Final Workout in Preparation for Leadville Trail 26.2
I journeyed up to Sandia Peak, 10,600 feet and small change. My idea was to hit the trail, run down with the dogs for a warm up and then take them back to the car to rest and then, go run down 2 miles and back up 2 miles.
The Forest Ranger had a different plan for me.
I’ve known for 2 weeks the National Forest is closed until October OR ABQ gets rain.
I also knew that Sandia Look out was open. I thought that meant; the trails at the top are open.
Well, here I was in my Off Road 5 finger Vibrams, and well, here I am at 10,600 feet with a 45 minute run to do: Road.
I’m okay with that.
So I grabbed the dogs and ran down the road for a mile and back up for a warm up, and to wear them out.
Then, I ran down 2 miles and back up 2 miles:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/39315500/
Only about 500 feet of climbing. So 2 of the climbs will be half the distance and twice the steepness. And one of the climbs will be 3 miles and 2000 feet of elevation gain.
| 32:45 | 06/29/2011 | 7.3mi/h | 8:10min/mi | zoenance |
Of course, I stopped to smell the wildflowers:
So…
What will 2000 feet in 3 miles feel like?
Probably like when I was in the canyon scrambling.
This is the Love Letter sent out by The Race Director:
As you have no doubt heard, there is a lot snow in the high country. In many areas, especially near 12,000 feet, the snowpack is still substantial. Just last week, it snowed yet again. Today, a team of volunteers worked hard to prepare the courses. We shoveled large amounts of snow, cut steps, and dug out paths through some of the remaining snowfields and drifts – thank you Ken, Chuck, Marvin, Travis, and Larry!
The good news is the entire Marathon and Heavy Half courses are ready. The road to Mosquito Pass is in good shape. The route around Ball Mountain is more problematic – the snowfield is very deep and consolidated – but ready. You’ll be crossing snow, but it is passable and safe. With a few more warm days until race day, it should set up nicely.
Our biggest concern is safety. We don’t want runners post-holing in the deeper drifts or losing their footing on the steepest slopes. We’ve built paths – trenches really – to prevent this.
We’ve done the best we can to prepare the routes. We’re ready, but please come prepared.
You’ll be running on snow, through mud and water, and on dusty trails. It may be sunny, hot, cold, raining, or even snowing. Be prepared for all conditions. Wind at upper elevations can be very cold – especially on Mosquito Pass where it is always windy – so bring a good jacket.
This week is an exciting week for Team Zoefitness Coaching Clients and Athletes:
Justin Berndt begins his taper for Cascade 100
Kim Olsen heads to BC today for BC Bike Race; Good Luck Kim
Christianne Reetz won a local Olympic Triathlon for Masters with a 3rd Place overall.
Rey Vera begins the next 3 months of high intensity training leading into Fall TMBRA.
Those are just the highlights, everybody is busy:
Getting Faster…