Monthly Archives: April 2014

“Go out every 10 to 15 minutes and you’ll watch the moon get, as a third-grader once put it to me, eaten by the shadow.”

That was the quote which convinced me to set my alarm for the 1 a.m. lunar eclipse – the Blood Moon.  First time an eclipse has been visible from my Colorado home.  Generally we’re on the wrong side of the globe, wrong side of the U.S., too far south – or it’s snowing, clouds obscuring the view.

No excuse this go-around – snow ended Sunday, clearing all cumulus from the night sky.

Both dogs were groggy, unclear why we were up (yep, I woke the entire household).  Nothing like setting your alarm late on a Monday night to check out an eclipse in the early morning sky 🙂

Moon is up mighty high at 1 a.m. so can’t say I captured awesome pics – but absolutely enjoyed the experience.   WOW!

 

Goodnight stars

Goodnight air

Goodnight noises everywhere

Goodnight Blood Moon — hope to see you again in October.

Jeez what a difference a year makes – or in the case of Spring weather, how ‘bout a day?

Woke to snow & sleet so hit the road early – it’s race day in Fort Collins, my 2nd Horsetooth Half Marathon.  Decided soon after Atlanta to try a Half the weekend before my next 2 marathons – as a competitive long run.  My FULL race times have been worsening over the past 4 months – trying to mix it up by throwing in a 13 mile hill run 6 days before Salt Lake.

Snowy, cold & hilly – my new fave race conditions.  Whereas I’ve been struggling in the humid South (Austin & Atlanta), I scored my best time in months running at almost 6,000ft in snow & pelting ice.

Almost bit it on the wooden bridge at mile 9 – super slick.  Thanks to the anonymous runner who grabbed my right shoulder, stopped my fall.  Took almost 6 full minutes off last year’s time.  Heck, yeah!

SLC marathon next weekend.  Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow 🙂

 

Place   Bib       Name              Nettime

284      4685   K R Haga        1:53:57

 

Ironman training – Marathon, check.  Swim distance, check.  Cycling, hmmm.

As most of my Colorado peeps already know, I’m crazy fearsome of road biking.  I can bang out 22 miles/hour indoors but experience anxiety/almost panic when it comes to riding alongside cars.

 

Day 1 cycling – managed a tour of the neighborhood; negotiated road to sidewalk.

Day 2 cycling – Lafayette, Erie, Community Park, Coal Creek Trail & downtown Louisville before riding home.

Felt way out of my comfort zone speeding downhill on Baseline from Lafayette to Erie.  Emptied my stomach, then took a 20 minute break to clear my head, right myself, recenter.

All uphill coming back.  Hills?  Wait, I’ve got this.  Cycling uphill is much more focused, controlled, almost rhythmic.  Soared to the intersection at 95th & waited for my friend Matt.  Hey – how ‘bout we ride downtown?

Awesome ride before tomorrow’s snowstorm.

Crushing fears & making peace with road biking.  4 months ’til Ironman.

downtown Louisville

downtown Louisville