Greenland Trail Race (8 mi.)

Start Area

This morning I ran the 8 mile version of the Greendland Trail Race.  I've been nursing a pretty bad ankle sprain for the past few weeks which has made my training less than spectacular.  I had originally hoped to run the Collegiate Peaks 25 mile race in Buena Vista, CO this weekend but realized that there was  no way I was ready for that.  Then, I figured that I could run the Greenland 25K.  I probably could have, but realistically I wasn't in shape for that either, so I settled for the 8 mile variety.  It was chilly before the race but warmed up really quickly.  I'm definitely glad I decided to go with a short sleeve shirt at the start and I even shed that about halfway through the race.

I had checked the course elevation profile online but for some reason I wasn't mentally prepared for the first 5 miles of the race being pretty much uphill the entire way.  I started out way too fast and then bonked hard, eventually having to walk some short sections of the steepest climbs (which was totally embarrassing during an 8 mile race).  Once we reached the 5 mile point it was downhill virtually the entire way to the finish line.  I was able to put together some pretty good sub-7:00 sections during the last 3 miles so I was happy with that.

Heading for the Finish

My ankle will be sore tomorrow for sure but I'm happy with how well it held up during the race (especially during the pounding downhill sections).  My legs also did surprisingly well.  I was using this race to get an idea of where I stand fitness-wise and it was a perfect indication of that.  My legs and speed are there I just really really need to work on climbing--Leadville will chew me up and spit me out if I don't (I learned the hard way last year).  I finished the 8 miles in 1:12 (9:00/mi pace).  The time was pretty terrible compared to what I expect at a race that short but it accurately reflects my crawling slowly up the hills and then flying down.

I was amazed at the scenery surrounding the Greenland Open Space.  I've lived in the Colorado Springs area for most of my life and I had no idea that area existed.  I loved the trails there and will definitely be back occasionally to train.

Amazing scenery from the course

Tomorrow morning I head to the Caribbean for vacation so my training will take place on the beach for the next 12 days.  When I get back it'll be time to get serious.  I plan to spend a couple of days running up in Leadville when we get back (the week of the 23rd) and I just signed up for the Turquoise Lake half marathon on June 4th (I'll probably do the 5K the next day as well).  For the rest of the summer I'll be spending at least 2 days a week training on the course in Leadville.  I'm determined to earn a buckle this year.

Stay tuned.....

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Twitter: @NicholasBLee