Nobody should cry on Christmas...

Christmas Day, 2011;

You may be wondering about today's title. Well, sometimes we wish for something and when we get it...in my case, I received a message from someone who while I don't see and talk to these days, doesn't mean things have changed how I feel. Needless to say, tough start to Christmas. I miss her. But, enough of the self pity party.

Today marked the 3rd annual Bob V & Abbey Christmas run. This is the third year - obviously, since Bob had surgery and began his journey back

to the running scene. Needless to say, to this day I remind him that there was a time I whooped up on him. Today Dan Jones joined in on the run as well, which consisted of some Horsetooth hills followed by a few miles with Abbey. After all, this is her run as well. Temperatures were clear, cool to start but as soon as we headed up the first hill it warmed up fast! Dan has done the Leadville 100 (I actually paced him the last 13.5) in 2010, and have asked if he would return the favor this Summer. Though I'll most likely give him a tougher leg. However, I value his experience and glad he accepted the offer. Merry Christmas, run strong,

~Eddie.

Race Across The Sky. Week 3

Christmas Eve, 2011...
Hi all! well, here we are again. Christmas. Where has the year gone? and yes, I know, we still have one week left but...

This week started off with a run up Towers Rd this past Sunday as it's been a while since I've been there and know that if one really want's to climb...this is the place. Of course, I didn't tell Abbey that but being the trooper she is she didn't complain. Only wish she understood when I told her to save her energy as she'll need it for later! oh well, can't say I didn't try.

This being December is usually the time and month when I tell myself that I need to back of somewhat and give it a break yet, here it is and have put in another 50 mile week. However, with the temperatures being what they have been, it's been to damn cold to ride. So, I run. Needless to say I only got in one ride (last Sunday). But things will change as we have officially hit Winter, woohoo, which means the sun has gone as far South as it will and is now on it's way back North.

Today I, we, headed down to North Boulder Park to do some Cross Country Skiing and test out snow shoes as well. Needless to say, the price was right - free! and the city of Boulder grooms the trails as well. Can't beat that. And the fact that the sun was out made it all that much better. This coming week I don't plan to keep the "streak" of 50 mile weeks up as I know my enthusiasm for Leadville has gotten the best of me and know it's a long road ahead of me and no need to kill myself at this stage. Weekly total: 50. Total, total...155. for the year....dunno, need to add up.


Merry Christmas everybody.

~Eddie.

Race to the Sky, week two.

Ok, so the week started off last Sunday with a slog of a run (red red wine...) that also included a much better ride on a gorgeous day, and ended yesterday at Rudolph's Revenge 10k. And while not a steller time, still managed to place (1st), which caps off the racing season.

I also signed up for a few runs/races leading up to Leadville which I hope will help - obviously cant hurt except the bottom line ($) these days! man they are getting pricey. But, had to shell out sooner or later. Starting with Collegiate Peaks 50 in April, then Big Horn 50 in June.

I've not decided on May as of yet but will find something and if not...the dreaded 50 solo. Solo as in me and me alone. We'll see. On another note, I did get some commitments from friends that will crew and pace. Though the list is not complete, not so much worried that I'll get a team together. With that said and done, Miles for the week: 50, Total:105 with a bike ride tossed in. Runstrong,

~Eddie.

Red Red Wine...

...goes to my head -UB40.

And while I did have a few at Danny's annual MEXmas party it didn't stop me from taking Abbey out for her usual morning jog. And while it wasn't steller (for obvious reasons) I still slogged it out for eight miles.

Later that morning when the temp's finally made it over "freezing" I took Jezabel out for a spin. Needless to say a beautiful morning. On another

note, I finally won a "lottery" selection. I spaced signing up for Canyonlands half but got in the lotto the last day possible and lo-and-behold woke up this morning indicating I got in. Hmm, aren't you supposed to get money when it comes to lottery's and not have to pay?

~Eddie.

Race Across the Sky Week 1.

While it's dubbed "The Race Across The Sky" I won't be racing anyone come August 19th and 20th. It's just me and the clock and the course. And while I've set a couple of goals the real goal is to finish this beast and not look anything like the picture on the left there.

