed. Still, it was a beautiful day to run down Poudre Canyon, and it was a pretty good way to spend a Sunday morning.

Splits: 4:55, 4:54, 5:02, 5:04, 4:58, 5:00, 5:09, 5:09, 5:14, 5:22, 5:29, 5:30, 5:33, 31s.

I guess if I could do it again, I'd go out slower, but at the time I felt it was the right pace, as it was similar to what I've done at TOU and UVM in the past.

Saucony Type A Miles: 18.50
Comments
From JamesH on Sun, Sep 23, 2012 at 12:33:44 from 208.117.127.7

Good job as always Paul. Even on an off day your races are incredible.

From Jake K on Sun, Sep 23, 2012 at 12:46:26 from 67.177.11.154

Nice race Paul. You'll be back in the sub 1:06 range. Its not like you've been cranking out a ton of sub 5 miles this year... so an impressive performance considering the lower key training since the trials.

From Cody on Sun, Sep 23, 2012 at 15:57:29 from 76.27.36.99

Not too shabby. Don't be too hard on yourself. Good Job. I loved that canyon. Probably very pretty right now.

From Brandon on Sun, Sep 23, 2012 at 18:45:33 from 70.196.194.2

Congrats on a great race Paul. Steadily and quietly getting right back after it.

From Jason D on Sun, Sep 23, 2012 at 19:23:45 from 24.1.80.94

Sorry it didn't go as planned, Paul. Looks like you're bringing the pace down with these, post-trials half marathons. I look forward to the year's remaining races.

From Jon on Sun, Sep 23, 2012 at 19:34:13 from 74.177.115.83

So is it a solid 'meh' race? Sorry.

From Superfly on Sun, Sep 23, 2012 at 19:53:16 from 74.211.21.81

Really good race man. Really impressive off semi EZ training the last 6 months. I'd guess that if you run all the Colorado races next year that you ran this year you'll be back for blood in '13- faster times and higher placing.

From TBean on Sun, Sep 23, 2012 at 21:59:57 from 97.126.213.17

Never fun to be left in the dust when you aren't expecting it. Hope you continue to enjoy the thrill of knowing that you have a good shot at winning most races you enter. Third is still respectable but not as fun as first.

From Adam RW on Tue, Sep 25, 2012 at 10:35:49 from 204.99.164.87

Miles in the tank for next time. Nice run despite the less than hoped for outcome.

From Hamdog Alum on Tue, Sep 25, 2012 at 17:36:52 from 71.87.124.223

It's always worth a shot if you're feeling confident about it. Nice race.

From Scott Ensign on Fri, Sep 28, 2012 at 12:00:19 from 129.123.3.84

belated congrats on a nice race. you will get em next time!!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
0.000.000.000.000.000.00

Woke up today with a mild head cold, plus my legs are pretty sore. It's funny...this kind of downhill race would not have made me sore while I was living in Utah, but the downhill training opportunities are much more limited out here in Fort Collins. Not surprised that I got sick either, as my whole family got sick last week. I'm always to last to pick up the bugs, but it's almost unavoidable.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
0.000.000.000.000.000.00

still under the weather, and sore.

Comments
From Burt on Tue, Sep 25, 2012 at 13:29:29 from 71.216.109.214

Get well soon Paul. We're all pulling for you.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.750.000.000.000.007.75

Ran home for lunch. Finally (mostly) over my cold. Legs are still a little sore, though, which is just embarrassing. 7.75 miles, averaged 7:14/mile.

Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 7.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
11.250.000.000.000.0011.25

AM - neighborhood loop. 3.5 miles, averaged 8:20/mile.

noon - ran home for lunch. 7.75 miles, averaged 6:44/mile.

Saucony Hattori Miles: 3.50Asics Blur 33 Miles: 7.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
17.000.000.000.000.0017.00

Cathy Fromme Prairie to foothills trail. 17 miles. Averaged 7:30/mile.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 17.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
3.500.000.000.000.003.50

Easy run around the neighborhood. 3.5 miles, no watch.

