I wasn’t too sure what to expect today. Will my legs be able to respond after 45 miles in two days? Could I do 120 miles over the course of a week? They say no shirt, no shoes, no service…will my pantslessness be tolerated?
The answers to all those questions proved to be yes. The run was amazing, and while I haven’t yet attempted to check out the book, I assume that the librarians in the People’s Republic of Boulder will understand that the only way to read The Audacity of Hope is 100% commando. Anyway, today’s run traveled up to the Continental Divide, providing an exquisite glimpse into the beauty of Colorado, and also the great gifts of nature. I want to use this post to take you on a journey up the trail, with nothing but curiosity and a camera (check out the blog for the same thing, but with more cursing!).
The ran began at Hessie Trailhead outside of Nederland (20 miles from Boulder) with a slowly ascending trail alternating between meadow and forest.
We’re here, we’re taking pictures of flowers, get used to it.
After 4 miles, the trail began to approach the Continental Divide, with a quick detour to King Lake.
Quick break to do some open-water practice.
Now it was time to go up in earnest. This is also what Earnest overheard just before his colonoscopy.
The sound you just heard was the simultaneous dry heaving of every female ST reader.
About 7 miles in, a beautiful, rolling trail traversed the Continental Divide around 12,000 feet. It was called Lonesome Trail. There is a picture of the trail sign pointing at me, but things got too real to post that.
That is my dad. He is a monster. At least that’s what small children say.
Next was a trip off the Divide on Devil’s Thumb Trail. I didn’t know Rush Limbaugh had extremities in such high places.
THOSE FLOWERS ARE FREAKING HUGE!
About 10 miles in, a very still pond sat beside the trail. Now, this was one of the cooler things I have seen, so I wanted to share an altered photo with you. The reflections of trees on the opposite bank were so clear that flipping the camera resulted in an eerie, ghost-like scene.
I think I read about this in Goosebumps.
After 12 miles, we left the exposed valley. But how do I know which way the trail is???
Sherlock, which way!?
Finally, a few miles from the trailhead, the trail meandered through meadows and trees before skirting Boulder Creek. Off the trail 200 feet was a waterfall, and because I am so freaking masculine, I climbed into a cave in its underbelly. Luckily there were no flowers in the cave, or that previous sentence would be immediately refuted.
It’s water. It’s falling. SHINY OBJECT.
Arriving back at the car with the post-run euphoria, I paused. We sometimes complicate athletics; we sometimes complicate life. But, taking just a moment to pause and look a little bit closer, one thing is simple and clear:
Life is amazing.
3 day total:
60.6 miles (51% of weekly goal)
Hmmm…it is either an old lady, a beautiful young woman, or a nipple.
Did you make it this far??? Well, you are officially a winner. SUGGESTIVE FLOWER PRIZE TIME:
Suggested Comment: This is what happens to Dave when he sees flowers.
