Up/Down Gregory/Ranger
5.3 miles/2,306 vert./1:04:10 RT (44:18 up/19:51 down)/147 avg. HR Garmin Data
Was planning to meet Tony and Homie for a lap on Green at 6:45am, but was feeling a little under the weather all day yesterday and bailed on them in the evening, not knowing how I would feel when I awoke this morning.
Woke up and felt better than expected, but my throat was still a little phlegmy and sore. Regardless though, I could not pass up an opportunity to get outside on such a fine day and in such perfect snow conditions, so I promised myself I would go easy and brought the dog along to ensure that (that and she LOVES this snow even more than I do).
Happened to bump into Tony and Gavin finishing a lap at the Gregory lot and chatted with them for a bit, then headed up Gregory/Ranger. Took it pretty easy, just going a pace where I would not get too far ahead of Sierra and she actually did a great job keeping up for the most part.
Bumped into Dan B. about 80 seconds from the summit and chatted with him for a while, mostly talking about the new Aussie pup he was going to get today. Good to see him.
Spent a few minutes on the summit taking in the views (that never get old) and giving Sierra some good hugs and pats (never gets old either). The trail/trench conditions right now could not be better and without really pushing on the descent (OK, I pushed a bit once or twice, but quickly backed off, as I was literally drowning in my throat mucus), I was able to set what I think is a PR for me on that route, 19:51. I know now that in equal conditions, without the dog and throat funk, I could take some off of that (averaged a mellow 148 HR for this PR descent). My feet just felt particularly quick and accurate this morning (greatly aided by the prime smooth track).
Sunday is the next time I can get out and enjoy, so I hope the perfect conditions continue and I feel better by then.
