Thoughts on the Run

The Colorado weather continues behaving for the 2nd day in a row and my work-through-the-night schedule rolls on. With temps hitting mid-60s, seemed like a great reason to head back to my favorite trail in Lyons, Colorado for a run. I hadn’t realized it, but I haven’t run on this trail for 2 years. Depressing yet exciting to get back out there.

This is my favorite trail for 2 reasons: the variation of the course and the wildlife. The trail starts with going up for 2 miles, then down for a mile, then up for a mile, and on and on. There are boulders to climb over, switchbacks, and wind. Oh is there wind! About 2 miles in when you come out of tree cover, you are exposed to the wind rolling off the mountains. Not always a cold wind, but a force that feels like you should be receiving bonus points.

Lyons was a town that was severely hit by the floods this past September. The town was underwater and roads to get in not accessible. During the flood, firefighters were stranded on the side of the mountain as their truck was washed away. As I drove by the river, I could see the devastation. The river had overflowed and drowned the trees that had lined the banks. It was a sad site to see and reminder the power of mother nature.

As part of my reasoning, I stopped at the market in Lyons to get lunch. Whenever possible, I try to support the local community … and I like to eat, so what better way to support them! At the intersection of the town is St. Vrain Market. They have a bakery that is busy every morning creating fresh products and crafting custom sandwiches. All of it is great! If you are in the area, you have to stop by and try out their fresh baked cookies (gluten free even) … you won’t be disappointed!

So it is now Spring … and time is ticking towards the Leadville 100 Mile Run!