My Year in Running - 2022

Happy New Year!

What a year.

First off, let me state the format for this post - first I'll summarize the year and include the highlights. Then, I'll outline my goals for next year. Finally, at the end will be my regular weekly blog for this week.

Here is the link to last year's summary.

This year, I ran 1515.5 miles total. This is about 300 miles less than last year, but 300 miles more than the year prior. So it was a very moderate, middle-of-the-road mileage total for me.

However, I had only 138 run days this year, which means each run averages out to 10.98 miles. This is actually my highest average run distance since I've started recording my runs, so that's a small cause for celebration.

My average weekly mileage this year was about 29.1 miles per week.

Here's a few of this year's most memorable runs for me:

* Running a big springtime loop around the base of Mount Rosa.

* Being chased down from Almagre Mountain by a huge incoming thunderstorm.

* Completing my goal run of the year, a 41-mile journey out to Bull Park.

* Catching some fall colors on Kineo Mountain. 

* My first run with someone else since the pandemic began, when Sharon joined me for a Muscoco Mountain summit!

My main goal for 2022 was to run a solo 50-mile route. I didn't accomplish that goal, as my longest run topped out at 41 miles. Sometimes setting challenging goals means that you won't always achieve them. But that doesn't mean I will stop trying, or stop setting daring goals.

With that in mind, my goals for 2023 are the following:

* My main goal is to do quality speedwork sessions twice per month. I have had a serious lack of speedwork since the pandemic began in 2020, and it's becoming apparent in my slowing pace. It's time to fix that! By setting my goal to do speedwork only every-other-week (initially), I think I can improve my leg turnover without overtaxing my body.

* To set out and actually accomplish the 50-mile distance. I know I can do it. I need a better build-up and base than I had this year. Proper prior planning, and not allowing myself to cut it short! At this point, it's mostly mental, and I just have to force myself beyond my comfort zone. The marathon distance has become comfortable for me, beyond that is where I struggle.

* A final goal for me this coming year is to see many more friends out on the trails, and join people for adventure runs! I look forward to seeing many friends who I've missed ❤️ because of our strict lock down during the pandemic.

With that said, if you'd like to join me for an adventure run, please let me know! I'd love to see everyone. 

That concludes my yearly summary, and what follows is my regular workouts from the last week of 2022.

***

Tuesday, 12/27

45 minutes on the row machine.

Then, a few sets of push-ups, just so I'm not totally neglecting bodyweight strength work.

***

Thursday, 12/29

Heavy deadlifts in the morning. It was time for these for sure!

This one compound exercise alone was enough for today's weight session.

In the afternoon, a lot of the snow ❄️ from last night's snowstorm had already melted off.

So I ran up to Palmer Park and out-and-back to Grandview Overlook twice. It was lovely to slush around in the soft melting powder while the road to the overlook was closed to vehicles.

 

I got 8.1 miles and 1050 feet elevation. 

***

Friday, 12/30

Just a short one, 5 miles in Palmer. A bit icy. The clouds were really neat, creating an arch over the mountains. 

***

Saturday, 12/31

45 minutes on the row machine.

***

Head first into 2023! I hope to see many friends out on the trails this coming year and make the most of new adventures. 

Sunday, 12/18

I woke up late, but still made it over to the Incline in time to catch up with Sharon.

Conditions on the Incline and the trail were great today. No ice, only a small amount of powdery snow from the last storm.

My Incline time today was 35:21. I'm really pleased with that!

It was a blast to do this workout with Sharon.

And I loved seeing the little decorated Christmas tree 🎄 atop the Incline. It's been a few years since I've seen it!

I got a total of 9.9 miles today.

***

Tuesday, 12/20

10.2 miles on the Legacy Loop and Rock Island Trail.

Relatively flat miles that I'm trying to knock out before the incoming winter storm tomorrow night. 

Luckily, I have only 11 miles left for the year, and 11 days left to do them. I believe I'll be able to do that.

***

Wednesday, 12/21

45 minutes on the row machine on the shortest day of the year. 

Hard to believe that the days will be getting longer again after today. A serious cold snap is coming, ushered in on this solstice night.

***

Thursday, 12/22

Squats with the two 15 lb dumbbells for a total of 30 lbs, front-weighted.

Then dumbbell press-outs with a single 15 lb dumbbell.

