Planned ER 2:05:00 z1-z2

Distance 10.70 mi
Moving Time 2:29:46
Pace 14:00 /mi
Elevation 2,552 ft.
Calories 1,445

I may have underestimated the difficulty of this trail; however, it was probably one of the best I ever had. It was a legitimate Colorado Trail with plenty of technical terrain.

Prior to beginning, I drove to the trailhead, studying the map because I didn’t have any service. I didn’t think ahead on downloading the area to the AllTrails app either. My phone was basically useless for this run, but thankfully I brought it for the photo opportunities.

The run started peacefully pleasant from the campsite just moments to the trailhead. Jamming to a Chainsmokers podcast, the comfort of music didn’t last long.

I could tell there was incline from the trail map, but didn’t realize I’d climb 1800 ft in less than an hour. After the first 10 minutes, I started rethinking the entire strategy for the whole run. I removed my headphones because I couldn’t hear myself think. The moment I took them out, I immediately went into this “let’s go to work” state of mind.

The terrain for that first hour was quite brutal. Large chunky rocks and roots plastered the uphill trail with several logged water crossings. Not familiar with this type of trail, I kept tripping myself with my trailing foot because I wasn’t lifting my feet high enough. I actually started to get quite frustrated about it. Taking notice of how this made me feel, I wanted to focus on my attitude and think deeper about not letting it get the best of me.

I felt my attitude take an immediate shift when I finally noticed one of the water crossings flowing in the opposite direction of the rest. This meant I was closer to summiting and turning away from the incline.

When the terrain finally started to level out I immediately noticed a difference in how my body felt. I felt good, strong, and ready for the decent. Overall, it felt like a long enjoyable roller coaster. Fun!

Around the 6 mile mark, I was in a valley and couldn’t find the trail because of a large water crossing. This forced me to dig into the map settings on my watch and figure out how to find it. Much easier than I thought, super cool features I bought the watch for and finally got to use them.

At the same time pausing the run, I took notice of the snow covered mountain in front of me. It was breathtakingly gorgeous!

Crossing the river on several stable logs, I picked up the trail again and started another climb. It was around this moment I started to strategize on the fuel I had. I departed with four gels and two 16 oz waters in my running pack, this being the first use. Both water bottles had caffeinated performance packs.

A quick note on the running pack. I immediately noticed the weight on my shoulders and felt the reciprocated discomfort in my lower back. Especially feeling it on the early hump uphill. Overall though, it was comfortable and I think it’s going to work out just fine.

For shoes, I went with my newish Brooks Cascadia’s. On the previous break-in trail runs, I had some issues on the big and little toes. To force the break-in a bit more, I had shoe stretchers in them for the previous 3 days. Those too, are going to work out just fine.

All that uphill; the downhill finally came around. About 3 mi of it was on a very steep cliff where the trail was very slim and quite slanted. This forced the use of probably every muscle in my legs and feet. The terrain was nice though, sandy and soft. At times, the green grass and weeds were so tall I could barely see my feet or the trail. I recall several moments of total bliss in the wilderness without a soul in sight.

I had 17 water crossings with several skipping from rock to rock, and others using logs. A few splashes and muddy steps, though my feet never becoming completely submerged. Seven “over the log” crossings and four “hands and knees” under crossings. It goes without saying, this trail had everything!

After I could finally visualize the start point on my watch for the last couple miles, it was around this moment I could also feel those calves activating and soft spots on the big toes. I was ready to finish.

Thirty minutes overtime, I was quite pleased with what I overcame, how good I felt, and the mindset I had for the entire run. This is what I signed up for!