Distance today = 50.36 km; Total distance = 5527.27 km; Location = Wilkerson Pass Summit (2 km west of) – 39 02.862′ N, 105 32.504′ W; Start time = 0821, Finish time = 1544

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/171481067

As you will see from today’s photos, I had the pleasure of passing through South Park. I guess it doesn’t look too differently from the cartoon, if that’s possible – you just need to use your imagination. I didn’t see Cartman or his friends, though.

The whole day was spent between 9,000 and 10,000 feet in altitude. Tomorrow I start my downhill run to the edge of the Rockies. I’m led to believe there is quite a distinct demarcation between the mountain range and the plains to the east.

I also saw a herd of bison on the high plains today. They weren’t wild, though – just part of a farmer’s herd.

I’ve had lots of questions and requests about maps of my route. If you’d like to see either where I’ve run so far, or where I plan to run, just click on the Journey tab on the menu bar. The remaining course can be viewed by clicking on the link at the bottom of the section.

I’ve also had many questions pertaining to when I’ll be passing through Denver. If you’re interested, stay tuned to this site for updates, but the best estimate at the moment is around April 30. Anyone wanting to come out and run with me, you’re most welcome. I should have T-Mobile reception again by then, so the tracker will be working constantly, and you’ll be able to pin-point my position throughout the day.

Speaking of the tracker, it is currently giving my position as Lake George, which is where we’re staying the night. The official run position is about 20 km to the west.

Finally, to all those who are wondering what has happened to the Red Wine Value Quotient (RWVQ), I haven’t forgotten about it – it’s just that I’m not finding the same sort of value as I did in California. I will try to provide some recommendations, even if they don’t surpass the earlier “value wines”.

Distance today = 53.11 km; Total distance = 5580.38 km; Location = Woodland Park – 38 59.251′ N, 105 02.803′ W; Start time = 0857, Finish time = 1650

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/171788867

When I crested the summit of Wilkerson Pass this morning, at 2,901 metres (9,518 feet), I thought the rest of the day would be downhill – wrong! After descending almost 500 metres in elevation, the road started up again, peaking at 2,803 metres. As I’ve mentioned before, it’s a good thing I love hills.

I was feeling very good early on, but went through a rough patch this afternoon. Perhaps it was the long uphill, perhaps it was the dodgy burrito I had for lunch?

At least the long uphill was through a nice gorge, with massive boulders sitting precariously above the roadway. However, the most stunning scenery of the day was provided by Pike’s Peak, which was on my right for much of the day. At over 14,100 feet in elevation, this is one of the most well known mountains in the US, and one of the most prominent. As my old mate, Watto from Wagga Wagga, would say, “it stands out like hog’s jowls”, or something to that effect. Did I get it right, Watto?

Well, Libby has made a nice margarita, so I’m off to enjoy it in the bath.

Distance today = 34.57 km; Total distance = 5614.95 km; Location = Colorado Springs – 38 50.764′ N, 104 52.063′ W; Start time = 0915, Finish time = 1439

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/172028195

A big downhill section this morning saw me into the outskirts of Colorado Springs before midday.  Surprisingly, my legs handled the 2,500 feet drop very well.

Colorado Springs is a mecca for altitude-training athletes, and there are many US and other Olympic athletes training here at the moment.

One of the great pleasures of a run like this is when I reach a town I know nothing about, only to be surprised by its hidden treasures. Today I ran into such a place – Manitou Springs – which is on the outskirts of Colorado Springs as one descends from the Rockies. This town is a must-see for anyone visiting the region.

And right next to Manitou Springs is the Garden of the Gods. Have a look at the photos and video – they’ll do it more justice than my words. In short, it’s a stunning park full of spectacular geological formations, and with Pike’s Peak as a backdrop.

Today has been shorter than normal, as I didn’t feel like running past the hotel and being shuttled back. Occasional shorter days are important, not just from the physical perspective, but from the mental side too. One often hears how the mind and body are interlinked, but this has never been as clear to me as it is on this world run. When one is functioning well, the other tends to follow suit, and vice versa. And it’s vital to give both a rest from time to time. Funny how a 34 km day can do that, when you’re used to 50+ km.