A week of running with the Dukes by: Dan Day
Intro:
The following blog is a compilation of summaries that take you through the week of a Dukes Track Club runner. Broken into four sections, this entry to the DTC Blog aims to highlight the different experiences and joys of joining each of these weekly group runs with the DTC Family. I hope it stokes the flame for new members to join as well as for the regulars to keep showing up and spreading the word of how great our running community is here in Albuquerque.
Tuesday Evenings: High & Dry Brewing
A weekly favorite for sure, this Tuesday run alleviates any remanence of the Sunday scaries or lingering malaise from a melancholy Monday. Tuesday evenings with the Dukes is definitely something to look forward to each week. Commencing at 6pm or 6:30pm, depending on the season, this evening meet up not only includes a lovely 4.20-5 mile loop around Johnson Field and back, but also friends, tacos, beers, and banter. Who doesn’t love a post run Taco Tuesday celebration? Although there is no pressure to hang after, all are welcome. High and Dry is served by Franky’s Tacos and Burgers Food Truck on Tuesdays and man, I don’t think I’ve ever regretted ordering a couple of their delicious tacos, nor pairing them with a cold beer from High and Dry Brewing. It’s worth mentioning that High and Dry frequently brews batches of beer in collaboration with DTC which is beyond rad. Personally, I enjoy joining this weekly run the most in the Spring through early Fall when the weather is nice and the sun hangs out long enough for us to enjoy some daylight and a beautifully timed post run sunset. However, there is always a stellar crew turning up for this weekly classic all year round, so don’t worry about not getting a running and taco fix during the winter. Cheers!
Friday Mornings: Michael Thomas Coffee
Congratulations! Turning up for this run means conquering another work week and avoiding the snooze option on the early Friday morning alarm clock. For many of the Dukes runners, this 6am run from MTC in Nob Hill is a weekly staple. Showing up bright eyed and bushy tailed, the energy from these “morning runners” helps get the other, less early hour inclined runners (myself included), jazzed for what is in my opinion, the best loop in Nob Hill. Starting from MTC, we run by the UNM Campus and over to the UMN Golf Course. For those not familiar, this is a gravel/dirt 2-mile loop that features a few rolling hills that tops this run off with a little spicy New Mexican chile. This run is typically very well attended and full of morning stoke, good banter, and a wide range of running experience. Most run anywhere from 5 to10ish miles, either taking one lap around the golf course or adding on a couple more. This makes it easy to find a buddy to dial up or down the morning mileage. Regardless, everyone reconvenes at MTC for a post run cup of coffee and maybe a pastry too. Sharing stoke from the early dose of endorphins, the ensuing conversation often includes the hype of upcoming races, race recaps, weekend plans, and life updates. Early mornings don’t come so naturally for me (big time sleep guy), however, Friday mornings are often the exception. These MTC morning runs always top me full of enough mental gas to finish out the week and fired up for the weekend’s running plans. Plus, there is always a stellar vibe set by the MTC baristas and the DTC runners discount on some quality coffee doesn’t hurt either.
Saturday Morning: Kaufman’s Bagels or Sandia Foothill Trails
Saturday mornings usually alternate between either a run along the Bosque starting/finishing at Kauffman’s Bagels downtown or a run in the Sandia foothills (Usually from the Copper or Michael Emery (Spain) Trailheads).
Kaufman’s Bagel Run
If you like running and bagels, this Saturday run will soothe your soul. Starting at 8am, we meet at Kaufman’s Bagel Shop downtown. Considered by many to serve the best bagels that Albuquerque has to offer, Kaufman’s makes for a stellar post run Saturday brunch. Whether it’s a simple bagel and smear or a heartier breakfast bagel sandwich such as “The Duke” (a DTC inspired creation consisting of a blue corn bagel with egg, pepper jack cheese, and NM green chile), Kaufman’s makes for a great post run hangout and sets up a sweet and/or savory start to a Saturday. Starting at 8am, we all meet out front of Kaufman’s and head out for a run along the Bosque trail that is just across the street. The Bosque is an Albuquerque staple. This flat route with a mix of pavement and dirt runs along the Rio Grande river, creating a blissful experience as you pass through an environment full of trees, water, and the picturesque views of the Sandia Mountains in the distance. Paces and mileage vary quite a bit on this run as the flat/out and back terrain can make for a great recovery run, some longer miles, or some tempo work depending on the flavor of the day. Regardless of what’s on the schedule, it is never a challenge to find a partner or subgroup to share these Saturday morning miles.
Copper/Michael Emery (Spain) Trailhead
There is no better way to start off a Saturday than with a little trail therapy. Starting around 8am from either the Copper TH in the South Foothills or the Michael Emery (Spain) TH in the North Foothills, we take off for an 8-10 mile loop on the trails. The rolling nature of these trails provide a stimulating rush as the heart rate spikes on the punchy climbs. The rush of blood coursing through your veins as you climb is better than any morning cup of coffee (although I’d never willingly skip my morning joe haha). The stinging sensation of searing legs and the rush of rapid respiration is soon balanced by the flow of euphoric descent. As the breathing and heart rate settle, your vision pulses with the rapid intake of stimuli from the quickly changing terrain. The pace quickens, the legs open up, and the joy of running down flowing single track has you grinning ear to ear with a childlike mindset of play. You finish the run feeling rejuvenated, stoked for the day, and with a Zen-like sense of clarity. Trail therapy, my friends.
Sunday Long Run
If a weekly long run is on your training plan, or if you just enjoy the runner’s high associated with the flowing rhythm of some longer miles, make sure to turn up for this one. Either running along Tramway or the Bosque, we start the Sunday Long Run around 7:30am. A long run is individually defined for each of us, but typically those showing up for this run shoot for anything between 10 to even up to 24 miles. As this is a wide range of mileage, it serves to make sharing some quality time on feet flexible for whatever your long run vibes are for the day. No matter your distance or pace, the Sunday Long Run is always worth celebrating. We members of the DTC never miss the chance for a post run coffee, pastry, brunch, or beer, especially after a long run. After these morning miles, you’ll often enjoy a group brunch/coffee situation at local café that amplifies the sense of accomplishment, gratitude, and community. Even those of us (myself included) that typically opt to do their long run on the trails, still make that post run meet up a must. More often than not, we end up with a generously sized group, sharing stoke, laughs, race hype, and the best energy while enjoying a well-deserved post run indulgence.
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