Snow Finally!

Fox Run Trailhead - those are my
footprints coming down (there no snow
here when I went up it earlier)

Fox Run Park

December 30, 2010

4.5 miles
11:47 min/mile

Christmas in Colorado and we had no snow in the Springs;  therefore, the family went to Grand Lake spending Monday - Wednesday playing in the snow.

With the winter activities in Grand Lake behind me, I really wanted to get out and run today, despite the dire forecasts.  I'll admit, I've been a bit lazy and have slept in longer than normal this week.  I am on vacation after all and will not have this chance again for quite some time.  So, I did not set foot outside until noon today.

The sun had been shining all morning and despite the cold temperatures, looked to be a very nice day.  However, after gearing up for my run, the clouds pressed down upon us and the sky became leaden and heavy with the promise of snow.

As soon as my garmin caught a passing satellite, I was up the trail.  I had not trod 50 paces before a single snow flake fell.  This solitary flake was then lazily followed by a few more.   As I continued, more  flakes fell and promised to be a nice little snow storm.  I had no fear and actually looked forward to running in the fresh snow.  It is amazing how being prepared for the weather lets you embrace it and enjoy it so much more.

As I continued up to Fox Run park, the snow increased; but unfortunately, my speed did not.  I felt heavy from all the Christmas goodies and massive over-eating of late.  As much as I love the holidays, I dread the extra five pounds I invariably gain due to fudge, cookies, cakes, coconut joys, candied coated pretzels ... ah, the list goes on!

The park was quiet as I ran through it today, very few people in it and the snow continued to fall.   I love how the snow blankets and quiets everything, even when it is spitting tiny pellets at you instead of fluffy, white flakes.   I was warm and my fleece whitened with the snow as I ran along the trails.  Two hikers came toward me and I gauged how fast the snow was falling by how rapidly I lost their tracks in it.   Fairly fast, I surmised as it did not take long to lose their prints.

After the run with snow!

With my fatigue and the snow falling faster, I decided to shorten my run by hitting a favorite single track and cut about a half mile off of my regular park rimming loop.  None too soon either; as I crossed Baptist Road on the return, it was obvious how quickly the weather changed with the formally clear road now covered in white.  Seven-tenths of a mile later I ran in front of my house and called it day.  A hot shower awaited with errands to run in the afternoon!

Snow Shoeing & Sleigh Ride

Green Mountain Trail

Rocky Mountain National Park
December 29, 2010
Green Mountain Trail
3.7 miles

Second day in Grand Lake and I really wanted all of us to go snow shoeing.  I'm a glutton for punishment, I know.  But I love to snow shoe and want my girls to enjoy the same things as I do.  I never know if they really do enjoy these outings, or if they've just come to accept them as part of the deal -- children of a fanatic who loves the outdoors.

We rented snow shoes for them downtown in the morning and then drove into Rocky Mountain National Park and stopped at the visitor's center for a trail recommendation.  Green Mountain Trail goes up about 600 feet in elevation and tops out at a big meadow was the choice for us.  Okay, the one I chose for the family, I'll be honest here.  It also hooked onto other trails and we could do a long loop if all were okay with that.  Hmm, found out later I would certainly be pressing my luck if we did that - I can only ask so much from my family before they retort, "Hey, not all of us runs ultras Mom!" 

With that, we drove to the trailhead.  Weather, sunny and freakin' freezin' cold!  Temps in the morning were registering minus 8 degrees when we went to breakfast; however, we had the proper clothing and all was well.

Jessica and Whitney snow shoeing!

After getting everyone geared up, we headed up the trail with Jessica and Whitney alternating the lead.  I was in the middle and then dropped back about half way up to take pictures and make sure we didn't leave Rick behind!

The trail climbed very steadily and soon all of us were breathing hard.  The elevation started at over 8500' and topped out at 9300+'.  Jess made sure we all knew the park ranger lied about the elevation gain.  I told her not necessarily; I did not check the elevation at the trailhead, rather at the visitor center!  Jess was not mollified and continued to insist he lied.

