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Team Santa Fe Newsletter
September 2004
Ouray, CO.
Sept, 11,
2004
Deb
Werenko 3:14 2nd 45-49, 14th
overall
Ries Robinson
By Deb Werenko
The 31st annual Imogene Pass Run
was conducted on Saturday, September 11, 2004, in what can only be
classified as perfect weather conditions. Snow on the pass at 13,043
feet was just an added treat. The weather was pleasant; the race
support crews were very enthusiastic, helpful and abundant.
Imogene Pass is an 18 mile race that climbs 11 miles out of Ouray, over
Imogene Pass and seems to fall directly off the pass 7 miles down into
Telluride. The scenery was gorgeous, with snow capped peaks, Bridal
Veil Falls and aspens turning golden. The first 11 miles are a “gentle”
forest road, with excellent footing. On the downhill, the rocks which
weren’t an issue at all on the uphill seem to loom up and pose much
more of a problem. Running down is tricky and lots of participants
fall. Myself included, these falls usually occur close to the finish
and sure enough I tripped when I turned to ask another runner if he
needed assistance after he had tripped. What’s a little road rash, I
wasn’t going anywhere without crawling for a few days anyway so I had
plenty of time to baby my hip.
There were 1099 runners this year of which 501 were women. I’ve had the
pleasure of running this course 3 times and living to feel every step
of the last 7 miles for a week to come. This year the weather was so
beautiful it was compelling to run as well as possible. I finished 14th
overall female and 2nd in the 45-49 age group (the winner was drawn
from our age group as well). In fact records were broken for both men
and women in this age group. There was a large New Mexico contingent
and a good time was had by all.
I would like to thank our sponsors for your continued support
especially Montrail and CW-X for the excellent shoes, tights and tops
used in training and competing.
Santa Fe, NM
Sept. 18, 2004
Jan Bear
By Jan Bear
This local event began and ended on the Santa Fe Plaza, it was the
first year for the event and the turnout was great considering that
with about 200 runners and walkers. The course was beautiful going thru
some of Santa Fe’s oldest neighborhoods with the turnaround on upper
Canyon Road. The elevation gain was not great but it was steady. Due to
the low number of runners I was lucky enough to finish 5th overall in a
time of about 45 minutes. The time of year for the event was great as
the weather was cool but sunny. I hope Kitchen Angels will continue
this tradition.
Thanks to the following sponsors, Montrail, Bolle, CW-X, Dermatone,
Thorlo and Hydropel.
Los Alamos, NM
Sept. 18, 2004
Jan Bear and Ries Robinson
By Ries Robinson
The event occurred on National Orienteering Day! More than 50 people
participated in the meet that offered 5 different courses of varying
levels and distance. Jan Bear and I headed out to complete on the red
or long course and improve our skills for future races. Rendija Canyon
is an excellent area for an orienteering course with varied and
difficult terrain. Jan and I had a good race but seemed to overrun the
check points and also did not appreciate that some of the check points
were hidden behind rocks or bushes. Most orienteering courses have the
flags in clear view, while this course seemed more like an Easter egg
hunt. Nevertheless, we had a great time, finished third, and most
importantly improved our navigation skills. The next event is a 4 hour
Rogaine so Jan and I are looking forward to competing again in several
weeks. The events put on by the New Mexico Orienteers have been quality
events that are quite difficult. I encourage other adventure racers to
participate.
Gear used were CW-X tights that worked terrific, Camelback pack and
bladder which were key given the heat of the day, and Boulder Bars for
needed energy. Also products used from the following companies, Suunto,
Montrail, Hydropel, Bolle, ThorLo and Dermatone.
Angel Fire, NM
Sept. 24, 2004
Jan Bear 2nd 40-50, 9th
overall
Ries Robinson 3rd 40-50,
10th overall
By Jan Bear
On a whim Ries and I signed up for this first time event. What a
surprise this was the most scenic mountain bike race either of us has
done in New Mexico. With fifty six miles to work with you can really
provide a lot of varied geology, flora and fauna. The views were great
and beautiful especially with the Aspen turning colors. There was lots
of climbing, over 8500 feet total. There was single track through
meadows, sparse spruce, and tight-tree rooted sections. There were
steep rock garden climbs lined with yellow aspen. There were dark,
cool, wet, green, wooded, moss laden descents and climbs at 10,000'
near the Rio Chiquito. There were woops and berms galore. A 360 degree
ridgeline view at 12,000' overlooking deep basins. There were golden
aspen-lined ripping contour roads with 20 mile vistas of the autumn
forest. There was fog, ice, and high wind. Twenty minute speedy
descents of baby-heads, berms and steepness then hour long granny,
middle, and big-ring climbs. The race had everything. It was a little
harder than we were up for but we completed the event together in about
6 hours and forty-seven minutes and thirty-two seconds. We finished 9th
and 10th overall and 2nd and 3rd in the 40-50 year old age group. Maybe
we should have done the sport course instead of the advanced course.
This will certainly be on my list next year as a must do event.
Thanks to our sponsors, Lowe Alpine, Dermatone,
Litespeed, AXO, Bolle, BTI, CW-X, Terry, Polar and Shain.
Santa Fe, NM
Sept. 25, 2004
Jan and Kim Bear, results NA
By Jan Bear
After not being able to put together a team for Primal
Quest I needed to do something. Last year I did this fun run with my
daughters and this year Kim joined us. We all ran separately at our own
pace with different friends, of course my teenage daughters couldn’t be
seen with Kim or me on my birthday. I figured that a 4 mile fun run
with my daughters would be the ticket. We finished in about 35 minutes
and had a great time. We always enjoy supporting local events and my
business Orthopaedic Associates of Northern New Mexico was a sponsor of
the run.
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