Running – Running of the Green 7K, Denver, CO

March 16th, 2014

Dennis in a Sea of Green
Dennis in a Sea of Green

Running Of The Green 7K Starting Line
On Your Marks! Get set! GO!

Running Of The Green 7K
Ready to Run!

Two days after my 20 hour Longs Peak challenge, I supported Dennis as he “competed” in the Running of the Green, 7k race. I was still fatigued after my adventure with Slava, but I managed to peel myself out of bed and put on some green clothes.

We walked over to the starting line and met up with Julie, Jeff, and a whole bunch of their friends from the run club. I also managed to run into Josh, who was competing with some of his buddies from work.

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Mountaineering – Longs Peak (14,255 ft) via the Keyhole

March 14th, 2014

Slava on Longs Peak Summit
Slava on Summit of Longs Peak

Super Psyched on Longs Peak
Climbergirl Conquers Longs Peak

Longs Peak and the Keyhole from Boulderfield
Our Destination, From the Boulderfield

On Friday, Slava and I took advantage of the clear weather and climbed Longs Peak. Originally, our plan was to climb Mt. Lady Washington, but since the weather was gorgeous and we were making excellent time, we decided to go for the summit of Longs Peak instead.

We ascended the ever popular Keyhole Route. It was my first time climbing Longs Peak, so I was excited to do this route in winter when there would be no crowds. Additionally, the element of snow and ice made the route more challenging and I enjoyed the added technicality of climbing with crampons.

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Ice Climbing – Loch Vale, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO

March 9th, 2014

Loch Vale Ice Climbers
On Sunday, I went ice climbing with Doug, Rick, and Slava. It was a gorgeous day at Loch Vale, in Rocky Mountain National Park. We were treated to perfect ice climbing conditions. It was my third ice climbing trip and, by far, the most fun!

In the Loch Vale Ice Cave
In the ice cave!
Photo Courtesy: Rick Casey

Loch Vale has a nice 30-40 minute approach and a variety of moderate climbs. My favorite thing about Loch Vale was the naturally formed ice cave, which sheltered us from the wind.

Clare Ice Climbing at Loch Vale
Climbergirl on Ice!
Photo Courtesy: Rick Casey

We climbed there for about 4 hours. When everybody had a good forearm pump, we called it a day.

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Snowshoe Hiking – Mount Saint Vrain (12,162 ft)

February 22nd, 2014

CMC Snowshoe Hike of Mount Saint Vrain
Rick, Clare, Mike, and Roger at the Trail Head
Photos courtesy: Rick Casey

On Saturday, I co-led a Colorado Mountain snowshoe/ski trip. Our destination was Mount Saint Vrain, a popular backcountry snowshoe/ski area in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. On a clear day a view from the top includes a multitude of beautiful peaks, such as Mt. Audubon, to the south, and Longs Peak, to the north.

Since it was the middle of winter, we merely wished for good weather. If we saw the summit, then it would just be a big bonus!

Our wish was not granted. Light snow showered us as we walked through the forested path. A hearty gust of wind intermittently caught us off guard. As we approached tree line, we took out the map to make sure we were headed in the right direction. Read the rest of this entry »

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Rock Climbing – First Flatironette in Winter

February 16th, 2014

The Flatirons In Winter

At 7:30am, Jen swung by and I hopped in her white VW (Golf?). Like Speedracer, she maneuvered her little German car expertly on the highway. In 40 minutes we were at Chautauqua parking lot staring at the Flatirons. What was the climbing going to be like? Would we be successful?

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