Let's start with last Sunday- my usual long run day. It snowed quite a bit in the mountains on Saturday, so I knew it would likely be a post holing slog on Sunday morning. Instead, I opted for the run-to-Monument thing that I do as an alternative to a mountain run.
Starting out, as I headed down the hill towards the Templeton Gap Trail, it was apparent how much snow was on the mountains. You can even make out the little snowy line of an Incline. Still, the forecast was over 60 degrees, so I knew the snow in town wouldn't last.
The Templeton Gap Trail feeds right into the Pikes Peak Greeway/ Santa Fe Trail, which is the continuous "spine" trail that I'd be on for the rest of my run.
I especially enjoy running on the Santa Fe Trail through the Air Force Academy. Although it's still relatively flat, it's somewhat different than any other urban trail, with sweeping meadows and views of the northern Pikes Peak region and the southern Rampart Range.
Near North Gate Blvd, I ran into Tim and Karen, who were doing a 10 mile on the AFA! I think it's impossible for me to do a long run and *not* see someone I know - which I feel says something. For a town of nearly half a million, the Colorado Springs running community is still pretty close-knit.
I arrived at Monument, and although my pace was definitely nothing to brag about, I had felt strong and steady throughout my run. I hope my strength will help make up for lack of outright speed. Afterall, the Ascent is largely a competition of strength, especially once you get above treeline and pace slows due to lack of oxygen.
I didn't get a photo with Alex, and I should have, because he was kind enough to pick me up *and* take me to dinner in Monument. It wouldn't be possible to do fun point-to-point adventures like this if my husband wasn't willing to help me with the transportation. My total distance was just over 19 miles.
Then, on Tuesday, I got to do a little exploring of one of the newly renovated trails with my family. The Chamberlain trail goes through Stratton Open Space and connects to the area called Strawberry Fields, which was part of the recent land exchange. The land area is actually owned by the Broadmoor, but the agreement includes an easement for the trail, and vast improvements have been made.
A few photos of my kids and husband enjoying the trail:
And then on Wednesday, I got to do another weekly Incline with Sharon! I had so much fun last summer training with Sharon in the mountains, and we are off to a great start this year as well.
My time this week was 33:45!
That's only about a minute off from my PR. And I am sure that I'll be able to tackle it again in a time like that, so it's a good sign for my Ascent training this year. Reeling in that sub-4:00:00.
Again, we went up towards the No Name Creek junction before descending Barr Trail. Here's Sharon at my favorite overlook point.
And finally, today being Thursday, I decided to do a little weightlifting and swimming. Some declined bench presses, weighted lunges, and one-armed planks set me up for a nice relaxing swim. I will admit that I *considered* going to the speedwork session tonight instead, but really, it's so much easier to go the gym. As much as I love the Incline club speedwork sessions, it's harder for me to fit them into my schedule, as mornings are more open for me than evenings. Maybe next week!
I am very excited for this Saturday, as I have planned to do a special adventure for my long run: the "Missing Link" trail. Now officially opened and renamed the "Lake Moraine" trail, this trail connects North Cheyenne Cañon to the Mountain View trail, essentially creating a continuous trail in our mountains from the summit of Pikes Peak to the base of North Cheyenne Cañon. I'll only be doing the section from the top of the Cañon to Barr Camp, and then down Barr trail, but this is a run that I've been looking forward to for quite some time. I'll be sure to post plenty of photos after this run is complete.
A couple years ago, actually on another one of my run-to-Monument days, I stopped in to Criterium Bikes and bought a "Ride the Missing Link Trail" t-shirt in support of trail funding efforts, so I'm glad this trail has been completed and I look forward to seeing the results firsthand.
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