2012 Bandera 100k Report

Most of you know my end result at Bandera this year, so let's dive into all the other memorable parts of the weekend.

I decided to fly out on Thursday night instead of Friday.  I wanted a little extra time to hang out and see San Antonio.  Thus I flew into Austin and drove to Bandera that night.

The next morning I took an easy jog along the river across from my motel/cabin.  The park had a dirt path that followed the Medina River for about a mile.  Perfect.

No doubt about where I was.

The morning was pristine and the river was glass.

Click on the pic to see the crazy ladder up the tree and the rope swings.  Fun times in the summer for sure!

The deer population in Bandera is doing just fine.

By 9am, I was cleaned up and ready for the 40 mile drive to San Antonio.  With fairly limited time, my destination was the touristy River Walk area.  Once I parked my car, it was easy to get down to the river except I had no clue where to go and didn't feel like walking for miles.  Voila!  Along came a water taxi.

Taxi!  Taxi!

I had no idea the River Walk goes on for miles and miles and my taxi was heading in the direction away from downtown.  I actually didn't mind because the driver was a nice guy and I was his only passenger.  He made it clear that he wasn't a tour guide, but then proceeded to talk non-stop about all the stuff we were passing.  We cruised for about 45 minutes before we finally arrived back in the restaurant section.

Trying to scout out a lunch spot.

I finally wished my water taxi driver friend a farewell and quickly decided on the Rio Rio Cantina for a riverside lunch.  With a big burrito ingested, I soaked in the sun at my table and almost fell asleep before I was snapped out of my stupor by some loud music.  I was only four tables down from a mariachi band serenading a couple.  Seems they don't play the typical mariachi music in San Antonio.  See below...

I couldn't visit SA without the requisite shot of the Alamo.

By early afternoon I was ready to head back north for the pre-race meeting.  After a quick lap around the Alamo, I hopped into the car and enjoyed the relatively short drive back to Bandera.

If anyone needs a mechanic that's honest and will tell you like it is, this is the place to go.

Oh yeah, the race.  I almost forgot.  One of the things I remember most from last year was that if you try to run this race with any small aches & pains, this course will slowly, but surely expose that weakness and completely attack it during the second half.  This would prove true again this year.

Saturday morning was cool, but perfectly comfortable in shorts and a t-shirt..  All the pre-race prep went off without a hitch.  While standing at the start line I met Darcy Africa.  Cool lady and fun to chat it up with another Coloradoan.

About 10 minutes until "go" time.

And we're off!

Greeting the rising sun from atop Sky Island.

One thing that stood out to me within the first few miles was how quickly I got separated from the pack.  The real fast guys & gals were up ahead and out of sight, but there was no one else around me by mile 3-4.  Last year I ran the first 31 miles around a bunch of people.

Heading over to Ice Cream Hill.  Certainly not a sweet treat.

For the first few hours, there was a perfect cool breeze.  I couldn't ask for better conditions to run in after all the cold and snow in Colorado.  Oh, and to just have dry dirt to run on - It was bliss.  Sure there were a few rocks mixed in, but I was seriously having the time of my life and cruising at a comfortable pace.  I know the course was just chuckling away knowing how good it was going to get me later.

A typical Bandera trail.

The typical Bandera trail with the infamous leg shredding Sotul.

The slicing Sotul plant didn't seem that bad this year, but it sure did look lush and taller than I remember.  Not only did my knees & ankles get bloodied up again, but my thighs and fingers (ouch!) got their fair share of cuts too.  I kept telling myself it's all part of the unique Bandera experience!

Ice Cream Hill

The Field.  It's flat, long and a bit mind-numbing.  

At about mile 19, I caught up to Pam Smith (eventual 3rd place woman).  She was in a rough patch and struggling.  I tried to say something nice, but figured she probably didn't want to talk.  It wasn't long before I looked behind me and she was no where to be seen.

Catching a few back of the pack 25k folks heading up Lucky Peak.

I don't remember where they took this pic, but why not stick it here.

The trail you're "lucky" to encounter at the top.

The descent of either Cairns Climb or Boyles Bump.  Can't remember which, but they're both the same.

