Category: Running

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Race Report: 2019 Denver Hot Chocolate 15k/ 5k

Last month, my friends and I ran the Hot Chocolate 5k/ 15k in downtown Denver.

We all ran Denver 2018 Hot Chocolate, so this was our second time running this race. A highly popular event held in various cities all over the country, Hot Chocolate benefits Make-A-Wish® Foundation. At the Post Race Party, runners receive a finisher’s mug filled with hot chocolate and other tasty goodies, hence the race motto, “Run for Chocolate.” In addition to receiving a finisher’s medal, you receive a custom race hoodie with the Hot Chocolate logo. A race where you receive chocolate, sweet swag, and help an awesome charity? It’s easy to see why “[s]ince its inception [in 2008], over 200,000 participants have run for chocolate, making [Hot Chocolate] the fastest growing race series in the nation!” according to Hot Chocolate’s official website, https://www.hotchocolate15k.com/. So yes, sign us up. 😊

My friends Jamie, Yoli, Cate, Trish and Kale, and I all stopped at the Hot Chocolate Expo the day before the race to pick up our race packets. Held at the National Western Complex, this expo is super fun, with plenty of vendors, race merchandise and gear, with volunteers handing out chocolate. I was unable to attend last year’s expo, so I was glad to go this year.

That evening, Jamie, Yoli, and I carbo loaded at Giodano’s on 16th Street. We then attended the Denver Zoo’s Enchanted Hallows Night Walk. Elaborately carved pumpkins and spooky music set a mystical atmosphere, and we observed tigers, elephants, and seals. 😊 Cate, Trish, and Kale had an entertaining evening at that night’s Avalanche game at the Pepsi Center.

We all stayed at a hotel right off Federal and 6th, a super convenient location to both the highway and downtown. Before bedtime, I prepped all my gear, ready to reveal a surprise, fun element to my race apparel: my Black Watch tartan, ie., Campbell plaid.

I’ve always wanted to wear a Campbell tartan while running, and this was the perfect race to debut it. I received it a week before the race and did a 6 mile test run in it, and it wore beautifully. When 5:15 AM rolled around, I dressed in a blue tank top, light shell jacket, arm sleeves, with my kilt over my black running leggings. With the 5k scheduled to start at 7:10 AM, Jamie and Yoli headed out before me to the race site at Civic Center Park. After a quick bite to eat in the lobby, Cate, Trish, Kale, and I departed to line up for the 15k.

Haha check out the photo bomber on the far left. 🙂

The morning was clear and calm, much better than last year’s overcast, cold conditions. Our race was scheduled to start at 7:50 AM, and we arrived with enough time to make last minute checks on our gear. With so many thousands of runners, both events feature a wave start, based on one’s estimated pace/ finish time. I made my way into the first wave, with a goal of running a sub 8-minute mile pace. Pacers held signs designating pace times, so it was easy to know where to stand in the mass of runners. The start was right in front of the stately Denver City Council building.

This race has such a lively, fun atmosphere! By nature, I am not a morning person, but from the ambiance alone I was feeling alert and ready to run. At the call of “GO!” I just felt it: I was going to nail my goal time for this race.

Course map from https://www.hotchocolate15k.com/denver/course

Besides debuting my kilt, I also debuted two new pieces of technology during this race: my Garmin Fenix 5 Plus and Trekz Aftershokz Titanium Bone Conduction Headphones. The Garmin in one amazing fitness watch with so many incredible capabilities, and it especially came in handy this race as I could view my pace per mile. And the Aftershokz headphones are BY FAR the best headphones I have ever used. A concept originally developed by the military, the speakers of this device sit outside your ear and transport sound via bone conduction; that way, you can still hear your surroundings while listening to music. Lightweight and with plenty of battery life, I LOVE these headphones and cannot recommend them enough.

Back to the race: with 9 miles ahead of me, I made sure to keep my pace no faster than 7:30 min. per mile; any faster and I feared burnout in the last miles. My Garmin relayed both my live pace and pace I hit at the end of each mile. Energy wise I was feeling great and knew I’d knock this race out of the park. I was concurrently gearing up for Rim Rock Marathon, so 9 miles was a standard training run for me at this point. As I train primarily on hills, my pace would only speed up as Hot Chocolate is overall a flat course through the streets of Denver.

I consumed 2 GUs and several Honeystinger Chews before the race, so I opted not run with my race vest. There were several aid stations and I made sure to grab water and some M&Ms for sustained energy. I wore my Brooks Pure Cadence 6 shoes, my all-time favorite running shoes. With a 4mm drop and contoured fit, these shoes are perfect for racing. I wore them at DreamCatcher Half Marathon last year, and they performed beautifully…so yeah, I admit that these kicks are nearly two years old. Yikes! you might say. But despite their age, they still felt incredible this race. For me, I find the lower the drop (the less my heel is elevated), the more efficient my foot strike, leading to a higher cadence. Hence, “Pure Cadence.”

Sailing through the streets, I was in the “flow zone.” I was relaxed and having fun, running efficiently. My kilt posed no problems, and I had chosen the right amount of gear to stay warm, but not overheat me. I observed about four other folks running in kilts, so I was in good company.

