I’m getting so close to my final goal. When I first started this journey, I just wanted to get in shape and feel better physically and mentally. Along the way, I’ve really enjoyed working out in the gym. I never thought I’d like lifting, but it’s been a great challenge.
Each day after the gym, I’ve been trying to do some type of cardio workout, whether it be a hike, bike, or getting back to running. It’s been a little difficult lately to keep up the Cardio since the weather has been so yucky in Ouray. I’m continuing to work on getting stronger each morning in the gym, but still have a ways to go.
Unfortunately, at this point, it’s all diet.
Douche bag gym selfie…!!Getting there..!!
Here is my pile of clothes I have that no longer fit. Ironic that I had bought some “goal clothes” to wear, but at this point, they’re too big…!! I breezed right by the chance to wear them. That was stupid…!! Going up to Goodwill to drop them off before leaving for Cali.
Well…. apparently I have too much time on my hands. Today I was inspired to bring back the ‘Stache’…!!!
For too long it’s been criticized and mocked. Today, I decided to make a stand and ‘stand’ up for the ‘Stache’…!!
It’s been almost 10 years since my chin has touched sunlight and it feels quite strange, but we all have to make sacrifices for the things we believe in. Plus, now that it’s cold, I’m tired of having to blow dry it each time after a shower in order to go outside.
Here’s to bringing back the ‘Stache’….!!!!!
Hail to my friends sporting such an iconic look. I stand with you my brothers…
Bringing the Stache back.
The ‘Stache’ is on the comeback.
I think this was the longest I had the beard back in November of 2013. People don’t realize, but a beard takes a LOT of work and maintenance.
Not to mention how many times I would zipper my beard up in my jacket. It actually was so long at one point, I remember I had to untuck it from the covers of the bed or I would feel smothered…!!
After a fantastic time in Vail, it’s time to head over to Winter Park to meet my best friends, Susan and Bill. I’m so looking forward to seeing them and spending the weekend together. They’re just amazing people and have been true friends through and through. I’m lucky to be their friend.
When I got to Winter Park, it was early evening. I checked into my hotel and was still feeling great after my bike ride from yesterday. The temperature was perfect and the colors were calling my name for a run in the woods.
I grabbed my shoes and headed out for a run on the trails across from Winter Park Resort. It couldn’t have been a better day to run the trails.
A running selfie.
Couldn’t be happier running on the trails in the beautiful colors of Colorado this time of year. So lucky to be able to be in this state and take in its beauty.
Since the weather has been pretty ugly in Ouray, I decided to head to Vail again since the forecast there is calling for sun. I woke up on Thursday in the Vail Valley to a beautiful sunny, cloudless sky. What an amazing morning…!!!
The past two attempts at Vail’s summit have been semi-successful, but the challenge has been to make it over the pass, descend to Copper and bike back. I haven’t been able to accomplish the goal, but the third time was a charm…!!
I headed to the trailhead of the path that winds its way up Vail pass and the morning was perfect. There was some wind, but the sun was shining and the forecast didn’t call for any rain for the entire day. That’s a rarity in the mountains this time of year, so I decided this would be the perfect day to complete the challenge.
Before… all is good, but just wait.
As you can see from above, I’m all geared up and ready to go. Today is definitely going to be the day I make it to Copper and back. I’m feeling great this morning.
Summit 10,500
Don’t ask about the hair..!! I’m not sure what’s going on with it, other than it being drenched in sun screen..!!
I couldn’t have asked for a better day. The sun is shining and there isn’t a cloud in the sky. The colors of Fall are starting to shine. Seems a bit earlier than usual, but what an amazing display of yellows, reds, and oranges. And with the sun shining down upon the meadows and aspen groves of colors, it couldn’t be a better day to be outside.
The wind is still howling, but the pedalling to get me to the Summit from the Vail side wasn’t that bad. Once at the top, you’re rewarded with a descent along the river with beautiful views of Summit County. Once I get to Copper, the scenery was amazing on this incredible day. The village isn’t crowded as you can see, and the sky was almost purple…!! So lucky to be a part of this day.
CopperCopper
As I start to head out of Copper and back towards the Summit, I realized the head wind is more than what I expected.
Hammer me.
I determine that this is a Hammer day. Hammer gel, please help me up this mountain…!!!
That was rough and looking it.
After getting back to the Suburban, I’m feeling the effects of the wind…!!!
Looking rough and feeling like it.
Well…. after the third attempt, I finally am successful at the attempt of riding from Vail to Copper and back. It’s a total of 32 miles. 10 miles of uphill from the Vail side and then 6 miles of ascent from the Copper side. If I knew the wind would have been so bad from the Copper side, I would have biked the Vail side twice… but… I did it. It just doesn’t seem fair that you have to pedal downhill…!!!
The Copper side is definitely shorter, but I think much more challenging towards the top, but then again, with the wind being so strong, I’m not really that sure…!!! All I know, is that I did it and I actually feel totally fine afterwards.
The Reward.
Since I was able to complete the task, the reward is simple: A peanut butter and jelly sandwich…!!!!! I can’t believe I’m eating carbs, but the PB&J tasted so gooooooooood…
After a fun filled night with my friends for dinner, I returned to the hotel. For a fun night of excitement, guess what I’m doing: LAUNDRY at the hotel.
At first, it was ok, but then, I decided the only thing to make this bearable was some Whiskey. Off the bar I go to order some Buffalo Trace…!!
Now I can finish my wash and get ready to head back up to Vail…!!
On the way down to Denver, I decided to stop by Three Sisters Park. It was one of my favorite mountain biking parks when I lived in Denver. It’s located about an hour up the interstate from downtown. It has some of the best and most fun trails near Denver.
Another douche bag selfie at the trail head…!!!
The sun is finally shining, but unfortunately, no Yeti sightings….!!!