It was around mile 28 that I caught up with Darcy.  At this point, I knew I was either running a great race, or she was just having a really bad one.  The answer was the latter.  She had issues with her hamstrings before the race, and you bet they were not feeling good after 28 miles on Bandera trails.  She said she was going to drop at the turnaround.  I was bummed for her, but knew she was making the right decision.  Her race schedule is always intense and another lap around the Hill Country SNA could easily set her back.  We parted ways and I ran into the turnaround in 4:40 feeling great.

After a few minutes to load up, I was heading back out for round two.  I remember dreading this moment last year as my blisters had already formed.  This year was much different.  I wasn't running as fast, but overall felt just fine.  Within a half mile, I heard footsteps behind me and who should appear?  Pam Smith.  The new Pam Smith I should say.  She was chipper and running strong.  We chatted for a bit about her rough patch and then off she went.  By mile 35 she was gone and I was starting to get concerned as my knee began to ache.

The story starts to wind down here.  I ran slower and slower as the ache increased.  The rocks were doing what they do best.  Even though I felt 100% going into the race, clearly that wasn't the case.  Miles 37-45 were spent debating between what I could do to make it better or whether I should even keep going.  Meanwhile the breeze had disappeared and the temps had climbed significantly.  I had stopped eating and felt the hole I was in was just too great to overcome this day.  The decision was made to drop.  The last three miles to the aid station (mile 48) were spent getting down on myself because my aunt, uncle, and cousin would be waiting there to see me for the first time all day.  All they would get to see is me walking in with the news it was over.

In my few years of running, this was my first DNF.  It felt a bit weird to take off my chip, grab my drop bag and drive away.  There was no finish line, no "I did it" moment, no closure.  I was left with a pit in my stomach and the dread of having to explain to everyone who knew I was running Bandera why I couldn't finish.  Yes, it was the right decision, but it was a sucky one.

Well, it quickly gets much better now.  My Aunt Hildy, Uncle David, and cousin Rachel were so awesome!  They drove me back to Austin while we listened to the Texans beat up on the Bengals.  They fed me some scrumptious food and we talked for hours.  Rachel & I got to talk running as she's a month away from her first half marathon in February.  I got to witness her going out and rocking her longest training run ever on Sunday!  All in all, I thoroughly enjoy their company and can't thank them enough for giving up their weekend and taking such good care of me.

Here it is Jaime!  Check out these babies!  I ate four of them.

In closing, I remember when Brandon DNF'd at Leadville last summer and blogged about the experience.  He had been shooting for the big buckle and it wasn't his day out there.  My favorite part of his story came when he got home.  His daughter was waiting with a homemade big buckle.  Man, I got all choked up when I saw this picture.

Well, I returned home late Sunday night to find this note on my pillow.  My youngest, Zoe, had worked all weekend on this story.  Just for me.  It's a little silly in parts and her spelling is coming along, but you'll quickly see why there is no way my life will get hung up by DNFing at a race.  I have so much to be thankful for and my family will always be the biggest blessing in my life.

Click to read.

Bandera Update

Once again, this race didn't go as planned.  I ran a great first lap in 4:40 and then encountered knee soreness around mile 36 that slowed me way down.  Walking felt better, but running produced a radiating pain all around the knee I whacked a month ago.  I tried to work through it over the next 11 miles, but it became apparent my only option was to walk the rest or drop.  So I dropped at the next aid station (mile 47).

I'm definitely disappointed, especially with my knee feeling fine now.  I can only guess it wasn't 100% healed up and became inflamed after several hours of hopping rocks.  Without a doubt, I'll be back (hopefully next year).  I had an awesome time this weekend and the race result is the only sour spot.

I'll put out a race report with pics in the coming days.

Looking ahead to 2012...

What an awesome year 2011 was!  Is that due to running more than I have in the past?  All my races but two were on trails?  Bagging a 100 miler?  Running in the San Juans?  Awesome trail runs with friends?  All of the above?  I won't rehash everything that I've already blogged about, so let's look forward to this year.

My goals for 2012 will continue to be simple.

• Push the pace a bit more during training runs.  
• Keep running races since they motivate me to get out the door when my body is saying "sleep in".  
• Take a few more risks during those races.  
• Keep running with friends whenever possible.  
• And keep enjoying each run while living in the moment.  

