Round Mountain Ladders

I believe today was the most vertical I have done in any workout other than my 50-mile and 100-mile races.  Yes, even slightly more than Pikes Peak.  The FCTR crew was out for another crazy workout, this time on the 4.5 mile trail with just under 3000 feet of climbing to the summit of Round Mountain (in a snowstorm).  Running to the summit and back for a good 9 miles and 3K of climbing is just not good enough for this bunch, however.  How about we run up to each mile marker and then back down?  And, of course, add the summit for good measure.  Well with a variety of workouts going on from I think at least 20 like-minded crazies, I am sure the FCTR racked up well over 100K feet of climbing today.  I headed out for the full increasing ladder (up 1 and back, up 2 and back, up 3 and back, up 4 and back, up summit and back) which looked to be good for about 29 miles and 10K feet of climbing.  Pushing the limits of my planned 7 hours on the trail for the day, I ended up with a 1-2-3-4-4 ladder and never actually reached the summit despite climbing 8382 feet according to Garmin.  A lot of fun and misery all rolled into one out there today.

My workout:
1-2-3-4-4 Ladder, 26.52 miles, 8382 feet climbed, GPS data here
Looks like the mile markers were a little bit short, but the climbing certainly was not.

Gotta love this elevation profile.

Kevin all smiles after leaving me in the dust (or snowdust) on the final climb.

I believe we can blame Nick for this craziness.

Alex having way too much fun.

Pete going strong all day despite a Crosier Mountain Triple yesterday.