Biker along the Meadowlark Trail

The Boulder County Transportation and Parks and Open Space departments, along with the Town of Superior, have announced that the Coalton Trailhead and the new Meadowlark Trail at McCaslin Boulevard and Coalton Road are now open.

The Coalton Trailhead, located at the new roundabout intersection of McCaslin and Coalton in Superior, provides access to the Coalton Trail and the new Meadowlark Trail, which runs parallel to McCaslin Boulevard. Map.

Trailhead and parking lot amenities are still under construction, and are due to be completed this spring. A public ribbon-cutting ceremony at the trailhead will take place on Thursday, June 2 at 3 p.m.

Planned amenities for the two-acre area include a shelter with two picnic tables, restrooms, bike racks, trash cans, a dog station, and an information kiosk. The parking lot will accommodate 27 cars, two handicapped spaces and three horse trailers, one with horse hitching rails. The finished trailhead will also have native varieties of trees, shrubs and grasses.

The new 2.7-mile, multi-use Meadowlark Trail extends from the Coalton Trail at its south end to the Mayhoffer-Singletree Trail at the north end. This trail extension completes an approximately 10-mile loop that includes the City of Boulder’s Greenbelt Plateau, and Community Ditch and Cowdrey Draw trails that now connect to the Town of Superior and Boulder County trails. The project area includes the former route of the Morgul-Bismarck Loop of the Coors International Bicycle Classic from the 1980s. This new trail also provides a highly anticipated link to the City of Boulder’s Marshall-Mesa trails, and the county’s Rock Creek and Coal Creek trail systems.

Funding for the improved intersection, trailhead, and multiple phases of the trail system has come from the Boulder County Transportation Improvements sales tax, federal transportation funds distributed through the Denver Regional Council of Governments’ Transportation Improvement Program, and the Town of Superior. Planning was a joint effort of the county’s Transportation and Parks and Open Space departments.

Map

<br /> <a href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/29644764″ _mce_href=”http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/29644764″>New Dirty Bismarck connector out/back</a><br />

The majority of the land provided for the trailhead and trails is Boulder County Open Space property purchased with Parks and Open Space sales tax funding, with additional parcels provided by Superior.

More photos

1.5 mile Mayhoffer-Singletree Trail now connects the Marshall Mesa to the Singletree Trail in Superior.

As of mid-November  the new Mayhoffer-Singletree connector trail is open adding 1.5 miles of multi-use trail that extends from the City of Boulder’s Cowdrey Draw Trail east of Marshall Mesa at the northwest to the Town of Superior’s Mayhoffer-Singletree at the southeast just west of Super Target.

The well groomed trail ambles through the natural grasslands of Boulder County open space offering views of the eastern valley and the front range peaking over the rolling hills to the west. With less than a hundred feet of gain, the trail is easy and fun to navigate on bike or foot.

This trail extension completes a 13-mile loop trail that includes the City of Boulder’s Greenbelt Plateau, Community Ditch Trail and Cowdrey Draw trails that now connect to the Town of Superior and Boulder County trails. The project area includes the former route of the Morgul-Bismarck Loop of the Coors International Bicycle Classic from the 1980s and in which some mountain bikers have aptly named the Dirty Bismarck.

It appears that by Spring 2011 the city will be completing  a soft-surface, multi-use trail that will traverse county and town of Superior open space properties connecting the Mayhoffer/Singletree Trail to the Coalton Trail, bypassing the need to run or ride on busy McCaslin Drive. Completion of this trail connects five miles of contiguous trail from original town Superior to Flatiron Crossing Drive.
View PDF Plan

According to the City of Boulder, this new section of trail also provides a highly anticipated link to the City of Boulder Marshall-Mesa trails, the Rock Creek Trail system and the Coal Creek Trail system. This trail is located within a unique portion of the City of Boulder and Boulder County’s open space properties that include the largest natural grassland plant community in Boulder County.

Running with kids in the stroller can be great quality family time

Looking back to the day when we had 2 little ones in tow, getting out for a run served two fold – a way to get our daily exercise, and for the kids to venture out further then they would on their own two legs. The outings would become less of a dreaded exercise routine and more of an adventure often times enjoying the local fauna like the grazing cows and local prairie dogs, to stopping by the creek to throw a few rocks in.

