Date: Tuesday, April 1,2008 (6:00PM)
Meet Location: Duluth Running Co - park across the street
Activity: Road Running
Weather: mid to low 30's (updated forecast)
Road Conditions: fair
Essential Gear: none
Anticipated Distance: 6 - 9 miles. With additional newbies coming this week, we will be doing things a bit different. Starting at the DRC, we will be working our way down to the Lakewalk. For those faster in the group, you will get the reward of running stairs each time you reach them until the last in the group arrives. After a few sets of stairs, I expect everyone will be playing at a pretty level field.
Goals: Stairs and plyometrics are great for a number of very scientific reasons I cannot remember:)
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Sunday, March 30, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Bring it on, Bagley (recap)
Distance: 6.3 miles
Effort Level: Average
In a few words: Beautiful Night
Smaller turnout this week with a total of three people (and one very energetic dog), but smaller groups are certainly nice too. It is a blessing to have Duluth spring, which by all accounts is different the what most of the world would deem as spring.
Trails were in decent condition. The snow from a day or two prior had melted and been packed down. Snow in one or two areas exposed to the direct sun, like the first hill, were pretty loose. Anyone who has run in the sand know exactly what these spots were like.
One of the great features of Bagley is that it accommodates runners of all levels. The one loop is comprised primarily of flats with a few small hills. Upon coming full circle on the first loop, you can run past the pond and continue to the longer and hillier loop. It is pretty similar to the first section aesthetically, but there is a 2+ block slow incline which can take a bit of the wind out of your sails. The sum of the two loops is over one and a half miles. So, we are never too far from the parking area if anyone wants to jump ship early. We did three and a half loops plus one run up the trail leading directly up to the overlook. Max personal heartrate at the top of that overlook path was 180! Make sure to check out the interactive map below.
The newest addition to the group was Eddie B, a coworker. Eddie hasn't done much running for quite some time, but did great, even conquering the aforementioned hill without stopping. Anyone who recalls their first days running know how difficult those steady inclines can be especially when just starting out.
Eddie will be joining us again next week and we will have at least one other new member next week. If you have hesitate in joining us, make sure to stop out. We will continue to map runs in a way that allows for runners of most levels.
Note, you may have to refresh the page or the image to make this embedded map to show up correctly. Alternatively, use the interactive map function immediately below the map image.
Effort Level: Average
In a few words: Beautiful Night
Smaller turnout this week with a total of three people (and one very energetic dog), but smaller groups are certainly nice too. It is a blessing to have Duluth spring, which by all accounts is different the what most of the world would deem as spring.
Trails were in decent condition. The snow from a day or two prior had melted and been packed down. Snow in one or two areas exposed to the direct sun, like the first hill, were pretty loose. Anyone who has run in the sand know exactly what these spots were like.
One of the great features of Bagley is that it accommodates runners of all levels. The one loop is comprised primarily of flats with a few small hills. Upon coming full circle on the first loop, you can run past the pond and continue to the longer and hillier loop. It is pretty similar to the first section aesthetically, but there is a 2+ block slow incline which can take a bit of the wind out of your sails. The sum of the two loops is over one and a half miles. So, we are never too far from the parking area if anyone wants to jump ship early. We did three and a half loops plus one run up the trail leading directly up to the overlook. Max personal heartrate at the top of that overlook path was 180! Make sure to check out the interactive map below.
The newest addition to the group was Eddie B, a coworker. Eddie hasn't done much running for quite some time, but did great, even conquering the aforementioned hill without stopping. Anyone who recalls their first days running know how difficult those steady inclines can be especially when just starting out.
Eddie will be joining us again next week and we will have at least one other new member next week. If you have hesitate in joining us, make sure to stop out. We will continue to map runs in a way that allows for runners of most levels.
Note, you may have to refresh the page or the image to make this embedded map to show up correctly. Alternatively, use the interactive map function immediately below the map image.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Bring it on, Bagley
Date: Tuesday, March 25 (6:00PM)
Meet Location: Bagley Nature Area, UMD Lot T-2 (see map below)
Activity: Trail Running, unless trails are in poor condition
Weather: mid to low 20's (updated forecast)
Trail Conditions: unknown
Essential Gear: none
Optional Gear: trail shoes
Anticipated Distance: 6 - 9 miles, completed in 3 mile loops. There will be several opportunities to exit early, so runners of all levels should consider attending!
Goals: The primary desire is get some miles under our belts and fun time as a group. It is likely we will do a few hill repeats. It is possible we may do a few plyometric activities between loops, if the group is interested and conditions are favorable.
View Larger Map
Meet Location: Bagley Nature Area, UMD Lot T-2 (see map below)
Activity: Trail Running, unless trails are in poor condition
Weather: mid to low 20's (updated forecast)
Trail Conditions: unknown
Essential Gear: none
Optional Gear: trail shoes
Anticipated Distance: 6 - 9 miles, completed in 3 mile loops. There will be several opportunities to exit early, so runners of all levels should consider attending!
