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.

The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks department (OSMP), in cooperation with several firefighting agencies, has closed some trails, areas and trailheads in western Boulder. The closures are due to wildfire operations, extreme fire conditions and expected high winds. The areas will be closed until further notice.

Citations are being issued for violations. OSMP and firefighters are appreciative of the public’s cooperation in this matter.

The closures include these trails and areas:

• Foothills Trail
• Hogback Trail
• Anemone Hill
• Settler’s Park/Red Rocks,
• Centennial
• Wonderland Lake
• West Old Kiln

Trail Closures

View Trail closures due to Fourmile Canyon wildfire in a larger map

Fire Area

View Boulder Fire Area in a larger map

Arial photos of the burn on a Google map can be found at the Denver Post http://photos.denverpost.com/mediacenter/2010/09/fourmile-fire/

For more information on OSMP, please call 303-441-3440 or visit www.osmp.org For more information on the Fourmile Canyon fire, please visit www.oemboulder.com

The city’s ‘26.2 Mile Block Party’ Combines Entertainment with Revamped Race Route

Runners can expect a rockin’ tour to roll through Denver on October 17th as the inaugural Rock ‘n’ Roll Denver Marathon & ½ Marathon will feature redesigned race route.  The course will feature several newly inspired sections of the race route, including more scenic tours of the parks and a loop past the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

“This new course should certainly result in faster times than the Denver marathon course of years past,” said Alan Culpepper, winner of 2004 U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon who recently joined the Competitor Group as an Operations Manager. “There are fewer turns and more straight paths. With the larger field we’ll also be implementing a wave start to alleviate bottlenecks and help runners hit their stride.”

Rookie runners and serious speedsters alike will appreciate the fine-tuned tweaks to the former Denver Marathon, with less turns, more straightaways and wider running lanes to allow for passing. The new course will still highlight many of the popular features of past years, including many of Denver’s major landmarks including the Denver Art Museum, the Pepsi Center, Union Station and Coors Field, Denver Zoo as well as City, Cheesman and Washington Parks.

The course has little to no elevation change and is certified by USA Track & Field as a Boston Marathon qualifier. Participants can expect more runner amenities that make for a better race experience, including additional port-o-potties, medical stations and water stations.

But the most noticeable difference in from years past will be the miles and miles of entertainment. Live local bands, decked out water stations and vivacious cheerleaders will provide quality entertainment along each mile of the course, motivating runners to the finish, where the real celebration begins at Civic Center Park.

The newly designed start and finish lines on Bannock Street allow for a spectacular culmination of festivities in Civic Center Park. Runners and spectators can partake in the community-wide celebration at the Finish Line Festival and enjoy a headliner act playing center stage at the amphitheater in the park.

“With more than 14,000 runners expected to participate this year, we wanted to invigorate the existing course with our signature Rock ‘n’ Roll sound and energy, while continuing to showcase Denver’s majestic Rocky Mountains and lush green parks,” said Shannon Davis, Event Manager. “We look forward to welcoming many of our loyal Denver runners and we encourage new runners to challenge themselves in this fantastic destination.”

Full course descriptions of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Denver Marathon & ½ Marathon, including turn-by-turn directions and course maps, are located at online at denver.competitor.com. Information regarding Kids Rock Denver presented by McDonald’s will be available soon. For more information, or to register please visit competitor.com or call 800-311-1255.

About Rock ‘n’ Roll Denver
A Competitor event, the inaugural Rock ‘n’ Roll Denver Marathon & 1/2 Marathon and ING Rock ‘n’ Roll Relay will welcome more than 14,000 participants to Colorado on Sunday, October 17, 2010. Live bands and cheerleaders will entertain participants along every mile of the scenic course, which starts near the State Capitol in downtown Denver and travels past many of city’s major landmarks and parks. The race concludes with a finish line festival and headliner concert at Civic Center Park.

A two-day Health & Fitness Expo kicks off race weekend at the Colorado Convention Center on Friday, October 15 and Saturday, October 16. The free expo is open to the public and will feature the latest in running apparel and nutrition products.  Online registration for the event is open at http://denver.competitor.com.

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

Zen and the Art of the Easy Run

I took it out a bit too fast yesterday. Headed out at a pace that felt comfortable at first then progressively got faster. For all intents and purposes this became what Greg McMillan would call a Fast Finish run. A great workout to have in your training program. But this came the day after a 13 mile run, my longest single run, and my biggest mileage week to date since my foot injury in May. Later that night my legs were feeling tight and fatigued.

So today I needed to go easy. E-A-S-Y.

Going easy can be tough. I usually run by how I feel that day. Feeling good, as in yesterday, then go. Feeling not so good, take it for what its worth: a chance to be outside connecting with my surroundings. Strategies for running easy may include: running with a slower friend, being social, or paying close attention to your heart rate monitor.

In Denver where I work during the day, the options for smooth uninterrupted running routes are limited and they can become monotonous over time. So today I figured I would embrace the rest and find a new route. Nothing planned. Just get out and start running.

As I started from downtown, my legs took me in the path of least resistance. Traffic lights determined if I went straight or turned to keep moving. Within a few blocks I was headed towards Coors Field and had in mind I would head north towards the Highlands, but I got turned around when the sidewalk ended at a fence on the west side of the stadium. Instead of back-tracking, I continued around the south then east side of the stadium. Over railroad tracks, newly developed real estate, the South Platte bike path, towards the I-170 and I-25 on-ramps.

Recently I have been running with an iPhone and the iMapMyRun application. The 3.x version has a live map view and photo integration which suites my needs tremendously as I have always enjoyed snapping a few photos to capture the view, a particular moment, or perhaps “jog” my memory about that particular run.

After another mile or so, I looked at the app’s map view to get my bearings. I noticed Chaffee Park was just a few blocks away, so I headed in that direction. When I got there, I looked around for a acceptable photo opportunity.

I snapped a photo, then checked the map for my next “place of interest,” then off I went again, repeating until I circled back around into downtown.

Charting a new course allows you run in areas you might not normally visit, see new things, take in new details, tie back into the flow of running. So next time take a left, or even go straight and go a bit further than you had before. Become comfortable in discovering new territories – building on your confidence to challenge yourself.

If we open ourselves to the universe

On the way home I was listening to a Running Times podcast with Master’s runner and coach Pete Magill, (website: Younger Legs for Older Runners ) who points out the #1 thing masters runners do wrong is run(or any runner for that matter) is go too hard on their easy days, then are not fresh enough for their tough workouts. This mirrors the comment Jeff Galloway made at a recent in-store appearance about how he found it hard to run easy days with Kenyan runners because they went too slow (to start).

Ok guys, I am listening!