The mountains are calling and I must go. – John Muir
It’s scalding hot in Kansas.
The sign at the bank read 105 degrees as my dad and I headed to Kansas City International Airport where he dropped me off for my afternoon flight to Denver.
In contrast, Colorado — which literally has been on fire for the past few weeks — greeted me with accommodating temperatures. It was in the upper 70s when my flight landed. The T-shirt and running shorts that almost felt like too much clothing in Kansas suddenly left me feeling underdressed. It’s chilly compared to KC.
Before I’ve even picked up my rental car, any wildfire worries disappeared. At first, it was just a few sprinkles falling, but the menacing clouds hinted that there was plenty more to come. Within 15 minutes it was a downpour that didn’t let up all the way to Fort Collins. In fact, the drive took 2 ½ hours because part of Interstate 25 was closed due to water on the road.
It was 9 p.m. by the time I pulled into the lot at the Super 8 and checked into my temporary home at 5,003 feet above sea level.
The rain subsided by the time I woke up this morning — but that’s not expected to last. By 11 a.m., storms are supposed to roll back in. That should allow me just enough time to grab breakfast at Lucile’s, but after that my drive to Rocky Mountain National Park is expected to be a soaker. My hope is that upon arrival I will get a break in the weather to set up camp, go for a hike, and fire up the camp stove to fix dinner before the rain resumes. Time will tell.
As for the rest of the week, Tuesday and Wednesday will be spent visiting old roommates in Denver, and then I’m off to Leadville. Justin will arrive on Friday evening, and we’ll have all day Saturday to hang out before he crews for me during the race on Sunday.
Speaking of the race, the forecast continues to be in flux. The current race-day forecast for Leadville is a high of 70, low of 41, and a 60 percent chance of rain. I’m hoping weather.com is wrong about the rain, although I’ve been expecting it and preparing for it.
Anyway, it’s time to go play in the park!
WEEKLY TOTAL:
12 miles running.
YEARLY TOTAL:
689.32 miles running.
Chris Wristen 