My Profile

@KateRunsColorado

Grand Junction, CO Raving since 2015 http://www.katerunscolorado.com Active 5 years, 10 months ago

About Me

  • Running club(s):

    Mesa Monument Striders, Marathon Maniacs

  • Rave race:
  • Race that's calling my name:
  • I run because:

    it teaches me that anything is possible if you work hard for it!

My Races

Organize, track & review your races and personal bests here.

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Half Marathon

Marathon

Ultramarathon

(Marathon or Ultra) + Half

Marathon + Ultra

Other

Future Races

Personal Bests (4)

Race Distance Location Date Result
100K Lakewood, CO Sep 24, 2016 14:33:07
50 Miler Leadville, CO Jul 10, 2016 13:21:22
Marathon Las Vegas, NV Apr 28, 2018 3:28:33
Half Marathon Georgetown, CO Jun 27, 2015 1:39:44

Future Races (0)

Race Distance Location Date Paid

Past Races (18)

Race Distance Location Date Result My Raves My Performance
Marathon Las Vegas, NV Apr 28, 2018 3:28:33
100K Lakewood, CO Sep 24, 2016 14:33:07
100 Miler Custer, SD Aug 27, 2016
50 Miler Leadville, CO Jul 10, 2016 13:21:22
Half Marathon Salt Lake City, UT Apr 16, 2016 1:56:42
Marathon Tulsa, OK Nov 22, 2015 4:17:18
Marathon Grand Junction, CO Nov 7, 2015 4:28:31
Double Half Marathon Durango, CO Oct 10, 2015
Half Marathon Snowmass Village, CO Sep 26, 2015 2:35:18
Marathon Estes Park, CO Sep 13, 2015 3:44:26
Marathon Idaho Springs, CO Jul 19, 2015 3:59:10
Half Marathon Georgetown, CO Jun 27, 2015 1:39:44
Marathon Bellvue, CO May 3, 2015 3:54:13
Half Marathon Moab, UT Mar 21, 2015 1:45:43
Marathon Mesa, AZ Feb 28, 2015 3:41:35
Marathon Manitou Springs, CO Aug 16, 2014 7:54:34
Marathon Aspen, CO Jul 19, 2014 4:03:10
Marathon Lake Buena Vista, FL Jan 9, 2014 4:26:45

My Raves

This was my second Revel race, but first time doing Mt. Charleston. Revel is known for their fast, downhill courses and I had heard this was one of their fastest. … MORE

This was my second Revel race, but first time doing Mt. Charleston. Revel is known for their fast, downhill courses and I had heard this was one of their fastest. After a couple years of trying to BQ closer to home I finally decided to go see if I could do it at Mt. Charleston. This race starts at over 7000′ in elevation at Mt. Charleston Lodge and runs down into town finishing in northwest Las Vegas (around 2500′ elevation). As most people will warn you though – these types of courses are very fast, but they can also really beat you up – so training on downhill is a must! As for the actual course specifics – Mile 1 was a little slow with some uphill and the crowds, but after that it is smooth sailing downhill (with a few very short/small hills) through Mile 21. After 21 is when the hard part starts as you turn off of the main road and the course really flattens out with a gradual (not too steep, but it felt long) uphill at Mile 24, as well as the temperature just really heating up. I finished around 9:30 in the morning and it was already 75 degrees without a cloud in the sky. Overall though this was a great course – and I did get my BQ with over 6 minutes to spare! Now that I’ve ran this, I would definitely agree that it’s a fast course, but I wouldn’t underestimate your training because of it – I still trained really, really hard for this race – the downhill just helped me execute it! The course scenery was excellent – I had no idea 11,000′ peaks existed outside of Vegas and they were beautiful. The course started with seriously gorgeous alpine scenery that transitioned to desert with cacti and palm trees as you neared the finish. It was really beautiful! Race management was also top notch – Revel really does a great job catering to runners with a great expo, clear, easy-to-read communication, and great finish line perks with free food and beer as well as other vendors you can purchase things from. I personally really enjoyed the Medal Engraving so I could document my first BQ and the Shaved Ice truck was an amazing way to cool-down post-race!

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
5
My Report
SCENERY
5
SWAG
4

3 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

This was my second time running one of the The Bear Chase Trail Races - but first time doing the 100K. The time cut-off for the 100K is a little … MORE

This was my second time running one of the The Bear Chase Trail Races – but first time doing the 100K. The time cut-off for the 100K is a little strict for us back-of-the-packers (other distances are very lenient though), so I had to push myself on this one, but I’m so glad I did! I managed to PR in the 50 Mile distance and go on to finish my first 100K at a faster average pace than any 50 miler I’ve ever done! It went really well – the course is fast for “Trail” running standards with a little over 4000′ of gain over the entire 100K/62.5 Miles. But it’s still definitely a trail race – ran mostly on singletrack with some nice hills thrown in, along with quite a few water crossings! Overall the production of this race is EXCELLENT. Very well organized, well marked, and well staffed. The volunteers at all of the aid stations were super helpful and nice. They had a nice variety off food at the aid stations as well, and the finishers SWAG is top notch. This is a great trail race in Denver’s foothills that I highly recommend, and a good opportunity to go for a PR!