Saucony Hattori Miles: 3.50
Comments
From Patrick Monson on Mon, Oct 01, 2012 at 06:58:12 from 70.58.106.99

Those are some of my favorite kinds of runs, no watch. I remember training for a half marathon and I never used a watch during training just so I would be surprised at my final time on race day. .

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.750.000.000.000.007.75

Ran home for lunch. 7.75 miles.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 7.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.250.000.000.000.008.25

Ran home for lunch. 8.25 miles, averaged 7:01/mile.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 8.25
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.500.000.000.000.0010.50

Power Trail - Spring Creek Loop at lunch. 10.5 miles. Did about 4 miles of light tempo in the middle, at about 5:55/mile. Averaged 6:25/mile overall for the run.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 10.50
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.750.000.000.000.007.75

Ran home for lunch. 7.75 miles, averaged 7:01/mile. Cold out!

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 7.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.750.000.000.000.007.75

Ran home for lunch. 7.75 miles, no watch.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 7.75
Race: Bacon Strip 10-miler (10 Miles) 00:54:31, Place overall: 1
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
5.000.0010.000.000.0015.00

Did a small local race this morning, the "Bacon Strip" 10-miler. The Bacon Strip is a well-known training route on the dirt county roads east of town. It is rolling hills the whole way, which gives the dirt roads somewhat the appearance of bacon. The first half is harder than the second half, as there is about 200ft of net climb over the first 4.5 miles, but then runners are treated to a net drop over the last half (although the whole thing is rolling up and down). On top of that, today there was a prevailing headwind for the first half, and tailwind for the last 5 miles. It was pretty cold today, in the mid-30s, but not bad for race performance. Pretty good for racing, actually.

I didn't expect anyone to run with me during this race, and that's how it panned out, as I led from start to finish. I felt really good the whole way, even on the uphills, probably one of my best overall races of the year. I wore long sleeves, which covered my garmin, and I managed to go the whole race without checking my watch or looking at any splits. That was the way to go, and I just ran by feel, and had a pretty fun tume doing it. Plus, finishing and looking at my splits afterward was a little bit like Christmas (hopefully no lumps of coal though). I especially felt like I was moving really good on the second half, which was WAY easier than the first half due to the wind and net downhill.

 My final time was 54:25, so just under 5:30/mile. This exceed my expectations, given the difficult reputation of the course. My mile splits ended up being 5:51, 6:01, 5:42, 5:47, 5:42, 5:15, 5:14, 5:10, 5:10, 4:48. The longest downhill was on the last mile, so that was a fast one. The whole thing felt great though. Enjoyed bacon and coffee at the finish line. This was a great "old school" race. No timing chips, just bib tags on a board, very grass-roots, and fun, friendly local event.

Brooks Green Silence Miles: 15.00
Comments
From Jake K on Sat, Oct 06, 2012 at 17:28:04 from 67.177.11.154

Nice run Paul. Smoking on that last mile!

From Burt on Sun, Oct 07, 2012 at 01:10:40 from 72.223.86.148

Great job! I was going to be sorely disappointed if there wasn't any real bacon in this race.

From Andrea on Sun, Oct 07, 2012 at 11:42:50 from 67.177.11.154

Congrats on the win!

From Hamdog Alum on Sun, Oct 07, 2012 at 22:02:05 from 71.87.124.223

I love those kinds of races. Nice race and finish.

From Superfly on Mon, Oct 08, 2012 at 08:03:26 from 74.211.21.81

Yeah the last mile was a bomb. Hopefully you and Seth could eat some bacon after the race?

Good job man!

From Paul on Mon, Oct 08, 2012 at 08:23:07 from 207.224.39.118

Thanks all.

No, I didn't bring my family, so Seth didn't get any bacon (it was pretty cold out...didn't want to subject them to that).

But we all enjoyed the bacon-flavored popcorn that I won as a prize. Well, the kids enjoyed it; it made me kind of sick to my stomach. That stuff was nasty.

From Superfly on Mon, Oct 08, 2012 at 08:26:08 from 74.211.21.81

Bacon flavored popcorn? Sounds like something you'd use to fish for catfish.

