Hiking: Realization Point (Ute & Range View Trails)

For our last hike in Boulder (are we really leaving tomorrow??), we drove up to Realization Point on Flagstaff Mountain. We've been keeping ourselves (and our bodies) pretty busy the last couple of days, so we decided to do an easy hike. But, we weren't going to skimp on the views.

At Realization Point there are several short trail options and a nice picnic area. We thought the Ute-Range View loop was the right combo for us because it was billed as easy/moderate and just what our bodies needed.

Ute Trail is only .60 miles and runs along the east side of Flagstaff Summit. There is a bit of climbing at the start, but then the trail levels out. I was actually commenting that it would be a nice place to run when I runner came toward us.

Along the trail there are paths to small outcroppings and viewpoint openings. We like to stop at these, to see what we can see. We were headed toward a spot on the east side when I spotted a deer having a snack. We watched for a few minutes and then continued along the trail without bothering it.

We decided to follow the Ute Trail all the way to the Flagstaff Summit area and check out the view from there. From this vantage point we could see the east side of the front range.

I also found a place to lean back and soak up a little sunshine.

We backtracked to the trail junction and continued on to the Range View Trail (notice that the Ute Trail is considered a wheelchair accessible hike. Isn't that awesome?!).

Range View is similar in length and runs along the west side of Flagstaff Summit back towards Realization Point. The trail was rockier and more narrow, but it's best feature was the views of the Indian Peaks to the north.

There were several places to stop and take in the views and we enjoyed each one of them. We were not in a rush for this hike to end since it was our last one. Both of us were enjoying the clean air and (mostly) blue sky too much. It is just so relaxing to be outside and spring in Boulder was cooperating just perfectly.

I had some push-ups and burpees to do for the PPB challenge, so for fun I did them at different spots on the trail. When you break 50 into 5 sets of 10, it isn't so bad, haha.

After our hike, we picked up middleC for lunch at Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill (pretty good) before sending him off to take his last exam.

Then we did a walk-in adjustment at Chiro Now! This franchised office is located just a walk away from our hotel, the doctor is a graduate of Palmer and the adjustment is only $25! Dr. Josh fixed up my neck and back from when I slept wrong last week.

For dinner I had a Whole Foods fresh salad and another juice. My use of cold pressed juices is to make up the missing servings of veggies from my every day diet (I'm a pretty picky eater). I tried a juice cleanse once and that wasn't for me, but sneaking in nutrients this way works.

I was worried about that cucumber (not a fan), but this blend of ingredients tasted pretty good. Either the pineapple and pear overpowered the cucumber, or cucumber is growing on me.

Today is graduation day and I'll be taking rest day (except for my PPB challenge).

Do you do exercises (push-ups, yoga) in not-so-common places?
Would you visit a walk-in chiropractor?
What kind of eater are you? (love everything or picky like me)

#SundayRunday: The theme of the day is SWEATY

The problem with telling people you are going to run, is that when you're thinking about skipping because it feels like 93 degrees, they text you and want to meet up. Runner problems.

I met my friend outside our entrance gates where the locals meet up to exercise. I love watching them.

I took us on a route that I wanted to check out as an option for the running group because it will let people stop after about 1.5 miles if they want or keep going.

Most of the route is in the shade, at least at 7AM. We ran into one construction area blocked off and got redirected toward some steps. Running stairs is good for you though, right?

Keeping my promise to myself, I did my post-run planks plus day 6 for the plank challenge.

A day in China wouldn't be complete without walking. mrC and I walked to the cleaners and then stopped at the store. In case you missed it, here in China the humidity is high and the air movement is low. If we're lucky we walk into a tunnel of wind coming off the water. Of course we have to stop and enjoy it.

We did get to ride the bus and the metro today to get to church, but we were still a sweaty mess by the time we got there.

After church we had our second chiropractor appointments. More adjustments and more Stick rolling on the IT bands. I'm pretty sure I was sweating through the pain, but it helps to have someone else do it.

When we finally made it back to the apartment, mrC installed my new bike bell.

Do you run steps as part of your training?
Are you a Stick user?