Once the course turned west onto 19th, I picked up my pace a bit. My goal was to finish under 1 hour and 15 minutes. With my Garmin keeping me honest about my pace, I knew I could do it. Turning south onto Broadway, I took off on the straightaway toward the finish line, visible just a third of a mile away, directly in front of the Capitol Building. Legs churning, lungs burning, I passed several folks. Just over the din of the crowd, I could hear Yoli, Jamie, and Cate cheering me on, and with their encouragement, crossed the finish line in 1 hour 13 minutes 44 seconds. My overall pace was 7:55, which meant I had accomplished my goal of running this 15k at a sub 8-minute per mile pace! 😀

I received my finisher’s medal, and made my way over to my friends. We stood on the side to cheer on for when Trish and Kale crossed the finish. At that moment my other great friend and fellow runner Emily found me in the crowd. We hugged and congratulated each other as we both PRed in this race. 🙂 Shortly afterward the mother-daughter duo Trish and Kale crossed the finish line together; it is always so uplifting to cheer on your friends and to see the look of relief on their face upon crossing. They did it!

Kale and Trish

It was a triumphant day: Jamie and Yoli both PRed in the 5k by several minutes, as did Cate in the 15k. Well done ladies, super proud of you! 😀

Jamie and Yoli
So proud of y’all! 😀 L-R: Cate, Trish, and Kale
Hi Emily! Photo courtesy of Emily A.

Now it was off to the Post Race Party to claim our hot chocolate. The chocolate and other goodies—choco-straws, banana, and rice krispies—did not disappoint. Emily hung out with us and we all posed for pics: it was super fun to have Emily meet my Grand Junction Adventure Tribe. 😊 Emily was awesome in driving all us ladies back to the hotel so we could check out, and we all had lunch at Mimi’s Cafe. A successful and fun day indeed! Of course, I had to get ice cream afterwards, so off I went to Little Man Ice Cream on 16th Street.

Photo courtesy of Emily A.
Photo courtesy of J. Cucuiat

Whether you’re an elite runner or a newbie, I highly recommend Hot Chocolate. Cool swag and yummy food, running for a great cause: it doesn’t get any better. And when you run with friends, it is an unforgettable experience. To Jamie, Yoli, Cate, Trish, Kale, and Emily: ya’ll are amazing! So very grateful to know and run with you ladies. Cheers to more adventures!

~LMC

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Happy Global Running Day!

“Bid me run and I will strive with things impossible.” William Shakespeare, from the play Julius Caesar, Act 2, Scene 1

Running is incredible.

Take it from a runner to say this. But it is true. I mean it. I am eternally grateful to this sport and all it has provided me. I’ve been a lifelong athlete—tennis player, mountain biker, gym rat, hiker—but running holds a special place in my soul. For the longest time, I always considered myself a tennis player (and I still am), but when I caught the running bug, I was overjoyed. The first time I ran three miles—November 18, 2010—I was not only amazed I had done it, but more impressed and excited with the possibilities of what my body could, and CAN, do. If you had told my high school self that one day I would A) like running and, B ) like it enough to run almost daily, and C) be so enamored of it to run marathons, I would have laughed in your face. I would not have believed all this. But lo and behold, here I am. Clad in running shorts, running shoes on my feet. App on my phone that keeps track of my mileage, Fitbit on my wrist. Researching my next race: which one? Better yet: which destination? Running in and of itself has, and continues to be a journey: physically, mentally, and emotionally. Running served as the sport, the transition, when I stepped away from competitive tennis play. From six to 20, tennis was my life. I knew I could not, would not ever cease to be an athlete, to be athletic, and running served as the new stepping stone. 2014 was my running year, averaging 40 miles a week for several months. Like clockwork, I was looping around Orchard, 12th, North, and 7th around my alma mater, Colorado Mesa University. Up to six days a week, there I was, still in my tennis gear, literally running around campus and beyond. To North Desert, the wide open expanse beyond town, to the popular mountain bike trails of Tabeguache. To Barcelona, Spain, running up Las Ramblas and to La Sagrada Familia…and of course, running in the shadow and slopes of my beloved foothills. To my dying day, many of my happiest memories will be of running in Colorado’s great outdoors—mountains, deserts, foothills. My terrain, my space, my place, where running allows me to explore and find solitude.

Running has given me both physical and mental fortitude. It provides discipline, and adventure. But best of all, running has given to me the best of friends, a support crew. We runners have seen, and felt, a lot. We know what it is to suffer; running has taught us that. From the physical pain of blisters, aches, sprains, injuries, to mental depletion, stemming from doubt, anger, fear of failure, running brings humility and perspective. I am grateful for the wonderful, positive people I have come to know and call friends, through running. Running has and will always be there, through the highs and lows, the ebb and flow that is life. We who run choose not to run away from challenges and obstacles, but to embrace them, and emerge stronger. So yes, bid us all run, and we will strive through the impossible.

~LMC

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Race Report: Grand Valley Marathon

The first weekend of this month I ran my second marathon, Grand Valley Marathon in Palisade. It was a great weekend, as I saw several of my close friends as well.

Tired but triumphant! Not my best run but I still did it. 🙂

Grand Valley Marathon is a road race that takes place at the far east end of the Grand Valley in Western Colorado. The course is an out and back route starting in downtown Palisade. Like Rim Rock Marathon , this race cruises through some of the most picturesque scenery in the state: Colorado’s wine country. Palisade contains a wealth of vineyards and lush peach, fruit, and lavender orchards that bloom in the spring: hence the race’s moniker of “Fruit and Wine 26.2.”

Before leaving for the Western Slope on Friday, race eve, my hiking buddy Jamie, whom I’d be staying with, was visiting Denver. Being both cat lovers, I suggested we visit Denver Cat Company, where, for an entry fee of $8 per person, you can sip tea and hang with, cuddle, and geek out over the 20 or so rescue cats roaming the establishment.

