Enjoying the autumn

When we lived in FL, we used to take a long weekend trip up to the Smokey Mountains of TN or NC to see the fall colors. Compared to the FL weather, the cooler temps was a nice change. Now that we're out here in some REAL mountains, it's very cool that it's so convenient to go check out the colors and cooler temps at our leisure.














Last weekend, Allison and I went with Lee, Monique and Connor on a drive to nowhere in particular to see what we could see. It was fun to drive around in such a scenic place with no agenda. We stopped when we wanted to and had a picnic then later went for a hike.














Good times!

fall means college football!

While living in Florida, one of the things Allison and I really enjoyed was getting to drive up to Tallahassee to see FSU play football. We haven't had that opportunity in a while so when I heard that FSU was coming to Boulder to play CU, then I figured I'd have to find a way to get tickets to it. Luckily for me, Allison's cousin in Colorado Springs got tickets from his boss who wasn't able to use them and we got to go for free.














Florida State won the game, but it was an ugly one. Although I was surrounded by CU fans, everyone was nice an diddn't give me a hard time for wearing my FSU gear.














Good times! Go NOLES!

fun around the corner

Here's a few shots from the trails I've found close to home. These are the ones I run or ride to from my front door.




























































As Mr. Wakefield advised recently, I'm just trying to "soak it in" right now. Once the baby comes, I'm not sure how active I'll be able to be at first, but for now, I'm trying to enjoy it as much as I can. It'll be nice when some friends come visit so I can share this with them!

adjusting the training

Due to the complexities of the house buying/closing, the packing up, moving, unpacking, working, and getting used to a new city/state, etc, I've had to take off longer than I wanted to from running. In the last 4 weeks, I've only been able to run a couple of times. This week, I've been able to get in three runs and I've already discovered that I'm not quite fully adjusted to the altitude yet.
On a very cool note, I've discovered some trails within running/riding distance from home and they take me up to a rattlesnake infested high plain leading up and around a ridge line with a great view of Denver and the front range. Not overly technical, but it gives a good 7-13 mile workout with long gradual climbs and descents and lots of fresh air!


















Before the Leadville Marathon, I got a pair of Montrail Continental Divides and have loved them, but for one thing. A blister forms on my right heel whenever I don't run at least 3 times per week every week to keep the callous toughened up. Looks like I'll have to pick up the mileage or switch shoes again..... or both!

Meeting the locals...

Saturday, we went up to the Vail area to check out the local (somewhat) adventure race scene. There was an AR being put on by Adventure Xstream and I wanted to see how well organized it was and how they did things. For this venue, they had a sprint distance and a 12 hour distance race. For other locations, they do a 12 and a 24 hour race. It looks like a pretty well done operation and I think I'll volunteer for the next race in Moab at the end of September. This will give me time to continue to train and get my "mountain legs" under me so that hopefully, I'll be ready to race in this series next year.

SUnday, we went to see our friends Lee, Monique and Connor in Evergreen, CO and to attend the Chili Cook Off. There were 40+ types of Chili and we had a good time tasting most of them and voting on our favorites. On the way to Evergreen, we were held up by a group of Elk crossing the road. As you can see from the pics, there was one bull (with a huge rack) and several females with their young 'uns. Looks like that bull has been busy! They're so used to the people that you can walk close enough to touch them though I wouldn't try it.















Of course no weekend in the mountains would be complete without some form of trail activity. I talked Lee into riding with me over at Elk Meadow trail for a little while. This weekend, the temps dropped and the high on Sunday was around 58 in Evergreen. This part of the year is a transition from Summer to Winter with very fickle weather so you never know what to expect. Fun stuff!

moving right along

Things have been going pretty well lately. Since the last post (almost 2 months ago... SHEESH) I've had some pretty big changes.
The wife and I are now living in Highlands Ranch, CO and we're LOVING it! The weather had been awesome and the close proximity to the mountains is like living next to a candy store only much healthier! It's been about 2 weeks since I've been running, but I had the chance to get in a bike ride out at Alderfer/Three Sisters park in Evergreen. Going for a lung-busting run today!














My little girl is still on schedule to be born in November and the Dr says she's measuring big for how far along she is. Looks like at least an 8.5 pounder! My wife wants to start the anesthesia now! Updates on that here.
More updates with more pics SOON!