When asked by my wife right before the start of the LT100 what I was looking forward to most, I responded, "Living in the moment...maybe?"  That off the cuff response has stuck with me the rest of the year as it has helped me to appreciate each day and season for what it has to offer.  Why fret over the past?  Why stress about the future?  Rain/Sun/Snow/Wind/Heat/Cold?  Why worry about things I can't control?

Our church is in a series on "Be Happy" and there are so many things that resonate with how running makes me happy.

Last Sunday, this guy was quoted:

"I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it."
Groucho Marx 

This verse was shared:

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."
Matthew 6:34

And this poem of a 14 year old was read:

Present Tense (a poem by Jason Lehman)
It was spring, but it was summer I wanted,
The warm days, and the great outdoors.
It was summer, but it was fall I wanted,
The colorful leaves, and the cool, dry air.
It was fall, but it was winter I wanted,
The beautiful snow, and the joy of the holiday season.
It was winter, but it was spring I wanted,
The warmth and the blossoming of nature.
I was a child, but it was adulthood I wanted,
The freedom and respect.
I was 20, but it was 30 I wanted,
To be mature, and sophisticated.
I was middle-aged, but it was 20 I wanted,
The youth and the free spirit.
I was retired, but it was middle-age I wanted,
The presence of mind without limitations.
My life was over, and I never got what I wanted.
* Jason was 14 when he wrote this poem. It was published in a Dear Abby column, on February 14th 1989.

So we're off and running in 2012 already.  Bandera is a kick in the pants way to get it started.  It's quite possible I won't achieve any redemption there, and that's okay.  I'm just happy for another day to run and that my training has given me the chance to improve.

My 2011 Numbers...

Total:  3135 miles
Average week:  60.3 miles
Average month:  261.3 miles
Average per day:  8.6 miles
Average per run:  10.3 miles
Time:  500hr12min (almost 21 days of running)
Number of Runs:  305
Rest Days:  76
Biggest Month:  341 miles (November)
Biggest Week:  111 miles (Week of 8/15)
Smallest Month:  180 miles (January)
Smallest Week:  4.3 miles (Week of 8/22)

By The Years
2006:  406
2007:  1469
2008:  1267
2009:  1720
2010:  2743
2011:  3135

Bandera 2011 Preview

Well, not really a preview, but more like a rambling of my thoughts heading into the first stop on the 2012 Redemption Tour next Saturday (1/7).

Last year - Mile 43 - Boy did it get bad from here to the finish.

My 2011 Bandera 100k Splits
1st 50k:  4:54
2nd 50k:  7:16
Difference:  2:22

The brutal numbers above tell the story of my second half blow up.  Most runners add an hour or so during the second loop.  Not 2:22.  My goal is to simply shave that 1:22 off and finish in sub-11 hours.  I hope to have a good day and drop it even lower.

I have a tremendous amount of respect for this beast of a race.  I've reviewed my race report and what I learned last year.  Now it's time to put the adjustments into play and go have some fun.

The field is deeper this year than it has ever been with a bunch of CO guys & gals toeing the line. N Clark, D Mackey, D Bowman, J Schlarb, D James, T Olsen, Y Diboun, J Ricks, T Braje, L Howard, and D Africa are just a few of the name I recognize.  It's too bad the course is two loops in the same direction as it would be fun to see these folks pass by at some point to witness how the race is shaking out.

I'm also looking forward to spending some time with my aunt, uncle & cousin after the race.  If I get lucky my aunt will make the Texas shaped waffles again.  And you can be sure I'll show a little restraint and take a picture of the delectable waffles first!

Christmas Lights Run

One of my favorite running traditions comes in the month of December when I skip an early morning outing in lieu of hitting the streets at night to take in the Christmas lights.  As a family, we always make several driving trips around the neighborhoods to see the lights, but seeing them by foot is the way to go.  I load up the iPod with some Christmas tunes and I head out the door for an hour or two.

A sweet place for a Christmas lights run is McArthur Ranch.  This neighborhood to the east of Highlands Ranch and is primarily horse properties with lots of land.  There is a nice four mile figure eight loop to run that is half paved and half dirt roads with non-existent car traffic.  With houses spread far apart and no street lights at all, the Christmas lights are spectacular.  They jump out of the darkness and just look awesome.

This tree is over 30' tall. 

I didn't take a lot of pictures since any night pictures I take all come out blurry and uninspiring.  Maybe if I ran with a tripod strapped to my back, I could actually get some nice shots.  Case in point below...

