While a couple tendons in my ankles are still slowly recovering from the trans-Arizona abuse they sustained a couple weeks ago, my leg muscles have no recovered nicely. That meant this weekend was time to beat some more miles into them in preparation for my next running race, which is only a month away. After only running a few times in the month since the Spring RATS race in Fruita, I've been getting progressively more worried about only having a few more weeks for training, and on top of that, two injured tendons.
Last weekend I ran twice and aggravated those tendons again. A little road riding didn't help any, either. In fact, cycling seems to be the primary problem. Well, amazingly, in contrast to my usual bad habits, I backed off. The bikes have been on the wall for 9 days now, I spent a lot of time stretching and massaging, and then went for some easy hikes. The first one was a mile, then 3, then 7. Then I ran 4 miles, then 7, and then 4 again, and all seemed good. Then another one of those troublesome weekends with beautiful weather arrived.
On Saturday I ran with a big crew up around Lumpy Ridge in Rocky Mountain NP. The goal was to get some high-elevation miles in ahead of some of the upcoming high-elevation ultras. I planned to run one 11-mile loop, and if the ankles felt good, maybe a bit more. It was warm and windy up there, but the trail was a fun one with spectacular views, and the group kept everyone entertained. Best of all, the ankles never hurt, my legs carried me around twice, and I felt great when all was said and done.
Gem Lake with white caps?
Chris below the front side of Lumpy Ridge
Almost back to the trailhead after lap 1. Burrito break time.That success led to foolishly ambitious plans for today involving another run to Ned, but starting by hitting the peaks right above town before dropping back down to Eldo. Our feet hit the dirt shortly after 8, and by noon, we were in Eldo filling the water bladders back up having spent the entire morning on singletrack. Three hours later, we were sitting on the bank of a little creek filling up on water again, having enjoyed more great trail and a bit of dirt road and 2-track to link things together. We finished up with one of my favorite trails around, following a ridge crest and crossing broad meadows before ducking into a dark ponderosa pine forest. A little more dirt road and singletrack brought us into Ned with enough time to feast on an 18" pizza before catching the bus home. Good legs, acceptable ankles, and two big smiles at the end...possibly my best run yet.
Oof.
It's green around Boulder right now!
Tough to beat this...
...but this ridge may just take the cake.
8 hours in and nearing the end...and pizza.
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