From Jason D on Wed, Oct 10, 2012 at 15:41:58 from 24.1.80.94

Great race, Paul. That 4:48 must have made a good, final gift under the Garmin Christmas tree. I envy runners with such sense of pace.

From MichelleL on Thu, Nov 22, 2012 at 19:11:03 from 168.70.21.27

A fun read, as always. Glad you didn't get coal, but bacon flavored popcorn is just two steps away from that, isn't it?

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.250.000.000.000.008.25

Ran home for lunch. 8.25 miles, averaged 6:58/mile.

Brooks Green Silence Miles: 8.25
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.000.000.000.000.008.00

Power Trail to Spring Creek Trail from work. 8 miles, averaged 6:16/mile.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 8.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.000.000.000.000.0010.00

Ran home for lunch. 10 miles, averaged 6:31/mile.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 10.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.000.000.000.000.008.00

Ran home for lunch. 8 miles, 6:30/mile.

Brooks Green Silence Miles: 8.00
Comments
From Scott Ensign on Thu, Oct 11, 2012 at 17:18:09 from 67.40.114.105

what happened to your marathongis web site- did you take it down?

From Paul on Thu, Oct 11, 2012 at 21:50:13 from 67.41.204.67

the domain expired and I don't feel like paying $30 to renew it.

From Scott Ensign on Fri, Oct 12, 2012 at 10:03:05 from 129.123.3.84

30 bucks? try westhost, I think they are more like 7 dollars a year.

hey don't forget to read my SG race report. i will be hurt if I don't get a comment from you. just sayin.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.000.000.000.000.0010.00

Ran home for lunch. 10 miles, averaged 6:16/mile.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 10.00
Comments
From bdase on Fri, Oct 12, 2012 at 13:45:06 from 67.199.164.200

Lunch must be tasty if you're running that fast to get to it :).

From Paul on Fri, Oct 12, 2012 at 13:49:21 from 207.224.39.118

Not really. I can just get more miles in during a lunch break if I run faster.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
15.000.000.000.000.0015.00

Boyd Lake, 15 miles, averaged 6:30/mile.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 15.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
2.500.000.000.000.002.50

Easy run around the neighborhood. No watch.

Saucony Hattori Miles: 2.50
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.250.000.000.000.008.25

Ran home for lunch. 8.25 miles. No watch.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 8.25
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
11.000.000.000.000.0011.00

Power Trail to Spring Creek Trail to Poudre River Trail. 11 miles, averaged 6:15/mile.

Brooks Green Silence Miles: 11.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.750.000.000.000.007.75

Ran home for lunch. 7.75 miles, no watch.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 7.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
11.000.000.000.000.0011.00

Power Trail to Spring Creek Trail, west. 11 miles, averaged 6:06/mile. Absolutely gorgeous fall day.

Brooks Green Silence Miles: 11.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.750.000.000.000.007.75

Ran home for  lunch. 7.75 miles, no watch.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 7.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
15.000.000.000.000.0015.00

Fossil Creek to Mason to Claredon Hills to Cathy Fromme Prairie. 15 miles, averaged 7:05/mile.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 15.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.000.000.000.000.0010.00

Ran home for lunch. 10 miles, averaged 6:45/mile.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 10.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.250.000.000.000.008.25

Ran home for lunch. 8.25 miles, no watch.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 8.25
Comments
From Kam on Tue, Oct 23, 2012 at 13:49:00 from 68.66.163.179

No watch is among the best of things.

From Paul on Tue, Oct 23, 2012 at 13:59:16 from 207.224.39.118

Plus it saves me about 30 seconds of not having to find it and boot it up, and I can work on filling in my tan line.

From Kam on Tue, Oct 23, 2012 at 14:29:25 from 68.66.163.179

If your tan line is anything like mine, you need more than 30 seconds.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.500.000.000.000.0010.50

Lunchtime Loop. 10.5 miles. Forgot my garmin, so just tried to keep a brisk pace the whole way.

