Distance: 26.25 miles
Moving Time: 4:43:06
Pace: 10:47 /mi
Elevation: 1,991 ft
Calories: 2,862

I showed up for every workout this week to strive for excellence. Even last night, knowing I was potentially looking at a marathon in the morning, I still got after it for the full hour. 277 push-ups, 56 pull-ups, and moving over 5500 lbs of iron. A solid 440 calorie workout after a 10-hour warehouse shift.

At work, Amazon just added a “wellness center” in our facility. It’s about a 15×15 padded space with a couple different rollers and a big stretching contraption that also allows for multi-grip pull ups. This space is encouraged, and I don’t mind if I do.

I’ve been starting most mornings with 10 rounds of nickels and dimes (five pull-ups/10 push-ups) followed by another 15 minutes of rolling hips and calves. I think I convinced the safety department to buy a thera-gun too.

On the last couple big runs, I spent those sessions for climbing. But considering this is a last big push before Secret Beach, I wanted to stretch it out with miles on feet. Not a ton of inclines on this one, but definitely some hills that broke my heart towards the end. I’ll go more vertical next week.

The Dawson Butte trail has many beautiful and typical Colorado views. Snow covered mountains in the distance, single trail paths through the trees, and open fields with sunshine and gusty winds. One lap is 5 miles; descending the first two and climbing roughly 400 ft for the remaining 3 miles.

Today the trail was dry with many areas similar to beach sand. The weather was amazingly in the mid-60s and was accompanied by a strong cool breeze. Occasionally, a long sleeve shirt would have been nice, but I was comfortable through the windless, ridge covered pine trees. The trail also included lots of hikers, dogs, horses, dung, and a handful of mountain bikers. Without a doubt, a beautiful day to be outside.

I came out with a simple strategy of being efficient while continuing to hydrate and eat. I was well stocked with liquids and nutrition, but confusingly had to pee three times in the first hour and a half. I was slightly concerned about losing electrolytes, but was now more vigilant about returning fluids.

The first three laps went quite well, but between miles 19-24, particularly the climbing, I struggled a bit. My legs became uncomfortable and I felt uneasy waiting for it to pass. While I was definitely slower, around mile 24 my body finally accepted the discomfort and I started to groove again. I was also hungry for heavier food. This is where I’ll attempt to capitalize at the aid stations with refueling. I’m looking forward to having ramen and potatoes in my arsenal for Oregon.