Sunday, January 11, 2009

What is a good day?

Yesterday was a great work out day, with the day encompassing 3 activities with decent time spent on each. The day started out chilly but with no wind so the bike was in order. Head up to Ward only to have that wind show up once I was in the canyon. Lately (sadly today included) here in Boulder, we have had crazy winds that hasn't really allowed for much riding outside. So when there is no wind, the temperatures shouldn't prevent you from taking advantage of an opportunity to get outside. Besides, the trainer looks so unappealing!
The ride up to Ward was uneventful other than having no problem with the climb. Which was a nice surprise at this time of year. All of the skate skiing seems to be paying off? The weather was chilly but I was well bundled up for the temperatures. When riding in temperatures in the lower range, you realize how important good winter gear is. Once I started nearing Ward, I had some encounters with the snow/ice but nothing you couldn't get out of with moving into the road a bit. At this time of year, there aren't too many cars going up the canyon, so you tend to be alone with nothing but the wind and the occasional wildlife sighting.
One down, it was onto the next activity, skate skiing up at Eldora. My wife picked me up on in Ward so we could head over to Eldora for a little 'lung puking'. Of course the wind was howling up there, and the 'Helldora' name held true on this day. Snow was nice but the wind was obnoxious. This was one day I was pleased to be on the Nordic trails and not sitting on a swinging lift. Skating is a mixture of gracefulness and hurling. As you get some respite from the overwhelming cardio workout, you can look in the snow covered trees and realize how precious the wilderness is. But quickly you are back to the next hill and your urge to puke your lungs out again. After getting some miles in on the skis and it was time to head down the canyon for #3.
Hall Ranch in Lyons was the culprit and 10 miles on the trails. The wind showed its head again and Noel and Steve pushed the pace. We were going out for a new trail at the top of the loop. We had the place to ourselves. The new trail was perfect. Quiet and some big buck sightings. Steve made the remark that, "you only get 1 first time on a new trail, so enjoy it". Couldnt have put it any better. As we ran through the woods, I made sure to get a good look around. That trail is just spectacular. A lot like running in the La Sals in Utah. A must do for both of them.
At this point I was starting to feel the previous 2 activities but it was a good feeling. There is no better feeling of accomplishment then getting home on a weekend evening exhausted. 1 day of your life well lived.
So in the end there was 3000+ feet of climbing on the bike, 10 miles on the skis, and 10 miles on the running trails. Not bad for a Saturday. Just another day here Boulder and it surrounding mountains. Love it!