Baseline Data Is Always Important For Research

Today I wanted to get a “baseline” for how much work I have to do to get in some semblance of better shape… I brilliantly decided (and talked my ex-military brother into coming along) that running the stairs at Red Rocks Amphitheater would be the best place to do this. Red Rocks is absolutely astonishing, or so I am told – hell, I’ve seen The Zac Brown Band perform there on Youtube, it can’t be that bad, right?!?! I happily prepared all of my wares: Camelback full of water, gum, a snack, sunglasses, and my usual workout clothes; running capris, a baggy shirt, a well fitted (by this I mean squashing) sports bra, Adidas trail runners, and my IPod. Of course this morning upon waking the smoke from the High Park Fire (40,000 acres and counting) had smothered Denver – FABULOUS! Even my non-athletic husband said something about postponing my running, which I blew off, naturally. Luckily driving west the smoke seemed to lessen (Score: Me – 1, Nature – 0) and we arrived at Red Rocks. It was an easy drive up to the total elevation of 6400 feet and I understood all of the hype – it was beautiful, the scenery alone would be worth the run, it had to be! As soon as I walked into the gaping amphitheater, my first thought was “What in the hell was I thinking?!?!?,” along with a few other choice words. I slowly brought myself to face the fact that it was gigantic and daunting AND this is where the pretty people come to run: beautiful women with manicured nails, long pony tails, dressed in sports bras showing off their toned tummies and gorgeous men in nothing but running shorts with their IPods strapped to their arms. (Score: Me – 1, Nature – approaching equal with the High Park Fire stats) So, fight or flight?! I decided to run… up those stairs as if my life depended on it and get my baseline – 1min17secs from bottom to top – honestly not too bad for someone who felt like throwing up as soon as I reached the top. I can honestly say that after 1 hour of being there I surely don’t feel any better about me and my journey towards a half tri, though I am very proud I stuck it out and continued to run, jog, or walk as much of the theater and steps that I could – Every journey begins with the first step, right?!?! (Score: Me - 2, Nature - still near the High Park stats ---- Ahh, screw her, I ran up those steps)