Running Against the Wind at the Boulder Reservoir

I wrote this post a few weeks ago, but haven't gotten around to sharing it until now. 

Over Martin Luther King, Jr weekend, Woody and I both had a three day weekend. On Monday we wanted to head up into the mountains for a snowshoeing trek, but when the temperature took a nose dive with high wind gusts up there and it was going to be the 50's in Denver, we changed our plans last minute and decided on an hour long warm but windy run around the Boulder Reservoir instead of a 3 hour plus cold and windy snowshoe trek in the mountains. 

We watched the weather reports before leaving home - there were occasional high wind gusts in Boulder, but the temperature was already in the mid-40's. It was our first time running around the reservoir so we did a little google searching and saw there'd be no protection from weather. Even knowing this, we figured it would be a close to home adventure; a chance to run on a different trail, and we could deal with some wind gusts.

The truth is, it wasn't so much gusts, but rather a consistent onslaught of really strong wind. For about five and a half miles. Even around 50 degrees, it didn't feel that warm and the wind howled across the open space and hit my ears like a freight train. The first uphill was a test of will, a woman jogging down with her dog looked at us and said "good strength training today!" That was exactly it. Strength training.

Perhaps due to our unfamiliarity with this particular trail we had a bit of trouble navigating it as there were very few directional signs past the trailhead and some parts of the trail seemed to be closed for wildlife nesting. After getting pushed out onto a dirt road from the trail and stopping for a few minutes to look at the map on my phone, we finally saw other runners coming down the road and decided we were probably in the right place. 

When not battling the wind, which actually reached comical levels a few times, we did enjoy the beautiful view of the mountains. The loop we took was just around 5.5 miles. Based on where we started, we traveled along some trail, some dirt road, some paved road, and finished off back on the trail. While it wasn't really the trail we had envisioned running and the wind was a formidable opponent, it turned out to be a great workout - physically and mentally. Another benefit: it can get pretty windy around here in general, so this was good practice in case it's really windy on a race day! And the change of scenery was much needed.

Even with the wind we saw a handful of other runners and some people out for a nice Sunday morning walk with their dogs and kids. It is not a stretch to say that I was surprised the kids and dogs didn't get blown over!

We had parked at Tom Watson Park which is across a road from Coot Lake (which I'd actually characterize as a pond), adjacent to the Boulder Reservoir. When we got back to the parking lot we found many more cars than when we had left. Turns out it's a popular meeting place for cyclists and cross country teams. Which isn't a surprise as there are endless roads, hills, and beautiful views to enjoy!

If You Go:

- Wear sunscreen (it's an absolute must without any shade - plus, we're in Colorado!)

- A generally good idea when heading out on a trail or driving somewhere to run: throw a few layers in the car so you can dress appropriately once you arrive and know the conditions.

- Park at either Tom Watson Park off 63rd Street or at the Boulder Reservoir Park off 51st Street (restrooms are available at both; looked like there's a fee to park at BRP though)

- When you're done, you're not far from the Celestial Seasonings factory and store - where you can stock up on Fast Lane to get you going before your morning workouts!

- For a great post-run brunch, head to Foolish Craig's on Pearl Street downtown. Good food and a great alternative to the perpetually long line outside Snooze.

What kind of weather do you love running in the most? * Have you gone on any running adventures lately?

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?

Trail Running Chautauqua

Trail running is big here. I mean, big. There are all sorts of trails throughout Colorado – some more suited for hiking or mountain biking, some paved, and many miles perfect for running. My running life started in the urban jungle of NYC, where the extent of my trail running was the bridle path in Central Park.

Trail running for me is not something I’ve done much of. Woody and I did venture outside of the city to Rockefeller State Park last spring when we actually had access to a car for a weekend and then we randomly ran through rainforest-like terrain in Florida instead of on the beach this past March – wearing the same Oiselle jacket for both runs. Now, my trail running consists of the gravel path in Washington Park. I need to break out of this urban park trail running rut!

As we’ve now lived in Denver for a year, I made it a mission to get us on a trail. A real trail. Thankfully, I have awesome Oiselle teammates who seem to live on the trails around Boulder. So, I enlisted their help.

I know Chautauqua fairly well, and as it’s also pretty easy to get too, we decided to try the Mesa Trail. I did a little research before we went but still wasn’t entirely sure what we were in for. All I knew was that a lot of people run this trail and that we should be ready for a steep climb right out of the gate (that’s just how things work at Chautauqua).

Well, I was definitely right about the start. Beyond what you can see in the picture above, we were faced with a pretty steep, rocky climb. I promised Woody I wouldn’t take pictures along the way, so this is all of the trail I have to show you. We did just about 5.25 miles total. I believe the Mesa Trail runs just under 7 miles from end to end, so we didn’t even get half way, but we still got a great workout.

What I loved most about the run:

• There was a lot of shade, which is ideal in sunny Colorado
• There were a lot of people on the trail, but everyone was respectful. Walkers moved to the side (all you need is a nice “on your left”) and runners greeted each other
• The terrain was diverse so we never got bored and always had to pay attention
• The few times I looked up from the ground (I’m a klutz and convinced I’m going to crash and burn) all around were stunning views of the Flatirons, front range and miles and miles of open space

Hopefully before the snow comes again I can get out for a few after-work trail runs near Boulder, and a few more weekend on the weekend with Woody. It was challenging, fun and I felt like I had really accomplished something by the end. For once I wasn’t the one hiking, watching a runner fly by and thinking to myself “wow, that’s hardcore.” I may not have been flying by anyone (yet) but I definitely felt good about what I did.