Goals: The primary desire is get some miles under our belts and fun time as a group. It is likely we will do a few hill repeats. It is possible we may do a few plyometric activities between loops, if the group is interested and conditions are favorable.
View Larger Map
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Going Grandma's style (recap)
Summary
Distance: 6.4 miles
Effort Level: Hard
In a few words: Really, really long hill
Comments
This go around we joined a Duluth Running Co group that is training for Grandma's marathon. Our group is a bit less formal and membership can ebb and flow as schedules change for individuals, where as the crew traditionally meets 2 to 3 times per week. This was a low turnout week for them (1 person beyond Clint, the replacement leader) as their leader had post-wedding obligations to attend.
Make sure to check out the interactive map at the bottom of this post as the elevation change was pretty remarkable. From the time we left the Lester Park lower parking area until we finally reached the climaxing hill was a bit over 3.5 miles. Are you kidding me? If that weren't enough, about the majority of that distance was done on loose snow! With my nearly last breath, I attempted to joke by saying, "Well, there is 5 of us, so that means we have to do that hill 4 more times per our tradition." It probably goes without saying my joke landed on deaf ears (or maybe we were all huffing to hard to hear the comment).
All that said, it was a beautiful route with no traffic for about 70% due to the closed route during this season. Also, as Chris mentioned as we neared the top of the climb, the view at the top was stellar.
In closing, for any of you contemplating whether to come, realize this was a bit out of the norm. Starting next Tuesday, we will be mapping out routes that will allow participants to do the full distance or half the distance. The race season will be ramping up in the weeks ahead, so make sure to join us to get some miles in while in good company.
Stay healthy, get out there, and "Run with Endurance." ~H12
Distance: 6.4 miles
Effort Level: Hard
In a few words: Really, really long hill
Comments
This go around we joined a Duluth Running Co group that is training for Grandma's marathon. Our group is a bit less formal and membership can ebb and flow as schedules change for individuals, where as the crew traditionally meets 2 to 3 times per week. This was a low turnout week for them (1 person beyond Clint, the replacement leader) as their leader had post-wedding obligations to attend.
Make sure to check out the interactive map at the bottom of this post as the elevation change was pretty remarkable. From the time we left the Lester Park lower parking area until we finally reached the climaxing hill was a bit over 3.5 miles. Are you kidding me? If that weren't enough, about the majority of that distance was done on loose snow! With my nearly last breath, I attempted to joke by saying, "Well, there is 5 of us, so that means we have to do that hill 4 more times per our tradition." It probably goes without saying my joke landed on deaf ears (or maybe we were all huffing to hard to hear the comment).
All that said, it was a beautiful route with no traffic for about 70% due to the closed route during this season. Also, as Chris mentioned as we neared the top of the climb, the view at the top was stellar.
In closing, for any of you contemplating whether to come, realize this was a bit out of the norm. Starting next Tuesday, we will be mapping out routes that will allow participants to do the full distance or half the distance. The race season will be ramping up in the weeks ahead, so make sure to join us to get some miles in while in good company.
Stay healthy, get out there, and "Run with Endurance." ~H12
Monday, March 17, 2008
Going Grandma's style
Date: Tuesday, March 18 (5:30PM) <- note time change this week only
Meet Location: Lester Park - Lower Parking lot
Activity: Trail Running
Weather: mid to high 20's (updated forecast)
Trail Conditions: some fresh snow, up to 3"
Essential Gear: trail shoes
Optional Gear: grips (Yak Trax or Ice Bugs, no icy conditions expected), heart rate monitor, gps
Anticipated Distance: 7 - 8 miles, though there will be opportunities to get an early exit if your schedule or your body won't allow for the full distance
Other Notes: We will be joining a marathon/half-marathon training group this outing, so this is a great time for newbies, because many of us won't know each other. Also, Clint, the owner of the Duluth Running Co, said he'd have some goodies for anyone who hangs in there for the full distance!
Meet Location: Lester Park - Lower Parking lot
Activity: Trail Running
Weather: mid to high 20's (updated forecast)
Trail Conditions: some fresh snow, up to 3"
Essential Gear: trail shoes
Optional Gear: grips (Yak Trax or Ice Bugs, no icy conditions expected), heart rate monitor, gps
Anticipated Distance: 7 - 8 miles, though there will be opportunities to get an early exit if your schedule or your body won't allow for the full distance
Other Notes: We will be joining a marathon/half-marathon training group this outing, so this is a great time for newbies, because many of us won't know each other. Also, Clint, the owner of the Duluth Running Co, said he'd have some goodies for anyone who hangs in there for the full distance!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Too nice not to! (recap)
Temperatures and conditions were simply unbelievable. It was roughly 50 degrees when we
started the run. Plenty of snow was still on the trails so it wasn't the least bit muddy. That being said, it was neither icy or too soft. Hey, who's going to complain about finally being able to shed the headlamps either!
