After last weekend’s marathon fail in Boulder, wasn’t sure when I’d next long-run.  Down a day depressed, whole lotta sleep – then like most, licked my wounds & got back on the horse.  Short run Tuesday, 8 miles Thursday…head back in the game.

Thursday morning identified a last minute race addition on the Maniacs calendar – only an hour-half from my home.  Late registration thru Friday night.  Done; meant to be.

Laid low Saturday, short hike in Eldorado Canyon, bed by 9pm, up again at 3:15am.  Quick shower, walked/fed Ro…on the road north by 4am – marathon meet-up at 530am in downtown Fort Collins.  Late instructions, Race Director greeted participants – in particular, a large Fort Collins Running Club contingent – all car-journeyed to the Canyon, parked at Picnic Rock Rest Area (mile from the Finish), then van-pooled another 2,000ft UP the Canyon to today’s high-altitude start: milepost 94 on Poudre Canyon Road.

Super scenic landscape.  15 miles course-shared with the Colorado Marathon.  Lotta memories there – race where I finished my 50 State Quest.  Cool temps ‘til the sun rose – but not as cold as last May…was literally snowing last time I ran this route 🙂

Start time: 713am…yep, that specific (daybreak)

Pre-race pic; pretty much on my own after the first 4-5 miles.  Course spilled between large canyon walls, Cache la Poudre River on runner’s left…saw maybe 2 vehicles total.  Surrounded with views of the Rockies ALL day.  Quiet & isolated.  BIG smile.

(last 10K) Picked off by a few runners but finished 12^th overall (super small field).  4:30 finish, not bad at 7,000ft.  AND for the first time ever, won my Age Group & scored a bobble-head.  Marathon 72 RE-DO SUCCESS!

No marathons for 2 weeks but…maybe/might have located another last-minute race, just 7 hours away in Nebraska.  LOL>

Cache La Poudre Canyon Marathon – October 16, 2016

20 Keenan Haga  4:33:07

Have become super sensitive with my run schedule since April.  Learning balance.  Consistent training & rest, now a key part of active marathoning.  PR goal this Fall – leg fatigue or re-injury would limit that.

Ever since my first Fall snow hike 4 years ago, Steamboat has always tugged at my heart.  Returned the following year for my first (& only) Half Ironman.  It was there I was humbled by my first open water swim – BIG difference from lap swimming at the gym.  HA!  Steamboat Springs was also my initial 50 State finish destination.  3 hours from home however; added Fort Collins last minute to better share the experience with family & friends.  No regrets…but still love me some Steamboat, not missing Sunday’s 26.2.

Been heating up all week, start of our 4 month summer season.  Not a hot weather runner – but who doesn’t love summer?  14er hike   season 🙂  Left Ro with Ash on Saturday, drove US36 to Denver, I-70 West past the Divide.  Snow garnished the landscape just past Idaho Springs.  Last hour-half north from Silverthorne, summer heat gave way to snowy meadows as I upped elevation & crossed Rabbit Ears Pass.  Haven’t seen winter precip since my Evans hike last month.  Kid giddy.

Bib pick-up, light dinner, 8pm hunkered down.  Early start tomorrow.

Pre-dawn parked downtown, caught the marathon Start bus.  Point-to-point course, 8100ft elevation.

Chilly arrival, almost an hour early – watched the sun rise over Hahn’s Peak.  double WOW!  Fought the urge to double-shirt & slabbed on extra sun block.  Temps would soar +30 degrees by Finish.

Small marathon field – less than 300 – & similar to Coeur d’Alene, jacked with elites and tri-athletes.  Another high altitude training hub.  Hilly start, first 4 miles.  Long slope decline thru 8 – fairly flat going forward.  A few rolling hills but nothing to wake the quads.

sub-2 first half, another fade to the Finish.  Heat cooked.  Flagged down an aid truck at 18 but changed my mind & waved him on.  Followed a group of young runners next 2 miles, then iPhoned Ash at marker 20 for inspiration.  Last miles to town, a mix of jog, walk & slog.

I live in altitude (5600ft) but add a 1000ft & my lungs beg for air like a flatlander.  Not enough high altitude marathoning in my war chest.

Stopped digesting water at 24.  Rinsed my mouth last 2 aid stops for hydration – anything swallowed, I spewed on the highway.  Physically I’ve got this – mentally, I still struggle in heat.  Determined to succeed.

Last half-mile finished strong.  Medics applied ice [to the] back of my neck, poured water over my head.  Hot, dehydrated – up and on my way in 20 minutes.  Not pretty – I get that – but it’s all a process.  Thin air & summer heat, not a strength…yet.

McDonalds splash bath, 3 hours open highway.  Colorado marathoning: home before dinner, still gotta walk the dog 🙂

Steamboat Marathon – June 5, 2016

K R Haga        Louisville CO       5:07:30