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
5
My Report
SCENERY
4
SWAG
5
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I only wish I hadn't DNF'd this race, because it was the PERFECT course for a first 100 miler. It is an out-and-back and I managed 56.6 miles (before dropping … MORE

I only wish I hadn’t DNF’d this race, because it was the PERFECT course for a first 100 miler. It is an out-and-back and I managed 56.6 miles (before dropping due to personal fueling issues), so I got a feel for the entirety of the course. Coming from Colorado I’m kind of a snob when it comes to scenery and this course did not disappoint – it was extremely beautiful terrain through the Black Hills without being very difficult (aside from the “100 miles” part) or technical. The entire course is run on the Mickelson Trail which is a former rail line route that was converted to a nice soft crushed gravel trail with minimal elevation gain and loss (gentle ups and gentle downs). The race had aid stations every 4-6 miles which was great, and they were all very well stocked with helpful and friendly volunteers. Since the course is only on one trail, there weren’t any course markings – but you also couldn’t get lost (so long as you stayed on the trail). The driving directions for crew were okay, although I pre-drove it prior to the race to make sure we could find everything which helped immensely, especially since we weren’t familiar with the area. The race shirts were great and the awards and finisher’s buckles looked great (despite not receiving one myself). Overall, I highly recommend this one and definitely hope to head back in the future!

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
5
My Report
SCENERY
5
SWAG
5
My Media

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This race was my second time completing the 50 mile distance. It was significantly harder than the first 50 I did with about 7500' of elevation gain all above 10,000 … MORE

This race was my second time completing the 50 mile distance. It was significantly harder than the first 50 I did with about 7500′ of elevation gain all above 10,000 feet in elevation and topping out at 12,000 feet on 4 separate occasions. It’s an out-and-back on old mining roads which can be pretty rocky in spots, but it’s marked really well so you never have to worry about getting lost. The Leadville Race Series puts on great events that are definitely “big” compared to most ultra races I’ve done with professional photography and a lot of spectators at the aid stations and finish areas. The scenery was great – especially during miles 18-20 and 28-30. Overall I really liked this race, but definitely be prepared for a lot of climbing (and therefore a lot of walking) and a VERY long day!

DIFFICULTY
5
PRODUCTION
5
My Report
SCENERY
5
SWAG
5

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This was my first time to Salt Lake City and the race did not disappoint. If you stay downtown, logistics are a piece of cake with the free train ride … MORE

This was my first time to Salt Lake City and the race did not disappoint. If you stay downtown, logistics are a piece of cake with the free train ride to the start offered with entry. The course showcased the city well with a mix of rural mountain areas, city parks, popular neighborhoods, and downtown streets. It is a slightly hilly course with some uphills and downhills to break things up. The finish line area was extremely well organized with lots of variety in things to do, see, and eat. I especially enjoyed getting a free post-race massage! With race day taking place in April, the weather could be anything, so be prepared (it was COLD this year).

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
5
My Report
SCENERY
3
SWAG
5

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

This is a must-do if you are in the Marathon Maniacs or Half Fanatic's club! For starters, they have tons of awesome perks for the Marathon Maniacs & Half Fanatics … MORE

This is a must-do if you are in the Marathon Maniacs or Half Fanatic’s club! For starters, they have tons of awesome perks for the Marathon Maniacs & Half Fanatics clubs – including personalized medals and your own private VIP area before and after the race. There are tons of other club members, which makes it a lot of fun if you’re running solo – as you can find tons of people on course to chat with (definitely wear your Maniac/Fanatic gear). The race itself is quite hilly, so I was glad I decided to run this “for fun” rather than for time. The crowd support was awesome – way more than I was expecting – there were a lot of “unofficial” aid stations put on by spectators which had lots of fun food (pickels, cookies, etc) and drinks (jello shots, mimosa’s, beer). Overall this is a great race to simply have fun at!

