PJ's Run

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Hills Hills Hills

I am a firm believer in incorporating hills into a training plan.

A few weeks ago, when I did a trial run of the first 24 miles of my 60k route, it dawned on me that my miles 13-21 were also miles 17-25 of the Boulder Backroads Marathon course. Back when I was running Backroads every year, many of my training runs were over that portion of the course so I would be used to the, ahem, undulations. On my recent trial run over that portion of the course, all I could do was gulp when the realization hit that I hadn't tackled those hills often enough to reduce their intimidation factor.

Somehow, between the training I had fit in, the distraction of the llamas at 14.5 miles, and the Anita-Connie cheering squad near the crest of the biggest hill nearing 18 miles, I was able to rumble through. The experience, however, did reinforce the value of hearty diet of hill training.

So! Today, in my first week of ramping up toward racing fitness (vs. long-run fitness), I joined the aforementioned Anita-Connie cheering squad for hill repeats. Oooofdah! 2 minutes up, followed by 2 sets of 60"/75"/90"/75"/60" up. All under blue sky and on trails at the base of the flatirons so one really couldn't do much complaining (as if we had enough breath left over for such activity). I'm already starting to feel a bit more spring in my step. Hill magic!

Photos:
Top, looking east/downhill toward two little dots approaching. Connie said she knew it was me when she heard my voice from afar.
Bottom, looking west/uphill as I run & Linda cycles over the crest of the hill at 18 miles.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Accepting inspiration from all corners

A long-time running buddy was waiting for me 50 kilometers into my 60 kilometer run. We all admired the bird houses along the road there (made out of a variety of objects: lunch box, ski boot, canteen, hard hat...) and as I turned to continue my run, Cathy shouted out something along the lines of "your body is ready, use your mind." She was absolutely right! At that point, my body was going to do whatever it was told and my mind was in an uproar. It was time to think positively, gather all good thoughts, and bound gaily forward.

One kilometer later, at the Bobolink trailhead where AndyE waited patiently with much-appreciated food and drink, I spotted this bumper sticker which put the icing on the cake. This 60-year-old dragon was ready to vanquish the demons!

Friday, March 23, 2012

Couldn't've done it without ya'

Cruising in the glow of the Continental Divide.
with bro-in-law Andy & workmate Linda cycling alongside (23k).

The thought that filled my brain throughout the 60 kilometers, first day of spring, 60th birthday run.

I couldn't have done it without you.

My brother-in-law, Andy Miller, who cycled the entire 60k with me said that it took 60 years to create the perfect running day we had on March 20th: sunshine but warming to no more than 50, a very light cooling breeze, birdsong wafting through the air, spectacular views of the Continental Divide glittering under the Colorado blue sky. Truly spectacular. (By the end of the day, he also said he and my cousin John had invented a new Olympic sport: extreme slow cycling.)

And it was 60 years of family and friendship that allowed me to celebrate the day in such fine fashion. Family, neighbors, work mates, running buddies old and new...the day burst with joy and encouragement. If ever you get the crazy idea of running further than you've ever run at an age older than you've ever been, definitely fill it with all those who have made you what you are. You will fly!

The day began with family and neighbors. And the HUGE surprise of my cousin John Murphey! (My dad and his mom were siblings. We grew up together but he is now in Washington D.C. and I, of course, am far far away in Colorado.)

Below - left to right:
neighbor Audy, always cheering when she'd see me running; Kendall "You can do it honey!";
cycling crew at 2k, son Paul & bro-in-law Andy. Paul headed to campus and PhDing; Andy continued for another 58k!

Cousins, John (photographer) and Paula (runner), at 20k 'aid station'

Even llamas came out to entertain! (26k)

More runners started joining in the frivolity at 33k - and even more kept popping up throughout the remainder of the run. Weehaww!!!

Pulling into the north Rez trail, 33k,
Linda on bike, running buddy Joe & pj, Kendall and Taz, Andy Miller on bike

44k "aid station" Cottonwood Trail hosted by running buddy AndyE
Andy Miller and John Murphey on bikes, pj and running buddy Dick Lipsey

Big gathering at 56k, South Boulder Creek Trail
Running and cycling buddies Anita, John, pj, Andy, Amie, Benji & Connie

Put it all together, and you get one successful run -
and extremely happy runner!

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Across the finish line! Woo Hoo!

Once again guest author Devon VaughanMiller reporting for my now-partying mom! Paula crossed the finish line about an hour or so ago, and has been enjoying a veritable deluge of friends and family. All along the home stretch, people were lining the course, cheering her and her entourage (Andy, John, who had been biking with her since the Res, and friend Amie and myself running alongside) on to home. As she entered the driveway, more people were standing behind a crepe-paper finish line, cameras flashing, and even a cowbell, mandatory runner-cheering fare, announcing her arrival.

What a finish to an amazing run!

After many congratulations, and a few gifts (with more to be opened later, or so I hear), the birthday party began in earnest. Friends and feasting celebrating a spectacular 60 kilometer run. What better way to say:

Happy Birthday, Paula Vaughan!