Monday, 12/15/08 Sanitas X 2

6 miles
2,600 vertical

Headed out the door at 8am and the thermometer read -13 (after dipping to -18, a new record for this date). I totally spaced it when I got up and did not notice the negative sign in front of the number and thought it was warmer than it was, but after walking the dog, I knew something was not right since my nose was about to fall off. Despite having studded snow tires and AWD, S. Boulder road was a parking lot, so I gave up and went home. I sat it out for an hour hoping all the 9-5ers had made it in to work and gave it another go, but it still took me an extra 20 minutes to get to the TH.

The trail had seen a good bit of traffic and was nicely packed if a bit icy, but perfect for a sharp pair of studded shoes. I went quickish, but did not want to suck in too much cold air or break a sweat so I never really pushed too hard. There was a major inversion today and the upper half of the mountain was actually quite warm (relatively). On the second lap I was even carrying my mittens, as my hands were just too warm.

Lap 1:

Up in 23:37
RT in 37:47

Lap 2:

Up in 23:32
RT in 37:37

Saturday, 12/13/08 Bear/S. Boulder/Bear

9.5 miles
3,600 vertical

Allison and Sierra joined me for a stroll from the S. Mesa TH. Went pretty easy for most of the way, until I got clearance to cruise ahead once we were half way up. Allison was just going to do S. Boulder, but at the last minute decided to add Bear, so I ended up chasing her for another lap on Bear. Great day to be out. 2:38 RT.