The Ascent is less than a month away.  After my training run to Barr Camp last week, I now have more confidence I can finish the race in the cutoff time.

I usually set three goals for big races:  one I should be able to meet, one that would stretch me a little, and one that is my BIG goal.  Here are my goals for the Ascent:

1. Finish the race before the cutoff times (Barr Camp - 3 hrs, A Frame 4:15, Finish 6:30)
2. Finish in 5:30
3. Finish in…

I've heard about going up to Barr Camp for years now.  It's a very common training route for those getting ready for Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon.

But, until today, I had not done the full route from base of mountain to Barr Camp.  I did take the cog once last year to Mountain View, stopped by Barr Camp en route to the Peak.

I've run to the top of the W's several times.  I've done a workout at the top of the Peak to treeline (top 3 miles).  But, I hadn't been…

With the Ascent less than 6 weeks away, I have to admit I'm starting to get a little nervous.

My biggest fear?

Not finishing in the cutoff time and therefore not officially finishing the Ascent.  

Although I am NOT fast, I am in pretty good shape right now.  Even with power hiking most of the course, I think I should have no problem finishing in the cutoff.

However, there are a few things that could happen.…

As the Pikes Peak Ascent race is just over 6 weeks away, I decided to spend some time on my race strategy this week.

I first looked at the course on the Pikes Peak Marathon website.

This map shows the mileage, elevation, and aid stations along the race…