Brooks Green Silence Miles: 10.50
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.750.000.000.000.007.75

Ran home for lunch. 7.75 miles, averaged 7:02/mile.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 7.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.750.000.000.000.007.75

Ran home for lunch. Garmin was at the bottom of my bag, and I didn't feel like digging it out, so no watch. 7.75 miles.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 7.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
14.500.000.000.000.0014.50

Fossil Creek to Masin to Spring Creek to Power loop. 14.5 miles, averaged 6:05/mile.

Brooks Green Silence Miles: 14.50
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.250.000.000.000.008.25

Ran home for lunch. 8.25 miles, averaged 6:40/mile.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 8.25
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
11.000.000.000.000.0011.00

Power Trail to Poudre Trail. 11 miles, averaged 5:58/mile.

Brooks Green Silence Miles: 11.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.250.000.000.000.008.25

Ran home for lunch. 8.25 miles, no watch.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 8.25
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.250.000.000.000.008.25

Ran home for lunch. 8.25 miles, averaged 6:44/mile.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 8.25
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.500.000.000.000.008.50

Ran home for lunch. 8.5 miles, averaged 6:34/mile.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 8.50
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
15.750.000.000.000.0015.75

Boyd Lake. 15.75 miles, averaged 6:21/mile.

Brooks Green Silence Miles: 15.75
Comments
From Jon on Sun, Nov 04, 2012 at 05:33:04 from 107.203.52.135

There was a spectator at my race today who looked exactly like you when you have your huge beard. And he was the only one on the course cheering for me by name. I spent a few minutes thinking it might actually be you.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
4.500.000.000.000.004.50

Ran around the neighborhood. 4.5 miles, averaged 7:20/mile.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 4.50
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.000.000.000.000.0010.00

Ran home for lunch. 10 miles, averaged 6:50/mile.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 10.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.500.000.000.000.0010.50

Lunchtime Loop. 10.5 miles, averaged 6:03/mile.

Brooks Green Silence Miles: 10.50
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.500.000.000.000.007.50

Ran home for lunch. 7.5 miles, no watch.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 7.50
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.250.000.000.000.008.25

Ran home for lunch. 8.25 miles, averaged 6:40/mile.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 8.25
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.000.000.000.000.0010.00

Ran home for lunch. 10 miles, no watch.

NCAA DI Regionals is in Fort Collins today (right now actually). The course is literally right behind my office, and I could watch the race from our parking lot or from our upstairs window. So I did. Awesome awesome day for a xc regional meet. Made me wax nostalgic for those days.

Asics Blur 33 Miles: 10.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.000.000.000.000.007.00

7 miles on Fossil Creek and Mason Trail. Averaged about 6:30/mile

Brooks Green Silence Miles: 7.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.750.000.000.000.007.75

Ran home for lunch. 7.75 miles, averaged 6:55/mile.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 7.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.750.000.000.000.007.75

Ran home for lunch. 7.75 miles, averaged 6:20/mile.

Brooks Green Silence Miles: 7.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.750.000.000.000.007.75

Ran home for lunch. 7.75 miles, averaged 6:16/mile.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 7.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
9.000.000.000.000.009.00

Power Trail to Spring Creek Trail to Poudre Trail. 9 miles, averaged 6:03/mile.

Brooks Green Silence Miles: 9.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
5.750.000.000.000.005.75

Been traveling and/or sick the last few days,so no running. Today I felt decent and had time, so ran from out hotel in Detroit up along a bike trail that paralleled I275, up to 8-mile roaf, and then back. 5.75 miles, averaged about 7:05/mile.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 5.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
6.000.000.000.000.006.00

in detroit, 6 miles. Averaged 6:30/mile.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 6.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.000.000.000.000.0010.00

Last day in Detroit. 10 miles, south along I275 trailway. Averaged about 6:55/mile.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 10.00
Comments
From jtshad on Tue, Nov 27, 2012 at 13:24:16 from 141.221.191.225

I travel to Detroit area often, though most of the time on the NE side of town rather than where you were. Glad you found a trailway (I have found a few) otherwise running on the roads there can be interesting.