After hanging out for an hour and a half, I took off for Grand Junction. I stopped by Palisade first for packet pick up.

As I have with Dream Catcher Half and Rim Rock Marathon, I carbo loaded with Enzo’s spaghetti laden with marinara sauce. As Jamie was not yet back in town, I decided to do something I hadn’t done in a few years: dinner in the desert.

Pondering on how to eat spaghetti when you don’t have utensils…

After picking up my order at Enzo’s, I headed straight to North Desert via 27 1/4 Road. North Desert is the broad, open expanse of land just north of town. Under the management of BLM, the area is extremely popular for dirt biking, off-roading, 4 wheeling, etc. I drove about two or three miles in, then parked my car facing west, to watch the sunset. Giddily I pulled out my dinner, only to find I didn’t have any utensils…I made do with a brand new ball point pen. Surprisingly, it was quite effective at scooping up spaghetti. It was a beautiful, calm evening; sunsets on the Western Slope never disappoint.

I headed home once it was twilight, prepped all my race gear per normal: Leadville tank, bib, Brooks shorts, Mizuno Wave Horizon shoes, basically the same apparel I wore at Rim Rock Marathon. You can call it my good luck outfit.

The marathon started at 6:30 am, so I headed to bed around 11, and woke up around 4:30 am, super excited for race day. For breakfast I consumed 2 Clif bars and drank plenty of water, arriving at the start line around 6. The sun had not yet risen, and it was gusty and cool out. I’d been agonizing over if I should wear my racing vest, and if I should wear leggings. I ultimately decided on sticking with shorts, and wearing my vest, containing GUs and gels, over my light shell jacket.

A runner friend of mine ran the marathon last year, placing second over all. He said Grand Valley Marathon is a small, old-school race: you’re provided a chip timer to place on your shoe, with total marathon runners averaging between 12-20 folks. Sure enough, as start time approached, I noted only about a dozen folks, give or take a few, gathering at the start line. My hiking buddies Trish and Cate, who ran the half marathon that started at 7, their first ever half, came to wish me luck and cheer me on. Right before lining up, a race official talked over race rules and the course. We’d be running for 2 miles east on N. River Road which crossed the Colorado River, then make our way southwest along G Road for 2 miles. Then we would continue onto the Fruit and Wine Byway, which zig zags through the vineyards and orchards, then turn around at the 13.1 mile mark.

Course map, from Grand Valley race website, www.grandvalleymarathon.com

The marathoners and I then gathered at the intersection of 3rd and Main, and at his shout of “GO!” the race began. Whereupon I did my first racing blunder… I lead the pack for the first few miles. Oops!

From start I was running at a decent pace, nothing that felt too fast. I didn’t have my Fitbit or any watch with me, so my actual pace is all conjecture. I was amazed I was leading, for I did not feel I was exerting myself at all–a side effect of all my hill running. This marathon course is flat overall, with one climb of 700 ft. or so; nothing like Rim Rock, with nearly 2000 ft. gain and loss. I kept looking over my shoulder, seeing I had distance between myself and the next runner…Yeah, you could say I was feeling way overconfident–I was. With such a small pool of runners, I felt I’d do pretty decent in this race. Never before had I led a race, and I slowed down a bit, but not enough. Just before the hill climb, the second runner started closing in behind me. He passed me on the hill, which didn’t bother me too much. Once back on the flat, I pulled back a bit, but it was too little too late. I had a new problem: I was overhydrated, and kept having to stop by several aid stations, starting at mile 7. And with every stop, someone passed me. 🙁

Despite my annoying bladder, I was still feeling good when I reached the turnaround point at 13.1 miles. Looking at my phone, I noted that, even with potty breaks, I ran this distance in 2 hours 4 minutes: 5 minutes faster than my time at Dream Catcher Half. “You’re doing great!” exclaimed one of the race volunteers. “You’re second place female overall.” So, yeah, I was still feeling pretty confident I’d run this course–flat, with fewer runners—faster than Rim Rock.

It was a beautiful morning, and by now the sun had been up for well over an hour. Turning around to race eastward, you face the looming mass of Grand Mesa, and the stretch of Book Cliffs along I-70. The wine vineyards and peach orchards were healthy and blooming, and a few locals had gathered along the course to cheer us runners on. Otherwise, the course was very quiet, very peaceful.

Heading back to Palisade, approx. mile 17. Mt. Garfield is the landmark in the background.
The course passes by Alida’s Fruits: lovely place full of local goodies, such as peaches, jams, jellies, etc.

Unfortunately, my bladder continued to nag me, and my left knee began to whine around mile 16, a whole 4 miles earlier than it did at Rim Rock. By this point another female had passed me, so I was now in third. By mile 18, I had to walk a bit, for my left knee was stiff as a board. So lesson learned: don’t start off too fast! Duh! As I run primarily hills, this means I tend to run pretty snappy on flat terrain, sometimes to my detriment. Training wise for this race, I did include more flat work in weekly runs, but obviously not quite enough. Looking at the time as I continued on, I knew I’d be unable to achieve my (overly ambitious) finish time of 4.5 hours or under. Now I adjusted to finishing at under 5 hours. Starting at mile 19, I was all glorified walk/ run… yeah. Mentally, I was cursing at both my bladder and knee. My heart was just fine; the “engine” was running smooth but my mechanics were off this race. 🙁

Approaching the finish line. Photo courtesy of Yoli H.

