January 2024 update

I've been able to take Pippin out on every run I've done since the start of the year!

This year was off to a chilly start, with a major cold front overtaking the front range in the second week of the year.

I've done a little bit of rowing and strength exercises to supplement my runs, but I've also been able to get out there pretty often despite the cold.

Most of my runs this month have been fairly short, but I was able to take Pippin on two longer adventures near the end of the month.

***

The month started off cool and slate grey for us in Palmer Park.

We often ran in the afternoons or evenings.

There were a few warmer days despite the cold fronts.

These warmer days often brought wind and interesting clouds.

Windy days had clear views from the top of Palmer Park, even down to the Spanish Peaks.

One day, we watched the biggest cold front come in from over the mountains, and made it home just as snow began lightly falling.

There were chilly evenings with city lights in the distance.

And nice crisp afternoons.

***

I took a few days off from running near the end of the month, but I did go for an afternoon walk with my family at the Paint Mines.

We circled the sandstone formations route, and then watched the moon rise over the windmills on our way back.

***

While most of my runs this month were in Palmer Park, Pippin and I made our first "field trip" near the end of the month to journey on Rampart Range Road!

We began from Balanced Rock, winding uphill with views to the east of Garden of the Gods.

The clouds danced on the mountaintops as we ascended the road.

An incoming cold front created a cloudburst above Queen's Canyon.

We made it an overlook near the upper water tank, which is near the old Waldo Canyon trail connection.

Pippin paused for his portrait.

The incoming cold front would bring snow in the evening, but while we sat at the overlook, it was non-threatening. 

I took a few minutes to soak in the views before letting Pippin lead me back downhill. We had a blast on the down, with Pippin occasionally going so fast that I felt like he lifted me off the ground! It was exhilarating!

The cold front that evening brought some decent snow to the mountains.

***

A couple days later, Pippin and I returned to the Palmer Park overlook and surveyed where we'd been.

I looked out on the snowy mountains and decided I'd have to take Pippin there soon.

***

The following day, the weather had warmed into the 50s in town. But I knew the recent snowfall had dumped quite a bit on the local mountains and foothills, so I grabbed my snow spikes and headed for Bear Creek Canyon.

Pippin was immediately enthusiastic, leading me energetically uphill from the base of High Drive.

He found the really deep snow and stuck his head in!

There were a couple switchbacks on the trail where the snow was very steep and deep.

Pippin was a far better navigational aid than hiking poles. In addition to being attached at the waist, I held the leash with my arm against the slope, so if I slipped, I could use it him to stabilize.

I've never gone uphill through deep snow quite as quickly! What a helpful adventurer!

We soon made it up to a prominent rock outcropping and overlook.

Pippin looked out over the town.

And the view to the south, into the main part of Cheyenne Cañon, was stunning!

We hung out for a bit before descending from our perch.

We dropped down into N. Cheyenne Cañon on the 776 trail connection. Pippin really got a flow going on this section! I'm glad I had my snow spikes.

We made it down to Gold Camp Road, and ran down the road for the rest of the way. We caught the sun receeding as we made our way down.

What an adventurous day! One of the best excursions we've had together.

***

We ended the month with one more short run day at Palmer Park.

In general, I haven't had a very structured start to the year. I've kind of gone with the flow, taking it relatively easy (no speedwork yet.)

Going into February, I would like to get back to a few speedwork sessions, maybe at least two in the upcoming month. And maybe a few more bodyweight exercise days to keep me limber and to encourage all-around fitness. Specifically pull-ups, which I've been lacking in!

I also hope I can get out to some group runs soon. Although Pippin is a great running buddy, I like running with other humans sometimes too! 😂