I've been trying to increase my running frequency lately. Last Thursday, I headed out for a run, but I wasn't certain on a distance or destination. I considered going to Memorial Park again for another circuit day, but I decided that I wanted a more straightforward long run, so I did my usual 15 mile loop on Rock Island/ Pikes Peak Greenway/ Foothills Trail/ Sinton Trail/ Templeton Gap Trail.
Despite this loop being a staple for me a couple years ago, I actually haven't run 15 miles in distance in a couple months. The day was hot and the distance was taxing! The miles from 11 to 15 dragged on forever, and my pace plummeted. My ankle feels much better overall since the injury last year, but I need to get my distance endurance back up. Taking it easy, while good for my tendons, hasn't been as good for my cardiovascular and distance capabilities.
The view from the Garden of the Gods overlook point was a grand highlight of this urban loop.
It's been a while since I've run two long runs in a week, but Sunday was such a great day that I looked forward to hitting Barr Trail again.
I started off with a 38:36 Incline.
At the top of the Incline, it was so great to chat for a while with Mark! It was very refreshing to have some great conversation with an Incline clubber who I haven't gotten to know very well yet. Mark is an energetic guy and he is in for the Double this year - yikes! We chatted for a while about 3-2-1s and other training strategies that I look forward to utilizing this summer.
The Barr trail still has patches of ice and snow on the way up, and since I got a little bit of a late start, I decided to stop about a mile short of Barr Camp this week. I imagine running 15 miles on Thursday also slowed me down a bit. However, I was totally at peace with this decision for this week, and I pulled off Barr trail to take a few photos at a large flat rock outcropping before turning around.
Although the photos don't show it, someone has created a fire ring for a campsite at this rock outcropping. I'm always seeking little peaceful spots with amazing views of my favorite mountain, Pikes Peak. Barr trail has many secret places like this one!
So that was Sunday.
Today (Wednesday), I headed to the Incline for a second time this week, to meet up with Sharon. It was great to see her, since we haven't run together since last year. It doesn't seem like it's been that long. But time flies, and spring training is here!
Today's Incline was a 36:28.
I'm happy that my Incline times have been very consistent lately, mainly between 36 to 38 minutes. Although I'd like to gradually get faster (who wouldn't?), I think that consistent times show that I have steady strength on a challenging, steep trail like the Incline. I'd rather be in the 36 to 38 minute range regularly, than be in the low 30s one week and over 40 minutes the next.
After the Incline, the fun part of the workout was going down Barr trail at a conversational pace. Sharon and I stopped to snap a photo at the lookout point behind the Incline.
As you can see, the mountains are clear and the sun is shining. But as I'm writing this, the clouds are coming in and it's raining. Another serious snowstorm is forecasted for this evening. What a nice way to wrap up the last week of training during a good weather window.
It just goes to show that in the springtime in the mountains, you have to take advantage of good weather when you can! Hopefully this storm won't last long, and I'll be back in the mountains again this coming weekend.
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