2010 Garden Training Runs
Everybody is welcome - Just Show Up!
Tuesday & Thursday Mornings, 6:00 AM
April 6 - June 10

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 13, or just to participate in some group training.

When: 6:00 - 7:00 AM on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, Apr 6 - June 10

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 10th.

Contact: Dave Sorenson (473-7848, evenings)

Previous Year's Stats: 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005

Dress Rehearsal Dates: On Saturdays, May 22 and May 29 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 turn around 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.  Please clean up after your dog.
• 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.
• 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 ran his route near the parking lot and kept an eye on things, and will do the same in 2010.
• 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

Daily Notes

Thursday, June 10th: 58 degrees, mostly sunny, warming to the 60s, light breeze.  It was a beautiful day to wrap up this year's training runs in the Garden.  We had a celebration run today.  The run was about 40 minutes, then we had some refreshments and door prizes.  Thank you to Mike Shafai, John Gardner, Jack Ramsey and Shirley Hernandez for the refreshments.  The door prizes were donated by the Colorado Running Company and the Triple Crown of Running, thus many thanks to them.  Thank you runners for the thoughtful gift certificate and other items that you gave to me.  I really appreciate it.  The race is on Sunday.  It's supposed to be cool, a great day for a race.  Thanks again everyone!

Tuesday, June 8th: 63 degrees, mostly sunny, warming to the upper 60s, light breeze.  We were back up to a normal sized group today.  Today was the 2nd to last run in the Garden for this year.  Next week we'll start meeting at Bear Creek Park and run the Summer Roundup course.  All of the groups looked good today, and the parking lot was plumb full with our runners, some Army runners, some high school cross country runners (from Palmer High School), and a few tourist.  Starting your day in the Garden of the Gods is definitely the way to go.

Thursday, June 3rd:  48 degrees, mostly cloudy, warming to the low 50s, no wind.  We had a cool morning to run in before some hot weather hits us for the next few days.  It was a good morning to get in a good, hard workout, and enjoy the scenery at the same time.  Some Army runners also showed up and got in their morning PT.  There are now more general park users getting in a morning walk or a bike ride, and early morning tourists taking pictures.

Tuesday, June 1st:  51 degrees, sunny, warming to the upper 50s.  The day after Memorial Day brought out a small group of runners today, but those who didn't show up sure missed out on a nice morning in the Garden.  As one runner said, "we are not in Iowa anymore."  In addition to our group, there was also an Army group that took off at 6:30 AM, and a high school cross country group that were just getting started as we were finishing.

Thursday, May 27th: 58 degrees, cloudy, a bit humid, not warming much during the run.  We had a small turnout today, the smallest of the season.  People may be starting the holiday weekend early.  The runners who did show up got in a good hour's work, and then headed off to work some more.

Tuesday, May 25th: 43 degrees, warming to the low 50s, sunny, no wind.  We received some sad news today.  Ron Wisner, one of the original organizers of these training runs, died this past Friday when he was mountain biking with his wife, hit a rut, and was thrown from the bike and landed directly on his neck.  He died instantly.  He will be dearly missed.  Ron started many traditions with these runs: the mid-term exam run; the adventure routes to go visit the waterfall or bench; introducing yourself to two runners you didn't already know, and others.  Ron was also part of the group that originally got the American Discovery Trail Marathon off the ground.  Rest in peace, Ron.

Thursday, May 20th: 41 degrees, warming to the low 50s, sunny, no wind.  It was another beautiful morning in the Garden.  It was one of those days where you want to just stay out and play after the run instead of heading off to work.  But you know, we gotta eat somehow.

Tuesday, May 18th: 53 degrees, cloudy, no wind.  What a nice morning for a run.  Many in Mike Shafai's group showed up at 5:15 and got in some bonus miles before the official run.  All of the other groups run for a solid hour or so.  Everybody is looking stronger each day.

Thursday, May 13th:  36 degrees, cloudy, not warming much at all, no wind.  The colder weather kept our numbers down today.  But the Army group also showed up, so the parking lot was still full.  Summer/Spring is supposed to return next week, which will be nice.  Those who showed up did get in a good run, and the moist cool air was easy to breathe.