Family going up Green Mtn Trail 

Whitney also had her demons to deal with during the trek up to the big meadow -- she claimed she pulled both her groins!  She also insists she's Jewish so I never know when to believe her.  However, after watching her later that night walk down the streets of Grand Lake, I know she pulled something while snow shoeing.  Oh my goodness!  What a sight to see -- Whit walking slow and bow-legged as if she just got off a horse over the icy streets of Grand Lake.  I almost died laughing!

But, back to the trek.  Man!  What a gorgeous day and great outing!  It was absolutely beautiful and we only came across two others as we headed down the trail on our way back.   At the top of the trail (1.8 miles), we were rewarded with the great view of the mountain range on the opposite side of a very large meadow.  At the top, there is a hitching post for horses; however, with the snow, it is now a bench for snow-shoers and cross-country skiers.  We made ourselves comfortable there while we ate our granola bars and rested.

Top of Green Mtn Trail - Big Meadow 

After a brief rest and pictures of the meadow - Whitney is standing almost in the middle of my picture of the meadow taking her own pictures - we headed back down the trail.  It was cooler on the return for us for two reasons, the sun had passed its apex and we were not working nearly as hard as we did on the way up.   As I looked around me at the forest, snow and my family, I just felt so lucky once again.  To be out and enjoying the beauty with my family ... can anyone ask for more?

Once we reached the car, and divested ourselves of snow shoes, it was a short drive back to Winding River Resort and our room.  We changed out of the wet clothes and "chillaxed" for about an hour before heading out for our second jaunt of the day ... a sleigh ride!  

I saw read about Windy River Resort and their sleigh rides in my Sunset magazine and thought what a wonderful way to end the day.  It was a fun time shared with two other families and the owner and operator of the Ranch and Resort.  Our two horses, Belgium draft horses, were named Charlie and Spike.  The barn dog was Nugget and he accompanied us on the sleigh ride by sitting next to Cory, our driver.

The sleigh was filled with pillows and blankets and was pretty comfortable until the sun went down about two-thirds of the way into the ride, then it became very cold with steam rising from Charlie and Spike's bodies as they pulled the sleigh.  But, oh what fun it is to laugh and sit in a sleigh - Hey!

Whitney and Jess in Sleigh!

After petting Charlie and Spike, getting a family photo with them and giving Nugget a final farewell pat on the head, we departed for a well-deserved dinner at the end of a glorious day!

Falcon Loop

December 26, 2010
Falcon Loop - USAFA
13 miles (12.71 on Garmin)
2:36:19
12:17 min/mile pace

It is the day after Christmas and the temperature is 49 degrees with sun high in the sky.  What a gorgeous day to run the Falcon Trail Loop.  13 miles on the map; however, my Garmin always comes up short.  I don't know if this is due to the trees on the trail giving me an incorrect reading or the fact that the trail is actually shorter than it says.  We'll go with Chris miles and say I ran 13 today!

I really wanted to get some distance in while I was in Colorado and today was the day for me to do it.  And where else would I run but the Falcon Trail?  I started at noon and parked across from the stadium as usual and ran toward the commissary and BX.  Less than 1.5 miles into the run and I passed a runner.  This makes me look over my shoulder for the next 2 miles before I can tell myself to let it go and not worry even if he does retake me.  I am not running for speed, for any particular time other than less than 3 hours, so why do this to myself?   After passing the commissary and the fire station at the bottom of the hill, I head into the trees again and finally relax to enjoy running the next ten miles.

For the 3rd week of December, the trails are in absolutely excellent condition with one exception, a crossing of the creek in the midst of the trees.
This crossing I did twice. The wooden plank across the creek (seen in photo) led to a small island.  Once I crossed it, I could not ford the creek ahead without getting my feet wet so I went back across the plank and stepped/jumped across the rocks that jutted out of the water.  I only got one foot wet this way and nothing really to speak of.

After this, the trail was once again perfect as seen below.

Falcon Trail going up toward Eagle Peak parking lot

 There were a few mountain bikers on the trail; however, not too many and all were very nice.  One even apologized for using his bell to notify me of his existence behind me.  I saw four other runners out and a family of three - grandfather, father, and son - hiking up a trail I was heading down around mile 10.  Other than that, not very many people out enjoying the unseasonably warm weather and great trail conditions.