I just couldn't hold the camera still to capture this wagon.  But each shaky effect was a little different.

One of my favorites, but the pic just doesn't do it any justice.

With most Christmas lights still on display, there's still time to see them on the run.

Back On Track

Saturday's run at Mt. Falcon was a success. My knee gave me some intermittent aches during the first lap, but then went quiet during the second. I felt great running that last three downhill miles. What a difference a week makes!

Jim P met me for the first lap. It's always a pleasure to share some miles with Jim.  Jaime came out too and we had planned to meet on the trails. I have no idea how, but we probably passed by several times and never actually saw each other!

At one point during the second lap, I stopped the watch and sat on the small bench coming up Parmalee.  For about 4-5 minutes, I soaked in the sun and mountain views. By that time of the day, I was enjoying cloudless skies and windless 50 degree weather.  Simply glorious.

Post run I couldn't have been happier as I walked around the house completely pain free.  That was until about two hours later I walked into AND connected my bum kneecap with the edge of a door!  The next 5 minutes were spent rolling on the floor writhing in pain.  I've never done that before, so why now!!  How could I possibly be such a klutz?  Right back to day one of this stupid injury I went...limping around the rest of the night.

Thankfully, my newly induced pain went away on Sunday and has not returned.  I'm back on track with Bandera training as I start heading into a taper for the next three weeks.  I feel a bit like I've been tapering already, but you won't find me complaining.  Funny how a minor injury can make you so thankful for what you previously took for granted.

3000

I just eclipsed 3000 miles yesterday and celebrated with a few fist pumps during my early morning trail run.  My daughter told me a few weeks ago, that I needed to get busy in order to pass 2011 miles for the year, and I assured her that I was well past that and on my way to a new milestone.  When I ran 2700+ last year, I thought for sure I couldn't get higher.  I guess I was wrong.

Knee Update

After taking a few days off to rest, I started running towards the end of last week.  At first the knee felt okay, but it would get really stiff and sore at night and especially getting out of bed in the morning.  I attempted a Mt. Falcon Double last Saturday and got through the first loop okay.  About 5 miles into the second, the knee started complaining loudly and I couldn't finish the entire thing.  My tail was definitely between my legs as I shuffled/hobbled back down to the lot.  I had some serious doubts about Bandera at that point.

This week involved another rest day and just light running, mainly on roads.  I feel I've made significant progress in healing up, but tomorrow's jaunt back at Falcon will confirm or deny that.

6:00 a.m. for the first lap.  8:45 a.m. for the second if anyone is interested in one or the other.  I'm planning on cruising at a slower to moderate pace and I believe the trail conditions will almost guarantee that happens.

It's better to be disappointed among friends

So was the slogan for the Hardrock Lottery Run last weekend.  About thirteen hearty runners gathered at Todd G's house to head into the foothills behind Ken Caryl Valley for a snowy trek through the trails.  After the run, we'd all stick around for some food & drink while the results of the lottery were being announced via Twitter.  

The odds of getting into Hardrock are minuscule.  They operate on a ticket system and I had just one lonely ticket out of over 1300.  I didn't expect to get in, but like the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, it only takes a single golden ticket to win a tour of one of the most amazing places on earth.  With that slim bit of hope, I don't think anyone was immune to disappointment when the bad news dropped.  

Back to the pre-lottery run.  With over a foot of fresh powder in most places and temps hovering just above single digits, this was one challenging run!

Here's Todd leading us up...and up...and up!

Our feet & ankles disappeared often.

Patrick with his frosty feet on display.

Half the group waiting at the summit.  We had to start running again to stay warm.

I didn't get into Hardrock, but my knee sure whacked one on the descent of the run!

On the way down, I saw Rick Hessek slip and fall into a pillow of powder.  As I came upon that spot, I proceeded to do the same, but my variation to his acrobatic move was to catch a large rock with my knee.  Ouch.  The pain radiated, but I started running again and it subsided a bit.  Upon returning to Todd's house, I could feel it stiffening up and swelling.  It wasn't until I got home that I saw the half-egg protruding from my knee cap.

I don't think it's injured beyond a bad bruise.  I'm walking okay today, so I hope to test it a bit after another day of rest tomorrow.  Bandera is too close to risk not letting this small setback pass.

