If you’re lucky enough to be in the mountains, you’re lucky enough!

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Weekend Activities

Saturday was a picture-less run day. Got up early to accommodate work scheduling and hit Ute Valley for some morning trails - about 6 miles. It was 50 and cloudy early with warm winds again. After I spent a couple hours at the office, I came home to sunny skies and decided to get a double in - another 7 miles at UVP. Good day!

Sunday was another story. Spitting snow flurries and low 30's when we hit the trail at the Garden of the Gods. No mountain vistas on this morning! The flurries let up and gave way to a biting north wind - fun. Needless to say, we had many of the trails all to ourselves. Saw one big group of horseback riders on the park tour.
Kathleen ascending the ridge on Palmer Trail - bundled up!
Backside view of the Siamese Twins - the trails were nice and tacky after the intermittent snow showers. Don't often see this side of the arch photographed, but there was not much to see through the keyhole side today!
After the wind had cleared out some of the snow showers, the low clouds started to roll back down into the park. The textures and layers of the hills are always more evident when the clouds tuck in against them. It never really got nasty out - as long as you can dress for the temps, the running is quite comfortable even in the wintery conditions.
Kathleen's new girly Camelbak - the SnoAngel.

We had a nice run, with about 10.5 miles for the day. It was good to have a little shelter in the Garden with the blustery conditions - definitely Happy Trails!

Shoes - K Montrail Odyssey
S - Nike Structure Triax


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Steve mentioned my new girly Camelbak (early BD gift, pictured above!) and I wanted to elaborate. I've been on the lookout for a larger capacity hydration pack than my 50 oz Camelbak Charm I have been using. I have run out of water on several longer runs of late - not good! Although I like the larger capacity Nathan pack that Steve uses - it is comfortable, rides well, and has convenient, easily accessible pockets in the front to carry stuff (I love to carry "stuff"! ie: gels, camera, etc.), I tend to feel a bit " smothered" by the wide straps. I have liked the more minimalist feel of the Charm but haven't been able to find a low profile, larger water capacity pack I like - until now. The Snoangel is just what I was looking for. 72 oz insulated bladder and hose (plus, Camelbak has the BEST bladders), low profile, and pockets!!! How I love pockets to carry stuff! There is a smaller pocket on the bottom that will hold lots of gels, bars, keys, phone, camera, etc. A larger pocket behind it can hold a light jacket and gloves. Even though it has a good deal of "sherpa" qualities, it is a compact package. It rides really comfortably and quiet. Steve even commented yesterday that it doesn't move at all when I'm running. And a bonus - the pink floral pattern!

After receiving about 3 inches of snow overnight, this morning smiled upon me with bright blue skies. The intense sun melted the snow quickly (a nice thing about living at altitude - the sun makes it feel warmer than it actually is!). Mondays are usually a designated "ride" day so I decided to dig out the winter riding apparel, in spite of the coolness, and hit the trail on the mountain bike. It was 36 degrees when I left the house.

I headed over to the Santa Fe Trail for some steady aerobic spin activity. Mostly flattish, the trail is punctuated by a few little hills that require a bit of force and torque - good to keep the legs alert and stimulated in the midst of the steady spin.
Above is a section of the trail we call the "Time Trial". It is 2.25 miles of a straight (very rare) false flat where we like to put it in a bigger gear and time trial. It was all good! It felt so great to be out on the bike!
Snow remained in the shady areas of the trail.
Back at the trailhead, with 25 miles in, I caught this train chugging past. Our church's green roof is in the background! Although crisp, it ended up being a wonderful day - I was so thankful for the bluebird skies and wonderful sun! Aaaaahh, life is good! Happy trails this week . . . . . .

12 comments:

Generation X (Slomohusky) said...

Fun report. My wife reading along says she enjoys the writing. Of all the blogs I follow, she enjoys yours the most I think. Remember she is a non runner as well.

I do as well. More laid back and you both seem to just enjoy a good run for what it is - a good run. No worries about being relaxed, or personal times or anything like that. Both of ya just seem to have fun and enjoy each run with no matters or worries.

What stuck out to me was the Camelbak. Looks great, even if it is pink. 72oz., pockets, compact and comfort. Great! By the way if someone was noticing how little it bounced? - I guess we know who the leader/faster of the two is? :)

Thanks again. Fun posting!

Ace said...

I love that section of the Santa Fe trail...never biked it, but running it is fun...

Danni said...

Looks like great running! I haven't been to Garden of the Gods in forever.

HappyTrails said...

The same pack is available in men's - The Zoid, in black or red. Unless you dig the pink ... :-)

S

Tina @GottaRunNow said...

I like that pack! If I ever decide to buy one, I'll look into that one. Thanks for the info!

T Z said...

Funny comment, Slomohusky!! Kathleen IS the faster! :-)

I like this post. I recognized the trails in your run, and Kathleen's ride.

HappyTrails said...

TZ-
Can you fault a guy for running with a view???!!!

:-)

Unknown said...

Today's favorite is the picture of the Siamese Twins. I'm in awe. I also like the new pack and I can't believe you can carry a jacket in it! It looks chilly there and I bet you even have snow today, that's what I've seen in many of the Colorado blogs today!
I LOVE your husband's comment that You, Kathleen,are faster! Gotta LOVE our husbands!! No egos, no agendas!

Unknown said...

Back again, sorry!
K, thanks so much for the info. regarding the antibiotic. It is very interesting to hear about everyone's experience with these meds that have such horrible side effects. Blah!
I took 2 pills and after the night I had last night, I stopped the whole thing and battled doctors today. That's okay, we need to fight for ourselves at times, right? So, we'll see how things go tomorrow.
Thanks again!
meg

HappyTrails said...

TZ and Meg -
No, Steve is definitely faster and could be lots faster if he chose to run with someone other than me. I was in front for part of the run because he let me have what we call "the Window Seat" (think The Wedding Singer movie)!!! :-)
K

Filippo said...

Hi runners! I'm Filippo, an italian runner, i'm reading (slowly, cause my bad english)
your report and looking at your photos, i like very much both, compliments :-)
Ciao, Filippo

Generation X (Slomohusky) said...

Happy Trails? Where are you? Hope all is well in Colorado. Just missing my Colorado Springs area trails photo fix for the week. Hope you are doing well.

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