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
5
My Report
SCENERY
2
SWAG
5

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This race showcases the hidden beauty that is Western Colorado. Located almost to the border or Utah, the Colorado National Monument features stunning canyon scenery with unique red rock formations. … MORE

This race showcases the hidden beauty that is Western Colorado. Located almost to the border or Utah, the Colorado National Monument features stunning canyon scenery with unique red rock formations. But be prepared! With over 2000′ of gain in the first 8 miles (the majority of which takes place during miles 2-5) this is no easy course. Thankfully the second half is all downhill though – which I definitely needed by that point to get me to the finish line. This is a wonderful a small town race – not a lot of spectators, but great course support and plentiful aid stations. The finishers shirt and medal were top notch as well!

DIFFICULTY
5
PRODUCTION
5
My Report
SCENERY
5
SWAG
5

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If you want to experience fall mountain running at it's finest, this is the race to do! You run through gorgeous groves of Aspen trees. The STUNNING views are why … MORE

If you want to experience fall mountain running at it’s finest, this is the race to do! You run through gorgeous groves of Aspen trees. The STUNNING views are why you run this race. It is somewhat difficult of a trail race, but nothing too crazy – be prepared to just take your time and enjoy it and you’ll have a blast. My only complaint is that for a race of this size and popularity they should have better swag – they ran out of Women’s Small shirts and did not have any finisher’s medals. Awesome raffle at the end with really good, valuable prizes (although I, unfortunately, didn’t win anything).

Also – make the time to go check out the Maroon Bells (some of the most photographed mountains in the world) just west of Aspen while you’re in town for this race. It’s the PERFECT time of year to go!

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
5
SWAG
2
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Now that I've ran almost all of the big Colorado road races, I'd say this is one of my absolute favorites. A lot of that probably has to do with … MORE

Now that I’ve ran almost all of the big Colorado road races, I’d say this is one of my absolute favorites. A lot of that probably has to do with the fact that I love Estes Park, but this was also just a really well organized, small, low-key event that I really enjoyed. The first 20 miles are absolutely stunning as well as nice and cool since you’re in Big Thompson Canyon. I really struggled on the last 6 though, as your toughest miles mentally are also your toughest miles physically – there are some BIG hills during these last few miles (for the first time all course), AND the course is all exposed – so if it’s hot out (which it was in 2015), then it feels EXTRA hot. But aside from that, I really did enjoy this. The shirts are well made and the finisher’s medals are handmade and very unique – I really liked them. Because it is a smaller race, they do not close off the road and just cone the shoulder for runners – this didn’t seem to be much of an issue, but if it were to get much bigger it could be. The race does start in the dark, but it lightens up in about 2 miles and I did not need a headlamp – I was VERY grateful for the early 6am start time considering how hot the ending was!

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
My Report
SCENERY
5
SWAG
5

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Let me start by saying I had VERY high expectations for this race - both of the race itself and of myself and my performance. I trained for months, specifically … MORE

Let me start by saying I had VERY high expectations for this race – both of the race itself and of myself and my performance. I trained for months, specifically doing downhill runs to prep myself and hopefully run this as my “A” race of the year and try to qualify for Boston. Spoiler: it didn’t happen. The course is absolutely beautiful and can definitely be fast – but it can also hinder you. I really thought I was prepared – I ran multiple long runs on downhill routes and everything. BUT 26 miles of downhill is tough on you – after 17 miles of beautiful fast running where I felt great – I started getting serious stomach issues and ended up on the side of the road vomiting at 22.5 – I think the downhill and too much water did me in. That being said though, had that not happened, I truly think it would’ve gone great. Be prepared for some BIG hills from miles 11.5 through 16 (it’s rolling – but the ups are significant), but after that it goes back to downhill all the way to finish – with the exception of the actual finish chute being uphill. Absolutely gorgeous scenery the ENTIRE race which is awesome (although that 11.5-16 section you’re right on the shoulder of a busy highway that IS open – your lane is blocked off – but just detracts from the scenery for a bit). So overall, I give myself a bad review, but this race gets a good review. Note: This was also the year the half marathon got cancelled due to not enough buses – I know that was a huge problem – however running the full, I wasn’t even aware of it until after the race and from my end of the spectrum everything seemed fine. I truly think it was all on the busing company – and I’m pretty sure Revel will NOT be using that company again next year after the debacle (and I’m sure loss of money!) that caused!

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
My Report
SCENERY
5
SWAG
5

2 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

Despite this being called the "Slacker" Half-Marathon - be prepared for some decent hills throughout the course, the altitude (race starts at 10,500+ feet), and possible heat in the second … MORE

Despite this being called the “Slacker” Half-Marathon – be prepared for some decent hills throughout the course, the altitude (race starts at 10,500+ feet), and possible heat in the second half as the course becomes exposed. If you’re ready for those, it is a fast course and got me my PR! Overall, the shuttle bus’s to the starting line were my only disappointment logistics wise (I didn’t get to the start line until 10 minutes AFTER race start – but they did wait to start the race). I wish they would start earlier than 8:00am, as it got HOT quickly. The scenery was great except for the sections in which you could see traffic from I-70. But overall – great course, great course support, and great swag for the price (medals were a little disappointing, but the race only cost $45). The post-race celebration was awesome. I definitely recommend this one and would do it again.

