Allison proposed that we head to Sanitas, in search of warm and dry trails. We parked at Settlers Park and warmed up over Red Rocks. My plan was to run "fast" up the S. ridge while she and Sierra took Dakota Ridge to the Eastern ascent and I would meet them along the way. After an all too brief warm up, I started my watch and was immidiately going a somewhat quick, but seemingly comfortable pace. I kept upping the intensity and knew I was moving well and was hoping to sneak in under 18, but in the back of my mind, I was sure I was going to be closer to 17. A little past the 1/2 way mark, I started to feel a bit of burn that I just could not shake off, so I backed it down a touch and hit the top at 17:44. I was reasonably happy with that, especially since I have not been too focused on going fast for a long time, only a couple runs this year where I really pushed. I think I am getting to the point where I have laid down enough base and endurance and need to start upping the intensity a few times per week.
I briefly caught my breath at the summit and continued down the other side where I met Allison and Sierra at the sign board where the valley trail really starts to climb back up the Eastern flanks of Sanitas. I went down and past Allison for a bit, turned and worked hard to catch back up to her while Sierra paced me along.
From the summit, we headed back down the S. Ridge, headed up Anemone to the high point and came back down. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday morning.