But not all trails are built equal. While the trails closer to the foothills can be rocky, narrow and too bumpy for little ones, trails along the plains tend to be smoother, wider and flat with relatively little elevation gain which are great for jogging strollers.

Here are a few options for you and the little one(s) to venture out on. These same trails will also prove to be the better trails for the kiddos to follow along on their bikes once they become old enough to keep up with you!

Bobolink/South Boulder Creek

6.6mi http://beta.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/25931858/

Close and beautiful vistas of the foothills and Flatirons. The trail from the Bobolink Trailhead winds as it follows the creek, to the south west a few miles till you reach the gated entrance at Marshall road. Grazing cows often line the trail, if not overtake it and a prarie dogs village close to Marshall road will often get the little ones giddy. Although recently parts of this trail have been resurfaced and I noticed that it could get a bit soft in sections.

Wonderland Lake

3.3mi http://beta.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/25931902/

The Wonderland Lake area is a great place to run with wonderful views of the front range. The Wonderland Lake trail goes around the lake and connects with the Foothills trail that heads north towards the parking area off of Lee Hill Drive. Taking Foothills much further than the trail gets much bumpier and narrower.

Boulder Bike Paths

4.5mi from Eben G Fine Park http://beta.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/25931792/

Any and all of Boulder Bike Paths are amazing for running even in the winter time as the city is right on top of clearing them after a snow. One of the most varied and beautiful pathways is the Boulder Creek trail which follows Boulder Creek running west to east. You can pick up the trail at almost every block along the way including Scott Carpenter Park, The Millennium Hotel downtown’s Central Park and Eben G. Fine Park at the west end of Arapahoe. The last 1.5 miles of the path, turns to natural trail as it follows up along Canyon Blvd. The path is smooth and wide but can become snow and ice packed in the winters.

Boulder Valley Ranch

3.8mi http://beta.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/25931926/

Many of the trails in the system are suitable for strollers. Parking at Eagle trailhead just north of Boulder Reservoir leads to Eagle Trail to Sage for a nice big loop. Or park at the Boulder Valley Ranch off of 36 just north of Boulder.

East

Niwot Loop

3.9mi http://beta.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/25932000/

The trailhead can be on 75th just north of HWY 52 in Niwot. The trail is and easy 3.9 mile lollipop which features hard-packed gravel and scenic views of the front range and the prairies.

Teller Farm

4.5mi out and back http://beta.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/25931962/

The East Boulder – Teller Farm trail between Arapaho and Valmont is the widest and smoothest section here. The trail descends slightly from the Araphahoe trailhead to the north and you can definitely feel the climb as you come back. There is parking at both ends. The East Boulder Trail – Whiterocks again becomes more narrow and rugged the further north you travel.

Longmont – Rogers Grove/St. Vrain Greenway – Golden Ponds

4mi http://beta.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/25979158/

The Rogers Grove/St. Vrain Greenway was the first trail I used to take my first born when we lived in Longmont. There is a concrete path that winds its way along east to west with the St. Vrain. Once you reach the Golden Ponds Park and Nature Area the surface turns to dirt or light gravel easy travel for strollers. The views of Long’s Peak and nature along the creeks are great distractions for you and the kids.

Davidson Mesa

3mi http://beta.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/25932022

On McCaslin Blvd just south of South Boulder Rd offers great views of the foothills and Flatirons has a few trails in its network around the mesa that extends to the west close to Highway 36. Out and around for a short 3mi loop or extend your run by mixing in a few of the crossing paths.

South

Coal Creek Louisville

6.4mi http://beta.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/25979248/

Coal Creek Trail in eastern Boulder County, stretches, uninterrupted for seven miles along Coal Creek from 96th Street in Louisville to 120th Street in Lafayette. The 10-foot wide trail is primarily soft-surface, with only a few sections of concrete in low spots. Aquarius Trailhead parking lot on Highway 42, just west of the Louisville cemetery.

The view of Elephant Rock up Boulder Creek path

The View of Wonderland Lake

Runners along the Sage Trail out at Boulder Valley Ranch

Runner along the Coal Creek Trail in Louisville

The 8mi loop at Walker Ranch is a local favorite for Mountain Biking and trail running due to its technical and scenic trail and to its proximity to Downtown Boulder.

