I'd like to say it was fun, but after about 4 miles my back started killing me. Over the course of the 20 mile trek I took 4 advil and never really got any relief. I kept thinking I'd have to call Charlie and have him come get me, then I'd say to myself, "Just go one more mile and see how you feel" and one mile after another I'd say that and eventually got in all 20.
The course I walked took me through downtown Denver, past Coors stadium, through LODO (lower Denver) and then through 3 city parks and several very nice neighborhoods. It was pretty hot when I started as we didn't get downtown until after 9 and it was hot until about noon. I stopped at several 7-11's to get water and stayed well hydrated. I was able to find some shade in the shadows of the downtown Denver buildings. It was pretty hot after that (92) until finally some clouds moved in around 1:00 and it was much more tolerable.
My back hurt so bad after about 11 miles that I lay down in one of the city parks on the grass. I'm embarrassed to say that I think I actually dozed off for about 5 minutes. Gosh, I hope I don't do that in Chicago!
It's a lot more fun to do the mileage where there are turns every couple of miles and a change of scenery-- really helps break up the monotony. I think the miles in Chicago will go by quickly as we take in all the new sights. Wogging through a city is so much different than long stretches across the causeway! Of course, I didn't have the route closed, so had to stop for stop lights and wait on traffic here and there.
If I could do 20 with my back like it was, I can do 26.2. I was very slow and stopped a lot, but I did it, and I just have to figure out why my back bothered me so bad this time. That has not happened before. I sure was miserable -- and mad! Oh, well it's behind me now.
We're leaving Colorado tomorrow to go to Kansas to see Charlie's folks for a few days. His folks live in southwest Kansas -- flat, flat, flat and no altitude. I hope it's not too hot but do intend to wog around his home town a few times. It's four miles to walk all the way around his home town, so for the 10 miler this weekend I'll do that 2 1/2 times.
I have read through some of the blogs about the 20 miles in Jackson. Congrats to everyone! I'll be with the group for the 22 miler. I am going to Shreveport to check on my Mom the weekend after Labor Day and will get in the 10 miles there that weekend and the 10 miles in Kansas this weekend.
Today we took 4-wheelers up to Mosquito Pass (13,185 feet). Rita the wonder dog rode on the back of Charlie's 4-wheeler all the way up and back down. Here's a couple of pictures.
8 comments:
Awwwwwwwwwww...Give Rita a kiss for us! We love that dog!
Congrats on the 20. That is great! Sorry about your back. Hope it is feeling better.
Jana
What a great dog Rita is!!! So sweet and looks like she adores being with you guys no matter what you're doing. To answer your question, yes, I was on my bike when I fell. I fell on the same knee I had the problem with before but I think it's just bruised and scraped on the outside this time. It's starting to heal nicely so I'll be back out there soon. Enjoy the rest of your trip and take care of your back. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Sheila
Congrats on the 20 miles! That is great! And it's kinda funny that you dozed off! I was wishing that this past Saturday. Great pics, and I'm glad you'll be with us for the 22!!! Be safe!
Wow, what an interesting 20 miler for you! And what an accomplishment to have have done it all by yourself. You'll do fine in Chicago--just have a pocket full of Advil!
I just don't think I could've done 20 alone. You are a better person than I!! Good Job!!
IM VERY IMPRESSED THAT YOU DID IT ALL BY YOURSELF, I DONT THINK I COULD HAVE DONE IT,,, BUT YOU ARE A MARATHONER AND WE CAN DO ANYTHING,
HAVE A FUN AND RESTFUL REST OF YOUR TRIP
Go Cathy! That was quite a feat to get all that in by yourself. You know, my lower back was very achy this past Sat. from about mile 8 until about mile 15 or so. I could not figure that out either...something new and I sure hope it doesn't show up again. I only got in 18.5 Saturday because I only wanted to do 5 hours. Afraid to push too much in this heat. I am amazed that you got the whole thing in with a painful back. Sure hope it is feeling well now. Have safe travels!
20 on your own, that's a huge accomplishment. I drug myself out of bed this Sat a. m. for the group 10 from Fleet Feet. I am back in the group for Sat. Today I walked with Sue Ellen, thankgoodness. It was really dark out there, and the group looked sparse, especially on the Ridgeland trail. I was glad she and I had a buddy. Will look for you when you are back in town for a Sat a.m. go.
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