Elm Creek Park Reserve Trails
Over the long holiday weekend, I was able to take advantage of the unseasonably warm weather. While in the Twin Cities area I got out and rode the new mountain biking trails at Elm Creek Park Reserve.
They have three loops that are basically singletrack through the trees with some open field singletrack also. While in the trees, the majority of the technicality of the trails comes from tight trees and corners with trees. The advanced loop had a few technical features thrown in that were always optional with a way around them.
The first time around the loops, I was keeping the speed in check as I was making sure to not hit a tree. On Friday, I went around half of the intermediate loop and the complete advanced loop twice. On the second trip around, I was able to hold little more speed as I was more familiar with the tight spaces and corners.
On Saturday I was back and did the complete intermediate and advanced loops one time around. I was able to hold even more speed and I even tried a couple of the technical features. I tried the half-pipe looking feature and the bridge bypasses with success. When I tried the final log ramp over a tree branch, my chainring caught when I was at the peak and flipped me over my handlebars. No damage to the bike and I was fine to keep riding.
All in all, over 25 miles of mountain biking this weekend was a nice way to most likely end my outdoor riding for the year.
Hockey
Since the last time I wrote about hockey, the Wild went on a little bit of a run to the top of the NHL. They have been playing well during the stretch. It would be nice if they would start off their games a little stronger, but they are doing a good job of coming from behind.
The Gophers look similar to the start of the year. They are a little inconsistent. At times, they look like they are dominating every team they play. And at other times they cannot seem to get out of their own way. I really hope this team can continue to work out the kinks so they are ready come playoff time. They potentially have the pieces to make a good run.
I will be at the Wild's December 14th contest against the Chicago Blackhawks. Looking forward to seeing how they are playing in person again. I might have to make a trip down for a Gopher game at Mariucci some time this winter also. It has been a couple years since I have been to Mariucci...
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Run Season Recap
With the finale of the NMTC fall trail season this past weekend, my running season for 2011 has essentially come to an end. I may get another holiday 5k in, but nothing planned right now. When the year started, my "A" run races were the Garry Bjorklund half marathon and if I got in, the Twin Cities 10 miler. I also planned on running as many of the NMTC events as I could.
Spring NMTC/Garry Bjorklund Prep
Early this year I was focusing on running often. In fact I was running 5-6 times per week. My plan was to build up the consistency of my running to see how this worked out. This worked out well as the spring NMTC series rolled in. I managed to make it out for all of the events but was not as fast running as I felt I should have been. I was focusing more on preparation for the Garry Bjorklund so I was not too concerned.
Garry Bjorklund Race Day
As the race approached, I was feeling pretty good about my prep. I felt I might be able to get a PR if I raced well. Race morning dawned and it was questionable weather. It was raining and windy. At least the wind was coming from the northeast. Standing around at the start line we were all getting wet and it was cold with the wind off the lake.
Once we got running, the rain stopped and we were able to take full advantage of the tailwind. I was keeping a good pace and came through the 10 mile mark in 1:11:XX which was a PR for that distance for me. I was able to finish with a 1:33:49 which was a more than 1:00 minute for me.
The race ended up being a great race with a combination of good fitness coupled with good race weather for a PR. If I want to break that time I will be hard pressed to do so.
Summer Running
As summer set in, I focused on hitting solid races at my multisport events. As far as running goes, I hit some really good times, and some that were less than stellar. Apple Duathlon and the Moose Lake Triathlon had pretty good run splits.
I also jumped into the Park Point 5 Miler during the summer. I was not really focusing in any way on this race and even got out to the point early and got in 16 miles of intervals on my bike prior to the Friday evening run. I ended up having a pretty solid race and knocking out a PR of 33:49.
Another summer run that was found was the Bay to Bay trail race on the Superior Hiking Trail from Silver Bay to Beaver Bay. This was a very challenging 10k trail race. I had a great time running the race and even won the $50 door prize after the race.
Prep for 10 Miler
Later in the summer I started my prep for the Twin Cities 10 miler. I was still running consistently and hitting really good mileage (for me). I was averaging over 100 miles per month so far this year. As race day approached I did a couple specific workouts I have tried in the past that I liked and did not hit them like I was hoping to. I was a little concerned that I might have been a little less prepared for the 10 miler this year.
I had thought my running was setting me up for a chance at a PR, but I was getting a little concerned. Once race day hit, I figured it was worth going for the PR anyway. I figured if I ran a smart race I had a chance. In the end I was able to pull out a great PR for myself of 1:09:56.
Fall Trail Running
For the fall trail running season I really wanted to make it out to all of the races so I could see all of the courses; especially the power lines. I was able to make it out every week. The start of the season went well, but after the TC 10 miler, I think I really lost my drive to race. I still enjoyed the remainder of the races, but was not knocking out times like I was hoping for.
Season Summary
All in all I had a great year running. At my two "A" races I knocked out solid PR's. I also had a PR at the 5 mile distance. So three PR's in one season. I doubt I will ever do that again.
