What happened to our Colorado spring? It’s been rain and snow thru May. My son just returned to his college town for a summer internship in a lab. My house is quieter with one less child at home. Running, breaking a sweat or eating chocolate is how I cope with stress. My neighborhood running route is a fun way to take in the Colorado views.

This is the hill that leads out of our neighborhood. It’s steep and it’s a bear (and yes it’s not uncommon to see a mama bear and her cubs in the early morning). It’s the hill when you see a neighbor chugging up the hill you roll down your window and yell a few encouraging words.

But look at that sky! Colorado has over 300 days of sunshine a year! Oh, and no humidity. It’s the perfect weather for outdoor enthusiasts.

my running route

The trouble with hills was over time my hamstrings and core said, “no more.” It was a rough year figuring out the injury (need to treat the source, not the symptom). Blah blah blah. I do more physical therapy now than in the previous 20 years combined.

So my “team” suggested mixing up my runs with dirt (and tracks). I fought this suggestion for a while because of certain types of critters I might run into while out on a run.

On a particularly warm morning, I decided to try my knee (hamstring) on the dirt roads. I found a few snapshots of Colorado life along my running route.

Colorado is often referenced as the Mile High City or 5280. Both nicknames are references to the number of feet (one mile) Denver sits above sea level. In our part of the city, we are well above 5280. Because I have lived in Colorado for so long, I do not notice the difference in altitude. But, when my son was home from college it took him a few days to adjust to the altitude.

Along my running route, there are usually buffalo roaming in the distance behind the fence. This is a 2 lane dirt road and although most drivers give a friendly wave to acknowledge the runners; it’s not a guarantee. It gets a little precarious around the bends and turns.

This greeted me when I finished my run. It puts all of the struggles, pains, complaints in perspective. What are your favorite runs in your city?