Getting a weight workout in felt good today. I tried not to burn myself out with too many squats, but I'll have to do them more often.

***

Friday, 12/23

30 minutes on the row machine.

***

Sunday, 12/25

🎄 Merry Christmas! 🎄 

No exercise yesterday or today for me.

Instead, enjoy these photos of our tree and our Christmas lights.

***

Monday, 12/26

I set out with the goal of completing my last 11 miles for the year.

I ran down to Monument Valley, then up to Sondermann Park. I did a loop through the open space. The views of the mountains along the ridgeline in the Mesa Open Space were lovely on this mostly-cloudy day.

Then I went to Pioneer Park, enjoying the views of the whole Pikes Peak region from this small park, before making a big loop back to MVP and then home on the Rock Island Trail.

I got a total of 13.3 miles today, with 1300 feet of elevation gain. 

That gives me the rest of my mileage for the year!! Any extra runs I do before the end of the year will just be bonus miles!

Next update will be my year-end summary. Wow, hard to believe it's already almost time for the new year.

Thursday, 12/08

A short 5.2 mile run, with 900 feet elevation. I got a little nervous that it's already Thursday and I hadn't run since Sunday.

I do really want to make 1500 miles this year at least.

Instead of committing to several longer runs in December, I decided to chip away at the mileage when I can instead.

It was really gusty and windy atop the mesa! At least that Colorado sun was warm on me, keeping me from freezing too much.

Sweeping views and big winds atop the mesa in Palmer Park.

***

Friday, 12/09

Another beautiful day to take a little chunk of mileage out from what's remaining for the year for me.

5.8 miles today, with 750 feet elevation. 

Later that evening, I wanted to get a small amount of weight training done. I did several sets of dumbbell curls with the 15 lb dumbbells.

Then calf raises with the same dumbbells (for a total of 30 lbs) which is fairly light for calf raises, but good for stability work.

***

Wednesday, 12/14

Due to a lot of housework, there has been a lack of exercise for a few days.

Today I set out for a long run to make up for that!

I traveled westward along the Rock Island Trail, through Monument Valley and Sondermann Park.

At Mesa Rd, I decided just to run to the Garden all the way along Fontmore, and pop into the Niobrara Trail at the south end of the Valley Reservoir #2.

I like this "secret" entrance to the park as there is no parking area; it's just a footpath entrance. 

The view was instantly postcard-quality amazing!

The Garden of the Gods looked like a postcard when I entered the Niobrara Trail at Valley Reservoir #2.

The golden sun was shining on the meadow where the now-empty Valley Reservoir 2 once was. 

I climbed the very short way to High Point Overlook, and crossed the road to join the Buckskin Charlie Trail.

Top: Iconic rocks near High Point Overlook. Bottom left: The empty field that used to be the Valley Reservoir #2. Bottom right: Stacked rock with tree from Buckskin Charlie Trail.

The warm afternoon sun illumating the Garden of the Gods.

I connected from the Buckskin Charlie Trail to the Hamp Hut Trail, which eventually lead me to the Strausenback Trail.

Views and rock formations on the Strausenback Trail.

The Strausenback Trail winds up a few switchbacks and comes to a "top" that has a fantastic overlook of the mountains.

The lighting and the clouds were fantastic. The sun was beginning its slow descent. I captured a few shots of the sun streaks casting their steaming light in front of the mountains. 

The "top" of Strausenback Trail, with Pikes Peak in the background. 

I took a pause at the overlook to soak in the views, but I started to get chilled quickly, so I pressed onwards.

I descended Strausenback Trail to the road and picked up the Balanced Rock Trail.

I wanted some more mileage, so I decided to put in a little bit of mild road climbing on Rampart Range Road. When I arrived at the base of the road, I was pleasantly surprised that the winter vehicle closure was already in effect. But the snow was completely melted off from the previous storm.

I could run this smoothly-graded and gradually ascending dirt road without worrying about cars? Yes please!

I passed by the classic rock formations at the base of the road.

Further up, I watched the sunset creating orange clouds above Pikes Peak.

I ascended until the 4 mile marker. At this curve in the road, I got a great view down into the Garden and the city beyond.

I took a last look at the road, ever ascending further into the National Forest, then turned around and headed back towards home.

The last light was slowly fading away. It was a beautiful, calm downhill all the way back to the Garden.

