GZ

I've always run trails but am just starting trail racing this year. Any words of wisdom to share? What kind of times do you do on Pikes Peak? Just curious, do you live in CO?

John

I live in Colorado, just outside of Boulder. I have only done Pikes twice (the Ascent once, the marathon once) with results that are the low end of fair for that race, but ones I think I can improve on.

As far as words of wisdom, you'd be better served getting them from someone who is wise in the sport - Matt Carpenter. I am still learning a lot! Matt's book on running Pikes is the definitive guide in this area. http://www.skyrunner.com/guide/index.htm

That said ... this is running - there are no secrets! If you want do well on trails, run long, run hard, run often - and train on trails long, hard and often.

Jon - your 5K time goal is nearly the split you expect to run for a 10K. How are you figuring that?

I grew up in Littleton, so am always glad to see more people from Colorado on the blog. I'll look at skyrunner.com- thanks.

I was curious what you were saying about balancing roads versus trails. Trails are slower but help you run trails better, while road can help you run faster. You made it sound as though you neglected the speed last year and suffered. I was looking for any insight into that area of training.

My goals up there are actually a joke, aimed at Monaflash and Cody (that is why I put "run 8 days per week")- I was just one-upping them. I need to put real goals up. Although my 10k PR right now is at a faster pace per mile than my 5k PR, mainly cause I haven't really raced a 5k since high school (and don't plan to, either). The longer the distance, the better I am at racing it.

Hey Jon

Next time you are out in Colorado, let's hook for a run.

Yeah - last year, I really dug into the mountains. And there was some good to that. I had been a track and road runner and really did not know much about the wonderful trails just to the west of me. I ran those hills A LOT. I good a lot of good work out of it, and it gave me a nice place to check out for a bit.

But it cost me some speed, I think. Given the choice between a track workout and a 3000 foot climb, I took the climb EVERY time. I knew I was losing a step, but I did not think it would be that big of a deal.

I think a good balance is the key. There are those that can get away with just doing one type of the training, but they are more the exception than the rule.

At this point in my training, I am focusing on two things: getting the speed back and the long run. I want to drill my 5K and 10K time down a bit here through the spring - while balancing that with a good long run. I won't ignore the hills or the trails, but they will be a secondary focus - particularly now since they are socked in with a lot of snow and ice. As spring progresses, I will incorporate more of the hill runs and tough climbs. To be sure that I am also able to manage the length of Pikes, I am making the long run a "bread and butter" workout each week (or more weeks than not).

What trail races are you looking to do?

GZ

Just a few local ones- Logan Peak trail run (26 miles, 14k elevation change), plus the Park City runs (Jupiter steeplechase, park city half marathon, mid mountain marathon).