It was a night for the dogs, literally. All participants, excluding myself, brought their dogs. I'm not sure who had more fun. We all worked hard, that is certain.
Per tradition, we ran some repeats on one of the big climbs. Four of runners called for four
significant climbs. Chris was guessing the net elevation change for the climb was about 150ft, but looking at the MapMyRun data, it looks closer to 105ft. While the actual number is uncertain, each of us took the lead and it felt good to make it to the top come the fourth go around.
For those interested, I've included the route map below as well as the link to the MapMyRun version, which should allow an elevation image.
started the run. Plenty of snow was still on the trails so it wasn't the least bit muddy. That being said, it was neither icy or too soft. Hey, who's going to complain about finally being able to shed the headlamps either!It was a night for the dogs, literally. All participants, excluding myself, brought their dogs. I'm not sure who had more fun. We all worked hard, that is certain.
Per tradition, we ran some repeats on one of the big climbs. Four of runners called for four
significant climbs. Chris was guessing the net elevation change for the climb was about 150ft, but looking at the MapMyRun data, it looks closer to 105ft. While the actual number is uncertain, each of us took the lead and it felt good to make it to the top come the fourth go around.For those interested, I've included the route map below as well as the link to the MapMyRun version, which should allow an elevation image.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Too nice not to!
Date: Tuesday, March 11 (6:00PM)
Meet Location: Hartley Nature Center Parking Lot
Activity: Trail Running
Weather: 20F +/- (updated forecast)
Gear Req'd: trail shoes (No headlamps, finally!)
Optional Gear: Heart Rate Monitor, Icebugs or YakTrax (we do not anticipate icy conditions)
Trail Conditions: hard packed snow
Anticipated Distance: 7 - 8 miles
Objective: As stated last week, the goal of the next three months will be Grandma's Marathon preparation, so we will be doing trail and road running for the foreseeable future, with runs getting longer each week.
Meet Location: Hartley Nature Center Parking Lot
Activity: Trail Running
Weather: 20F +/- (updated forecast)
Gear Req'd: trail shoes (No headlamps, finally!)
Optional Gear: Heart Rate Monitor, Icebugs or YakTrax (we do not anticipate icy conditions)
Trail Conditions: hard packed snow
Anticipated Distance: 7 - 8 miles
Objective: As stated last week, the goal of the next three months will be Grandma's Marathon preparation, so we will be doing trail and road running for the foreseeable future, with runs getting longer each week.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
One more delay, but read on!
It is difficult to post yet one more Tuesday night cancellation, but must be so nonetheless. We have every expectation of resuming next week.
The goal of the next three months will be Grandma's Marathon preparation, so we will be doing trail and road running for the foreseeable future, with runs getting longer each week. The activity's advertisement post will indicate the anticipated time and mileage investment by participants, so no one is surprised. Also, if you are not game for the full distance, do not let that hinder you from attending. We will attempt to compose a group large & diverse enough that no one is alone if they turn back early.
In the meantime, for you triathletes itching to get your season started, make sure to stop down at the Duluth Running Company. Not only is their summer gear coming in daily, but Clint has started Wednesday / Sunday night swim groups. If your schedule allows, take advantage of this opportunity! To find out times and meeting location, stop by the store or give them a call.
Last, but not least, Clint is hosting a triathlon clinic with SCS Multisport again this year. I cannot recall the time and haven't seen it on the DRC website yet, but this is a tremendous tool for any of you who want to make some improvements. The clinic is top-notch, including both lecture and personal coaching for each of the three legs. They will focus on Total Immersion form for the swimming section and will take underwater footage of each participant, which is unbelievably useful. The same intensity is given to the bike and run segments. The cost is not small, but, for anyone making this a life-long sport, this clinic will undoubtedly give you plenty for your money. Again, stop by the DRC for more details.
The goal of the next three months will be Grandma's Marathon preparation, so we will be doing trail and road running for the foreseeable future, with runs getting longer each week. The activity's advertisement post will indicate the anticipated time and mileage investment by participants, so no one is surprised. Also, if you are not game for the full distance, do not let that hinder you from attending. We will attempt to compose a group large & diverse enough that no one is alone if they turn back early.
In the meantime, for you triathletes itching to get your season started, make sure to stop down at the Duluth Running Company. Not only is their summer gear coming in daily, but Clint has started Wednesday / Sunday night swim groups. If your schedule allows, take advantage of this opportunity! To find out times and meeting location, stop by the store or give them a call.
Last, but not least, Clint is hosting a triathlon clinic with SCS Multisport again this year. I cannot recall the time and haven't seen it on the DRC website yet, but this is a tremendous tool for any of you who want to make some improvements. The clinic is top-notch, including both lecture and personal coaching for each of the three legs. They will focus on Total Immersion form for the swimming section and will take underwater footage of each participant, which is unbelievably useful. The same intensity is given to the bike and run segments. The cost is not small, but, for anyone making this a life-long sport, this clinic will undoubtedly give you plenty for your money. Again, stop by the DRC for more details.
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