At 5 hours 14 minutes, I finally crossed the finish line–a full 20 minutes slower than Rim Rock. Ouch. I’ll admit I was feeling a little disappointed as I approached the finish. But immediately upon seeing, and hearing, my friends Jamie (who drove back that same morning!), Yoli, Trish, Kale, and Cate cheer me on, I felt victorious and extremely grateful. 🙂 Without a doubt, I have THE BEST support crew.

I did it! Kale is at the far right cheering me on. 🙂 Photo courtesy of Jamie C.
Photo courtesy of Trish W.
Go Trish, Kale, and Cate! 🙂 Photo courtesy of Yoli. H.

Raising my arms in triumph, I immediately slowed to a walk. A race official placed a finisher’s medal around my neck, and removed my chip timer. Hobbling to the side, Jamie helped me remove my race vest; I was so tired the simplest tasks were difficult. We sat by the snack table run by race volunteers, where I greedily munched on trail mix. I caught up with Trish, Cate, and Kale, who all did great in their first half and 10k, respectively. 🙂 Later that evening I went with Jamie and Yoli to Ale House in Grand Junction. I feasted on fish tacos, and for dessert, fruit parfait.

Yum!

The next day, Jamie and I attended the bridal shower of her friend, Sabrina. Held in the wide open desert by Fruita, it was the perfect way to cap off a great, momentous weekend.

Me, Sabrina, and Jamie. Photo courtesy of Jamie C.

If you’re a marathoner or avid runner, I highly recommend any of the Grand Valley races. For the spectacular scenery alone, it is absolutely worth it. And if you especially dislike big, crowded races, then this race is certainly for you. Despite not reaching my goal time, I still thoroughly enjoyed this race. Obviously, lesson learned: don’t start off too fast! Flat courses can be deceptive…pace yourself. But to be fair to myself, however, this is only my second marathon, so I’m still learning, maturing as a runner. Grand Valley Marathon truly is a little known secret of a race, which makes it special. Plus, you can feel good in that the Grand Valley race series gives back to the community as it is a fundraiser for Palisade’s unique Fruit and Wine Byway, a true Colorado gem.

~LMC

*As always, I would like to thank my friends Jamie, Yoli, Cate, and Trish for graciously contributing your photos to this post 😀. Love you ladies!

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Hoka Torrent First Impression

Hoka is currently one of the fastest growing brands in run specialty. Their radical approach of maximum cushioned shoes has and continues to win over countless runners, walkers, and those just simply looking for a comfortable shoe. With plenty of models in both road and trail running, Hoka have long since proved their popularity; they are no longer just a niche brand. Originating in 2009, during the minimalist/ barefoot running trend, Hoka was polar opposite in their philosophy, their shoes providing generous stacked cushion accompanied with a meta rocker. In keeping an open mind to the “maximalist” trend, I recently acquired the Hoka Torrent trail shoe, a new trail racer for the brand.

Specs

The Torrent is a cushioned trail racing shoe with a heel to toe drop of 5mm, and a stack height of 26mm at the heel, and 21mm at the forefoot. The shoe does not have a rock plate, given this thickness and firmness of the midsole. The shoe is very lightweight, with each shoe weighing at 7.5oz for a woman’s size 8B (which I own). The outsole features multidirectional lugs to provide traction on technical terrain.

Great traction!

The midsole is comprised of Hoka’s PROFLY midsole to provide energy return and shock absorption. The upper is engineered mesh to provide breathability, while rubber overlays on the toe box provide additional protection and durability. As with the majority of trail running shoes, the Torrent is a neutral shoe (it does not address pronation.)

Running Location: Bear Creek Lake Park, Morrison, CO

Starting at 8am, I ran an out and back route on a section of the Mt. Carbon Loop, a simple single-track trail. I started from Soda Lakes parking lot just outside Morrison, then made my way east along the sidewalk and under the C-470 underpass, then hopped onto the trail. It was a brisk but sunny day, with the trail still covered in snow. As it was early in the day, the snow had not yet thawed, and was still firm: no sloppiness or mud. Overall elevation averages 5,568 ft.

Firm snow, perfect for running.

First Impression

Immediately upon trying these, the cushion is noticeably firmer than the uber popular Speedgoat trail shoe, which I own as well. I always describe the Speedgoat as a pillow beneath my foot, with the midsole having a stack height of 32mm at the heel, and 28mm at the forefoot; the shoe is very plush. The Torrent on the other hand lacks this plushness, and has a stack height several centimeters lower. For those who prefer a firmer shoe, or are intimidated by the amount of cushion and stack height in the Speedgoat and Stinson models, this new model can be an option when considering Hoka trail shoes. And whereas the Speedgoat has a true meta rocker that provides a smoother heel to toe transition, I didn’t feel much of one while running in the Torrent. I do like the feel of the rocker whenever I wear my Speedgoats, but it is not necessarily something I always want to have while running; hence, the Torrent is a nice way to vary things up.

L: Hoka Torrent, R: Hoka Speedgoat 2

Size wise, I find the Torrent runs long. Normally I wear 8.5B, but for this shoe I went with 8B, and I still have plenty of room. With trail shoes especially extra room is ideal, to avoid jamming the toes when running downhill, and to accommodate for swelling. But to be honest, even wearing my thickest wool socks, the 8B still fits just a tad bit big. But personal preference always plays a huge role in selecting and trying on shoes, so if you really like a roomy fit, Torrent fits this bill. As with most Hokas I have tried, the width of this shoe is a little wider. If you found Hoka Challenger too narrow or Hoka Stinson too wide for your liking, Torrent is a good option. Wearing the Torrent and Speedgoat side by side, I find the width to be about the same.

