The 32 Mile Training Run - Running to the Top of Pikes Peak

When I first started running, the idea of going more than a few miles felt impossible. My legs felt heavy, my lungs burned, and pushing past that point seemed out of reach.

Fast forward to today: I ran from my home in north Colorado Springs all the way to the summit of Pikes Peak—over 32 miles to more than 14,000 feet above sea level.

So what changed? I learned to slow down, fuel correctly, and build consistently.

As part of my ultramarathon training, running up my local mountain felt like the perfect challenge. And like any long run, it came with its own logistics: managing chafing and blisters, planning water and fuel stops, and preparing for changing conditions. For solo ultras or long mountain days, preparation makes all the difference.

Running From Colorado Springs to the Summit

The route from the city to the top of Pikes Peak is unforgettable. It starts on familiar sidewalks, transitions into winding forest trails, climbs through steep switchbacks, and eventually breaks above treeline into the exposed alpine. The views are incredible—but the miles demand respect.

I was also testing a new product that day called On The Trail, a 3-in-1 stick for chapstick, sunscreen, and anti-chafe. When I felt hot spots on my feet halfway up, I applied it to stop blisters from forming. When my thighs began to rub, I used it there as well. Above treeline, with the sun fully exposed, I used it on my face for protection.

This was a prototype blend, and it performed well overall. The main improvement I noted was increasing the thickness slightly, so it applies more easily in the heat.

More Than Just a Run

For me, a run like Pikes Peak isn’t just about fitness—it’s about proving what’s possible. I often think about the version of myself who struggled with just a couple miles. Progress is built one slow mile at a time, and consistency is the real secret.

Whether you’re training for your first 5K or prepping for an ultra, don’t let doubt keep you from starting. Small steps compound. With time, you truly can run any distance you set your mind to.

I hope you enjoy the video and the experience of running from Colorado Springs to the top of Pikes Peak with me.

Shop the 55 Miles Essentials

If you’re ready to take your training to the next level, here are the products I trust every single run:

• Ultra Runner Bundle - a big way to save on all our products 

• Anti-Chafe Cream – prevents friction and irritation on long runs.

• Blister Blocker – protects your feet from hot spots and blisters.