During the lottery, it wasn't all disappointment.  Brian Fisher got in, as did another guy named Gary from the Springs.  For the rest of us, we look to next year and facing the astronomical odds yet again.

Thanks Todd for organizing the run, opening your home, reading off the tweets, and giving us a place to laugh and sulk!

Glowing Eyes

What do you do when you're running in the wee hours of the morning and see this...

Or this...

I've come quite accustomed to seeing glowing eyes this fall and winter as most of my runs have been in the dark.  But lately, the glowing eyes on the trails I run have multiplied.

This is due to HR letting about 50 cows graze the Backcountry.  They posted this on Facebook last week:

ATTENTION TRAIL USERS...We will be grazing the Highlands Point Trail in the HRCA Backcountry Wilderness Area beginning this week. Cows can be expected to be in this area through the middle of December. Do not approach or harass the cows. There are no bulls or calves, just peaceful, happy cows. They will avoid you. Should one be in the middle of the trail simply give them your best cowboy yell and wave your hands to get them moving.  Grazing is beneficial to the grasses and habitat and is a fantastic fire mitigation tool.

Brought the camera on my 5 AM run today.

I'm comfortable with seeing the glow of deer or coyote eyes as they scamper away from me.  But stick several 500+ lb. beasts right next to the trail and it's very nerve-racking.  I have not partaken in cow harassment, but I'm certainly approaching them with waving hands.  A few haven't budged and I had to pass within feet of these massive creatures!  I'd be a pancake if they ganged up and charged.

This is a "lightened" version of the two eyes above.

This is the best I could get showing them right on the edge of the trail.

I understand the part about the grazing being good for the land due to fire mitigation.  But is it really worth it?  Almost every stretch of trail now looks like the one below.  Not to mention all the trampled vegetation and broken branches I've seen since this started.

Cow patties....lots of patties.

For perspective, this pile is the size of a large pizza and 5" high.

It looks like I've got about two more weeks to enjoy my mornings with these "peaceful, happy cows."  I'm guessing the piles on the trails are going to last much longer than that.

HR Turkey Day 5k

I got out this morning for my first 5k in three years and set a PR at 19:15. 

I thought for sure I was going to be one of those guys that drops dead from a heart attack just before the finish line.  Holy cow was that tough and unpleasant!  With ultras, there's a long delay before the anguish & pain flare up.  Today, that all began about thirty seconds in.  It probably didn't help that I ran my fastest mile ever (5:54) to kick off the suffering.  Mile two was uphill and into the wind.  Mile three is a complete blur as I was looking to make sure the paramedics were available when I went down.

Okay, it was just a little fun.  But if it takes me another three years to race a 5k, I won't be sad.  To those that go out and rock these short & fast races regularly, my hat is tipped to you.

HR Pancake Trail 20

Early last week, I decided to throw an invite out to some friends to see who would be game for a 20 mile run on my local trails.  I love the Highland Ranch trails, but when compared to those in the mountains and foothills, they're flat as a lumpy pancake.  I wasn't sure anyone would take me up on the offer, so to sweeten the deal, I offered a post-race non-lumpy pancake breakfast.

To my surprise, 15 people came out and provided me with one of the most enjoyable runs of the year.  I run these trails all year long, and on occasion get to head out with another person, but never a group of friends.  From Parker to Boulder to Evergreen to Roxborough, runners piled into my kitchen at 7am to warm up before heading back out into the 25 degree air.

And we're off!

The forecasted winds of 25-30 mph never materialized and the sun eventually poked it's head out of the clouds and gave us a near perfect day to run.  I led the group through all the twists and turns, zigs and zags, and eventually we made it back to my house.

Thanks for snapping this pic Chris!  I was hoping for an action shot on the trails.

This was my first time leading a group run like this and let's just say I paced it a bit too fast.  I was distracted while chatting and simply didn't think to look at my watch and slow it down.  Thankfully, no one got lost, everyone finished, and in the process worked up a good appetite for breakfast.

Left to Right:  Chris B, Troy H, Donnie H, Wyatt H, Aaron K, Jaime Y, Todd G, Scott J, Jim P, Scott B, Joe Z, Leila D.  (Out on the trail:  Patrick G & Brad)

When I walked into the house, the smell of coffee, pancakes, sausage, and syrup filled the air.  I've never smelled something so fragrant and desirable after a long run.  Tanya had been working away while we were out running and put out an awesome spread.  I think she flipped 70-80 pancakes!  Later that day she joined some friends for a well deserved ladies night out with dinner and a movie.

