One of the best parts of a destination race is enjoying some time afterward, free of race nerves/stress to decompress and enjoy. Jill and I did just that:
We set out for the mountains. Low on gas, but we’d get some…maybe…eventually. Immersed in what we do best, gabbing (did you think I was gonna say running?) we missed the first gas station, then the second, and a third. We were high in the mountains with no gas station in sight when Jill made the executive decision to turn back and find petrol.
So we coasted down on fumes, enjoying the vistas and plotting our strategy in the event the tank went dry. Thankfully that did not happen.
We lunched then took a ‘recovery hike’…you know…because we exerted ourselves SO much at the race. First Jill slipped and almost went over a steep cliff. No sooner than I was done laughing at her it was my turn to slip into a half Chinese split my hamstring did not adore. Oh middle age. How long before I succumb to a Medic Alert bracelet?
How breathtaking is this?
As if the post-race mega cupcakes weren’t enough, we headed to this charming bakery in the tiny old mining town of Silver Plume: a town that time forgot. Alas it was closed, with a broken oven and for sale. If I ever disappear from society you might want to look here…
Too soon it was time to head for the airport and back to the kids, Caveman and reality. Gosh it was so much fun though. Chalk it up to the cupcakes, thin air, not sure what, but I came back lighter too! Just four pounds over BQ weight. Go fig. Yet another reason I need to visit Colorado more often!
Next up: Spectator in chief at The Chicago Marathon! Then Zooma Great Lakes Half!
Have you done a destination race? Did you love it?
Sounds like the perfect way to enjoy some time post-race… if only the bakery had been open!
Can’t wait to see you in Chicago!
excited for Chi AND Zooma, and can’t wait to meet Jill!!
and Marlene too!
Can’t wait to see what Chicago holds for Thelma and Louise…I’m sure it will be another grand adventure.
4 lbs?? You are awesome!
I haven’t done a destination race, but this looks fantastic!! Way to go! Spa love <3
beautiful photos! I have done mainly destination races because I love to travel!
I’m going to upstate new york for a race this weekend, does that count as a destination race? It is 6 hours away.
Sounds like you had an awesome trip, I hope mine is as good as yours (minus the splits in the mountains).
I do a bunch of destination races! If I make it my goal race for the year, I try not to plan too much else with it. Otherwise, I do the opposite, and choose something to go just hard enough but still leave energy for sightseeing. 🙂
Gorgeous photos… glad you were able to make the most of the trip.
Mike and I had an amazing time when we did Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago, it was so much fun!
Looks like you had a great time, at the race and after!
Not time to get the medic alert bracelet yet!!! Haha.
What a fun trip for you and Jill. I am a little jealous. Never been to Colorado- or to meet Jill. Or you! Looks like FALL is the time to do it. Gorgeous photos!!
ZOOMA will be my first “destination” race! WAIT! I take that back! Indianapolis! But, never outside the Midwest, unfortunately.
Gorgeous pics!
What a beautiful way to spend your day!
Beautiful pics! I love hiking in Colorado.
A great day with good friends!
Late congrats for your half.
Gorgeous pics.
the hike and town sound so nice! pics are gorgeous. bummer about no more cupcakes 🙁 let’s all rub our pennies together and go in on it! hope your hammy is doing ok…