For the rest of 2011 I will be just running when I feel like it. For the first time ever I have run more than 1000 miles in a year. As I look forward to 2012, maybe I will shoot for 1200... Already I have the Garry Bjorklund lined up for next season. I think I will have to find a couple of new races for next year too.
Spring NMTC/Garry Bjorklund Prep
Early this year I was focusing on running often. In fact I was running 5-6 times per week. My plan was to build up the consistency of my running to see how this worked out. This worked out well as the spring NMTC series rolled in. I managed to make it out for all of the events but was not as fast running as I felt I should have been. I was focusing more on preparation for the Garry Bjorklund so I was not too concerned.
Garry Bjorklund Race Day
As the race approached, I was feeling pretty good about my prep. I felt I might be able to get a PR if I raced well. Race morning dawned and it was questionable weather. It was raining and windy. At least the wind was coming from the northeast. Standing around at the start line we were all getting wet and it was cold with the wind off the lake.
Once we got running, the rain stopped and we were able to take full advantage of the tailwind. I was keeping a good pace and came through the 10 mile mark in 1:11:XX which was a PR for that distance for me. I was able to finish with a 1:33:49 which was a more than 1:00 minute for me.
The race ended up being a great race with a combination of good fitness coupled with good race weather for a PR. If I want to break that time I will be hard pressed to do so.
Summer Running
As summer set in, I focused on hitting solid races at my multisport events. As far as running goes, I hit some really good times, and some that were less than stellar. Apple Duathlon and the Moose Lake Triathlon had pretty good run splits.
I also jumped into the Park Point 5 Miler during the summer. I was not really focusing in any way on this race and even got out to the point early and got in 16 miles of intervals on my bike prior to the Friday evening run. I ended up having a pretty solid race and knocking out a PR of 33:49.
Another summer run that was found was the Bay to Bay trail race on the Superior Hiking Trail from Silver Bay to Beaver Bay. This was a very challenging 10k trail race. I had a great time running the race and even won the $50 door prize after the race.
Prep for 10 Miler
Later in the summer I started my prep for the Twin Cities 10 miler. I was still running consistently and hitting really good mileage (for me). I was averaging over 100 miles per month so far this year. As race day approached I did a couple specific workouts I have tried in the past that I liked and did not hit them like I was hoping to. I was a little concerned that I might have been a little less prepared for the 10 miler this year.
I had thought my running was setting me up for a chance at a PR, but I was getting a little concerned. Once race day hit, I figured it was worth going for the PR anyway. I figured if I ran a smart race I had a chance. In the end I was able to pull out a great PR for myself of 1:09:56.
Fall Trail Running
For the fall trail running season I really wanted to make it out to all of the races so I could see all of the courses; especially the power lines. I was able to make it out every week. The start of the season went well, but after the TC 10 miler, I think I really lost my drive to race. I still enjoyed the remainder of the races, but was not knocking out times like I was hoping for.
Season Summary
All in all I had a great year running. At my two "A" races I knocked out solid PR's. I also had a PR at the 5 mile distance. So three PR's in one season. I doubt I will ever do that again.
For the rest of 2011 I will be just running when I feel like it. For the first time ever I have run more than 1000 miles in a year. As I look forward to 2012, maybe I will shoot for 1200... Already I have the Garry Bjorklund lined up for next season. I think I will have to find a couple of new races for next year too.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Hockey Weekend
This weekend was an excellent weekend for hockey lovers in Minnesota. For the fans of the NHL, the Wild put together a strong game on Saturday night to beat the Blues. For the true MN fan, the Wild come away with the win and Cloquet native Jamie Langenbrunner scored the lone St. Louis goal.
I happened to have tickets for the game and was impressed with the way the wild played. They had some good offensive pressure that produced some good chances. They did not score 5 goals like the other night against Vancouver, but they got enough to win. Harding also played well for the fourth straight game to preserve the one goal win.
Gophers Sweep!
On the college side of things, the Gopher men were entertaining the Sioux from North Dakota. Any time these two teams get together, things can get interesting. On friday night I only got to see the end of the game, but I did end up seeing both Gopher goals. On the first goal, the Gopher power play was able to move the puck around and take advantage of a UND player with a broken stick. Bjugstad took advantage of a 2 on 0 and put a nice shot into the upper left corner. The second goal was a good pass to break Serratore on a breakaway that he converted. Patterson took care of the rest for his fifth shutout of the year.
On Saturday night, I was at the wild game and was trying to stay up to date on the Gopher game through the wonders of a smartphone. When we got into the car to head home, the score was 2-1 UND with about 13 minutes remaining in the third. With less than a minute remaining in the game the Gophers put the stamp on a great weekend with the third goal of the game for them and a 3-2 win.
The Gopher women had a good weekend as they managed to sweep the UMD Bulldogs in Minneapolis. So, all in all a great MN hockey weekend.
I happened to have tickets for the game and was impressed with the way the wild played. They had some good offensive pressure that produced some good chances. They did not score 5 goals like the other night against Vancouver, but they got enough to win. Harding also played well for the fourth straight game to preserve the one goal win.