I ran about five miles total, the snow underfoot a crunchy, dry consistency. The lugs provided great traction and I had zero issues with sliding; I felt secure the whole run. I felt snappy in these shoes and can see how they are trail racers, with their lightness and superior grip along the ground. Regarding route technicality, the section I ran is very flat, with a small rise of a few hundred feet or so. This incline posed no trouble for the shoes as I scrambled up to take in Bear Creek Reservoir. Running back down the lugs still did their job of offering great control.

Bear Creek Reservoir, looking west. The red object in the middle of the photo is an ice fishing hut.

Regarding comfort, I like the softness of the Speedgoat but like how the stack height is lower in the Torrent. Hoka shoes are about muting the feeling of the ground underneath; a rock plate is not necessary for these shoes at all with the PROFLY midsole providing plenty of protection underfoot. I ran in the Torrent with no orthotics, and as I have higher arches, I can see myself using my Currex insoles with the shoes to further customize the fit. The Torrent’s mesh upper sits a little higher above the foot, giving a some wiggle room for the feet, while the Speedgoat upper hugs the foot more. I did not experience any heel slipping.

I am quite impressed with the Hoka Torrent. I appreciate the lower stack height and the firmer cushion is a nice break from higher cushioned Hokas. The tread performed wonderfully in the snow, so I can only assume that on dry conditions the lugs would be just as efficient on dirt and technical terrain. The sizing I find a little big, but then again that may be due to preference. If you are wanting to try a Hoka trail shoe but don’t want to commit to a greater stack height or higher cushioning level, drop by your local running store to give these shoes a try! They are ideal not just for running but can easily be used for hiking as well. The Torrent is available in various color options for both men and women, and retails at $120.

~LMC

*Disclaimer: I am in no way sponsored, paid by, or affiliated with the brands/ items mentioned in this post. I write simply to inform other runners like myself of products that may interest them.

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Run Report: 2018 Review & 2019 Goals

Yesterday I ran 10 miles, my longest run (so far) for 2019. Spring fever is very much in the air, with sunny skies and cotton ball clouds, snow still on the ground but dissipating…As with most long runs, my mind drifts to various tangents, and during yesterday’s run I mused about my 2019 running goals.

But before I explore this year’s running aspirations, I want to quickly revisit 2018, an amazing running year.

On my 2018 Goal List, I checked off “Run a Half Marathon” and “Run a Marathon.” Both races, the Dream Catcher Half and Rim Rock Marathon, took place in March and November, in Grand Junction, CO. This was fitting, as “Junction” is where I truly fell in love with running (see post Run Run Run). A college tennis player, running was a new outlet for me. I became a running fixture around campus, making loops along 12th, North, 7th, and Orchard. If you saw a girl running those streets circa 2014-15 in a red jacket and black sweats, long ponytail flying back, there is a damn good chance that was me. 🙂

The day after I ran Rim Rock Marathon, I had to go back up to the course for more pics 🙂

In June 2018 I also ran my first trail and Leadville Series race, the Leadville Heavy Half. Being a mountain girl and a history geek, the scenery and mining history of the area made this race very special. In August 2017 my Dad and I drove up and over Mosquito Pass into Leadville; it was fun to experience the same place, but this time via my own two feet.

In October, my Grand Junction buddies Jamie, Yoli, Cate and Trish, and I ran the Hot Chocolate 15k/ 5k in Denver. It was a cold morning, but once up and running (couldn’t resist the pun), the brisk temps weren’t an issue. Out of all the 2018 races, this 5k race I performed the best: 10th place overall for females, and 1st place in my age division! But best of all was the experience of running with my friends, and the hot chocolate and snacks post race. In addition to these races, I ran several smaller, community based 5ks, the Hogback Hustle and the KC Gobble Wobble.

Cowgirl runner! KC Gobble Wobble 2018. Photo courtesy C. Campbell

Yee haw! Approaching the finish. Photo courtesy C. Campbell

2019…

So what’s in store for 2019? I’ll admit I have not registered for any races yet. Since running Rim Rock back in November, I’ve backed off running some, giving my body and mind a well deserved rest. This year I’m averaging about 15-20 miles a week, in contrast to the 30ish miles a week during my marathon training. Now with spring approaching, I’m starting to ramp up the mileage and consistency.

As for running goals, I know I want to run more half and full marathons. I’m considering the Palisade Marathon in May, a road race which winds through Colorado’s wine country, right by Grand Junction. I certainly want to run trail races as well, dirt terrain being so much more forgiving on the body, and I am considering Desert Rats Trail Series in Fruita, and/or Grand Mesa Ultras in July. So many races, so little time…

Another running goal: to run on the beach in San Diego. I’ll be visiting California twice this year, so there’s a good chance of fulfilling that. I’ve run in San Diego before, which is sea level, so you have full oxygen but the summer humidity alone presents a new challenge. Add beach sand and I’ll have a completely different running experience, engaging all those micro muscles…

Regardless, I know I’ll have new running experiences this year, no matter the race, terrain, or place. As long as I’m running, I’m a happy girl. A runner’s got to run!