But the often overlooked Meyer’s Homestead Trail, adjacent to the parking area for Walker Ranch, can offer a quiet and splendid experience for those looking to run something a little less traveled.

I finally considered trying this trail when I was looking to do a mellow run with some altitude, close to home and this was just the ticket.

The wide and relatively smooth trail lulls you in as you gently descend into a wide meadow. An old homestead barn to the west and interpretive signs along the trail pointing out historical and ecological places of interest, dot the tranquil landscape. But just a half mile into run, the trail just as slowly reels you in to the start of the 2 mile climb to the summit and overlook.

Elevation from MapMyRUN

Starting at 7,344 feet of elevation, the trail climbs through pine forests and a small aspen grove before reaching the summit at 8,000 feet, where you can rest on benches that either overlook the meadow and the trail in which you just followed or looking west over the Roosevelt Forest to the snow capped peaks along the divide.

On the way back, you can extend your trip by taking the connector trail over to the Walker Ranch loop, or along the road to Gross reservoir.

Trail Map

Getting there

Follow Baseline road up Flagstaff Mountain 8.5miles. The drive is about 20minutes from Chautauqua Park and parking is on the right just before the trailhead for Walker Ranch.

The trail is shared with mountain bikers, equestrians and hikers and is well suited for family outings.

You are the elite runner!

The 5K invitational races are based on 10K finish times in the 2009 DICK’S Sporting Goods BolderBOULDER in two minute increments from 38 to 62 minutes. For example, runners who ran the BolderBOULDER 10K in 44:00-45:59 are invited to that ColderBOLDER 5K race. The invite times are not meant to be predicted 5K times. Invited athletes may only run in their invited race, or a faster one if their speed has improved since May.

Open race for any runner at 10:10 am

Visit Race Website

All participants will receive a Headsweats Alpine Reversible Beanie ($26 retail value) in dark royal / black.  This winter beanie features Cocona fleece on one side for warmth and a Cocona knit layer for moisture wicking on the other.  Cocona products utilize a natural technology derived from coconut shells.

The top three finishers in each invite race (no separate awards for men and women) and the top three men and top three women in the open race walk away with a coveted penguin award. Afterwards everyone gets a hot Chick-fil-A Chicken Biscuit and drinks.

The race, breakfast and Headsweats beanie are all included in the $25 entry fee ($30 on race day).

In-Step is planning an After Thanksgiving Fun Run from the In-Step store to start at 9am on Friday, November 27th. The plan is to have a 5k distance starting and ending at in-step, followed by a 15 minute core class. We’ll either have light refreshments at the store for afterward or we’re working on partnering with a nearby restaurant for some yum-yum’s.

Put it in your calendars now if you would like to join us! It’s FREE!

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=logo#/event.php?eid=206080925055&ref=mf

In-Step is a family owned business opened in late August 2009. Specializing in custom insoles that are build on location while you wait, as well as selling running/walking shoes, apparel and accessories.

Visit their website at http://www.instepbldr.com

Turkey Trot season kicks off this weekend with 2 of the area’s highly competitive races. But, you don’t have to be competitive to join in the fun. Turkey Trot races are a great way to kick off a healthy start to the holiday season. Don’t be surprised to see a few costumed runners out there and most races have a kid’s or shorter race with them.

14 Nov 2009

35th Longmont Turkey Trot
2 mile or 10k
Longmont

15 Nov 2009

Panicking Poultry
5k Run/Walk
Boulder

Saturday 21 Nov 2009

25th Annual Turkey Trot
5k Run/Walk
Brighton

Green Valley Ranch Gobble Wobble
5k Run/Walk
Denver

Sunday 22 Nov 2009

Fall Cross Finals CU Buff Ranch
Women’s 3.9 miles – Men’s 5mi
Buffalo Ranch CU South, Boulder
Technically not a turkey trot, but a great cross country race and they did give away turkeys and pies to the winners at last year’s race.

Thurs 26 Nov 2009

ANTHEM TURKEY DAY 5k RESULTS
5k Run/Walk
Broomfield, CO

Turley’s Turkey Trot
5k Run/Walk
CU Pott’s Field, Boulder

Mile High United Way 36th Annual Turkey Trot
4mi
Wash Park, Denver

Friday 27 Nov 2009

Post Thanksgiving Fun Run and Core class
In-Step – Boulder

Find more races around the state at RunColo.com or RacingColorado.com

Also in this post: Running in the snow tips | Great places for running in the snow

First Big Snow at Chautauqua looking up at Saddle Rock

It seems in Boulder we have been waiting all year for it to snow. There have several false starts to our snowy season, but its been light at best. Until now. The social network has been all a twitter with updates about the snow. All the locals had photos posted of snow piling high on back patio furniture, trees and front yards or what they saw on their commute.