Tuesday, May 11th: 41 degrees, warming a few degrees, mostly cloudy, no wind.  The groups are really looking good now.  They attack the uphills with a vengeance and float along the downhills.  Many runners also include some extra hill repeats at the end of their runs.

Thursday, May 6th: 40 degrees, warming to the 50s, sunny, slight breeze.  Today was mid-term exam day, thus the groups included Ridge Road in their route.  Ridge Road is the longest and steepest hill in the park, and has a couple of false summits, so it's always fun to attach that hill.  Everybody did great and passed with flying colors.

Tuesday, May 4th: 42 degrees, warming to about 50, sunny, no wind.  I think we were protected from the wind, as several runners said it was windy at their homes.  It was a beautiful morning, and everybody was in a jovial mood.  The mid-term exam will be on Thursday, so that will keep everybody in a good mood as we attach Ridge Road.

Thursday, April 29th: 42 degrees, not warming much during the run, sunny, slight breeze.  We are 4 weeks into the training runs which means it is shirt time.  Anybody who attends 8 or more training runs get a free shirt, complementary of the Triple Crown of Running.  The shirts are from past year's races.  About 20+ people picked up their shirt today.

Tuesday, April 27th: 32 degrees, warming to about 40, sunny, no wind.  It was a bit nippy to start, but once we started running, it was fine on a beautiful morning.  JD McKenna took his group on an adventure run and found a small stream to run through.  They all came back with smiles.  The other groups got in a good workout and did lots of heavy breathing.  Another Boston Marathon finisher, GW Jones, joined us today.

Thursday, April 22nd: 49 degrees, warming to the lower 50s, cloudy with low fog.  The overnight rain kept the numbers down a bit today.  It was raining during the run, just foggy and cool moist air.  It was actually a good morning for a run.  Two runners who ran the Boston Marathon on Monday rejoined us today, namely Mike Shafai and John Keller.  There are a few more from these training runs who ran Boston, but they are still in recovery mode.  A group of Army runners have also started to show up.  They were about 40 strong today and took off about 6:25 am for their morning PT.

Tuesday, April 20th: 40 degrees, warming to the mid 40s, mostly sunny, with a very slight fog.  It was a perfect day for a run.  The Garden is starting to come to life.  There was even a News 11 truck that was filming some of the tree blossoms with the rocks in the background to give proof to viewers that spring really is here.  All the groups got in a good workout.  The Social Group would like to be know at the 955 group, since they often achieve 9:55 miles during their run.  Mike Shafai's group was in pain mode today and did Ridge Road Repeats, but it makes them all stronger.

Thursday, April 15th:  38 degrees, sunny, warming to the about 50 during the run.  What a beautiful morning, even if it is tax day.  There was no wind today, so the run was absolutely fantastic.  Most groups are doing an hour+ for these runs, getting in 5-8 miles or so.  The graffiti that was on the rock wall on Tuesday has already been removed.  The parks department sand blasted it off, and you can't really tell it was there to start with.  Thanks parks guys!

Tuesday, April 13th: 54 degrees, cloudy, strong winds to start with, but the winds backed off a bit during the run.  Even with wind gusts in the 30s, we still had a strong group out there.  Two of our group leads were gone today, Josh & Steve, but others stepped right in and led those groups to a good workout.  Some of the trees are starting to blossom in the park, so spring really is here.  And unfortunately, some graffiti has appeared on some of the red sandstone rock formations adjacent to the large parking lot.  Hopefully, it can be removed.

Thursday, April 8th: 24 degrees, warming to the upper 20s during the run, sunny skies.  It was a beautiful morning with the sun shining on the red rocks.  It just makes getting up and running all worth it. 

Tuesday, April 6th: 38 degrees, warming a couple of degrees during the run, mostly sunny.  Opening day brought out a record crowd for these training runs.  We pretty much filled the parking lot.  We have the same group leads again this year.  Steve Jennings is leading the social group, Josh Herman the middle of the pack group, Mike Shafai the faster trail group, and JD McKenna the middle of the pack trail group.  The fast group usually goes without a lead, they just run fast.  Everybody got in a good workout, and it was great to see so many familiar and new faces.

2009 Statistics Summary:

2008 Statistics Summary:

2007 Statistics Summary:

2006 Statistics Summary:

2005 Statistics Summary: