If you need any better excuse than the mild temperatures of June to get on your bike, Boulder and Denver have dedicated the entire month as Walk and Bike Month.

Both cities have offered classes, workshops and free events to walkers, cyclists even runners. The events will culminate with the annual Bike to Work Day on Wednesday, June 22nd.

Cycling to work on that day is really fun as you can visit a variety of breakfast stations along your way to work. Stop by and get everything from coffee, bagels, juice, breakfast burritos to a full breakfast at the many sponsored stops. Some stations even offer quick bike tune ups for you to make sure your ride is safe and smooth.

Check out the breakfast stations in Boulder, and Denver.

I started working again in Denver two years ago and started riding my bike due to serious running injuries. I always enjoyed riding to work when I could when working in Boulder, but Denver posed a bit more of a commitment. I initially followed my friend Kevin’s route who commuted from Boulder to Denver almost every day for two years before selling his company. And after a few times riding the route, staring at the map for other safer roads, I finally came up with what I think was a pretty good option.

On Wednesday, BoulderPage has organized an Epic Bike to Work Day group ride from Boulder to Denver starting at 5:30am at the Chase Bank parking lot on Table Mesa and Broadway. Details are on Facebook.

Cycling is a great way to complete all or part of your commute, but that’s not the only alternate to driving.

One Boulderite has chosen his feet as his transportation means. Nico Brooks, an avid trail runner commutes daily to Denver’s LoDo where he is a partner in a small digital marketing agency TwoOctobers.com.

“So far the other partner has been pretty flexible regarding our dress code.”

According to Nico he commutes via running shoes: “Pretty much every day. I don’t own a car, so I have to mooch a ride if I’m not running.”

“My wife has a car, which we share use of on weekends. I also use carshare.org, which is a great option if I have a meeting I need to get to in the middle of the day.”

He gets in between 5 – 10 miles, depending on the route he chooses in the evening and says he gets about 35-40 commuting miles in per week.

What’s your typical route?
I run about 2.5 miles in the morning from my house in Boulder to the Table Mesa PnR. From there I take the bus to Denver. Sometimes I run the same way back in the evening, or I run across Marshall Mesa and the Bluestem Trail, which is about 7.5 miles. I don’t have a shower at work, so it’s better to keep the morning commute shorter. It’s mostly downhill, so my busmates don’t have to put up with too much stink.

I have the best commute in the whole world! #running Marshall Mesa

Moon rolling down Bear Peak

You listen to books on tape mostly. Any favorites?
I’ve recently been listening to a lot of historical fiction. I like learning stuff, but straight non-fiction can get a little boring on long runs. I just finished Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follet, which was fantastic. I’m listening to the Australia Trilogy by Bryce Courtenay right now, which is very good as well. I’m also a big fan of NPR podcasts – Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me and This American Life in particular.

What are the benefits for you?
Not having to deal with a car is a huge benefit, both in terms of cost and stress. And I love to run.

As I make my way across the mesa with the Flatirons as a backdrop, I often think to myself that I have the best commute in the world.

Carrying a bunch of stuff to work can be cumbersome, what kind of pack do you wear and what do you take with you?
Right now I’m using a Black Diamond Octane pack, which I’m very happy with. The swiveling hip belt makes it great for running with weight. I carry clothes, a laptop and a water bottle. I’d guess that the weight is around 12-14 lbs, but I haven’t weighed it.

Wednesday June 22nd is Bike to Work Day. Will you stop at any breakfast stations?
If it occurs to me.

Anything else you care to share?
Commuting on foot and bus works for me, but walking, biking and public transportation are all great alternatives to driving. When I talk to people about my commute, they often have some explanation for why they absolutely must drive a car to work. Nine times out of ten I don’t buy it. I’ll grant that cars are a tough habit to kick, but the alternatives are cheaper, less stressful, healthier and better for the environment. I also have to give props to RTD bus drivers – that’s a hard job, and they do it well.

Connect with Nico at http://www.dailymile.com/people/nicobrx & http://twitter.com/nicobrx

Check out the options for June’s Walk and Bike Month at these websites:
http://www3.drcog.org/biketowork
http://communitycycles.org/bike-month.html

Share your stories of Bike to Work day or on alternate ways you take to work.

Barefooters and anyone interested in joining some of the country’s top ultra runners are welcome to come join in a very special event for barefoot and natural runners alike.

