Well, this year turned out better than I expected, by a long shot. Here's the link to last year's summary and my expectations for this year.
I expected to spend most of this year on the treadmill. And while the first quarter of the year was heavily based in treadmill mileage, once spring came around, I headed back to the outdoors and my mileage ramped up significantly. Add to that our unseasonably warm autumn and winter this calendar year, and I've had a far more successful year than I expected.
I ran roughly 600 more miles than last year. Another metric I checked was runs in excess of 20 miles. In 2020, I only ran 2 runs that were 20 miles in length or longer - a summer solstice marathon and a fall colors run. But in 2021, I ran 10 runs that exceeded the 20 mile distance, and one that was over 30! I feel so much healthier on my runs, as my endurance is up.
I ran a total of 1816.7 miles this year. I ran on 185 days out of the year, which averages out to 9.8 miles per run and 34.9 miles per week.
Here are some of the highlights of this year's runs:
* My first venture to the mountains for the year, when I went into the deep Rampart Range near Palmer Lake.
* Scrambling on the Dragon's Backbone in Cheyenne Mountain State Park.
* My summer solstice run on the east slopes of Mt. Rosa.
* Scrambling up the slopes of Almagre Mountain, several different routes, including from the south gully.
* Finding stunning fall colors right here in Bear Creek Canyon.
* Gazing at glorious winter sunsets, on my last big mountain run of this year.
Looking ahead to 2022, I don't plan to have a total mileage goal in the same way I did this year. This year, my monthly mileage averaged out to about 150 miles per month. I would like to keep a 100-mile-a-month minimum for next year, just to keep me on track. However, instead of focusing on a total yearly mileage goal, I'd like to invest into a few specific goals instead.
* Running a 50-mile+ run. No specific details on the route yet, but I have a few ideas kicking around.
* Running at least a few segments of the Colorado Trail, one or two segments at a time.
* Running some iconic, bucket-list routes.
* More big point-to-point adventures!
* Not a running goal, but I really want to set out a defined plan for my weightlifting and become consistent with it. I enjoy weightlifting and find time to do it sometimes; however, I have been anything but consistent in the last year.
Overall, I'm excited and positive about the coming year.
***
Now for a short review of my last few runs of the year.
Sunday, December 26th, 2021:
It was really windy in the mid-afternoon when I set out for this run. I wore my Fall Series zip-up hoodie, opting for a warmer/thicker top layer than just a long sleeve shirt.
The first mile I battled some bitter winds and wondered if I'd dressed warmly enough even with the hoodie.
But as soon as I entered the big golden winter field at the base of Palmer Park, the sun was shining on me and I was instantly too hot.
Of course, nothing lasts forever, so after the short climb up to the Palmer Point Trail, the wind came back with a bitter vengeance! I could tell that this day would be one of extremes. Almost surprising heat in the sunlit golden fields, followed by angry wind on the ridges.
Instead of trying to fight against the wind when it was directly at my face, I leaned into it and let myself almost fall against it, allowing its strength to hold my body up. At least it felt good - a gusty wind can have the side effect of making you feel very alive!
I ran my usual new favorite route into University Park and then Austin Bluffs Open Space, enjoying the rock formations. Then I rounded the bend towards Pulpit Rock.
The main rock formation was outstanding in the late afternoon light.
I didn't ascend the formation today, instead following the trail at its base around to the north, watching the golden sunlight illuminating its massive walls.
I took the Pulpit Rock Loop Trail to the north and then back towards the east, reconnecting to Austin Bluffs and descending down through the UCCS bluffs before heading home.
WHEW! This was a lot of climbing for an in-town run. I got over 3000 feet of climbing in just under 15 miles.
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Tuesday, December 28th, 2021:
In the morning, I did a few weights, but not too intensively (since it's been a while).
* Dumbbell side lateral raises
* Dumbbell squats - LIGHT weights
* Standing machine pull-downs
Later, in the afternoon, I set out for a jog. At this point I only needed 3 more miles to get 1800 for the year, but I knew I'd probably do more than that.
I did a little exploring of my local area and found the main trail that connects to the UCCS bluffs trail. It goes up past some really neat rock formations, which are so characteristic of this part of town.
I got 10.5 miles and 1500+ feet elevation today. Over 1800 miles now! Everything from here on out is just bonus mileage.
***
Friday, December 31st, 2021:
In the morning, I did some barbell overhead presses, about 4 sets with proper form and engaging the core. No other weightlifting exercises today; but the barbell overhead press is really one of my favorite exercises. It seems to be a good exercise, when standing properly, to engage the transverse abdominus. This deep abdominal muscle is often weak in many people and one of the root causes of back pain as well as poor running form. Therefore, I'm working on engaging it more regularly when standing, sitting, and during my day-to-day activities.
In the afternoon, I did a little more than 9 miles with a little less than 1400 feet elevation to wrap up the year!
I went through the same trail as last time, ascending "Marconi Heights" via the new-to-me trail, up to the UCCS bluffs and then down the service road.
It was fun to watch the weather coming in over the mountains!
***
Thanks for reading and I wish everyone a Happy New Year and many blessings in 2022.
(PS. I can't wait for my first long mountain run of the new year - I am going to try to make it happen soon!)
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