I am not exactly sure how I stumbled across this idea, but I decided that I wanted to run segment 7 of the Colorado Trail. Most people take the Colorado Trail from Denver to Durango, so it was difficult to find clear details about running from Copper Mountain to Breckenridge. Since we are staying in Copper Mountain, this seemed the easier route to take. My original plan was to run it last Thursday, but my insomnia was worse than usual and I was still concerned about not having a clear idea of the route. Getting lost on top of a mountain didn't seem like something I wanted to do. On Friday, we ran a bit on the course and I spoke with a mountain biker. I was assured that the route would be easy to follow. I was a little nervous about running alone. What if I got hurt? What if there was a wildlife issue? And as a woman, it's always a little scary to be on your own out on remote trail. I once asked Jamil what he thought about my safety running the Phoenix Mountain preserve alone early in the morning, while it is still dark. His response was basically, it's fine for me, but probably not for you. But, I did it! All by myself!
Here are some pictures of my trip. My Garmin wasn't working (and I can't find the charger for my Suunto) so I only have time data. Although, I forgot to stop my watch at one point so I was a little faster than my recorded time. My pack rubbed my neck and was a real problem. Ouch! The run was beautiful, not that difficult and I highly recommend it!
Here are some pictures of my trip. My Garmin wasn't working (and I can't find the charger for my Suunto) so I only have time data. Although, I forgot to stop my watch at one point so I was a little faster than my recorded time. My pack rubbed my neck and was a real problem. Ouch! The run was beautiful, not that difficult and I highly recommend it!
This is my "in case I get lost and COSAR needs to know what I looked like when I left" picture
First turn off the rec path and on to the Colorado Trail.
The wildflowers are beautiful!
Making the turn off Wheeler Trail to stay on the Colorado Trail.
These high altitude meadows are amazing and beautiful!
It's so beautiful up here! And it was surprisingly runnable after I passed through the meadow.
Descending! This was super runnable and not steep at all.
I called this the bowl. After running switchbacks I descend into this "bowl".
Confirmation that I was going the right way!
I thought this meant I had half a mile, but I was wrong. I actually had 3.5 miles. In half a mile I went from elated to depressed.
I really thought I could finish in 2:30, but I finished in 2:48. I still think I could finish in 2:30 and definitely want to come back and try again!
