Headed up to Grandeur Peak for the first time this year. After being disappointed with myself for not running yesterday, I knew I had to get my head back in it. And as much as I didn't want to go, I dragged my butt to the parking lot and made my way up the west ridge.
I completely forgot how steep this is (nearly a 25% avg grade). All winter long I've dreamt of pushing myself up steep mountain trails and busting out new PR's with each ascent. My mind always makes it seem easier though, and when I actually get out there and do it again, I'm quickly reminded of how brutal the trails can be. As such, I didn't PR and didn't even really have the motivation to push myself. So I wimped out and just cruised up while enjoying the scenery.
After taking in the view from up top, I decided that I needed to push the downhill hard. I needed redemption! So I turned around and headed back down the way I came. About 1/3 of the way down, the trail splits off to the north. I decided to take that route since it seems more runnable. I pounded the rest of the descent and with my quads screaming, finally reached the parking lot. Turned out to be a great day.
5 miles
1:42:26
3268' vert | 