The morning started great with bright sunshine. I had an English muffin with peanut butter, preserves, cacao nibs and strawberries. Complimented with a packet of instant oatmeal.

The drive to Golden was a pleasant 22 minutes. Popular during the American gold rush, the quaint town it situated on the edge of the Rockies Mountain range. I created a course for my watch through the spider web of trails at White Ranch Park, but a gate at the parking lot stated closed for muddy conditions. I got robbed of another 12-mile loop.

Luckily, only 5 minutes away was the North Table Mountain
Park. A single flat mountain about a mile east of the range with hiking trails around, through, and over the mountain.

There was heavy contemplation on layer selection today.
Though the sun was out, it was still a cool 37°. I decided on shorts and a long sleeve lightweight. My hat was off my ears and my gloves were tucked inside the back of my waistbelt. I had three gels and 16oz of water with a scoop of SOS in each bottle.

Laced up and ready to go, I quickly glanced at the map board and decided to wing the route. A rough estimate around the entire mountain was 6 miles, perfect for two laps.

I didn’t particularly feel strong, but felt exceptionally good for most of the run. The steep climb at the beginning was a wakeup call! I thought I could jog the whole thing, but ended up walking a good portion of it.

The trail wasn’t too difficult with lots of single trail, and others with gravel wide enough for a car. Muddy track prints included bikes, horses, dogs, boots and shoes. Some rocky areas existed, but not too technical.

Near the end of the first lap at just over 8 miles, I was looking forward to the large incline at the beginning again. I power walked it this time and felt an intense body alive experience. My muscles became strong throughout my whole body as my legs powered through with wide strides. It felt sadistic that my energy derived in observing the accent cause so much pain and suffering in everyone else’s face. Hats off to those dad’s with children on their backs.

Upon reaching the top, I started jogging again while catching my breathe. I used a pass-through trail on the second loop, making it just over 4 miles.

Not too much pain or discomfort in my feet today. Though I
haven’t solved the issue with more comfortable trail shoes yet. I tried on countless Altras, but none of them we’re particularly sticking out. Either a bit too big, or a tad too small. I intend to be more open-minded with brand names on my next visit. I like the Brooks Cascadia’s I’m in now, but maybe I should try those wider or a half size up. I also just heard about Topos, they have a wide toe box too.

I have a new thought on what’s causing unnecessary pain in my foot. Sandals! I’ve had a particular brand of sandals that are a full size bigger than most of my shoes. Not able to use an orthotic with them, I noticed an unnatural raise in my big toe to keep the strap between it causing an improper strike. Could this be the culprit?! I specifically noticed this after recently buying my first pair of recovery slides. The amount of pressure off my sesamoid is incredible, I literally never want to wear sandals again.

Lastly, what are your thoughts on running poles? I’ve never
used them, only watched a handful of videos.