Thursday, March 11, 2010

Green Mountain - Uphill

Time: 1:13
Distance: 5.75 miles
Effort: Moderate
Body: Good
Weather: Cool & clear



Knowing the trails would have a new layer of snow, I wanted to get out early before things got sloppy. Got to the trail a bit before 9 a.m. and took the last available parking spot at the mouth of Gregory Canyon. After a quick pit stop at the trailhead, I set off up the Gregory Canyon trail with a pair of microspikes in my hands.


Near the Ranger cottage, I fell in behind a train of runners, consisting of Brandon, Jeff, Mike and a friend of Brandon's, moving steadily uphill. After quick introductions, Mike led us up the rest of Gregory and onto the Ranger Trail and then onto the summit of Green. The pace was steady, but not pushing it, as my time to summit of about 45-46 minutes attests. Still, the pace was just right for me today as my legs were feeling pretty flat.


After a few minutes on the summit snapping pics and chatting (and, for me, strapping on the microspikes), we headed back down. Jeff and Mike hung a left at the four-way to run up Bear. Brandon and I headed back down Ranger for the descent to our cars.


Saw a post by Jim M. pointing to some pics on the Chaffee County Running Club website (scroll to the bottom) showing the snow-covered course of this weekend's Salida Run Through Time Marathon. Looks like the race might be, at least in parts, a bit of a slog. Still, I'm looking forward to running in a new place and staying off the paved roads!



5 comments:

  1. Good luck at Salida,

    I was planning on being at the start but the sale of our house and impending move changed those plans. Don't be discouraged by all the pavement in the first several miles, the last six-eight miles are pretty sweet. Lets get out for some Lake City training soon.

    Todd

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  2. Good luck at Salida,

    I was planning on being at the start but the sale of our house and impending move changed those plans. Don't be discouraged by all the pavement in the first several miles, the last six-eight miles are pretty sweet. Lets get out for some Lake City training soon.

    Todd

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  3. Jim - Looks like we're in for a treat tomorrow. Those last few miles back into town look like a complete posthole fest. Just hoping its not too crusty or it could get ugly. Tights, gaiters or long socks might be an idea.

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  4. Thanks, Todd. Will drop you a note sometime soon to get out for a long weekend run.

    Brandon - great seeing you, too. I'm going to try and keep Green as a regular Thursday thing.

    Nick - yeah, looks like fun. Don't think I have any long socks, unless I have an old pair of tube socks from 5th grade basketball. They were great...two thick red stripes at the top. Man, I looked cool. Maybe I could start a new trail running fashion trend. To hell with compression socks. Tube socks all the way! Can't wait to hear how your Salida throw-down goes!!

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