Week of October 25th, 2021 through October 31st, 2021

Well, let's get right to it.

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On Monday, October 25th, I decided to try my re-introduction to speedwork.

I thought of a hill that was close to me that I figured might work, and jogged to it for my warmup.

A little more than 2 miles of warmup, and I measured the hill at about 0.08 miles, or a little longer than 100 meters (which would be 0.062 miles, which makes sense.)

I ended up doing 8 sprints up the hill, and going down slowly between.

The hill in question.

Overall, I was a little disappointed with my workout. 

Here's what I would change:

* The distance I picked was a little too long. I would have been better off with a slightly shorter hill, as I could really feel it after about 100m, that the hill was dragging on too long. Next time, if I go to the same hill, I won't start as far down it.

* I had a hard time feeling like I was getting my heart rate up enough. At the same time, I felt like I couldn't get my leg turnover to go fast enough. Possibly, my legs were not rested enough to do speed work today. Next time, I'll make sure to do my speedwork after a rest day.

* I delayed my workout a bit too long and left too close to sunset. My last couple hill sprints, it was almost dark. This slowed me down more than I'd like, as I needed to focus on not tripping in addition to going fast. Next time, I'll go earlier in the day.

For the three reasons above, my workout was less effective than I'd like. But at least I got out there and attempted some speedwork, as a way to get me mentally accustomed to running at a high effort level over a short distance. I added a little mileage on my way home, rounding the total distance out to 8 miles for the day. I'll try another speedwork session next week.

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On Wednesday, October 27th, I ran just under 14 miles on an in-town loop with 1200 feet elevation, at sunset.

***

On Friday, October 29th, we took the kids for a sunrise hike at Palmer Park, with nice views of the morning alpenglow on Pikes.

That evening I did a short in-town run, 8.5 miles with 800 feet.

I was even able to get my phone camera to take a clear enough photo of the stars that you can make out Orion's Belt.

***

On Saturday, October 30th, we took a family hike somewhere different and new! We went to South Valley Park at the southwest side of Denver. It was a beautiful day, very warm and sunny.

The views were amazing and the deer were friendly.

All in all, a lovely week in Colorado. No mountain run this week, but maybe next week. We are anticipating a midweek cool-down for the weather. I would also like to attempt another speed session, maybe going for the hill again OR heading to the track. But we will see! Have a good week!