Hope you are feeling better.

From Paul on Tue, Nov 27, 2012 at 13:27:04 from 204.75.192.252

The route wasn't terribly inspiring, but it's convenient and safe. Glad to be back home in any case.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.750.000.000.000.007.75

Finally back home and feeling well again, so hopefully the running will be more consistent from here on in. Ran home for lunch, 7.75 miles, averaged 6:40/mile.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 7.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.000.000.000.000.008.00

Power Trail to Spring Creek Trail to Poudre Trail. 8 miles, averaged 6:11/mile.

Brooks Green Silence Miles: 8.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.750.000.000.000.007.75

Ran home for lunch. 7.75 miles, no watch.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 7.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.500.000.000.000.007.50

Ran home for lunch. 7.5 miles, no watch.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 7.50
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
13.750.000.000.000.0013.75

Fossil Creek Trail to Cathy Fromme Prairie. 13.75 miles, averaged about 6:40/mile

Brooks Green Silence Miles: 13.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
3.500.000.000.000.003.50

Ran around the neighborhood. 3.5 miles, no watch.

Saucony Hattori Miles: 3.50
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.250.000.000.000.008.25

Ran home for lunch. 8.25 miles, no watch.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 8.25
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
6.500.000.000.000.006.50

Ran to Altitude Running store and back. 6.5 miles, averaged 6:30/mile. Altitude is a new store here in Fort Collins, and I will be on their race team this year. I'm excited to have a local sponsor, and hopefully it will serve as a good motivator as well.

Brooks Green Silence Miles: 6.50
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.500.000.000.000.007.50

Ran home for lunch. 7.5 miles, averaged 6:30/mile.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 7.50
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
10.500.000.000.000.0010.50

Lunchtime Loop. 10.5 miles, averaged 6:40/mile. Did some strides near the end.

Brooks Green Silence Miles: 10.50
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.750.000.000.000.008.75

Ran home for lunch. 8.75 miles, averaged 6:55/mile

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 8.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
11.250.000.000.000.0011.25

Harvest Park and back. 11.25 miles, averaged 6:30/mile.

Brooks Green Silence Miles: 11.25
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.750.000.000.000.008.75

Ran home for lunch. 8.75 miles, no watch.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 8.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
11.000.000.000.000.0011.00

Power Trail to Spring Creek Trail to Poudre Trail. 11 miles, averaged 6:20/mile.

Brooks Green Silence Miles: 11.00
Comments
From Jon on Tue, Dec 11, 2012 at 16:25:20 from 107.203.52.135

You interested in some of the local runs like this?

http://irunmountains.blogspot.com/2012/12/vertical-malted-beverage-mile-vmbm-act.html

From Paul on Tue, Dec 11, 2012 at 16:49:01 from 207.224.39.118

No. Too much vertical for me. The beer sounds good though, but I can do that at home.

I'm on the Fort Collins trail runner list serve, but still haven't made it out on any runs. My problem is that I'm too much of a homebody, and have a hard time coming home from work, saying hi and bye simultaneously to the wife and kids, and then heading out the door again for a group run. Maybe I'll get into trail running after the kids move out of the house.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.750.000.000.000.008.75

Ran home for lunch. 8.75 miles, averaged 7:05/mile. Did some strides.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 8.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
7.000.000.000.000.007.00

Fossil Creek to Mason Trail. 7 miles, averaged about 7:15/mile.

Brooks Green Silence Miles: 7.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.750.000.000.000.008.75

Ran home for lunch. 8.75 miles, averaged 6:55/mile. Did some strides.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 8.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
15.000.000.000.000.0015.00

Home to Kathy Fromme Prairie to Spring Creek Canyon Park. Did 4 miles of tempo on the way back, averaged about 5:50/mile for that stretch. 1miles total, averaged 6:30/mile overall.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 15.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
3.750.000.000.000.003.75

Easy run. 3.75 miles, no watch.

