Running Up a Canyon is Hard

But it’s totally worth it. At least when that canyon is Boulder Canyon.

While I work in Boulder – one of the best running towns in the country – my daily commute is about two hours round trip, on a good day. So as much as I’d love to run in Boulder every day, it just doesn’t work out very often for me to do it.

But this week I was determined to get out for a run. Some colleagues who live in Boulder had told me about this run, and I’ve been pining to do it. Right across the street from our office is the Boulder Creek Path, which winds through town to the east or up the canyon to the west. I was looking for a climb and some peace and quiet.

And a climb is what I got! Let me tell you, there is a serious elevation gain going up the canyon. About a mile in I was starting to question my colleague’s assertions that “it’s a pretty steady, but easy climb.” Maybe for them – since they’ve been running it for years! Don’t be fooled, this run will take your breath away. In more ways than one.

While the trail starts off at the west end of town, it hugs Boulder Creek for most of the way. There is a stretch where the road separates the trail from the creek, but before long the path sweeps under the road and you’re right back on the banks of the creek.

I saw a few other runners, couples out for an evening walk, some bikers and a few guys fly fishing, but I’m fairly certain that the path isn’t typically this empty.

My lungs may have been burning on the way up, but views like this and the fast downhill on the way back down into town made every gasp completely worth it.

 

Okay, it’s time to brag: What are you proud of this week?

Run Break

It’s been a really long time since I’ve gone for a run during work. Back when I worked with Grace we started a small but mighty running group with our colleagues and would head to Central Park just about ever Wednesday evening. It was fantastic. Not only was it great to get out of the office and enjoy a beautiful evening in a world-class park, our little sanctuary in the middle of chaos, but I found that I was able to bond with my colleagues/friends in a different way. I can’t remember the last time I took a break from my desk to enjoy a run. It just wasn’t an option at my last job.

After 7.5 months of working in Boulder (wow, I can’t believe we’ve been here that long already!), I finally got out on the Boulder Creek trail and enjoyed a nice run! While I work for a small firm, several of my colleagues are runners and one in particular will often make the quick change late in the afternoon and head out for a run, then finish up work before heading home for the night. I’m not sure why it took me so long to do this, maybe I’m just finally feeling comfortable enough to leave my desk and break out for a run.

The run was only 30 minutes and I was racing the rain the whole time, but to say it felt great would be an understatement. Running along the Boulder Creek provided a new perspective of the city. My office is just across the street from the trail, providing easy access further into downtown or out into the mountains. I’m looking forward to exploring the mountain side of the trail soon!

After I got back to the office and was chatting with my running colleague, he mentioned that there used to be a group that would go out together for a run every once in a while, but many have moved on from our firm. We decided to restart the group this spring/summer – I just hope I don’t slow them down too much! But even if I do, we’re still getting out for a run and that’s what really matters!

Do you ever have the luxury of taking a break from your desk for a run? * What are your thoughts on running with colleagues, or working out with colleagues? * Random Q: What sport has been your favorite to watch during the Sochi Olympics?