Thursday, August 16, 2007

Rocky Mountain High

I'm still alive, just busy, busy, busy...

I missed my long run this weekend because I was outside of Denver visiting my nieces and nephew. Their father (my brother) in serving in Iraq and their mom is swamped trying to take care of three kids so my mom and I went out for a visit.

Here is a picture of my brother with the kids before he shipped out in June.
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We had a good time. Played a lot of games, went swimming, jumped on the trampoline (my childhood dream finally came true).
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I had never been to Colorado before and it was beautiful. The view from their back porch was amazing and the sunsets were out of control!

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I did manage to get in two short runs while I was there (4.9 miles). I was concerned with the elevation so I decided to take it slow and just see how I felt. I mapped out a run around their neighborhood and compared the elevation in Colorado to the elevation to my "highest" run in Miami (our "hill" workout over the Rickenbaker).

Miami:

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Highest point 30ft above sea level.

Colorado:
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Highest point 6040ft above sea level.

Hmmmm...

I was pretty worried since the first night I got there I could barely make it up their stairs without almost passing out, so I decided to be a little conservative. But when I got out there an amazing thing happened. All my humid Miami runs actually paid off because the altitude was nothing compared to Miami in August (or July, June, May...). The weather was beautiful, sunny and cool at 7am with no humidity at all. The only thing that got me a bit was the first 1/3 of the loop I ran was all uphill, so that sucked. Oh and the sun felt like it was resting on my face since the atmosphere is non existent. Nothing a hat couldn't cure though. My shirt was even dry as a bone when I was done. Amazing. I can't remember the last time my running clothes where dry after a 5 mile run, even in February. It was a nice change of pace. And running the hills were cool since I knew in my head I would be returning to flat land soon enough.

Other than that, not too much going on. I did get new kicks!

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They are the same as my old ones that had over 450 miles on them (yikes), but the newer version. I also decided to go up another size. I usually wear between an 8-9 and my running shoes where a 9. They never bothered me until recently, when the longer mileage combined with the higher temps caused my feet to swell like water balloons. J convinced me to go up to a 10, and I thought he was nuts at first, but I've gotta say, he was right. They are sooo much better to run in. I actually have room to wiggle my toes. And my toenails and heel have not been bothering me at all since I upped the size.

Moral of the story: Listen to the people at the shoe store even if you think you will look like bigfoot.

Wednesday, 8/7 - 5.65 miles/55:54 - 9:53 pace
Thursday, 8/9 - 5.65 miles/56:191 - 9:58 pace
Saturday, 8/11 - 4.88 miles/53:57 - 11:03 pace (scared of heights, no wonder I felt so good!)
Sunday, 8/12 - 4.88 miles/50:24 - 10:19 pace (picked it up a little)
Wednesday, 8/15 - 6.11 miles/59:57 - 9:48 pace

Total Weekly Mileage: 27.17

11 comments:

Marcy said...

Wow that sunset is beautiful!!! I'm seriously LOL about the elevation difference BUT . . . see that Miami weather does come in handy after all, eh? You Florida ladies (and gentlemen) will be kicking some butt in your marathons. I bet you can't wait to get back out in that sauna and run a 10 miler now, huh? LOL

Lori said...

Oh, Colorado is gorgeous, isn't it! Sounds like you are having a great time with your family and that run went really well, too! I would be nervous about the altitude as well.

ws said...

I hope your brother comes home safe and soon.

I always say I'd rather run hills then run humidity and people say I don't know what I'm talking about. I just think they don't know real humidity. When I'm training at alternate places I pay attention to the climbs more than the altitude, but the air was definitely thinner when I was in Las Vegas.

I just switched to a size 10 as well - I can't believe how much swelling happens after 20 miles - go figure.

Sonia said...

Hey BigFoot!! (Your new nickname :P)

It's good to see you blogging again, I was wondering what was going on with you. It's very nice to go and help your sister in law. The kids look like a fun bunch! =) And that view is awesome! Looks like a beautiful place

Michelle said...

Beautiful pics, Laurel!

I kinda giggled at your post, because I wear size 11 shoes. I used to wear 10s, but then I had kids and my feet got bigger (seriously, it happens!). Now I couldn't squeeze my feet into 10s if I wanted to. Sad. So now you know that *I* have clown feet, not you. ;-)

zanne said...

ahh ... a cool weather run. dreamy.

Anonymous said...

Great pics. I'm jealous because it's been so long since I've seen the Rockies.

Good luck getting ready for Columbus Marathon. You'll rock!

Dori said...

That was nice of you to go visit and help out. I'm sure it was a good distraction for the family.

I go up a size for my running shoes. I have big feet anyway and I hate wearing even larger shoes, but I've never lost a toenail. :-)

Good job on your running!

Jason The Running Man said...

I've never heard that song. Can't wait to download and thanks for brining it to my attention. Great pics! That sunset is amazing! I am totally head over heels for my little one.:)

Jess said...

Hi! Just found your blog while I was lurking through Marcy's links. I live in South Florida as well, and actually, am originally from CO!

Glad you enjoyed your vacay!

Anonymous said...

What website do you track your runs with?

 
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