Snow, Cheyenne Mountain, Biking, and Palmer Lake

Time to get caught up on some posts here.  This will be a two week wrap up so let's get rolling.  Aside from some current busy-ness outside of running, we have done some different running of late.  I realized that I spent a good portion of late Spring and most of Summer getting in some great long trail runs at a pretty casual pace.  It dawned on me that I may have sacrificed some level of fitness doing so, so we started a few weeks before Leadville trying to get in one "tempo" (and I use that word lightly...) run per weekend in place of a gorgeous, spectacular trail run like we would normally do.  We don't geek out on numbers much, but since some of our normal handful of readers dig that stuff, we're talking in the 8-12 mile range, 7:15's to 7:35's pace for Mr HT (no details will be divulged by me for the other HT, except to say these days are mostly gone and she is getting some Mojo back...), on Santa Fe trail which is flattish as it gets around here and mostly coarse granite surface. And I did say "we" as Kathleen is certainly improving overall in the health category, for which I am most grateful!  Needless to say, this has put a serious dent in the photography files as I have no intention of carrying a camera on bust-out runs :))  So, on to the running!

Snow capped Pikes Peak

About a week and a half ago we had rain - 4.5 inches in 24 hours, an all time record  - and there was a foot of snow at the summit house of Pikes Peak - welcome Fall!  Considering we average 17.40 inches annually, that is big time for 24 hours!

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Cheyenne Mountain on an awesome fall day!

Kathleen passes through the rock garden on Zook Trail

A week ago we high tailed it down to Cheyenne Mountain State Park to get in some superb trails under (once again) unbelievably blue skies.  It was downright warm for mid-September, for which there will be no complaints from these happy trail runners!  It was actually busy at the park compared to most visits, which would certainly be attributed to the fantastic day.  Of course we were in denial as to the yellows and oranges beginning to show in some trees, as that is the all-too-familiar sign that snow in these parts is "around the corner".  So, as always, we have to take full advantage of great days like these!  We followed for the most part the Xterra Half Marathon course, then threw in some extra at the end.

A little video coverage at the top of North Talon trail - very sweet trails up there! 

Kathleen cruises North Talon

Did we mention the views?  Wouldn't you like to run here...?

First taste of Fall

Rolling the Blackmer Trail - did I mention it was awesome out?

We rolled up some of the best trails in the park, mostly staying up on the hardier terrain to avoid the "don't wander far from the trailhead" types.  It was all we could do to drag ourselves down off these trails on such a great day.  So, we just kept going - soaking in as much as we could while the legs held out, banking some quality time ahead of "those months" when runs like this are a distant memory!

Kathleen on Blackmer, Cheyenne Mountain on the horizon

One of the few smooth parts of Medicine Wheel Trail

I have my eye on you ... by the way, you got any snacks????

Stopped for a group photo before heading down

After dropping down to park level, I headed out for a final small loop, not wanting the day to end.  The combo of Medicine Wheel, Zook, Turkey Trot and Talon were just enough to finish off the legs and let me call it a day.  It is hard to come up with additional superlatives to describe both the day and the run - awesome!  Kathleen finished with 14 miles and 2500' gain, and I snuck in an extra two for 16 miles and 2750' gain.  Definite good times!

Shoes - K Nike LunarFly Trail

S Brooks Cascadia

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Kathleen's view from high up on a road biking loop - we live in a pretty sweet place!

Monday's have been road bike days for Kathleen - it has been helping keep the body leveled out and also helping to relieve a little of the pounding while the medication for Graves Disease gets completely dialed in.  It has been a great mix, and with views like the one above, who wouldn't want to get out on the bike???

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Out today - running Santa Fe Trail in Monument, CO

Skip forward a week, and this morning we headed a short trip north to park at the Baptist Road trailhead for the Santa Fe Trail.  We were looking to get in a longer, steady run, something that is also generally lacking from our repertoire.    If you have ever run the Pikes Peak Road Runners Winter Series, we started where Race 3 always commences.  This is going to sound like a broken record but who cares - it was flat out fantastic today - crystal-clear blue skies, with temps in the high 70's - bring it on!

 Santa Fe Trail heading toward Palmer Lake

Palmer Lake, CO

Our goal for the day was to run out to Palmer Lake - the northern terminus of the Santa Fe Trail - and see how we were feeling.  We ran the loop around the lake while we were there, then headed back down.  As almost always on this end of SF Trail, it was a headwind going out, combined with uphill.  So, you can almost always negative split your run, which is good mental training to keep it rolling and not lollygag on your return trip!  It was starting to get fairly warm, especially for late September, on the way back but we rolled it out nicely, making sure to enjoy the splendid day. 