Saucony Hattori Miles: 3.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.250.000.000.000.008.25

Ran home for lunch. 8.25 miles, averaged 7:00/mile. Very windy.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 8.25
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
5.750.000.000.000.005.75

I was sick for most of the week, so missed a few days. Finally back at it. Eased into it today, 5.75 miles, averaged 7:00/mile.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 5.75
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
6.250.000.000.000.006.25

Easy 6.25 miles.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 6.25
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.000.000.000.000.008.00

Easy 8 miles, to Harvest Park and back. Averaged about 7:10/mile.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 8.00
Comments
From Holt on Mon, Dec 24, 2012 at 15:42:02 from 67.2.245.25

Merry Christmas Paul

From Jon on Mon, Dec 24, 2012 at 18:46:34 from 107.203.52.135

Merry Christmas to you and your family, Paul.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
9.000.000.000.000.009.00

Power Trail, 9 miles.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 9.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
6.500.003.500.000.0010.00

Boyd Lake and back. Did 6x3-minute fartlek, with 2-minute recoveries. Averaged 5:10-5:15 pace on the intervals. 10 miles total, averaged 6:35/mile overall.

Brooks Green Silence Miles: 10.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
8.000.000.000.000.008.00

Fossil Creek Trail and Highcastle St. 8 miles, averaged about 7:00/mile.

Saucony Kinvara Miles: 8.00
Comments
From Jon on Fri, Dec 28, 2012 at 19:49:00 from 107.203.52.135

Never thought I'd see the day when I had more quant cast visits than you. Of course, that's kind of like the slug bragging about being faster than the sloth, these days.

From Paul on Sat, Dec 29, 2012 at 08:13:30 from 67.41.204.67

I'm amazed I get any visitors at all.

From Rob Murphy on Sat, Dec 29, 2012 at 08:45:03 from 24.10.249.165

You guys both left Utah and ceased to matter any more.

At least you can both be content in the knowledge that Rob Murphy checks your blogs almost daily.

From Jon on Sat, Dec 29, 2012 at 18:12:52 from 107.203.52.135

Yeah, leaving Utah is pretty much the kiss of death on the FRB when it comes to hits.

Good to know someone is still watching us, Rob.

From Jon on Sat, Dec 29, 2012 at 18:14:27 from 107.203.52.135

So Paul, any big plans for next year? Or just general stay in shape with the occasional local race?

From Paul on Sun, Dec 30, 2012 at 19:04:11 from 67.41.204.67

Jon, right now I'm thinking about keying in on the USATF Half Marathon championships (Grandmas Marathon) in June, and the USATF Marathon championships (Twin Cities Marathon) in October. The filler races would all be local, although would probably include Bolder Boulder.

From Jon on Sun, Dec 30, 2012 at 20:45:50 from 107.203.52.135

Those would be some good races.

From Paul on Mon, Dec 31, 2012 at 08:55:32 from 207.224.39.118

I think they will be good. Hopefully they will get me motivated to train. How about yourself, what are you doing?

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
15.000.000.000.000.0015.00

Cathy Fromme Prairie. 15 miles, did 6 miles of tinman tempo in the middle. Tempo portion was 5:50-6:10/mile, depending on topograghy and footing (kind of snowy on some roads). Averaged 6:35/mile for the overall run.

Brooks Green Silence Miles: 15.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
6.250.000.000.000.006.25

South Lemay loop. 6.25 miles, averaged about 7:20/mile.

Saucony Hattori Miles: 6.25
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
9.000.000.000.000.009.00

Loveland Trail, west. 9 miles.

Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 9.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesCrosstraining milesTotal Miles
2563.4558.70105.406.200.002733.75
Brooks Launch (3) Miles: 141.25Asic DS Trainer (2) Miles: 251.50Brooks Launch (4) Miles: 514.75Saucony Hattori Miles: 99.50Saucony Kinvara Miles: 397.50Asics Blur 33 Miles: 513.25Saucony Guide TR Miles: 15.00Saucony Type A Miles: 48.00Asics DS Sky Speed 2 Miles: 439.25Brooks Green Silence Miles: 232.25
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