Well, the marathon is over, what's next?

The Peak today - seems like more snow now than in Winter

The Pikes Peak Ascent is the next goal race.  That will certainly be a TALL TASK - pun intended.  I've been to the top via the Cog Railway and driven up the Pikes Peak Highway each several times.  The only other way up is to take the Barr Trail - which is the route for the Ascent race.  I've never gone the whole way up.

To prepare of the Ascent, several races are planned.   The Triple Crown of Running culminates with the Ascent (or Marathon - the day after: up to the top, then back down the same way).  The other 2 races are Garden of the Gods 10 Miler - less than 3 weeks away.  I did that last year and was not happy with my effort or result and hope to plan on beating that time this year.  This may prove to be difficult due to just coming off the marathon.

The TCR race in the (Chronological) middle of the GOG 10 miler and the Ascent is the Summer Roundup 12K trail run.  This will be my 3rd year for that.   Last year I improved my time of the previous year by 7 1/2 minutes and would like to better that by 4 minutes or more this year to get under the 1 hour mark.

4 weeks before the Ascent is the Barr Trail Mountain Race.  Did this last year, was pleased with how I did.  This year is different, my 12 year old son and I are going to run this together.  We have set a goal - try to have him beat the 10 - 14 year age group record (2:42:52).  It may or may not happen.  We are going for it.

We will be (weather permitting) hiking the course this Saturday and in 3 or 4 weeks trying to hike to the top of the Peak - also weather permitting.

Taking a few days off running this week, marathon recovery mode, will ease back into it so as to be as ready as possible for the GOG 10 miler.  I am looking forward to the Summer, to the races and training ahead, especially with my son.