Chasing Vertical

Solid workout yesterday at White Ranch State Park, outside of Golden as Matt Kempton and I tried to get in our long run with a bit more vertical than usual. Doing the full loop of the park in the clockwise direction, it begins with a 4.5mi climb that gains 1,751ft vertical topping out at about 7,850ft elevation (7.2% incline) and absolutely destroys me as I try to chase Matt up it.

We had some great weather (~50 deg F) though and the trails were finally clear of the snow/ice that had plagued them for the past month or more. I won't lie, this loop totally kicked my ass, but... I still ran many of the parts that I had run before at P.B. paces and finished the loop with the 4th fastest time to-date on the 14mi long Strava segment.

This week we had some great weather and I tried to take advantage of it. Climbed almost 7,000ft so far and should end up at about 45miles. Hoping for one or two more like this before I potentially get back to work and the relentless work-travel begins again.