..then to be able to run on the trails around these...
the beautiful red rock formations near Morrison, CO. Seriously, it is sooo beautiful out there.
I met up with the Denver Trail Runners this morning at 8A for a trail run. I am embarrassed to say that I have never actually run on any of the trails around Red Rocks. But, I will say that after my run today, I will definitely be going back!
The run was awesome! The trails had everything...hills, downhills, technical parts, and nice flat sections where you could really fly.
And, because it IS winter, there were actually parts that were completely iced over. In fact, at one point, we had to slide down a hill on our butts so we wouldn't slip and fall!
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| Source This isn't the actual trail, but it was really similar to this, only A LOT steeper! |
Although this is technically only my 4th trail run this year, I felt like I had been running trails my whole life. I loved it! Trail running is just so much more technical than road running and you constantly have to be aware of your surroundings. Sometimes on long training runs I get so bored because, let's face it, it IS sometimes pretty boring on those longs runs. BUT, today, having things to concentrate on, running through the trees, grasses, and rocks just made the miles and time fly by.
But, one thing that I am learning that I need to do is LET GO of the numbers. Keeping track of your pace, time, and distance is just so DIFFERENT. You cannot compare your road running pace to your trail pace..you just can't. In fact, I stopped looking at my pace on my Garmin completely because it just wasn't useful information for me. So, from now on, I'm going to stop focusing so much on the numbers (which is kind of hard coming off of IMAZ training where it's ALL about the numbers), and just focus on enjoying myself out there. :)
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| Happy shoes...Dirty Floor! :) |
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| You have NO idea what kind of images pop up when you type "happy trails" into Google...YIKES..ha ha! :) |
19 comments:
I love Red Rocks! There are some great mountain biking trail there too, and I love running the stairs in the amphitheater!
Enjoy the sunshine today!
wow you are so lucky to live near that...
I need to go back there and try running the trails. We've hiked around but no running. I'm not strong on the roads and even less so on the trails but like you said it's not about speed. I'm glad you love it and found a group to go with.
I don't do too much trail running. But winter I think is the best time for it because critters are at their minimum out there. That place looks amazing!!! You're right. You are lucky to run there.
It's beautiful there!
Sometimes we have to remember to just enjoy it for it's own sake, not for the numbers we make. :)
Sounds fab!!
That looks freaking awesome!! I am jealous!
I used to want to go to a concert at Red Rocks more than anything (I could listen to my DMB Live @ Red Rocks album over and over). Now, I just want to run there! Amazing!
I've done some mountain biking out in that area...many years ago. It is beautiful. You're right, you can't compare pace on trails to pace on flat roads. Just too many variables. But that's what makes trail running and biking fun!
Wow, that trail looks incredible! I am jealous. So glad I found your blog!
You are so right about the pace difference on trails. I'm always apprehensive to put paces on my blog because they look so slow, but people don't realize that there was 2,000 feet elevation change on technical terrain. I'd rather be slower though and have the scenery!
You got me all excited for my trip to Pikes Peak in August. I'm sure we'll meet with many bloggers then...I better train for this thing! I feel the same about trail running. It is so many things road running just will never be. Having said that, I still have many favourite road races I do each year.
The trails look beautiful!! There really is just something freeing and fun about running trails. Enjoy!
I love running the trails. We do all our long runs on the trails and it rocks. You will have to make your way to Colorado Springs so I can show you what we have to offer!
Hi Girl!
I AM so jealous of your trails. Beautiful! I live in wine country CA- so I can't complain, but you've got the dreamland!
I love trail running, it's a blast! And no, you cannot look at numbers when trail running, it will make you manic! :)
A place we have run frequently with the track team is at Lair o the Bear over near RR, I think you'd LOVE it! Nice job on the trails, glad you enjoyed them!
btw, how's our boot camp gym coming along?? :)
That sounds lovely and looks lovely.
Nice work.
I've heard that trail running is super fun and can't wait to do more of it once we move. It won't be nearly that beautiful though, I'm sure!
i sooo want to run there! every picture I have seen is gorgeous.
however i'm not sure about my wussy pants sliding down any ice
I'm not really into trails but wow, that scenery would be hard to pass up!
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