After 13 miles, I was tired but very happy about my progress.  It took me far less time than I anticipated given the fact that I have not run longer than six miles in four months!  Bob said my base would still be with me after Leadville and I believe he's right.  I am tired; however, I ate well, drank enough; but probably could have drunk more; and nothing really hurting except my left IT band up by my hip and down to the knee.  But this is most likely due to my lack of real stretching last week and the influx of miles since I've been down here.

My food of choice today included pretzel sticks, red vines, and protein peanut butter balls.  Each offered me something I needed - carbs, salt and protein!  I only took two electrolyte tablets since I did not push the effort and the temperature stayed around 49 degrees for the entire run.

Tomorrow, Grand Lake and snow!  Hopefully some snow shoeing as well!

Merry Christmas~

December 25, 2010
Garden of the Gods
Family Hike
2.38 miles

It's Christmas in Colorado!  But what weather we are having!  The snow is hitting the east coast - my mother and brother had a white Christmas in Kentucky and here I am, at the base of the Rocky Mountains with nary a flake to be seen!

Since the family did not get out for a hike on Thanksgiving due to me stabbing my foot with a knife chopping celery for stuffing, I was able to convince them that a hike today would make up for it and was still due.  

Garden of the Gods

I call it a hike, my girls reckon it  more to be a forced march!  However, with the temperatures in the forties and a beautiful sunny sky, not too much muttering was heard from them when we stepped outside after opening our gifts to take advantage of the gorgeous day.   Unlike the time I had them hike up the hill behind our house two Thanksgivings ago in snow above the knee!  That was a true labor of love on their part and one we'll never forget ~ at least they won't let me forget it.

I love spending time with my family and spending it out-of-doors whenever possible.  So, of course, I always vote for a family hike if an opportunity arises.  I can hold sway usually only 3 times a year - Mother's Day, my birthday and Thanksgiving.  But since we did not hike this Thanksgiving, I begged for a Christmas hike.  Neither Whitney nor Jess wanted to be accused of being a Scrooge so a hike was accepted.   Jess and Rick chose Garden of the Gods and that was that.

We parked in the main parking lot and crossed the street to catch the Palmer Trail and turned left to go up the trail.  Once on this, we skirted the outside of the main rock formations with Whitney getting some great photos.  She is the shutterbug in the family.  Me, I just use my phone!

From there, we re-crossed the road and hit the Scotsman Trail heading back toward the main parking lot until we connected to the paved trails that weave through the rock formations in the center of the park.   Once on the paved portions, we were surrounded by loads of other families doing the same thing - spending quality time with their loved ones outside, enjoying nature.

My new gloves!  Christmas gift
from Whitney and Robin!

All in all, an outstanding hike with the family in a beautiful park.  Even better, I got to wear the new gloves I got for Christmas!  Aunt Robin and Whitney both bought me a pair of these gloves!  Robin lives in Virginia and Whit goes to school in Spokane, amazing that they could both find skull and crossed bones gloves!  Better watch out, BA mom is back in training!

Christmas Eve Run with the Guys

Santa Fe Trail
December 24, 2010
6.1 miles
56:14 min
9:13min/mile pace

Running with the guys is great!  Even when I haven't been doing the mileage and I feel it in my legs.  The emails went out and it was decided we needed to run Christmas Eve morning.  Chris, Bob, Dano, Me, Scooter, and Mike and Felix.

We started at Palmer Lake and headed down the Santa Fe except for Scooter who told me he would pass up on his way up to Palmer Lake and his 12 mile run and the catch us on the way down -- which of course he did!

The run was easy, the banter fun, and the morning perfect!  Even better when I found out Scooter made it into Boston!

Merry Christmas everyone and have a great day!

Jess Fox Run Part Duex

Jess Before Running

Fox Run Park
December 22, 2010
2.1 miles
26:18 minutes
13:09 min/mile

One look outside this morning revealed a frost covered world.  The temperatures have dropped over 20 degrees since yesterday and a grey, icy fog hangs over everything.   The day is not inviting to anyone.

Jess makes her way up stairs at 9 am.  "Are we still running this morning Mom?" she asks sleepily.  Of course we are I respond.  We just need to dress appropriately.  Hat, gloves, double layer and pants.  "Okay," Jess responds and heads back downstairs to make our appointed 9:30 am start.

