First "Real" Day in Leadville

Even though its been almost 2 weeks since I hit the road, yesterday was my first real day back in Leadville.

I decided it would be a good idea to hike a 14er (14,000 ft peak).  I figured this would help me acclimate, and also be a good workout.

I got a little bit of a late start, and that was the beginning of some issues, but overall not a terrible day.

I got to the trailhead a little before 9:00 AM, and needed to be at the shop around 1:30 PM.  Based on last year's time of hiking Elbert in 3 hours and 21 minutes, I figured this would be no problem (it turns out that last year was in mid-July after becoming acclimated, and a better climber as well)

Early on, the trail looks like this:

This is the easy part, and is in the shadows.  It is quite nice.  On some of the switchbacks, you can get an early view of the surrounding area.

I was a little short of breathe, but the normal kind for being at 11-12,000 feet.  Nothing to worry about, so I pressed on. I drank plenty of water, and took small breaks to evaluate how I was feeling.  Everything was good enough.

A little higher up, the trees start to thin out just a little, and you get a glimpse of the peak.

I was still feeling good, as I reached the tree line in about an hour and a half (this is about 11,900 or 12,000 feet).

As you can hear, I am a getting winded some, but still feeling pretty good, and making decent time.

Further up the trail, I shot another short video so you could see what it looks like from above tree line, looking back down.  I realize this may be redundant or unnecessary for some readers, but for those that haven't made it to a place like this, I would like them to have a feel for it.

Above tree line, the trail becomes significantly more steep.  I took my time, steadily making decent time, and reaching the peak in about 3.5 hrs.  This is already more than the total time it took me to summit the peak, and then run down last year.

I snapped a few photos, and then headed down, hoping I could still make it to work on time.

On the jog down, I started noticing that I had a bit of a headache (the pounding variety).  I kept drinking water, eating, and taking breaks where I felt I needed to. 

By the time I reached tree line, I was out of water.  Not being quite used to the altitude, I needed more water than I would in a few weeks from now, so I did not plan that very well.  By the time I got to the bottom, I wasn't feeling well, and I was already late for work.  The trip took just under 5 hours, which meant it was 1:45 PM, and I was supposed to be there at 1:30 PM.

I rushed to work, got in a truck, and drove to Denver...pounding water from a gallon jug the entire way.  I actually started feeling a little better, but still had a headache.

A good night's sleep, and lots of water, and I feel much better today.

Some will view this as a shameless plug, but it can be two things (a shameless plug, and a declaration of my love for these bars).  I love these bars.  They are delicious, and there is nothing fake in them.  They have been powering my runs and hikes for a while now.

Check them out here when you get a chance:  http://thunderbirdenergetica.com

Run camp starts this week, and some pretty big names in the ultra world will be there, so I will hopefully have some good stories, and pictures for you in a few days.

Go outside and do something active today!