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
3
My Report
SCENERY
4
SWAG
4

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The first 16-18 miles are GORGEOUS - you run a gentle downhill route through a canyon. The last 8-10 miles are much tougher - you come out of the canyon … MORE

The first 16-18 miles are GORGEOUS – you run a gentle downhill route through a canyon. The last 8-10 miles are much tougher – you come out of the canyon and it becomes hot and exposed right as your nice downhill runnable surface along with most of the scenery is gone, so it just makes for a hard second half – especially mentally. The cost of this one is also pretty high compared to other Colorado marathons and I’m not sure why – nothing really stuck out to me that made it any better than Revel Rockies or Loveland Marathon (both also downhill courses in Colorado). Definitely a pretty course though that I would do again someday.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
2
My Report
SCENERY
5
SWAG
4

2 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

This was my first Half Marathon in 2013 and then I ran it again as a repeat runner in 2015! It is a great, well organized race and the scenery … MORE

This was my first Half Marathon in 2013 and then I ran it again as a repeat runner in 2015! It is a great, well organized race and the scenery cannot be beat! The only thing I will say is definitely wear layers – it is very cold waiting in the canyon, and then the temperature can skyrocket as soon as the sun comes out during the race. Medals and race swag is all great – however the shirts don’t always fit true to size. Overall though, I love this race and will definitely run it again!

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
4

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I traveled to Phoenix to run this race and wasn't disappointed! It was incredibly well organized, had the perfect amount of runners (Approx. 2000 finishers in the marathon - large … MORE

I traveled to Phoenix to run this race and wasn’t disappointed! It was incredibly well organized, had the perfect amount of runners (Approx. 2000 finishers in the marathon – large enough to always be running with others, but small enough not to have any issues with congestion), and was a very nice gentle downhill course. The only thing I will caution anyone on, is that the first half is definitely a steeper descent than the second half which can make pacing yourself difficult. The race had pace teams within 5 minute intervals which was awesome. The swag was great (very well designed shirts AND arm warmers). The weather was perfect for the 2015 race (60’s and overcast), other than a tough headwind depending on which direction you were going. Overall I really recommend this race and would definitely run it again if I lived in the area.

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
5
My Report
SCENERY
3
SWAG
5

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

I assume anyone looking to do this race understands the challenges involved - the race has 7800 feet of elevation gain in the first half followed by an equal amount … MORE

I assume anyone looking to do this race understands the challenges involved – the race has 7800 feet of elevation gain in the first half followed by an equal amount of downhill in the second half – but if you’re prepared for it, it is totally worth it. The feeling of accomplishment crossing the finish line after being on the mountain for hours (upon hours, upon hours) is unforgettable! Be prepared for this race to take you about double that of a regular road marathon – but also be prepared for breathless views while running on an extremely well organized and well marked course with awesome aid stations full of volunteers willing to help assist and encourage you in any way they can. The swag in general is awesome, however my one and only complaint is that a race this size should have gender specific shirts!

DIFFICULTY
5
PRODUCTION
5
My Report
SCENERY
5
SWAG
4

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

I ran this for the first time in 2014 and loved it! I'm from Colorado, but live at a lower altitude than Aspen, but had no difficulty with the elevation. … MORE

I ran this for the first time in 2014 and loved it! I’m from Colorado, but live at a lower altitude than Aspen, but had no difficulty with the elevation. The slight downhill on the course is very gentle and works nicely for a PR. The last 6 miles do become very hot and exposed though as the day gets later. Overall, this race is very well organized, and the small size keeps the course very run-able from the get-go. Lots of awesome food at the finish line and the Aspen Leaf medals were great!

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
5
My Report
SCENERY
4
SWAG
4

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

I love Disney World so I decided to go big and run my first marathon here in 2014 and I LOVED it. Such a fun atmosphere, great swag, and a … MORE

I love Disney World so I decided to go big and run my first marathon here in 2014 and I LOVED it. Such a fun atmosphere, great swag, and a nice flat course made for one of my best marathon experiences so far (out of 11 total now). Since it was my first marathon, I opted to run the whole thing rather than stop and get pictures with characters – so I do feel like I missed out slightly on that, but there’s always next time! My only complaint is the high price tag you pay for Disney – coming from across the country this race will definitely not be ran every year, but I hope to be back again sometime to try the Dopey Challenge!

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
5
My Report
SCENERY
3
SWAG
5

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