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!

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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!!

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Friday, 12/02

45 minutes on the row machine.

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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. 

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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!

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Wednesday, 12/07

60 minutes on the row machine at a consistent pace.

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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.