I’m heading back to Michigan to celebrate the 4th at our family cottage – where we’re also celebrating its 60th anniversary! I haven’t been there for the holiday since the 50th. Needless to say I’m quite excited, even though I’ll be sharing a bathroom with 33 other people. That aside, It’s going to be great to catch up with family I haven’t seen for a long time, relax, hang out on the boat, and stuff my face with s’mores and cherries! A retirement party is also on the schedule. An action packed weekend is ahead!

What are your favorite 4th of July traditions? *  How do you like your marshmallow – burned to a crunch or slightly browned? * Any holiday travel tips?

5 Favorite Things from My First BolderBoulder

Today was BolderBOULDER. A 10K race through Boulder, Colorado that starts at a 5,275 foot elevation, peaks at 5,391 feet and ends just under 5,350. As the race’s tagline says: Sea level is for sissies.

When we moved to Denver almost a year ago, I had a really tough time adjusting to the altitude. It took me several months to get comfortable with the lack of oxygen, but I have to say, I didn’t have any trouble breathing at 5,391 feet this morning!

BolderBoulder is an all-inclusive event. The race begins with the speediest of the speedy and ends with the walkers; kids from 6 years old to a man somewhere in his 90’s. And incredible pros running low 5-minute miles! It’s a city-wide party welcoming in the unofficial start to summer.

We met up with my Oiselle teammate Laura, her husband Josh and their adorable 14 month old son (who participated in his first race too!), at their house in Denver at 5:15am to make the trip up to Boulder. We easily found a spot in a parking ramp and walked over to the starting area. With more than 50,000 participants (runners and walkers) I was pleasantly surprised by how well organized the whole thing was.

My favorite things about my first time running BolderBOULDER:

1. Qualified wave starts – with strict watch kept over the corrals – ensuring that the vast majority of the people starting together were actually running around the same pace. With 30 qualified waves and a ton more beyond that, the BolderBoulder team has there stuff together. When my wave went off at 7:22:50 am, we were right on time.

^{This guy got a PR!}

2. On course entertainment that is purely Boulder – the bands, the belly dancers, the slip’n’slides, spectators offering beer and bacon – only in Boulder.

^{This photo with Bret has nothing to do with the on-course entertainment, but I thought it’s cute and I didn’t run with my camera!}

4. Climbing two tough, final hills then kicking it into high gear for a finish in Folsom Field (University of Colorado’s football stadium) in front of thousands of cheering spectators.

3. The chance to hang out with my husband, teammates, and new friends on a sunny Memorial Day!

4. Watching Shalane Flanagan and Deena Kastor cross the finish line that I just crossed a few hours earlier. Okay, so they finished in less than half the time I did, I’m okay with that.

Go Shalane!!!

5. Stale bagel at the finish line? Not here. A lunch bag filled with food from sponsor White Wave. (I could have really gone for a banana, but the popsicle at the post-race expo hit the spot).

I’m not sure yet if we’ll run it next year, but there’s a good chance that we will! This was a pretty great day!

The Birds: Bret, Rebekah, Jess, Laura, me

And if you’re wondering, Afewerki Berhane of Eritrea, won the men’s race in 29:11.37; Mamitu Daska of Ethiopia, won  the women’s race in 32:21.63, almost a full 44 seconds ahead of Shalane. It was an incredible showing!

Check out Laura’s recap HERE.

How did you spend Memorial Day? * What are you looking forward to this summer? * How is it summer already?

New Digs, New Race

The big news…

Last week Woody and I got the keys to our first house together! After almost a decade of apartment living in NYC and Denver, we will be moving into our very own house soon! Both exciting and a bit scary, we are undoubtedly looking forward to not sharing walls with anyone and having the luxury of painting those walls any color we choose! (Although we’ll probably keep them as they are. Oh well.) While one of the top must-buy items on Woody’s list is a grill for the big deck we now own, I plan on spending quality time right here.

And also a few blocks south, in Washington Park – dare I say, the best park in Denver! Really, one of the best things about this house is that it’s so close to this park with great running trails! Good thing too, because I just registered for a race and need to get going on my training.

Everything I’ve heard about this race is that it’s awesome. Quintessential Boulder. The first Bolder Boulder was run in 1979 after Frank Shorter suggested it to a local businessman. While 2,700 runners participated in that first race, the 10K has grown to be one of, if not the, largest 10K in the country – over 50,000 finishers! While a race that large can easily be quite daunting and crazy, I hear that it’s incredibly well organized and one of the best days of the year along the Front Range. Just from my registration process I can tell it’s a unique race. Can’t wait to run with a bunch of other Oiselle birds, Woody and several colleagues on Memorial Day! I’m sure I’ll be posting more about this race over the next few months. I also plan on running another race before then, but haven’t yet signed up for it. With the big check we handed over last week, my bank account can only handle one race registration at a time!

What was the best thing about the past week? * Have any advice for new homeowners? * Who wore your favorite dress at the Academy Awards Sunday night? * What race(s) are you looking forward to this spring?

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?