Strength Training? A fun run up Pikes Peak to Barr Camp

Every once in a while you remember that you live in Colorado and that despite your triathlons being road races you still must pay homage to some of the incredible runs which Colorado trails provide.  Today was unseasonably cool, foggy, and rainy for Colorado Springs and also a great opportunity to hit a very popular trail with weather-reduced crowding.

We started up the Manitou Incline from Manitou Springs - less than a mile of sore leg creation that climbs to over 8,000 feet.  Don't underestimate this "short" trail, it's a steep climb that often takes an Olympic athlete longer than 20 minutes to climb for less than a mile!  There have been many rescues by El Paso Search and Rescue this year due to the strenuous nature of this climb - keep your heart healthy.  The foggy day limited the ability to well document progress as each step just revealed another step ahead.  After summiting the Incline we connected onto the famous Barr Trail which, if you are feeling good and have planned for it, allows you to climb to Pikes Peak's Summit at 14,110 feet.  Our goal today was Barr Camp located in the trees over 10,000 feet and a part of about a 14 mile round trip.

Topping out today at Barr Camp where a chilly 40 degree rain welcomed us to 10,000 feet. 

Barr Camp hosts hikers year-round and is a nice stop to pick up a drink, hit the necessary room, or just rest your increasingly fit legs.

We weren't gifted with the views of America's Mountain today due to our location inside of clouds but for a 10 minute drive we didn't do so bad!