Week one training as with everyweek ends on a Saturday. This weeks total consisted of 55 miles. Needless to say, this was the week I signed up and no doubt a little "enthusiasm" had somewhat to do with that. I will keep training consistent as this is only December and have been down this road before. I will incorporate bike rides as well as it give me a break of the pounding of the pavement while at the same time keeping the cardio going. As long as the weather is warm of course!

I will also be doing a few snowshoe races and XC skiing (classic) as well this winter again, just to break up the monotony that comes with long distance, ultra training. Anyway, that's it for now, time to eat, change and get ready to ride.

~Eddie.

Project Leadville 100

December 7th, 20011.

Least we forget 70 years ago today...

What is it about this time of year that makes a person, or in this case me, make summer plans which for the most part are half a year away?. Is it the freezing temps?, the fact that I’m eating dinner at 5:30 and ready to call it a day or night at 7:30p.m since it’s been dark for three hours? Can’t be that I’m looking forward to Spring and new beginnings is it? Maybe all of the above.

In Decembers past and I can say with certainty the last three for sure, that I have planned my itinerary for the upcoming year, which included Hawaii, Europe and Nepal. This year however I’m staying home. This year it’ll be Leadville Colorado as in the Leadville Trail 100.

Now, I know when I helped crew two years ago and seeing what this could do to a person I said “never”. Well, never say never. I thought I’d “never” attempt a 50 miler but I did this past Summer. And when asked as of late “what’s your next race?” I haven’t really had an answer as this year by far has been the best on record as I’ve won every distance I’ve entered with the exception of the Leadville 50. Ended up 4^th. But for the record, it was a very positive experience for me.

So, it’s with that, that I plopped down my entry fee before it filled up and I’d regret that I hadn’t and signed on the dotted line. And while it truly won’t be a vacation as the above mentioned destinations, it certainly is a “project” that I’m always looking forward too. And as daunting as this may seem, I truly believe in myself and being able to pull it off. And while I may be the one running the 100 miles I know that I will not be able to pull this off without help. I will try and assemble the best crew and pacers that I call friends to help. Off to train...

~Eddie.

Aspen Colorado, Fall 2011

Aspen, CO: September 24^th, 25^th.

This was (my) second annual trip for the Golden Leaf Half Marathon that goes from Snowmass village to Aspen via the Governor trail. Having done this last year I knew what to expect this year, especially at the start, which happens I think, to be the hardest mile and a half of any race I’ve ever done. Simply because they send one straight up and it’s at elevation. So, when the gun went off, I let everyone else red line it this year and took my time as this time around, I came to run and not race.

After making it to the “top” the course then takes one on a roller coaster ride to Aspen via some very technical downhill filled with plenty of rocks and roots for those that have the misfortune of tripping! And believe me, I saw and heard enough myself out there as well as coming close a few times. I ran with a few groups this year which made it nicer. Again, having no expectations this year, or any particular time till I got about a mile from the end and thought at least it would be nice to try and break two hours as in last year, but, when I crested the hill leading into the finish line and saw 1:59: and change, there was no way. Not this time around. Oh well, it was still good enough for 3^rd in age group. Next year, need to move up a spot though.

After a quick jersey purchase (ouch!) in Aspen, it was back to Glenwood some SUP’ing. Had always wanted to do this and to do it on a lake and not on a river but…such is life. Heck, once one gets the hang of it maybe a little easier on a river as it does the work for you!. It was a blast!! If I lived close enough to the river I can see adding “that” as another sport. But, knowing I’ve access to both river and board…

The following morning we, Abbey and I, headed up to Maroon Bells as they close the gate to cars (one would have to take a shuttle)starting at 8:30am. Leaving Glenwood at 6:30 I felt there would be no problem whatsoever. I mean, who gets up and hits the road that early but me? Guess, a lot of folks as they were cramming cars in the overflow parking lot as best as possible. I did get a spot so all good.

Needless to say, this is one popular spot this time of year! But as colorful as it was it looked like in a week all the leaves would be in full bloom. Don’t get me wrong, still gorgeous. Just a gorgeous was the drive over Independence pass, especially on the East side. Spectacular!

Abbey and the Bells...

SUP'ing on the Colorado River with Abbey to the rescue!