Aspen Snowmass Power of Four - Trail Run 2019

This past weekend we attempted the Power of Four trail run. While we didn’t complete the necessary training to finish the race, we figured out where we stand and what we need to improve on. After roughly 25 kilometers of the 50 we decided to call the race. My knees couldn’t take the downhill. I don’t know if this is the product of too many years of running, or lack of muscle support, or whatever. It just wasn’t happening. Maggie was having a long day for other reasons.

Typically in our longer races during the winter we have the option of towing and supporting each other directly. In the summer, all that is gone and sometimes words of encouragement aren’t enough to overcome the several thousand foot climbs in the hundred degree heat.

A couple days later, here we are restarting our training with new vigor. Long distance summer races with massive ups and downs might not be our thing. Or maybe just not this year. Instead, we move forward with our skimo training using running as one of many tools to structure our fitness goals.

With about four and a half months until the snow starts filling in the mountains again, we have our goals set, our minds focused, and are ready to push forward. DNF or not, we knew this past weekend would be a learning experience, and with new knowledge and skills we continue.