~LMC

Pre-race focus. Photo courtesy C. Campbell


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Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19 First Impression

The Adrenaline GTS is THE #1 running shoe, and has been for a long time. In fact, GTS stands for “go to shoe.” Any running aficionado or running shoe nerd is familiar with the GTS. A staple for countless runners, Brooks Adrenaline is a stability shoe, or that it is structured to help correct pronation (inward rolling of the ankles).

I am a prime candidate for a stability shoe, as I overpronate quite a bit, especially off my left ankle. Just recently I ran for the first time in the latest version of Adrenaline GTS 19. Here are the specs and my thoughts.

Modifications/ Specs

All Adrenaline up until the GTS 19 have always had a medial post, or posting. A post is a denser piece of foam on the medial, or inside corner of the shoe, just under the arch. Most stability running shoes will have a post, which is usually visible. Feel along the midsole cushioning, and if you feel a firmer block of foam along the arch, you have located the post.

Medial post in a stability shoe.
Example of a medial post

For GTS 19, Brooks eliminated the post; instead the stability structure are GuideRails, or extra foam along the foot bed frame of the shoe. In fact, the medial GuideRail is clearly labeled on the shoes, with a smaller GuideRail on the outside heel:

Medial guide rail in the Brooks Adrenaline.
Medial GuideRail
Lateral guide rail on Brooks Adrenaline.
GuideRail on the lateral side (outside heel)

The idea behind GuideRails is more about guiding, not correcting, one’s stride. Think of corralling the ankle, and going along with natural biomechanics, as most folks pronate to some degree. Essentially, Brooks is emphasizing the idea of dynamic or holistic support, in shifting the focus from “beyond the feet, to the most injury-prone part of a runner’s body: the knees. GuideRails keep you moving comfortably by keeping excess movement in check,” as the official Brooks website describes GTS 19.

Plus, I suspect Brooks removed the post to further lighten the shoe. As a general rule of thumb, stability shoes are heavier than neutral, or non-structured shoes. Anytime a shoe has denser materials, it is bound to be heavier—even clunky, depending on how structured the shoe is. By eliminating the post and opting for GuideRails, GTS 19 feels more light weight, at 9.6oz per shoe. The midsole drop, or difference in height from heel to toe, remains the same at 12mm.

This shoe contains BioMoGo DNA and DNA LOFT cushioning, which the Brooks website describes as providing a “just right softness underfoot without losing responsiveness and durability.” The shoe indeed feels especially plush and cushioned for being a support shoe.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19

First Impression/ Thoughts

I ran in GTS 19 for the first time while doing a group speed workout. Running outside on a concrete path, we warmed up by jogging for several minutes. Right away I noticed how light weight the shoes are; if I didn’t know any better I’d say I was running in a neutral, or unstructured, shoe. Having run in posted shoes plenty of times before, I could tell right away there were no posts under my arches. Fit wise, Brooks tend to be roomier, and wider across the toe box. Brooks can run long in their sizing, at least for my feet, so opted to go down a half size to a women’s US 8.

Size and fit wise, size 8 was perfect for me. My toes still had some wiggle room, with no “sloppiness.” After warm up, we divided the group into three teams for a relay of several meters. I’ve never considered myself a sprinter, but when it was my turn, I felt super fast in GTS 19.

“Snappy” is the word I like to apply to these shoes. Running all out several times, the shoes hugged my feet like a glove. The cushioning felt very responsive, without too much give. GTS 19 are not clunky relics from the past; they are light weight, well cushioned, and very comfortable. From my first run in them, I am well impressed. Granted, this was a short workout for me, at 3 miles; most of my runs average 7-8 miles, and I’m not running sprints. I can, and have, experienced ankle pain if I do not have enough support for longer runs. My left ankle rolls in pretty badly…But would I use GTS 19 for short runs and speed workouts? Absolutely. Longtime fans of Brooks Adrenaline will appreciate the cushioning, sleek design, and “snappiness” of the shoe. For those wanting to break away from a posted shoe, GTS 19 is a great option. If you’re concerned that GuideRails are not sufficient support, I would strongly suggest putting an orthotic or insert in the shoes for added stability. That way, you still get to enjoy the cushion and energy response from this shoe.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19 is available in several colors in both men’s and women’s, and retails at $130.

~LMC

*Disclaimer: I am in no way sponsored, paid by, or affiliated with the brands/ items reviewed in this post. I write simply to inform other runners like myself of products that may interest them.

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Race Report: Denver Hot Chocolate 15k/5k

This past Sunday, October 7, my friends and I ran the Allstate Hot Chocolate 15k and 5k in downtown Denver.

Jamie, Yoli, and I. Photo courtesy of Jamie C.

My friends from Hike with Purpose, the same hiking group that I went to Grand Teton with, told me a few months before that they were visiting Denver to run the race, and that I should join in on the fun.

Of course I said yes. 🙂

Termed “America’s Sweetest Race,” the Hot Chocolate Race Series began in 2008 in Chicago, and has since spread to other major cities. The event provides each participant with hot chocolate and other sugary goodies at the post race party. Even the aid stations, called “sweet stations,” provide M&Ms, marshmallows, and chocolate chips to snack on. Plus, you receive great swag with this race: a hoodie with the race logo, available in the size of your choice. Women’s hoodies this year were maroon, and men’s all black. Not going to lie, part of the reason I love to race is earning such goodies: race tees, jackets, “hardware” (finisher’s medal), etc.

