For the long run simulation yesterday, a few of us from DetermiNation started running at one of the participants house and caught the Highline Canal Trail (John also came, but rode his bike along the trail). Between dodging horse poop and other people, it was actually quite a beautiful trail. I can only imagine that it gets more beautiful and popular as the leaves change. This trail claims to be the most popular trail in the Denver area... and, well.. I'm not gonna argue with that because it appeared to be the most popular trail in Denver.
Clearly I did not take these pictures... I was too busy huffing, puffing, and generally enjoying the scenery.
The scenery provided everything from rustic barns and buildings (below) to mountain vistas to mansions that resembled 5 star resorts. I couldn't believe some of the houses along this trail, I half expected some A-list celebrities to pop out from behind a turn. I mean, really, who lives in these houses?!?
Anyways... back to the run. Something that I was not expecting was that the trail was entirely gravel. Gravel is very intimidating. I always feel like I am doing about 3 times the work when I'm running on gravel. John confirmed my suspicions after the run that in fact, gravel is more tiring to run on, although much more forgiving on the joints than blacktop or concrete.... soo... pick your poison, I guess. See, from what I understand, friction is required to have traction while running. When there is low friction, like on gravel, you are actually wasting a lot of your energy when your foot is sliding. Therefore, the muscles get tired faster and you run slower. I knew there was validation to my suspicions of evil gravel trails.
I felt this exhaustion really fast... at about mile 2.5. I was prepared, however. I carried some Power Bar Energy Blasts with me. These are phenomenal. I can't take the regular Gu shots, they make me feel sick and all sorts of nauseous, so I'm all about the chewy gummies. These are a little more difficult to take, since you need to chew them WELL to prevent choking (learned that the hard way) and take them with some water. I took about 4 during my run, but the suggested amount is 1 or 2 every 45 minutes.
This run, in one word, was EXHAUSTING. I was happy that I participated in the simulation run, because I can take a few things away from it: 1. I was so happy to meet my goal because if I can do it on gravel, I am confident that I can do it on pavement for the real race ... and 2. Don't forget the Body Glide anti-chafe stick... I forgot it this time... enough said. I think that will take longer to recover from than the muscle exhaustion from running on gravel for 13 miles. I'll spare you the photos.
Oh... and the most important thing:
"Recovery Drinks"- a delicious fall and pumpkin beer sampler =-)
3 comments:
Hey Kel..congrats on completing the 13.11 mile run, the scenery was beautiful, and the "recovery drinks" looked delicious! All in all...I'd say a good day! :)
Hi Kelly! Love your blogs......as I said before! Just be careful when you are running by yourself! Actually you need to have a buddy running with you if John is unavailable.....and be aware of your surroundings and who may be lurking in them.......Congratulations on completing your run in record time(your record!). Sorry about the chaffing though! Lesson learned I am sure! Don't forget your body glide and anti-chaffing stick! Love you & John! Aunt Mary
That trail is out by where I live! I was just biking past there the other day on a route around the chatfield reservoir. Its such a pretty areas. John (F) and I would like to come out for the race, since we live so close. Let me know what time you and John (L) will be there so we can join :)
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