2009 Garden Training Runs
Everybody is welcome - Just Show Up!

Photos - Courtesy Chris Mortenson

What: Garden Training Runs

Organized By: Pikes Peak Road Runners

Why: To get ready for the Garden of the Gods 10 Mile Run on June 14, or just to participate in some group training.

When: 6:00 - 7:00 AM on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, Apr 7 - June 11

Where: Garden of the Gods Park, north parking lot, adjacent to Kissing Camels rock formation. View map.  Take the 30th Street entrance to the Garden of the Gods.  At the first intersection, you'll have to turn right, and go up a hill.  The north parking lot is about 3/4 of the way up this hill.

Protocol: We split into several groups based on ability.  Each group runs together (or at least starts together) at a pace that is generally within the ability of the group members.  The group lead can decide the route and any other training features, e.g., intervals, etc.  Workouts last about an hour (give or take a few minutes).  Routes vary from workout to workout, and are usually within the confines of the Garden of the Gods Park, although sometimes a group will explore neighborhoods and trails that are adjacent to the park.

• Front-of-the-Packers Group (aka Push-The-Pace Group) - Run 8 minute miles or faster (or thereabouts)
• Middle-of-the-Packers Group - Run 8-10 minute miles (or thereabouts)
• Back-of-the-Packers Group (aka Social Group) - Run 10+ minute miles (or thereabouts).  This group will typically "loop back" at the crest of each hill, and go back and pickup the slower members of the group.  This allows the group to stay together throughout most of the workout.
• Trail Runners Group - Includes all ability levels.
• Faster Trail Runners Group - The faster trail group normally does specific workouts that will include "tempo" type runs on Tuesday and "interval" (hills or speed) runs on Thursdays.  Warm-ups are generally 10-20 minutes at about an 8:30-9 minute/mile pace then the training portion of the run will vary depending upon ability.  If you want to be notified 24 hours ahead of time regarding the actual workout, please email the group leader, Mike Shafai, at michael.c.shafai@smithbarney.com.

Incentives:

• The beauty of running in the Garden is enough to get those endorphins exploding.
• Runners attending 8 or more workouts are given a free shirt from past races, courtesy of the Triple Crown of Running.
• Group training with others of similar abilities provides great motivation.
• Excellent way to start the day off on the right foot (or left foot).
• Prize drawings at the last workout on June 11th.

Contact: Dave Sorenson (473-7848, evenings)

Previous Years Stats: 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005

Dress Rehearsal Dates: On Saturdays, May 23 and May 30 at 7:00 am, we'll have a dress rehearsal training run of the entire 10 mile course.  We'll run the full 10-mile course starting/finishing at Memorial Park in Manitou Springs.  Runners will need to carry their own water.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• How do I sign up for these training runs?  You don't have to sign up ahead of time, just show up.  The first time you show up, you'll be asked to fill out a waiver form.  From then on, please check-in when you show up, as we do keep attendance.
• Will there be somebody there who runs my pace?  Most likely, yes.  There is a wide range of ability levels that participate, from 6-minute milers to 15-minute milers.
• How long do the runs last?  Usually about an hour, give or take a little bit.  If you need to leave before your group has completed their run, just turnaround early.  Or if you have time and want to put in some extra miles, just keep pounding the pavement/trail.
• Do the runs start on time? Yes.  At 6:00 AM, we have some very brief announcements, then we split into groups and take off.
• Will I need a headlamp?  For about the first 4 weeks, if you are running on trails, it's a good idea to have a headlamp for the first mile or two of your run.  If you are running on the roads, you can get by fine without a headlamp.  After 4 weeks, there is enough daylight at 6:00 AM such that nobody will need a headlamp.
• Can I walk?  Yes. there are usually a couple of walkers who join us.
• Can I bring my dog?  Yes.  In past years there have been 2-3 dogs who join us and it hasn't been a problem.  If we start getting bunches of dogs and things get out of hand, we'll have to rethink that policy.  According to park rules, dogs need to be on a leash, except for an open grassy area adjacent to 30th Street.
• Are there bathrooms?  Yes, there are open bathrooms adjacent to the parking lot.  The other bathrooms in the park near the Scotsman picnic area are closed for the winter and usually don't open until sometime in May.
• How much do the training runs cost?  They are free to the participants.  The Pikes Peak Road Runners make arrangements with the Parks Department to let them know what we are doing, and the PPRR does submit their liability insurance to Park & Rec.  Before 2009, Park & Rec did not charge the PPRR, since it wasn't an actual race, as we are basically general park users.  Because of budget cuts in 2009, Park & Rec is now charging $60 per month ($180 total), plus a $25 application fee, plus a $150 refundable damage deposit.  The PPRR is absorbing these costs.
• I'm just visiting from out-of-town.  Can I join you?  Absolutely.  Let the organizer know where you are from so we can announce it to everybody and welcome you.
• Are the runs canceled when the weather is bad?  No.  There will always be a few diehards who show up, thus if you hear it storming outside when your alarm goes off, get out of bed and show up so you can be the one that teases those who didn't show up.
• Is the area safe?  Generally, yes.  But it's always a good idea to run with others, especially the women.  We did have an incident in 2008 where 2 cars were broken into during the run on one morning.  A purse was stolen from each vehicle.  To prevent this from happening in 2009, the organizer will run his route near the parking lot and keep an eye on things.
• Is there vehicle traffic in the park?  Yes, but at 6-7 AM it is light.  However, for safety reasons, please run in the bicycle lane rather than the vehicle lane.

Attendance