Back to the Scene of the Crime . . .

I can admit it now - I have been in a bit of a funk for the past five weeks since spraining my ankle at Cheyenne Mountain State Park. Previous to that, I had been enjoying arguably my best block of fitness in my entire adult life. So to have a set back because of one poor foot plant has had me in a fog. I decided on our vacation to just run with it (pun intended) and enjoy the fact that I can run, am otherwise healthy, and have so many awesome trails so close to home. Life is still good!!!!
When we decided to hit the trails Sunday at Cheyenne Mountain, however, I knew there was one thing I had to do. I needed a little face time with the snag that snatched my foot and here he is - a nice little hook-shaped foot grabber. In lieu of being arrested, I had to forego my plan to extricate him from the trail - so his mug shot on the blog will have to do. Now, breathe . . .
. . . With that out of the way, it was time for some running! We headed out on some of our favorite trails - the Talons, Sundance, Blackmer, and Zook. It just so happens that these trails, and others, will be part of the Xterrra Marathon and Half Marathon here in October. Since the Vasque Golden Leaf is now just a very slim possibility due to schedule issues, and the Blue Sky Races only having 50k or marathon spots left, this may be the fall half marathon we were looking for. It's also right in our backyard, so home course knowledge will hopefully help! This is me running on Talon, with Cheyenne Mountain behind.
Kathleen is coming up to the top of North Talon, with the plains stretching out in the distance. We were rather negligent in our photography today - apology extended in advance. Considering that the Nikon almost overheated on vacation, it probably needed a rest of it's own! The trails were great and we had almost no traffic which still amazes us at this awesome park. Aside from being a pay to play (we have an annual pass) we can't figure out why it is not used more. And we have not done much advertising to help increase the traffic :-)
It was good to be back on familiar trails after a week of all new tread. We had fun this weekend also watching the web updates for the Leadville 100 MTB race and the Pikes Peak Ascent and Marathon. We missed seeing our friend CW contend for top woman in the Ascent this year - hopefully she'll be back next year, speedier than ever. Also, our friend JM (at 64 yrs young!) continues to amaze us with a great run in the marathon - 2nd in her class - wow!

Happy Trails!

the stats: 13 miles, 2300' elevation gain
shoes: Saucony Progrid Xodus