Back at the trailhead, mission accomplished

We were able to get in an even 13 miles at a nice, steady pace, which went absolutely according to plan.  It is quite difficult to explain how great it was today and how good both of us felt on the run.  It was definitely a Happy Trails kind of day :))  It was made even better by running into our friend Jon at the trailhead, as he was rolling through at the finish of another epic mountain bike loop.  Shortly after that photo was taken at Cheyenne Mountain last year, Jon's back went out completely on a ride, so it was great to see him out getting big-time mountain rides in!!!

Shoes - K Nike LunarFly Trail

S Brooks Cascadia

We even threw in some really odd activity for this pair - this afternoon we went over to Colorado College, where I ran 2 miles on their sweet synthetic track so that I could try out some new kicks before soiling them!  So I even got in a track workout, then we topped it off by running some barefoot strides on the astroturf soccer field to relax the feet.  How's that for diversity?  All in all, it has been a great couple weeks and we are hoping for some good Fall running to continue - have an awesome week!

Changing seasons

Today was one of those early reminders that fall is fickle in the mountains, as sunny days bathed in cerulean skies surrendered to an ominous blanket of gray.  We had clouds, rain, and cold most of the day until the gray layer stripped away late in the afternoon.  As it slowly peeled back the clouds to reveal the sun, I was hopeful of some nice views of Pikes Peak with its first real blanket of snow.  The Peak remained cloaked until I was almost home, when the clouds fell away to reveal their prize - snow capped glory!  Enjoy - fall is here, and it is fleeting....

Two Girls on a Joy-Run

Monday morning dawned spectacularly perfect - bluebird skies and pleasantly warm temperatures.  I picked up Tammy and we headed over to Manitou, destination: Barr Camp.  In an effort to gain some altitude right quick and in a hurry and avoid some of the crowds on the lower switchbacks, we headed up the Incline.  Along the way, we ran into a gentleman, Jerome, whom I have seen the past four times I have been up the Incline.  I don't know the man, at all, other than seeing him  here - he's a very jolly sort of fellow and seems to LOVE the Incline (I think more than us!) - it appears to be his Happy Place.  It has been fun to see his familiar, beaming face the past few climbs.

Ooey, gooey, sweaty - one mile down, 4.5 to go.  

Even though it was early and it wasn't too hot, we were dripping!  The high altitude sun is strong and this initial effort is fairly intense.

After hopping on the half mile connector trail, we joined up with Barr Trail.  It was a nice four mile climb, from here, to Barr Camp.  I really enjoyed this section because it is a realistically runnable grade for mere mortals like me.  There were a few steep pitches that we elected to hike but for the most part, we ran.

Again, I LOVED this 4 mile section of trail.  I wish my photos could do justice to the scenery.  I will try to do better next time.  It is such a beautifully magnificent yet peaceful setting - awesome.

We stopped for refueling and visited briefly with the friendly folks at Barr Camp.  Barr Camp has various forms of overnight accomodations available, albeit rustic.  There are campsites to pitch a tent, lean-to type structures (equipped with mattresses - bring your own sleeping bag!), bunkhouse, and separate cabin (again, pack your own sleeping bag!).  Could be a fun weekend outing, were it not that I would have to carry my own bed (sleeping bag) up!!!  :-)  

One of the local residents begging for a handout.

More local residents getting busy with their carbo load.

A quick look at the creek before we headed back down.

Tammy took the lead on the descent, and lead she did.  Holy cow, the girl is fast and fearless on the descent!  I tend to be a more cautious (and somewhat LAZY) descender - I like to coast - and she made me WORK.  HARD.  I LOVED it!  Thanks, Tammy, for busting on me - it was all good!  :-)  She flew down the mountain for about 3.5 miles and then eased up on me and we coasted the last few miles to the end, thank goodness!

We splashed around in the creek a few minutes, near the end, and if I would have had a change of clothes, would have gone for the leg ice bath immersion.  But, since we were  NEEDING to make a public appearance by partaking of a post-run mate' tea, I opted  to avoid the drowned rat look.  We ended with a visit to The Mate' Factor for a peach mate' - YUM!!!

For me, it most certainly was a joy-run.  A picture perfect day, a magnificent setting, wonderful trail, and good company - it can't get too much better.  We ended up with around 11 miles and about 3600 feet of climbing.  A good day, indeed.

Happy trails to everyone this week!

Nice Week

Celebrate The Time Change!

Tuesday night we headed over to Palmer Park after work for our annual first evening run after the time change - no worries about losing an hour, just great to have post-work light for running!  Bonus on top of that - it was high 50's and clear skies.  Palmer Park has not held the snow, either, so it was relatively mud free.  Shot from Grandview Trail overlooking the Palmer Park Stables.

It was awesome to stretch out the legs after work WITHOUT a headlamp strapped on!  We were able to roll up 7 miles of sweet trail running and squeeze every drop of daylight - nice sunset bonus!  It was also good to get dry trails as impending weather was on the horizon for the end of the week...