We drive to the park and take a peek at the outside temperature reading on the car's dash -- 23 degrees.  It's not freakin' freezin' cold I tell Jess, just cold.  Out we dash for a quick photo and then we begin our run.

We warm up and start just as we did on Monday and make our way around the loop.  Jess is doing quite well and neither of us are suffering from the cold.  Yes, it's cold; however, there is no wind and we feel great.  One loop around and I look at my garmin and tell Jess we ran it 20 seconds faster than we did on Monday.  Yay.  Not a whole lot of whoopla coming from Jess this morning; but she readily agrees to a second loop.

This morning I see the tree decorated with ornaments and Christmas stockings as well as the fruit tree for the animals.  Almost all of the apple slices are gone and only a few oranges hang from the boughs.  Jess and I run by it and head onto the single track again instead of completing the second loop.  Jess takes the lead and determines when we walk and when we run.  She does a great job of only walking when necessary.  The single track gives us more distance and we hit 2 miles before we make it back to the parking lot.  Once at the 2 mile point, we elect to have a cool down walk and not push ourselves.

Overall, we've run almost 20 seconds faster a mile than Monday and we are both happy.  This calls for a reward so Jess and I head to the coffee shop for a much deserved treat!

Mom & Jess Starting the Day off right!

Jess and Fox Run

December 20, 2010
Fox Run Park
1.56 miles
20:42 minutes
13:19 min/mile

I'm home in Colorado!  I work and live in Casper, WY during the week and truly love my job; however, my youngest kiddo is here in Colorado and I miss her!  I went out and ran yesterday in Fox Run (3.32 miles @11:45 pace) and told Jess about it.  "Mom, I'll run with you tomorrow."  Yeah!

So, today is tomorrow and Jess and I have parked at Fox Run to run the almost mile loop.  We walk through the parking lot and begin the loop. It is uphill and I tell Jess let's take it easy and begin a brisk walk.  Most people go out way too fast and run too hard and then never repeat it.  I don't want my family to hate running.  While they may never enjoy it as much as I do, why push too hard and have them despise it?

Jess and I pick it up on the flat stretch and break into a nice slow jog.  Jess has been running at school and can pump out a mile pretty quickly on the old gym floor; however, running on trails about 1000 feet higher in elevation is a tad different and she begins to feel it pretty quickly.  As do I!  I have not run solidly for over three months and have felt the pounds creep up on me.  I work long days and then am loathe to hit city streets paved in darkness.

Jess and I slow to a walk at another uphill stretch and we chat a bit before rounding our first turn.  Once we hit this new trail, it is mostly downhill and a lovely stretch to run.  I tell her to let gravity do the work, breathe deeply and relax.  I hear her breathing even out and I resist the urge to fly.

We turn again and this time all the downhill that we just enjoyed disappears as well face a steep uphill for a bit.  nothing wrong with that, what goes down must come up and we run to a stump then walk to another.     We continue this practice until I see the end in sight and we run over the bridge.  We do not quite have a mile so I tell Jess we'll walk it out.  At a little over a mile we turn and jog back.

How do you feel? I ask Jess.  Okay is her reply.  Do you want to run a bit more?  Sure.  So we decide to go up the trail we just ran down, this time, walking briskly.  I spy a favorite single track that will take us almost to where we want to go and jump on it.  As I make my way onto the track a low branch snags my hat and it falls off.  I stop to pick it up and look at the tree.  It is covered with slices of apples and tiny oranges!  Someone has left a goody tree for the deer and other animals in Fox Run.  What a cool sight and one I would have missed if we stopped at a mile.  Jess tells me I missed another with a stocking in it back a little ways.  Darn it!

We run down the single track and turn right to return to the parking lot.  At 1.5 miles, we stop and walk the rest as a cool down.  What great mother daughter time.  Not a single other runner was out today - it was quite windy and we congratulated ourselves that a 50mph wind did not stop us from getting out.  Jess tells me she'll run again with me during the Christmas break. I'm excited; I know that running is not her sport so I won't push too hard.  I'll just take what I can get and enjoy it for all it's worth!