McDougall created the Naked Tour as a nationwide celebration of running’s bare essentials which coincides with the paperback release of Born to Run. The tour visits thirteen cities across the country.

What can you expect from this event?

On his website, McDougall stresses this event is for everyone. The goal is to learn from each other, not beat each other, so we’ll stagger the start by pace groups. Each group will be led by an experienced pacer, like Scott Jurek so you’ll get the chance to pepper them with questions and mimic their style while you run.

“Show up, don’t stress, and remember Caballo’s motto: First focus on easy, ’cause if that’s all you get, that ain’t so bad.” You’ll be surrounded by lots of other people who are out for a good time and just getting the hang of minimalism.

Learn more about what to expect and what you might find at the Naked Cabaret on his website:
http://www.chrismcdougall.com/blog/naked-tour-about-the-events/

And according to McDougall,

“This could be the greatest Naked event of all.”

“We’re going to run up Flagstaff and hold the Naked Cabaret in a gorgeous stone amphitheater on the side of the mountain.”

Come run alongside ultra legends like Scott Jurek, Tony Krupicka, and Marshall Ulrich, then kick back with some Flora magic truffles (courtesy of Scott Jurek) and enjoy the show.

The Boulder Bookstore is even offering Mother’s Day Special where you can pre-order of the book and he will personalize it, then they will ship it anywhere in the world.

Naked Schedule

11am-12:30 pm: both authors will sign books at the Boulder Book Store

12:30-2pm: Chris and Marshall will lead a run from Boulder Book Store to Sunrise Amphitheater

2-5pm: enjoy the Naked Cabaret up at The Sunrise Amphitheater

5-6pm: Chris and Marshall will lead the crowd and Cabareters back to the Boulder Book Store for more book-signing, Q&A, and a raffle

	Christoper McDougall Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
	Marshall Ulrich Running on Empty: An Ultramarathoner’s Story of Love, Loss, and a Record-Setting Run Across America

Even after a mild first two months of Colorado weather, Coloradan’s still will look forward to perfect weather for racing in March. Spring is just around the corner and there are plenty of events this month to get you started in the right direction for a happy and healthy 2011.

Races and Events

Sunday, March 6, 2011

That Dam Half Marathon and 5k
10am Cherry Creek Dam Denver, CO

A new addition to the Run Denver Race Series, there are a 5k and a half-mary option

Website » http://www.bkbltd.com/RUNDENVER.htm

Saturday, March 12, 2010

2nd Annual Water Buffalo Stampede 5k
9am Boulder, CO
This 5k benefiting the CU Swim and Dive Team, runs through the CU Boulder Campus and is a Bolder Boulder Qualifier!
Map » Website » http://www.colorado.edu/StudentGroups/swimdive/stampede.html

Olympians Kick Start BolderBoulder Training
10am Flatirons Mall Broomfield, CO

The BolderBOULDER will kick start its official training program with the help of five Colorado based Olympians and professional runners. They will join a team of ‘BoldRunning’ coaches to take prospective participants on a sample fun run.

Director of the BoldRunning program, Ewen North says, “This will be a great opportunity to come out and rub shoulders with runners who have a genuine shot at making London 2012. The idea is also to allow people to sample the training group ahead of time to give them a taster before they commit to the program.”

All abilities welcome. Details »

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Runnin o the Green Lucky 7k
10:15am Denver, CO
Denver’s Classic Irish Jog
Map » Website http://rotg.org

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Boulder Spring Half Marathon, 10mi and 10k
9am Boulder, CO

Addressing the need for a quality early season distance event on the front range, the Boulder Spring Half is the first major half marathon of the 2011 Colorado running season. And for the runner or walker not up for the half marathon distance (13.1 miles), the Boulder Spring Half also features a 10 mile distance as well as a 10 kilometer (6.2 mile) distance.

http://www.bouldermarathon.com

Thursday, March 31, 2011

MY RUN Movie Premiere in Colorado

Join us as MY RUN Sprints to 500 Movie Theaters Nationwide on Thursday, March 31, 2011 for ONE NIGHT ONLY Premiere Event. MY RUN is the award-winning inspirational documentary, narrated by Academy Award winner Billy Bob Thornton. About a real life Forrest Gump, Terry Hitchcock, a modern day super hero who ran 75 consecutive marathons in 75 consecutive days to bring awareness to the struggles faced by single parent families and their children. See what’s possible when physical endurance and the will of the human spirit unite in the MY RUN.