The 2011 running season is almost in the books, and Saturday's run was a great way to wind things down.  It has been another memorable year running with friends and building community.  I'm a lucky guy to have so many quality people in my life.

Buffalo Creek Run

Last weekend, I met up with Donnie and Leila for a run around Buffalo Creek.  I was last there in March and was bummed it took me so long to get back.  The running is superb and the company on this outing was equally as good.

Donnie was getting in his last big run before the Hellgate 100k, and Leila just knocks these long runs out of the park for no reason at all.  This long run was perfect timing for my Bandera training.  It was also a good wake up call.  For some reason, I tend to think I don't really need to fuel well on group runs.  I'm not focused on it and I nibble to get by.  Well, with about 3-4 miles to go, I faded fast.  Lesson once again learned!

I may be weird, but I really enjoy cruising through the burn areas.

Why does this picture make me look 8' tall?

We had dry trails all day except for several miles in the forest.  Leila said my Hokas sounds like snow boots!

The wind started picking up in the afternoon, but it could have been so much worse.

D & L still crankin' hard several hours into the run!

There are tons of cool boulders and rock structures scattered all round Buff Creek.

Run Stats

It's All About Perspective

Here's a bunch of random stuff from the last few weeks...

1.  Jumbo Medal - I got a package in the mail last week from the NH Marathon organization.  I guess I won the male open division (20-39).  I knew I finished in 6th place overall, but didn't think about age group awards.  I'm more excited that the five guys that finished ahead me were all in the 40's!  I'll be there soon enough, so it's always great to be reminded that there are some solid running days ahead!  The actual award is somewhat funny.  It's a jumbo version of the finishers medal with "Men's Marathon Open First" inscribed on the back.  Hey, I'll take it!

2.  Perspective Change  - I've kept my running up these last few weeks, but it has been a real test of discipline and determination since mustering up motivation has been a challenge.  The recent wintery weather has really got me down.  I can deal with the dark mornings, but I'm not ready for the consistent temps in the low 20's with wind and snow we've been seeing.  I revisited a simple poem (Whether the Weather) I posted last year and realized I need to toughen up and accept that the only thing I can control is my response to the conditions.  My morning run yesterday was the first after my perspective change.  I ran 9 miles in almost 1.5 hours.  It was slow-going on the trails, but I had a great time simply because I decided before the run that I wanted to.  Good mental training and there's some life application built in there too!

What I'm missing and longing for!  (photo: Jaime)

Reality:  Snow run at Deer Creek last weekend.

3.  The Daily Grind - I was thinking about the fact that I really haven't taken a break from running in the last three years.  I don't feel I need to as I'm having fun, staying healthy, and avoiding burn-out.  I also have resonated with those talking about consistency over the years (here and here).

4.  Bundling Up - I've been thinking a bit about what Lucho has said recently regarding keeping warm.  A large part of my motivation issues are due to the early season cold temps & wind.  I usually wear just enough to get me through a run without getting too hot or cold.  That first mile is always brutal trying to warm up.  I'm going to give his suggestions a try by layering more than usual.

5.  Bandera Prep - My training started about 2-3 weeks ago.  I'm ramping up mileage and trying to get over to the foothills once a week.  I started my training for Bandera last year around 11/1 and put in two big months of running before racing on 1/8.  In hindsight, I ran way too much in December and really didn't taper much at all. Thus, the earlier start this year.  I'd like to get in a double at Deer Creek or Falcon this month and then tackle el Chubbo Grande in December before the taper commences.

6.  Numbers Game - I recently crossed the 10,000 mile mark a few weeks ago.  I started keeping track of mileage in 2006 when I recorded just over 400 miles that year.  I'm about 125 miles from passing my total from last year and only 380 away from cracking 3000 for the year.  It's a little goofy to be chasing numbers, but it's just one of many small motivating factors that gets me up early in the morning to head out for a run!

7.  Leadville 2012 - It's on!  This didn't make the Redemption Tour since I felt like none was needed.  But I am looking forward to seeing what I can do here with one under my belt.  Now, if I get into Hardrock??  Yikes.