I'm not religious, but if I were, I'd hope heaven looks pretty much like running this trail.
A couple of visits ago I got passed by Scott Jurek and some friends from Europe on this hill. I'm slow, but I'm slow compared to Scott Jurek!! Woo-hoo!
I think I'm finally getting the rhythm of this run. You know how on strange trails, you don't really know how long it is to the next landmark? I'm finally getting that on this trail. I think of it as being split into two hanging valleys, meaning there are two climbs separated by long sections of somewhat flat trail. And it's roughly 50/50. By the time you make the second steeper ascent, you arrive at Jasper Lake.
But I don't stop there for long, I proceed through the forest away from shore.
The most exciting part of this loop. Don't trip and fall!
On top of the pass looking down on Middle Park, i.e. Winter Park/Fraser:
Part of Winter Park ski resort, with Vasquez Cirque (I think) in the back:
King Lake, probably the most scenic part of the loop:
Possibly the best wildflowers I've seen in the Indian Peaks are here:
After this there were many miles of running through pine woods. I remember it being tiring and somewhat boring (yeah, I'm somewhat spoiled), but this time it was relaxing and enjoyable. I filtered some water on the way down from the stream, which is a fork of Boulder Creek, and kept an almost steady pace.
A stroll along Kountze Lake back in Lakewood at dusk:
Distance was 17.23 miles, time 5:26 (moving 4:00), elevation gain/loss 3,875 feet, avg. pace 18:56 (moving 13:57), and best pace 5:55.
I struggled with the hills a little on this run, yet I was still jogging the switchbacks up near the pass around 12k elevation. It was mainly the really rocky, steppy sections that got to me and that I ended up hiking. Those always seem to wear me down. I did feel less tired on this run than past years, even though I rarely take a day off now. It was strenuous, but not "epic" in feel. And I like that I can do that.
