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Run rain or shine
Also, when you're exposed to that amount of precipitation, you develop a certain kind of black humor, or perhaps more aptly, gray humor. Boulderites, with the deluges we've been having lately, this may be your one chance to humorously grouse about the weather this year. "What does daylight savings mean in Boulder? An extra hour of rain." "What does a Boulderite say to the Pillsbury Dough Boy? Nice Tan." See how good a little self-pity can feel? What you really need is a run. It's the one outdoor activity that can't be rained out ever. And here in Boulder we have an absolute embarrassment of riches in the trailrunning options department. Here is where to put one foot in front of the other during the 65 days a year when the sun doesn't shine on us Front Rangers. Mount Sanitas. This Boulder classic sits right off Mapleton Avenue and very close to downtown. Do the straightforward jog out and back on the Valley Trail, or for a quieter loop head east down to Forest Avenue on the steep social trail that comes in on the right just after the overlook. For extra spice, run the Mount Sanitas trail to the summit and descend via the East Ridge Trail. Marshall Mesa. Located on the south end of town this is a lesser-known gem just east of Broadway on Highway 170. A loop with fantastic views of Longs Peak can be made on the Community Ditch Trail, and more miles can be added via the Greenbelt Plateau. You could run a mega-loop by adding the Doudy Draw trail to the equation. Also, a new trail extension of the Community Ditch trail running east was added this winter. Anne U White Trail. This hidden treasure can be found in north Boulder off Lee Hill Road. The three-mile round trail route traces Fourmile Creek through a shady canyon to a sunny meadowland that is often filled with wildflowers. The parking is limited, so try off-peak hours for your visit. A superb spot. Boulder Weekly Gear Pick: Tecnica Tricon TR shoes are a bomber choice for any trailrunning outing. The topside open-mesh construction keeps the shoe breathable whether it's Lamar hot or Leadville frosty. The Tricon's have a Triple Response midsole with three densities of EVA and rubber: a soft cellular rubber heel piece as a shock absorber in heel strike; a denser EVA on the medial side to diminish pronation; and a mid-density EVA on the lateral side for lateral balance. The total weight is less than 1lb 9oz. Other features include TPU power core for torsional rigidity and a Tecniplate insole under the forefoot outsole to protect against rock strikes on the trail. Go to www.tecnicausa.com for details. Inside Edge For information on local trail running, consult Trails.com, Boulderunning.com, and RacingUnderground.com. Respond: letters@boulderweekly.com
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If you read this column regularly, fair fit reader, you
might know that I once lived in Seattle—gasp!—for five years. In a
basement apartment with one north-facing window, no less. Not that I'm bitter
or anything. All that northwest rain has a soggy, silver lining of sorts. For
instance, in the winter of 1999, it snowed one foot or more all but three days
during the month of February at nearby Mt. Baker ski area. True story.