All the discussion was getting me pumped to get out. See, I love running in the snow.

Well, let me clarify that: Freshly fallen snow.

When a bike path or trail have a nice 3 to 6 inches on it, it is the best feeling. Just enough cushion to soften the stride, not too deep in which to work really hard at lifting the legs. (when the snow gets tracked out, footing gets a bit more wobbly and your legs are working harder to keep you upright). The big plus: everything is bright, calm and quiet. What you mostly hear is your breath and the soft “crunching” of snow underfoot. Running Nirvana.

Trying something different

I saw two videos from @runswithspirit, a local barefoot runner,  running through the snow and icy water.

After shoveling the walkway and drive I figured I would go give it a spin at the park adjacent to my house. I have to admit I was a bit giddy with what I was about to attempt. I haven’t been running barefoot much at all. A football field, or park on occasion. But running in the snow, seemed intriguing.

Barefoot Newbie

The air was relatively warm as it tends to be on socked in days. Transitioning from my warm Sorrels into the snow was not as jarring as I expected. I snapped a photo of my naked soles and took off for a jog around the circumference of the park. Actually it was exactly as I had expected, soft cushy and yes a bit cold. A few hundred yards to the other side of the park my feet began to feel the sting of the cold and I started wondering how long the toes would take it. But as I ran through the foot and a half of snow I enjoyed the ease of my step and the brush of the snow against my legs.

When I got back to the start I attempted to put the boots back on and start the warming process. It was at this point I realized how numb my foot had gotten. I was unable to put my left foot back into the woolen liner of the boot, so I had to sort of jog/hobble back to the house with one bare foot.

Surprisingly, the toes warmed up nicely within minutes of being back inside. But it made me ponder, how long I really could have stayed out there. I just got back from a broken foot, last thing I needed were frost bitten piggies. Perhaps the Vibrams would be a better idea for me.

Later in the afternoon I got out for a real run, after all I couldn’t let my tweeps down. Shoes and all. I was reading a blog post of a local runner Jeff Vallierev in which he had already been up Green Mountain, Bear Peak and South Boulder Peak, in this much snow!! So I decided I would at least give the lower trails a try and get a few photos along the way.

Bear Canyon – Mesa Trail – Bluebell Baird – Chautauqua

Mesa Trail to NCAR, Eldorado Springs or back to Bear Mtn Drive

This time with shoes.

For my warmup, I followed a few streets up to the Bear Creek Trailhead just off of Bear Mtn Drive. The trail is narrow for a few hundred yards until it joins with the access road which is Bear Creek. The snow had been well traveled at this point with hikers, runners and even skiers. The snow was soft, but uneven as I climbed. My legs working extra duty to keep stable up the steady climb. I took a few opportunities for photos as my reprieve enjoying listening to other soft sounds that were previously muted by my breathing.

At the trail juncture with Mesa, I headed north behind NCAR. I was glad to have others find the way before me, as I could just concentrate on the now well marked path. At this point I am still climbing although it is rolling under normal conditions. Back behind NCAR, the trail decends for a short while before climbing again, but its just enough time to give me a preview of how fun the decents will be later. The trail then climbs up a steep switchback then finally opening to a view of the valley. Along this stretch I pass a hiker and a skier and we briefly comment on how wonderful the snow is as we pass by.

Bear Peak lost in the cover

Now the Mesa Trail lets out into the road down to Chautauqua. I take a right as I head up a short steeper section that leads to the Bluebell-Baird trail. I follow this trail up and over to towards the Gregory Canyon Trailhead. As I descend, I notice a few tracks that meander down the slope.

Now this looks like too much fun to pass up. So I head straight down the hillside bounding, gliding, landing softly with each stride. That was worth the whole trip right there!!

Following the trail just above the Baseline trail I crossed underneath skiers and snowboarders hiking up further to catch some fresh tracks. Closer to the park, there are many families up on the hill with sleds taking advantage of the massive run-out with nothing but tall grass and 2 feet of snow to pad their slide.

