While running in the mountains of Colorado, the trail views have been spectacular.  We are heading back to Pittsburgh tomorrow, so I couldn’t resist heading out for one more long run in the mountains.

I chose to run from our condo and pick up the Colorado trail again.  This time however, I chose to run east, as opposed the west, which I did last week. What a very different run it turned out to be.

The Colorado Trail going east out of Copper Mountain is tough.  Much tougher than going west.  I was hoping for a relatively easy run, but that went out the window, when I discovered that the trail went uphill constantly for over two miles.  It was still going upwards, when it was time for me to turn around.  I had climbed over 1,600 feet, with some sections being very steep.

It was a good workout and the view, at the point where I turned around, was beautiful (see today’s photo).  I was just below the tree-line at about 11,400 feet in elevation when I turned around.  

Coming down the trail was obviously easier, but even then, I came across sections that were too steep to run safely.  I did a lot of power walking today.  Aerobically, I actually felt more in control on this run.  I think the past ten days here at 9,500+ feet, have helped me acclimatize.  I am really looking forward to running in Pittsburgh, where I can breath again.

I have loved running up here in the mountains. The trail views have been amazing and I will miss them.  Until next time Colorado…..