Shoes - K Asics 2150 Trail

S - LaSportiva Wildcat

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Saturday...after the storm

Well, the weather prediction was accurate.  After spiking to 68 degrees Thursday early afternoon, we got hit with wet snow starting Friday morning that kept coming down all day.  Nothing like wetting down all our trails and then stacking snow on top!  We ended up with around 5" that stuck at the house, with varying amounts as usual about town.  Then it got COLD.  Saturday AM it was 5 with sub-zero windchill.  Kathleen had to work, so we opted to set up the trainers - BAD MOVE!!  After 20 mins, we said "forget this!" and the trainers are now neatly stored away for the season!  So once it "warmed" to the high 20's, I headed out solo for a run, trying for anything that was not ankle deep mud or continuously paved - good luck.  Nice thing about mountain UV, the snow was quickly dwindling by the afternoon.  Nice Peak sighting from 30th street...

... and from the multi-use path farther down 30th.

Good shot of Glen Eyrie, home of the Glen Eyrie Conference Center & Castle.

Castle at Glen Eyrie.

The "ladies" out for the all-you-can-eat buffet grazing!!!

I was able to squeeze in just over 9 miles on a cool spring day with blue skies and wonderful sun. 

Shoes - Brooks Ravenna

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Sunny Sunday jaunt

Ditto on the weather for Sunday but much warmer - 50's, blue sky, sun - aaaaah!  We did a similar route to what I ran yesterday, just a bit longer.  Utilized the Flying W trail over to 30th, caught the path up to the top of Mesa Rd where we got this sweet picture of the Peak and the north end of Garden of the Gods.

Kathleen stretching out the legs.

Another angle on the Peak from Flying W Ranch road.  Took a little detour over from the trail to check out the start of the Hole In The Wall trails from the Colorado Springs Trails page.  It will be worth some investigating, just not today.  With fresh snow melted down into it, ankle deep mud was on tap!

Finished up and got a group photo at one of our neighborhood parks.  Almost all the snow melted - woo hoo!  We were able to get 11 miles in and start getting back to a nice routine after a few "off" weeks.  Got to get busy preparing for Greenland 25k in 5 weeks!

Shoes - Asics 2150 Trail

Leashed up the "hairy beast", aka Miss Sage, and walked over to our Starbucks for a little "recovery hydration".  It was so awesome out, we did not want to waste the sunshine!

Congratulations Tim!

Also wanted to give a quick shout out to our friend Tim on his win AND course record yesterday at the Diablo Trails Challenge 50k in Walnut Creek, CA - awesome job Tim!!!

Happy 4th of July - God Bless America!

America the Beautiful
Written by: Katharine Lee Bates

O beautiful for spacious skies,

For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties

Above the fruited plain!

America! America!

God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet

Whose stern impassion'd stress
A thorough fare for freedom beat

Across the wilderness.

America! America!

God mend thine ev'ry flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,

Thy liberty in law.

O beautiful for heroes prov'd

In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved,

And mercy more than life.

America! America!

May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness,

And ev'ry gain divine.

O beautiful for patriot dream

That sees beyond the years
Thine alabster cities gleam

Undimmed by human tears.

America! America!

God shed his grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea.

Trail Running on the 4th of July!

We headed out for a short run today at Garden of the Gods. We started a little later than expected and, with the heat coming up early, we knew it would not be a long outing. That is OK since we do have an event to participate in on Sunday morning. It was great to be out on the 4th of July, especially with Pikes Peak - America's Mountain - as the backdrop for our run. For those who don't know, America the Beautiful was penned by Katherine Lee Bates while on a trip west to teach at Colorado College. The poem began to form in her mind while atop Pikes Peak and she finished composing it in her hotel room upon returning. We see it every day and don't ever want to take for granted the majesty of Creation before our eyes!
Back to the heat issue. We have always ridden our bikes in the heat and have learned to manage pretty well. However, we have not done a lot of summer running until this year, so the learning curve is on for running in the heat. The second difficulty is that we had such an extended cold spring that we went from running in long sleeves to figuring how little we can wear - virtually overnight. Part of the "learning" will be to start earlier in the day. 90 degrees at 6000'+ altitude definitely takes a toll. With the speed of biking, especially road biking, there is always the opportunity to have a little built-in wind chill. At our current running pace, wind chill is non-existent!!! :-)
Regardless of heat, it was another spectacular day for hitting the trails. We saw so many people out enjoying the day on our way to the park and while we were there - bicycling, running, hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing - we live in a very recreation oriented community for sure.
We finished our run and headed home for a little ice-bath session to get the legs in recovery mode. It also helps to cool off the engine room on a hot summer day. The run was great and as always - good times!

It is that time of year again - while most sports fanatics are in the doldrums of summer, we will be keeping an eye on the Tour De France starting tomorrow. We're a little disappointed that #1 and #3 from last year's Tour are not there but it should still be interesting.