Check here for details and Fathom Theatres in Colorado

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More races can be found at http://ColoradoRunnerMag.com/calendar | http://www.racingcolorado.com | RunColo.com

2011 will mark the one of the most significant course changes since moving the finish into Folsom Field 30 years ago; A change of the starting line. The new starting line will still be on 30th street but now a mile south, adjacent to the 29th Street Mall near Walnut Street.

The course will head north on 30th till Valmont, take a left, then left again on 28th Street for the first mile. Soon after, west on Pine Street where it joins the familiar course just in time to make the climb up the first Folsom Street hill usually flanked on the west by the first group of Belly Dancers.

“How can you move the starting line of an iconic race?” Quips the twittersphere.

The new start was chosen for a few reasons. Most of all convenience. Race Director Cliff Bosley was quoted in the Daily Camera as saying:

“This change should make it easier for participants to get to the race,” Bosley said, adding that there will be separate drop-off zones for people in cars and buses. “Hopefully it will ease congestion on streets in and around the start area.”

It also brings the starting line closer to the finish. Before it was 2.5 from the points, now they are within a mile of each other making it more convenient before and after the race.

Most runners know the course as having fast start as most of the first mile is slightly downhill to flat, and with all the excitement of the start and thousands of runners pulling you along leads most runners going out too fast only to leave your heart and legs in debt later on.

Elevation Profile of the 2011 BolderBoulder *not the official map

But if you race smart, the new start should have no real effect on your effort. The first 4 miles of the race are generally uphill anyways. If you can conserve in the first half you will have some left in the tank for the final 2 miles which trend downhill to fast flat.

Bobby McGee always has great words of advice for race day strategies. First and foremost: “Go out strong, smooth, relaxed & at goal effort”. Now this may bring a 1st mile that is 3% faster than goal (e.g. 9:20) & that’s okay, as long as the effort was the target effort.

Also, start thinking about your pace in terms of kilometers (after all, its a 10k race). This will give you pacing feedback sooner than the mile and allow you to adjust accordingly.

Co-Founder and Olympic Gold Medalist Frank Shorter has some more great tips.

Other notable changes: The course no longer goes by Whole Foods on Pearl, and will completely bypass the Boulder Running Company. Maybe Nissan will pony up for the first mile Prem this year?

Could this be the end of the men in costume, sprinting the first 1/2 mile as fast as possible to catch their “15-seconds” in pictures? I doubt it, I still believe the start will still be fast, how could it not with all the hoopla, music, celebrity official starters and thousands of adrenaline juiced runners ready to go to battle along side you?

I am sure the course change will lead to many a water cooler discussion, personally I believe it will still be the same great race as any other year. After all, its not just about the course but how you run your race and the comradery you feel competing with 50,000 others.

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.

Runners have a great time running the Bolder Boulder

Come join the biggest party in Boulder on Memorial Day, the BolderBOULDER. Voted America’s Best 10K by Runner’s World Magazine in December of 2009.

Runner’s World said, “Out-of-towners may feel the altitude, but they’ll definitely love the spectacular scenery, world-class field, rich tradition, and the stadium finish.”

The Bolder Boulder is the second largest 10K race in the country, attracting more than 50,000 participants who start in stagger waves.

Follow the Dick’s Sporting Goods Bolder Boulder through the social webs:

Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dicks-Sporting-Goods-BolderBOULDER/89661754487
Twitter http://twitter.com/bolderboulder10

Training

Official training for the 2010 Bolder Boulder is through BoldRunning For more information please call Ewen North, Training Director at 303-444-7223, ext. 11, or email Ewen@bolderboulder.com.

Other groups training specifically for the Bolder Boulder are Fast Forward Sports (F4) and The Running Republic or the Boulder Striders

Qualifing for the First Waves

The first 32 waves in the race are qualifying waves and require proof.  All other waves require no proof even if your predicted time is faster than 1:08:00. Times from any race between 2 miles and a marathon may be used to qualify.

To run in the A wave, you must run a 10k faster than 38:00 or a 18:20 5k time. The AA wave will be cut off at the 41:10 10k standard

You can take the Treadmill Test at the BolderBOULDER store at Twenty Ninth Street from Sunday, April 11 through Friday, May 28, 2010 for an extra $5 fee. We will also have the treadmills out at the SportsEXHIBIT on race weekend.

If you can run two miles on our treadmill in 20:34 or less, you are guaranteed a spot in one of the qualifying waves.