My friends Jamie, Yoli, Trish, and Cate came over from the Western Slope the day before. Me, Jamie, and Yoli ran the 5k, while Cate, Trish, and her daughter, Kale, ran the 15k. For Denver, the race starts and finishes at Civic Park, situated directly between the Denver City and County Building and the Capitol Building.

The 5k started promptly at 7:00 am; it was brisk outside as we waited at the event grounds, plenty of people already milling about. With so many thousands of runners, both races have a “wave” or staggered start: you are grouped according to your expected pace/ finish time. As start time approached, the announcer began having racers line up in their respective corrals. I was in Corral A, the first group, Jamie and Yoli a few corrals back.

Getting ready to run the 5k. Photo courtesy of Jamie C.

Ready to run! Photo courtesy of Jamie C.

We wished each other good luck, and agreed to meet at the event tent to receive our hot chocolate. After waiting in the cold, everyone was eager to get moving. Wearing my Hot Chocolate hoodie like many others, I checked that my earbuds were in place, phone securely stowed away, and that all my pockets were zipped. As I have at several other races, I wore my trusty Ariat hat with the thunderbird logo.

The announcer called start for Corral A, and we were off. Like a river, all of us racers surged forward to cheers and encouragement from the spectators. The course immediately veered northwest onto 14th and 15th streets, and runners began to fan out. Running at a snappy pace, I didn’t bother with looking at my Fitbit. So when I saw they had a clock at mile marker 1 on 15th, I surprised myself in that I was running at a 7:22 pace.  On training runs my splits range from 9-10 min; I never run that fast on my own (then again, I run a lot of hills; this course is very flat). But come race day, I want to keep pace with the competition.

The course verged briefly onto Wazee, before continuing on Walnut. At mile markers 2 and 3, my splits were several seconds longer than my first mile, but I was still maintaining a good pace. As the streets had been shut down for the run, the city felt surprisingly empty. Skyscrapers loomed above. I passed several “sweet stations” but felt no need to stop by. Soon they were very few runners around me as I continued to pass a few people. I was breathing hard but my legs felt good; it was my upper abs that began to burn from my efforts.

Course map from https://www.hotchocolate15k.com/denver/course

The course looped through 22nd and Arapaho before turning onto Broadway. I’ll admit I hadn’t really looked at the course map beforehand, so mid-race I was wondering what the homestretch was. I passed a few others, and was ready to let loose my half mile sprint to finish strong. Passing the stately Brown Palace to my right, I suddenly saw it: the finish line. Digging deep, I sprinted by one or two other runners.

I saw the clock ahead and immediately felt bummed that I had finished just over 23 minutes; BUT that was gun time, not chip time, I would only realize later. From my race pictures, you can say I have game face on:

And was I pleasantly surprised, and more than pleased, when I saw my results: 45th overall finisher of over 4500 runners, 9th female finisher, and… 1st place in my age division, females aged 25-29! This is the best 5k I have ever run, at a 7:23 pace, with a time of 22:55. I definitely had the “runner’s high” for the rest of the day. 🙂 I feel like my training is paying off, and I am more than excited for my upcoming marathon in November! Stay tuned for more updates about that… 🙂

Immediately after I finished, I walked for a bit to cool down. Still breathing hard, I didn’t feel nauseous but food did not sound appetizing at the moment. Wandering around, legs now burning,  I went to the tent where racers received their mug of hot chocolate and goodies. A few minutes later, Jamie and Yoli rejoined me, having finished at 34:54 and 38:04, respectively: nice job ladies, proud of you! 😀

Go Jamie!

Go Yoli whoot whoot!

Feeling tired but triumphant, we camped out on the park sidewalk to savor our hot chocolate. Sitting in the middle of the blue mug, the drink was surrounded by several compartments, one filled with chocolate fondue, the others filled with pretzels, a banana, and chocolate straws.

Hot chocolate selfie.

Ad yes, that hot chocolate was delicious. The fondue was amazing too—except it solidified pretty quick in the cold weather.

Reward for running 🙂 Photo courtesy of Jamie C.

Show off that hot chocolate. Photo courtesy of Yoli H.

Yummy! Photo courtesy of Cate W.

After enjoying our post race goodies, I had to leave for work, so I was unable to stay for the rest of the event. Luckily, I saw Cate, Trish, and Kale right before the start of the 15k at 7:50 am, the course for this distance looping further north then east. I was able to wish them luck and have fun! The ladies had a great race, with Cate finishing in 1:43; the mother-daughter team of Trish and Kale finished at 1:48:56, putting them ahead of their goal of a 12 min. pace. Plus, it was Kale’s first race: quite impressive! Well done ladies, very proud of you! You all earned that awesome medal. (photo further below)

15k ladies Kale, Trish, and Cate! Congrats on a job well done 🙂 Photo courtesy of Cate W.

Mom and daughter did amazing! Photos courtesy of Trish W.

15k finisher medal looks sweet! Literally. Photo courtesy of Trish W.

The Hot Chocolate Race Series is a truly fun—and tasty—event. Whether you’re an avid runner looking to PR, a newbie to running, or wanting to run with friends and family, I highly recommend this race. With two distances to choose from, you can push yourself. I am so happy and thankful to my wonderful friends for visiting and getting me involved in this run. I am also very impressed and pleased with your training and dedication: it paid off! But most important: we ladies all had fun. And, we got to have hot chocolate. You run AND are rewarded with hot chocolate? That’s a win in my book—or blog, rather. 😉

~LMC

You sure this isn’t really chocolate? Looks too real! Photo courtesy of Cate W.

