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Colorado Family Vacation and Altitude Training Camp

By Greg Sisengrath

July 21^st, 2016

I needed more training time climbing and at altitude. And the family wanted to return to Colorado for another summer vacation. Instead of Colorado Springs, we stayed in Silverthorne this year. It was a bit higher in elevation and was closer to the area that we’ll be racing at in August for Leadville 100.

Day 1: Red Rocks amphitheater & sliverthorne

We made a quick stop just outside of Denver to Red Rocks. So many people working out! You can’t blame them. I would love to have a place like this at home. After unpacking the car, we explored the trails just outside of our condo. I can’t believe that this was our view from the condo every day.

Colorado Family Vacation and Altitude Training Camp

day 2: buffalo cabin trail

Just a scant 0.6 miles from our condo was the Buffalo Cabin Trail. It started with about 2 miles of solid ascent on a somewhat technical trail. I turned back once I got midway through the boulder field, because I hadn’t planed on running long and wasn’t sure if I has enough water to make it all the way up and back. I still ended up with 5.6 miles / 1,913 ft of elevation in 1:50:42. I was most certainly coming back the next day.

day 3: Buffalo mountain summit

This time I carried an extra 17 oz of water and snack bar (wasn’t needed) for the full climb to the top. After the ascent of the boulder field, there was very steep trail to the summit. I was greeted at the top by a marmot and several lounging mountain goats. It was just amazing on the summit! Day 3 was 9.2 miles / 3,517 ft of elevation gain in 3:56:54.

day 5: looking for hope pass

Day 4 was a rest day as we took the family to Rocky Mountain National Park. The plan for Day 5 was to run a portion of the Leadville course from Twin Lakes to Hope Pass. Unfortunately, I took a wrong turn early in the run. I’m a poor planner. But I still managed 11 miles / 2,661 ft of gain in 3:17:34. The scenery was gorgeous. There are no boring runs in Colorful Colorado.

day 5: Willis gulch to twin lakes

Since I returned earlier than planned, Fiona and I headed out for a quick 1 hour run (on the correct trail) to get in a bit of extra work.

day 6: The Manitou incline

On our last day, we made a detour to Manitou Springs to climb the Incline. Unfortunately, the girls were a bit tired and we only made it to the bailout. It was still a great view!
I already miss Colorado and can’t wait to come back in 5 weeks.