Mt. Muscoco with Sharon! + Weekly exercise log

Wednesday, 10/26

A big loop up on the bluffs before the incoming storm today.

As I circled the west side of Palmer Park on the Palmer Point trail, some clouds built over Pikes Peak.

I entered Austin Bluffs Open Space and went to the overlook. I wanted to keep moving forward today, so I continued to the connecting trail to Pulpit Rock Park.

There are some cool rock formations as you approach the top plateau behind Pulpit Rock.

At the top platform, I could see down into town and all of the surrounding mountains. I looked up at Blodgett Peak and Lone Pine Peak, where I plan to go on a mountain run soon, after the little cold front we are expecting passes.

As I returned along the trails back, the big snow cloud settled over the peak, making dramatic skies at sunset.

Today's total was 13.1 miles for a lovely trail half-marathon, with 1950 feet of climbing.

***

Friday, 10/28

35 minutes rowing in the morning. Felt good, looking forward to doing more rowing as winter comes around and as I get stronger for longer times on the row machine. 😀 

8.2 miles jog in the afternoon, combo road and trail. It warmed up nicely and I was able to do most of my run in just a tank top and shorts. 

***

Monday, 10/31

We went for a hike on the bluffs with the kids and our friend Mylo.

We hiked over 3 miles in total and made it to my overlook!!

I had a blast and I think the kids did too. But they were tired at night and fell asleep early, as climbing and running around the bluffs was a good workout for them!

***

Wednesday, 11/2

10 miles with 1400 feet elevation gain. Another beautifully warm day!

We've been doing some work around the house the last few days, so I haven't had much time to run lately. I'm glad I grabbed this opportunity to do a solid mid-length run, as I felt very strong today.

***

Friday, 11/4

Lightweight (10 lb) side lateral raises, followed by the same weight for lunges. Several sets until fatigued for each exercise.

Slow, gradual strength-building day.

***

Sunday, 11/6

It's finally time for me to begin running with others again! (At least occasionally 😅 anyhow).

I was happy to meet with Sharon for this Mt. Muscoco adventure.

We began at the base of North Cheyenne Cañon and started on the Columbine trail. Then we connected to the new(er) Creekside trail which eventually allows you to cross the road and join the Mt. Cutler and Mt. Muscoco trail.

Cool jagged rocks and views along Mt. Cutler trail.

It was a bit windy as we ascended past the Mt. Cutler trail split. After the mini-Incline, the more rough and rocky trail begins. We got some nice views as we continued to climb upwards.

Top left: Mt. Muscoco, and her massive ridgeline, ahead in the distance as we approach her. Bottom: Great views of Cheyenne Mountain, with Old Stage Road below.

We got to the base of Mt. Muscoco, where the trail splits towards Daniel's Pass. Sharon wasn't sure if she would want to tackle the summit, but just then someone on their way down passed by us. I asked how far we had to go. They responded that it was only a quarter mile, but a rough and steep quarter mile 😬!

Sharon decided we should go for it!!

We climbed up to the summit and took in the great views for a few minutes.

Top: At the summit of Mt. Muscoco, looking west, with Almagre Mountain's snow-capped face in the distance. Bottom: Myself and Sharon, and the view to the southwest. St. Peter's Dome in the background to the left and Stove Mountain to the right, in the foreground. 

I love how Muscoco Mountain provides a great 360-degree view, as it is a high point in North Cheyenne Cañon. 

Then it was time to head down!

On our way down, we still caught some fall colors! A single tree was still yellow along lower Columbine trail. Chilly clouds seemed to blow in.

Top: A little bit of fall remains! Bottom: Looking back at Mt. Muscoco on the trail down.

Our total for the day was 7.75 miles and 2150 feet of elevation gain. 

Thanks Sharon, for sticking with it 👍 and it was fun!

Afterwards, I got a bonus 3 miles (flat in town), bringing my total to 10.75 miles for the day.

***

Monday, 11/7

35 minutes on the row machine.

***

Tuesday, 11/8

35 minutes on the row machine, second day in a row!

I love the row machine as a quick go-to workout for when I only have 30 or 35 minutes to exercise in a day.

It packs a punch in a short time.

***

What a nice couple of weeks! I'm so happy to be able to run with others again, and of course I'm glad Sharon was able to join me for the Mt. Muscoco summit trip.

I'm looking forward to more social runs soon! 🙂 See you out on the trails.