When I got back to the paved road, I stayed in the pedestrian lane and returned to the central Garden, cutting right through the middle of North and South Gateway Rocks.

As I got to the main Garden of the Gods entrance, I began to get really cold. Especially my hands, which were chilled inside my gloves. 

I called Alex and had him pick me up a little early. I ended up getting 22.2 miles - just 4 miles short of a marathon! (And over 3500 feet of elevation gain).

If I'd run the last 4 miles home, I'd have gotten a full marathon. But since I'd set out with an initial goal of between 15 to 20 miles, I still counted this run as more than enough for the day.

And it knocked out a big chunk of my remaining mileage for the year.

I really enjoyed this run, and I got some really cool photos of the beautiful Garden of the Gods. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I'm so thankful to live in this amazing natural place!

***

Friday, 12/16

15 lb dumbbells:

* Overhead presses.

* Bicep curls.

I am planning on doing the Incline with Sharon and the Incline club on Sunday, and with having just done 22 miles two days ago, I decided to only train upper body today.

The Incline is a good alternative leg day workout, and I'm looking forward to it!

***

Overall this week has been good for getting mileage in! Only one weight session, but that was acceptable considering how busy life has been, between the holidays, catching up with friends, and re-arranging a couple rooms in our house.

Only 31 miles left to go for the year to attain 1500!

Tuesday, 11/29

50 minutes on the row machine this morning. Started more gradually and worked up to faster/ stronger rowing in the second half of the workout. 

Today was icy and snowy out in the morning. Don't get me wrong, I like outdoor winter running. But I also enjoy the luxury of being able to choose to stay indoors and work out instead!

***

Wednesday, 11/30

Dumbbell overhead presses, then dumbbell squats. All indoors (garage gym too cold 🥶). I hope barefoot squats will help strengthen the lower leg and ankles!!

***

Friday, 12/02

45 minutes on the row machine.

***

Saturday, 12/03

I want to run long tomorrow, so I didn't want to exercise too much today. But I did want to fit a short exercise session in, so I just did 35 minutes on the row machine in the evening. 

***

Sunday, 12/04

Finally, it was time for a long one! My runs lately have gotten less and less frequent. It's unfortunate, but finding a balance in life sometimes means running less than you'd like to.

I do feel good and strong when I do finally head out the door, because of the rowing and strength work I've been doing. I'm not able to run as much, restricted by time and other obligations. 

Because it was a really chilly morning, I waited until later in the morning and began my jog around 10 am.

I decided to go back to the Codell trail and Ridgeline trail in Red Rock Canyon. I made my way westward, along Rock Island Trail, then through the top of Monument Valley Park over to Sondermann Park.

Because I felt like a bit of climbing today, I scaled a little hill in the middle of Sondermann to get the view on top. What a unique little park.

There would be more climbing for me in this run. As soon as I reached the 31st street trail entrance for Red Rock Canyon, I hooked into the Codell trail, which immediately climbs up a long mesa towards Section 16.

I really enjoy this route and the long, gradual uphill.

At the top of the Codell trail, there's an amazing view down into Red Rock Canyon.

I then continued on the Ridgeline trail towards Section 16.

One of my favorite views on this route is at the top of the ridge, looking west. There are so many criss-crossing faults, each with a unique character of the protruding rocks.

After the top, I descended the trail to the Section 16 parking area. Then I had a very long downhill, jogging down Gold Camp Road and connecting to the Pikes Peak Greenway, which I would take back towards home.

I ended up with over 17.6 miles and almost 2500 feet elevation gain.

Then, in the evening, we were able to take the family and go to see Meow Wolf in Denver.

I've been looking forward to the opportunity to check out this unique art experience!

I had a great time checking out all the florescent art. And the kids enjoyed it as well.

Before leaving Denver, we checked out the capital building and the big light up tree.

What a colorful day!

***

Wednesday, 12/07

60 minutes on the row machine at a consistent pace.

***

I didn't want to let this blog get too long, and with all the photos, I figured I'd post a shorter update this time.

I should be able to make 1500 miles total for the year. I'll just have to stay consistent a few times a week before the end of the year.

It will be less than last year, which was in the ~1700 range, but more than the year prior which was in the ~1200 range. A moderate yearly mileage total for me, but I will take it. My runs lately have been less frequent, as the seasons ebb and flow.

I'm sure I'll have a future season where I'll run more and row less, but I've been served well by the row machine lately.