5.19.24 | Sunday | West Grandeur Loop
Morning Run
A long line of parked cars lead me to the trailhead.
Busy morning.
I’m lucky.
Snag a spot at the front.
Grab my poles and start the watch.
This trail gets straight to business.
Just over 3,400’ of climbing in two’ish miles.
.
I love climbing.
I’m instantly in a flow state.
Arms, legs, and lungs - synchronized.
Body on autopilot.
Let the mind just wander.
It’s a long climb.
Brain on vacation.
.
The summit comes into view.
Almost no snow.
I feel the work.
Stay in it.
Won’t be long.
.
It’s a party on top.
Dogs and humans.
I chat.
Say goodbye.
Begin the descent.
Love this descent.
Runnable.
Fast.
Technical in spots.
I hoot and holler.
This is fun.
Legs feel pretty good.
Enjoying the ride.
.
On the pipeline now.
Warm and flat.
The heart rate is steady
I’m in it.
Take a sip of the salty sweet mixture.
Almost out of fluids.
Not much longer, anyway.
Really do enjoy this loop.
.
Poles for the last descent.
Probably look awkward, descending with poles.
I like it.
It is awkward.
Engaging.
Four points of contact.
Stable.
I need to train this.
Distributing the load.
Imagining I am a deer, an elk.
Learning to run on four legs.
Lot to learn.
.
Still having fun.
I lean into the trail.
Should have been a bird.
I’m flying.
Still having fun.
.
Always have fun.