*I would like to thank my friends Jamie, Yoli, Cate, and Trish for graciously contributing your photos to this post 😀

*Featured image courtesy of Jamie C.

I did it! 🙂 Photo courtesy of Trish W.

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Saucony Xodus ISO 3 Demo/ First Impression

When you’re a running addict, you become more interested (read: obsessed) in finding the right shoe…or shoes, depending on the terrain and distance you run. The other morning I demoed the women’s Saucony Xodus ISO 3, a trail running shoe.

Road v. Trail Shoes

The main difference between road versus trail running shoes is that the latter have a more aggressive outsole, or tread. With lugs varying in shape, size, and placement, trail running shoes essentially provide better traction, durability and protection on dirt and rocky surfaces. Many, but not all, trail shoes have a rock plate, a carbon or plastic layer embedded in the midsole to provide additional protection for the feet. You can run in road shoes on a trail, granted that the terrain is not technical (ie, very rocky or slick), but you won’t have the same traction, or protection to keep your feet from being bruised by rocks. Plus, the shoe will wear faster than on a road surface. With these factors, this is where it is especially nice to break out a trail shoe.

Specs

The Xodus ISO 3 is a moderately cushioned trail running shoe with an aggressive outsole; the tread has what I call “bite,” with very visible lugs. The midsole is composed of EverRun, Saucony’s cushioning system. There is no rock plate in this shoe, as the overall 24.5 mm thickness of the midsole provides plenty of underfoot protection.The drop, or difference from heel to toe height is only 4 mm; this will certainly appeal to those looking for a more natural structured shoe. I find that the lower the drop, or less heel elevation, the less I heel strike. The weight of the Xodus as a pair is 11.5 oz, not a super light weight shoe being trail, but certainly lighter than my Salomon Speedcross 4 . My go to trail shoes, the Speedcross weigh in at 1 lb 2 oz., have extremely aggressive large lugs, and much less cushion.

The lacing system is the ISO fit, in that the eyelets are placed on a finger like design; refer to photos. According to Saucony’s website, the ISO lacing is a “revolutionary fit system that morphs to the foot for a custom feel.”

Demo Location

I took these shoes for a spin at Hildebrand Ranch Park, by the Dakota Hogback southwest of Denver. I did about 4 mile loop on the Two Brands Trail. Departing from the trail head parking lot, the route is mostly single track cutting through fields. Adjacent to the Trailmark neighborhood, parts of the trail turn into a wide, maintained dirt path. The trail then loops back to the single track. There are some slight hills, but no strenuous climbs. Overall elevation is about 6,000 ft.

First Impression

Upon putting on the shoes, I noted how there is no traditional split tongue. Rather, the shoe is like a glove in that it hugs, with no tongue to worry about moving or being displaced while running. When it comes to overall fit around the toe, I prefer a wider toe box, to allow room for swelling and toe splay. The Xodus ISO 3 fulfills this requirement nicely. Size wise, the shoe seems to fit true. I wore my normal size, women’s 8.5, and my toes did not feel cramped at all. Regarding the arch, I have higher arches, and would have liked a bit more support underneath. The heel cuff felt snug without being uncomfortable, and I did not experience any heel slip once running. As for the ISO lacing, the laces snugged up nicely and did not bunch up or crease the upper strangely.

Out on the trail, I had more than enough traction. Two Brands trail is not technical at all, as it mostly packed dirt. I could easily have ran with road shoes, to be honest. Still, I appreciated the extra grip, more so on the slight uphills. With the lower drop, I could feel myself running with more a midfoot strike, which is more much natural than heel striking.

The shoe felt cushioned without being overly plush. Trail shoes are neutral, or that they are unstructured; they will not provide true correction for overpronation, or ankles rolling inward. Given the nature of trail running, as you dodge and jump over obstacles, your ankles will be moving any which way. My ankles, particularly my left, roll in a lot, but I still felt this shoe provided a decent amount of support, even on my left foot. The midsole is firm enough to encourage my wayward ankles to stabilize somewhat.

Comfort wise, this shoe was a enjoyable ride. It wasn’t a super long run to really test out whether there would be chafing or pressure point issues, but for the four miles I never experienced any discomfort. I do wish this shoe hugged just a tad bit more in the midfoot, like my narrower fitting Speedcross do, to provide a feeling of additional security and custom fit. To fix the lack of arch support in the Xodus, one could easily place an insert that better matches the arches.

Trying out Saucony Xodus ISO 3

Final Thoughts

Saucony Xodus ISO 3 is a great shoe for those looking for a middle cushion trail running shoe with aggressive tread. If you have a wider foot or just prefer a roomier fit, try this shoe! I can easily see this shoe being used as a hiking shoe (I use trail shoes all the time for hiking). With the grippy outsole, these shoes can certainly tackle rocky and wet terrain. And for those looking for a minimal drop without having to commit to zero drop, this shoe is a good start.

So, the final questions are: would I run in these again and recommend them to a friend? Yes  and yes! Plus, looks wise, I love the color of the women’s Xodus! Such a stunning teal color. The other color available is a dark silver with yellow accents. The men’s version is available in olive green, and also in black with yellow accents. This shoe retails at $150, which for the comfort, cushion, toe box room, and tread, is worth it.

~LMC

Women's Saucony Xodus ISO 3

*Disclaimer: I am in no way sponsored, paid by, or affiliated with the brands/ items reviewed in this post. I write simply to inform other runners like myself of products that may interest them. 🙂