Now being an hour into the run, I figure I needed to get home. So I took the streets straight down from the park to get to Broadway. This was actually really fun as well. There was just enough left over snow in the street where they hadn’t plowed to leave about 8 inches of soft/slushy snow in which I could land my steps and provided some great cushion.

All in all the trip was 8 miles and took about 1:22 to complete, but so glad I was able to get out and renew my mind.

Snow Tips

Dress Warmly

Kristen at Run-Faster has a great post on Winter Running Gear

Shorten Your Stride

High Altitude Spine and Sport Twitter update: Runs on snow/ice force inner & outer thigh muscles 2 work 2x’s as hard 2 keep ur body stable: shorten ur stride 2 help minimize over activity. @Artsportchiro

Get Traction

YakTrax, Grip-ons, or STABILicers – are traction cleats you wear over your shoes if you are concerned about slipping.

Instep Boulder has a video of how to modify your running shoes. Shop owner RL has been doing this for years and many of the trail runners have adapted this method.

Great places for running in the light snow

• Any of Boulder’s bike paths ( they are the first on the list to be plowed when it snows)
• Boulder Creek Path
• Wonderland Lake
• South Boulder Creek Trail (Bobolink Trailhead)
• Around the Boulder Rez
• Teller Farm

Big Dry Creek

Since I was at the R.A.C.E. Conference this weekend at the Westin in Westminster, I thought it would be a good opportunity to explore the trail system around the hotel. The main trail there is the Big Dry Creek which as several access points from City Park and the Westin and goes both west and east from this point.

If you make regular trips along Highway 36 between Denver and Boulder, you probably have noticed the trail just at 104th, Church Ranch Road.

Heading east from the hotel parking lot, the trail gently descends as it winds through the city’s corridor. With the wind at my back and fresh legs the trail lulled me into a false sense of fitness. My legs turned over quickly and my breath was barely audible as I relaxed into the pace. When I did turn around 4 miles later, I found myself faced with the reality of heading slightly back uphill and into the weather blowing in from the west. On the return I focused on the view of the Front Range and the steadiness of my breath.

According to American Trails.org there are about 10 miles of trail and bike path that is used by walkers, joggers, bicyclists, equestrians, bird watchers, wildlife enthusiasts, and commuters.

Westminster began the preservation of the Big Dry Creek Open Space and Trail Corridor in 1989 with the acquisition of four acres. The Big Dry Creek Trail connects significant points of interest across Westminster. On the west, the trail begins at Standley Lake Regional Park in Jefferson County and spans to the east to the eastern border of the city of Westminster.

The trail is well maintained and much of the surface is gravel or soft dirt. There are many underpasses along the trail which allows you to run without crossing streets or other interruptions for miles and miles. A great place to get your long run, tempo, or any run in.

There are great views of the Front Range, and abundant wildlife including bald eagles.

More trail information about Big Dry Creek http://www.ci.westminster.co.us/246_1671.htm

World Run Day November 8, 2009

Hundreds of runners in the USA have posted their running routes, charity beneficiaries, and private messages on runday.com, the event site for the International Day of Running held November 8th this year. Individual runners along with several groups across the USA will honor the sport of running in their own unique ways. All registered runners will receive a colorful World Run Day event t-shirt.

This year, World Run Day has over 1,100 separate registration sites for individual runners to post messages and relay other types of information about their November 8th run. Several groups have also formed ranging in size from 300 participants (Annapolis, MD) to 10 participants in Rochester, MI; Silver Springs, MD; Morristown, NJ; Los Angeles, CA. Volunteers from Fontana, CA are thrilled to celebrate with 50 runners!

“We are currently in the process of getting t-shirt orders fulfilled and communicating the event to a wide audience” said Bill McDermott, World Run Day’s Event Coordinator. Purchasing event shirts, downloading event tools, and other information is readily available with a click of a mouse at runday.com. The event has inspired runners to create a do-it-yourself run for their favorite charity.

Running groups wishing to become a part of the event can enter their World Run Day run locations onto the World Run Day on-line calendar, and can contact McDermott at runday2009@yahoo.com to organize a small World Run Day event in their city.

Follow on Twitter @worldRunDay