5k Qualifying races in the area include, but are not limited to:

Frozen Foot 5k

Sunday, February 21st, 2010 – CU Campus

Frozen Foot 5k is the CU triathlon team’s largest fundraiser of the year. Come support us as week seek our 11th national title in 2010. The course is a flat fast course around the scenic campus of CU. Course map »

frozenfoot5k.com

Dash-n-Dine 5k Series

Tuesday’s: 6:30 pm April: 13, 20, 27  May: 4, 11, 18 – Coot Lake East of the Boulder Rez

The Dash & Dine™ is a six-race, 5k series that takes place at Coot Lake in Boulder, CO. The series has a friends-and-family atmosphere with a cookout after each race.

dash-n-dine.com

Cherry Creek Sneak 5 miles

Sunday April 25 – Cherry Creek Denver

The Cherry Creek Sneak is one of the largest races in Denver, a well organized race and is great timing to guage your fitness a month before the Bolder Boulder Website »

Course map

Flat Out 5k

May 15, 2010 – FlatIron Crossing Mall

The Flat Out 5k is well organized but challenging course around the FlatIron Crossing mall and is put on by the BolderBoulder. Web Site »

Find more on your local race calendars at Colorado Runner Magazine, Racing Colorado, or Active.com

Course Preview with Frank Shorter

Frank Shorter narrates the Bolder Boulder Course from Ryan Van Duzer on Vimeo.

As I opened up the mail box and scanned through the bigger ticket items, I was excited to see that amongst the mundane was this months issue of Running Times Magazine.

On the cover was one of Boulder’s currently most accomplished runners: the age-defying Colleen De Reuck who back in December was named Female Masters Runner of the Year.

Running Times March 2010 Cover Featuring Colleen De Reuck

But flipping through the pages revealed there are more Boulder nuggets.

Patty Murray-Albo was called out as one of only five 40-and-older-women to run 17:35 or faster at the US masters 5k Champs back in October and gets a quote in: Masters // Rivals are the Sport.

Brian Metzler writes a revealing Q&A with now famed Micah True “Caballo Blanco” who was featured in Christopher McDougall’s book Born to Run. True spends his time between Boulder and Mexico’s Copper Canyon where he puts on an ultra running race to benefit the Tarahumara people.

Using our race as the main stage – with smaller races among the villages, with prizes of cash and corn, to encourage the young ones to run, and others to run again, to remember and re-realize what a good and positive thing it is. -True

Also look out for the small piece about “Young Gun” Allie McLaughlin, who placed 5th in last year’s NCAA Championships for Colorado.

Coach Jay Johnson is one of the guides in Expert Advice on Common Conundrums

Jason Hartman gets a shout out for his win and PR of 2:12:09 at the Twin Cities Marathon (RT article about it)

Finally Adam Chase wraps up the issue with Timmy on Top an article on Timmy Parr who won the 2009 Leadville 100 in his first try last year.

The March Issue 374 is being delivered this week to subscribers and should hit the newsstands next week.

Note: I am going to have search for a December issue featuring Sarah Vaughn. Perhaps she would be willing sign it for me one day while she is doing those killer pedestal poses.

Running Times: Part 1 from CoachJayJohnson on Vimeo.

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

The snow began falling early Sunday, with thick, gray clouds moving down from the Flatirons just as our group started up the Bluestem Trail in south Boulder. Soon, the mountains disappeared into the clouds, and we were left with only the soft gravel in front of us, punctuated by a few pine trees and lichen rocks on the side.

With the deadline to mail in ballots for the Nov. 3 election nearing, it seems appropriate to pause and give a shout out to those far-sighted folks who got Boulder started on its open space acquisition.

“Every time I get stale, I realize there is something new, even for people like you and me. All of a sudden, a new trail will appear out of nowhere.” – Brendan Reilly

Read the full article at the Daily Camera
http://www.dailycamera.com/recreation-columnists/ci_13646062

Chautauqua Park

More about Boulder’s Open Space and Mountain Parks
http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/

Boulder Weekly’s opinion on 2009 Boulder County County Ballot Issue 1A
http://www.boulderweekly.com/article-12-boulder-county-ballot-issues.html

While Boulder Weekly acknowledges that the purchase of open space has had some unintended negative consequences, especially on the availability of affordable housing in Boulder, those are outweighed by the high priority that county residents have placed on preserving natural lands in an era of sprawl and communities that run together without a clear boundary.

Vote YES on Boulder County Ballot Issue 1A.