Journey To Justice 5K Run/Walk

Racing with the Team

Today’s race in Aurora, the Journey To Justice 5K, is run in memory of Javad Marshall-Fields and Vivian Wolfe. Javad witnessed a murder. Less than a week before he was to testify at the trial, one of the defendants shot and killed Javad and Vivian while they sat in their car at an intersection in Aurora. The mothers of the victims established an organization to encourage legislation to better protect witnesses. To find out more about Javad and Vivian’s story and the organization established by their mothers, follow this link: www.fieldswolfememorialfund.org/ .

After many weeks away, I was able to join other members of the Team In Training. Coach Greg took us through the important pre-race preparations. This included mild stretching, easy jogging, and some quick strides. The goals are to identify the muscles and connective tissue that need to be readied, and to increase the stress on the body so it can respond quickly to the challenges encountered once the race is underway. I haven’t raced competitively in many years and it felt good to approach the line, feel the tension of rivalry, and work to run an intelligent and focused race. I ran consistently over the 3.2 mile course (just a bit long) and finished in 21 minutes and 30 seconds, 6:55 per mile. The time was a little slower than I thought I might run, but I finished in third place and though the pace required me to work hard, it didn’t hurt much. I think a sub-20 minute time is now within my reach. I plan to run a few more races throughout my marathon preparation to assess my progress. It was an honor to represent the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training and to compete in this race.

Deer Creek Canyon Park Run

Deer Creek Canyon Park

Reviewing the Run

I headed out for an hour-long trail run at Deer Creek Canyon Park today. The park, just southwest of Denver, offers a great quick escape from city living and has trails for all users as well as some for hikers only. The Plymouth Creek Trail rolls south from the trailhead until it reaches the namesake creek, where it bends west and steepens dramatically. Runners refer to this length of the trail as “The Wall”. After grinding up the creek, including a set of wooden stairs, the trail joins the Plymouth Mountain loop. I chose to follow the loop clock-wise and the route quickly turned back above itself to reveal views out to the plains and the hogback ridges that guard the Front Range. The distant buildings of downtown Denver appeared through the haze. The loop stayed relatively level with the exception of a few short switchbacks and then rejoined the Plymouth Creek Trail. I opted out of the side trail that summits Plymouth Mountain during this timed run, but I’d like to make the trip next time I visit. I followed the same trail back to the car for a fast conclusion to a great day out. I felt good about the effort today, particularly the uphill segments of the run (totaling 1,000 feet) and the time for this 6 mile run. No doubt this same route would be a great bike ride too.