Nov to Dec 2023 update - 50k to round out the year

Merry Christmas 🎄!

I've had such a full autumn for 2023!

As we head into winter, I'm reflecting on what a fun and joyful season it has been for me, despite being so busy!

I had fun running on Thanksgiving day with the Sunrise Striders, and then went to the first Incline Club run of the season, which is always on the Sunday after Thanksgiving 😁.

I have done a lot of strength work, several longer efforts and a few "push" sessions (like the Incline). I did two runs up Dixon Trail and several larger loops in Section 16, as well as spent a good amount of time on Barr Trail!

And I started December with a 50k+ jog on my favorite loop around the base of Mount Rosa! 🏔️ I last did this same loop on Memorial Day. This time around, I added a little extra high altitude distance by including a new overlook. It was challenging to do this loop in the winter, and it took me over 9 hours with icy trails, when my summer time was 7:20.

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Here are a few photos from the last two months!

Nov 5 - Dixon Trail 

I ascended Talon, North Talon, and Dixon Trail on Nov 5.

It was a beautiful day to go up, and very warm! I easily made the overlook and spent more than enough time on top. About 15.8 miles total.

The next day, we took our children to the Denver Art Museum. I painted my interpretation of Cheyenne Mountain from yesterday!

Nov 10 - The Incline & Barr Trail

Dionne and I did the Incline, and ran up to the 7.8 metal sign on Barr trail. I was happy with an Incline time of 34:15, and we saw Jim on our way down!

Nov 12 - Section 16 Loop

About 10.8 miles total today.

Nov 15 - Dixon Trail (again)

My second trip up Cheyenne Mountain this month was marked by whispy clouds and a crisp autumn bite in the air.

Wildlife was abundant. I ascended a different overlook this time and got a little shorter distance, 15.4 miles.

Nov 18 - Butterfly Pavilion

We took the kids to the Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster. We saw so many bright colors!

Nov 23 - Thanksgiving Incline with the Sunrise Striders

What a fun day! So many blessings to be thankful for! I got a little extra mileage by going up to the "7.8 mile to summit" sign afterwards.

Nov 26 - First Incline Club run of the season!

A big group showed up for a nice weather day after the snow. It was great to see my friend Russ!

The snow was so charming, that I decided to the Experimental Forest loop today for a little extra mileage.

Nov 27 - Blossoms of Light (Denver Botanical Gardens)

We toured the Blossoms of Light with the family. What an impressive display this year!

Nov 30 - Section 16 Loop (with Paragliders)

It was really neat to see some paragliders setting off on their flight today when I summited the Section 16 overlook.

Dec 5 - My 50k Loop Day!

I set out up High Drive on this clear day. From the saddle of Mt. Buckhorn, I could see part of my icy return path on Gold Camp Road.

I encountered winter obstacles, like this frozen stream. The Pipeline trail crosses somewhere underneath this ice slick.

I saw my favorite view of Mt. Rosa, with the small pond I love in the foreground.

Devil's Slide on my way down Gold Camp Road.

I was on the non-motorized portion of Gold Camp Road when the sun receeded behind St. Peter's Dome.

I finally made it back to my car after my phone died, over 9 hours later and between 31 and 33 miles!!

This run was challenging, but I felt more able to push through. Despite some icy conditions, I just kept moving. I felt like this was a great way to knock out the last ultra-length run of the year.

Dec 18 - Garden of the Gods with Dionne and Pippin

A fun casual day in the Garden. Dionne joined me, and I brought Pippin along! An easy, recovery-paced jog.

These last two months have been great. A jump start to the season, and a big finale of the year with my favorite 50k loop.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and happy holiday season!