Gophers Sweep!
On the college side of things, the Gopher men were entertaining the Sioux from North Dakota. Any time these two teams get together, things can get interesting. On friday night I only got to see the end of the game, but I did end up seeing both Gopher goals. On the first goal, the Gopher power play was able to move the puck around and take advantage of a UND player with a broken stick. Bjugstad took advantage of a 2 on 0 and put a nice shot into the upper left corner. The second goal was a good pass to break Serratore on a breakaway that he converted. Patterson took care of the rest for his fifth shutout of the year.
On Saturday night, I was at the wild game and was trying to stay up to date on the Gopher game through the wonders of a smartphone. When we got into the car to head home, the score was 2-1 UND with about 13 minutes remaining in the third. With less than a minute remaining in the game the Gophers put the stamp on a great weekend with the third goal of the game for them and a 3-2 win.
The Gopher women had a good weekend as they managed to sweep the UMD Bulldogs in Minneapolis. So, all in all a great MN hockey weekend.
NMTC Fall Series Finale - Pine Valley
Today marked the final race of the fall NMTC Trail series, and it was held at the ski trails of Pine Valley in Cloquet. In a previous life I went around these trails a bunch of times on a couple of skinny pieces of finerglass. So I had a pretty good feel for the layout of the trails and the location and size of the hills. And yes, there were hills.
What Goes Up, Must Come Down...
The very first thing this trail does is go straight up a hill. Well after a short straight section of trail and a hard right turn. When Jarrow gave his quick command to go the whole crowd lurched forward and veered to the right and up the service road for a second or two before some loud yelling from a helper got everyone back on track.
After the first hill, there is a whole lot of the trail turning back on itself and some good rolling ups and downs. More than once you will be running and see people ahead/behind you through the trees on your left or right. The signs marking the kilometers are a nice touch on this trail so you have a good feel for how much running you have left until the finish.
One Last Uphill
What I always will remember about Pine Valley from high school skiing is the final steep downhill with the sweeping left turn at the bottom. Many skiiers did not look forward to this downhill as the tracks would be washed out very quickly and invariably a few folks would not quite make the corner and skid off into the snowbank on the right side of the trail. Skiing, this was my favorite part of the course. I really enjoyed the fast technical downhills as that was my strength (as opposed to being a strong or fit skiier...).
Running up this hill, and then down, was not nearly the same as it was on ski's. The uphill side of the hill was similar to skiing, however the down portion of the hill was harder on foot than on ski. It turns out you do not carry your momentum on foot very well when running down a steep hill.
Summary
All in all, I had a fun race. I was not very fast again today, but I felt good and had a faster time than last year. Taking a look at the season as a whole, I was generally pleased. I had some very good runs, and a few I felt I may have been able to do a little better. I am glad I got to run the power lines that I missed in previous seasons.
I am also ready for an off-season from racing. From now until next spring I will be simply running for fun, riding my bike on the trainer from time to time, and getting to the gym once in awhile to swim and lift a weight or two. Sometime in maybe February I will put together my plan of attack for next season. Currently I have the Garry Bjorklund half marathon on my schedule, I will figure out the rest soon enough.
What Goes Up, Must Come Down...
The very first thing this trail does is go straight up a hill. Well after a short straight section of trail and a hard right turn. When Jarrow gave his quick command to go the whole crowd lurched forward and veered to the right and up the service road for a second or two before some loud yelling from a helper got everyone back on track.
After the first hill, there is a whole lot of the trail turning back on itself and some good rolling ups and downs. More than once you will be running and see people ahead/behind you through the trees on your left or right. The signs marking the kilometers are a nice touch on this trail so you have a good feel for how much running you have left until the finish.
One Last Uphill
What I always will remember about Pine Valley from high school skiing is the final steep downhill with the sweeping left turn at the bottom. Many skiiers did not look forward to this downhill as the tracks would be washed out very quickly and invariably a few folks would not quite make the corner and skid off into the snowbank on the right side of the trail. Skiing, this was my favorite part of the course. I really enjoyed the fast technical downhills as that was my strength (as opposed to being a strong or fit skiier...).
Running up this hill, and then down, was not nearly the same as it was on ski's. The uphill side of the hill was similar to skiing, however the down portion of the hill was harder on foot than on ski. It turns out you do not carry your momentum on foot very well when running down a steep hill.
Summary
All in all, I had a fun race. I was not very fast again today, but I felt good and had a faster time than last year. Taking a look at the season as a whole, I was generally pleased. I had some very good runs, and a few I felt I may have been able to do a little better. I am glad I got to run the power lines that I missed in previous seasons.
I am also ready for an off-season from racing. From now until next spring I will be simply running for fun, riding my bike on the trainer from time to time, and getting to the gym once in awhile to swim and lift a weight or two. Sometime in maybe February I will put together my plan of attack for next season. Currently I have the Garry Bjorklund half marathon on my schedule, I will figure out the rest soon enough.
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