Colorado!

Horsetooth Half Marathon 2014

Published April 13, 2014

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 2^nd 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

: snowy, cold & hilly – my favourite conditions

: race day snow after 70-degree Saturday

: lotta elevation — felt the 6% grade at mile 7

G-O-A-L!

Published April 6, 2014

My first live soccer match & I attend a National game. FAAAANNNNNTASTIC luck!

Scored 2 tickets on stubhub & drove to Denver (with my friend Matt) to watch Team USA (defending Olympic champions) play China at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, home of the Colorado Rapids.

Skies were overcast, then sunny, then dark grey – lotta rain clouds. Layers on, off, then on again – typical Colorado spring day. Luckily the weather cooperated; rain held out until the final 2 minutes.

The American women dominated this day – China relegated to defending both halves.

Final score – USA 2, China 0.

Could have been much worse – Team USA outshot the Chinese 23-1. U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!

: my first live match – SCORE!

: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park – home of the Rapids

Lake Haiyaha snowshoe trek

Published March 30, 2014

After a few days of temps in the 60’s, how best to celebrate the end of March? How ‘bout an 8 hour snowshoe trek in Rocky Mountain National Park? LOL>

Purchased a Groupon a few months back, intending to snowshoe in early February. Little did I know this package was so popular, their first opening was March 30^th.

My friend M & I met up with 2 Apex Ex guides & 8 other shoers at Beaver Meadows Visitors Center in RMNP. 20 minute drive to Glacier Gorge Trailhead, shoes & poles doled out – and we were on our way.

Aside from the spectacular winter landscape, what I liked most? Backcountry hiking. In winter you’re no longer restricted to trails in the park as you are in summer months – because trails are covered by 8-12 feet of snow 🙂

Stopped for a photo opp at Dream Lake, nestled under towering Hallett Peak – then fondue at Lake Haiyaha.

Cheese fondue & apples after snowshoeing in the Rockies. Bucket list ‘must do’ — seriously. FAAAANNNNTASTIC!

FULL Colorado weekend. 10 mile pre-dawn run on Saturday, hiked 8,100ft Green Mountain in Boulder, then shoed 5 miles in the snow-blanketed Rockies on Sunday.

Lovin’ life. Trading with no one – crazy happy with the hand I’ve been dealt.