Monday, April 13, 2009

Final Race Training Update


It's been a tough two months getting ready for the Race to Robie Creek which takes place this Saturday, April 18th at 12 noon.

On April 4th Vanessa and I ran ten miles together. We wanted to see how our individual running paces would work out. We did fine. Vanessa appreciated my "snail pace" and we managed the 10 miles without too much trouble. Kim had dinner and wine ready for us afterwards. (Much appreciated.)

On April 7th I ran 5 miles (before work) and included some hill work.

Then April 9th was 7 1/2 miles with hill work.

Yesterday Vanessa and I did 8 miles together.

This week we will be scaling back as we make sure we're rested and ready for the race.

(Notice how casually I write five miles, 7 1/2, and ten miles. Nothing in those sentences mentions the socks I've worn through, the many blisters I've had nor the blackened toenails. None of this training has been easy. It's been all sweat and blood as I push this 54 year old body into a continuous jog.)

Our strategy (read desperate plan) is to stay together and to take a break at all rest stops for refreshments and oxygen intake. We're hoping to finish the race in under 4 hours. The top runners will finish in just two hours or less. (We won't be among them.)

From Half Marathons.net:

"From the starting line in Fort Boise Park, the race takes runners over a combination of paved roads through the first eight miles of the race, after which the race then switches over to dirt roads as the course winds through the mountains on its way to Boise's Aldape Summit. From miles 9 through the finish, the course then makes its way downhill, featuring a nasty hairpin turn at mile 9 that "haunts your dreams," organizers say.

While slow and steady, the rise in elevation throughout the race is also significant -- the starting line is at just above 2,500 feet above sea level, and runners reach an elevation of about 4,500 feet above sea level at the highest point in the race, as participants trek through the sagebrush-covered hills area known as Rocky Canyon."


There's a distinct possibility of running into some snow. To give you an idea of the terrain I took a drive up the route this week. (Some crazy, crazy people actually use this route for race training.)

A couple pics of the race route:

route

Doesn't look too bad, right?
Remember, we'll be climbing 2000 ft in elevation. It's steeper than it looks.

top1

See that white stuff beside the road on the right? Yeah. It's snow.

And a view from the top, looking away from Boise:

top





The weather forecast for race day is 66˚ and mostly sunny.

We'll be happy just making it to the finish line on our feet. Then it will be party time! Or something. Probably more like recovery time.

Our route:

route



Wish us luck!

16 comments:

Unknown said...

That's where the Robie Creek race is?! Jordan I accidentally drove up there and walked around on Wednesday evening while we were cloud chasing. We couldn't believe how pretty it was and that we had never heard of Rocky Canyon before. It's just lovely through there right now! I wish you the best of luck with it.

Brenda said...

WHOA! Wish I could come over and cheer you on. Good Luck! I'll be anxious to hear how well you did.

Kimberly Long Cockroft said...

Looks like quite a trek. Makes us miss the west and mountains that meant business. Does NOT make me want to tackle them on foot at the moment, not at a running pace anyway. Maybe a nice stroll with a flask of hot tea.

Good luck to you!

Bangchik and Kakdah said...

Hi... Good luck to you ... make sure you finish the race and win!......

Heather said...

Victoria- you are amazing. Robie Creek is the premier race in Idaho and from what I hear, a hard one to get a spot in. Good luck, I will think of you on Saturday!

Anonymous said...

I'm scared!!!

-Vanessa :)

Rosemary said...

Wow, that is some tough looking terrain....... let alone the elevation. Wishing you and Vanessa, strong legs .

Teresa said...

Good luck in the race! Hope we get good weather in Boise that day...
Have enjoyed reading your blog.

Naturegirl said...

oH MY I DO KNOW WHAT 2000 FT. UP A MOUNTAINS IS AS I hiked one 2050ft!
You are jogging!!! Holy moly you are in shape!!! Wonderful photos!
You go girls!!

Country Girl said...

Hello!
I wandered onto your blog from my friend's (Wazoo Farms). I grew up in Idaho, on Robie Creek, but haven't been back for 25 years or more! The race route looks like our "short cut" from home on Robie Creek into Boise...sometimes a bit treacherous depending on what the weather had done to the dirt road, but always an excellent view of the city from the top! I wish you the best of luck!
Tonya

Pat said...

Temps sound ok, but has to be tough breathing at an elevation of 4,500 feet. And where the heck is the flat land? :)
I'm guessing Kim will be taking pictures...at least a few.
Good Luck Victoria !!

Connie said...

Wow, Victoria...you are amazing and I'm proud of you. I hope you do well and don't suffer too many discomforts afterward.
BTW, how did you get your photos so large/...they really look nice.

Kathleen said...

The best of luck to you Victoria. My hat is off ~ I doubt I could run one mile of it. A nice walk sounds better to me! But be sure to let us know how you do.

Lauren said...

Good luck on the race this weekend!!!!

Janet, The Queen of Seaford said...

I could have sworn I commented on this post, but I don't see it. The photos of your run are really awesome. I am not a runner, so more power to you for doing this!!

Genie said...

I'm just now FINALLY catching up on your blog and so I haven't read how the race went, I can hardly wait. I can't believe what you have put yourself through for this, absolutely amazing. BIG BIG KUDOS!