Winter means most Coloradans are headed to the mountains to strap on skis. If you’re still in the mood for outdoor recreation but don’t want the 4 a.m. wake-up call that comes with a mountain trip, head east instead of west to Paint Mines Interpretive Park. How do I get there? Paint Mines is a…
What to bring trail running when you’re just starting out
I had a complex for a long time that I wasn’t running far enough to justify packing a backpack when I went trail running. Eventually, I realized I was getting really thirsty and hungry and I just stopped caring. If you find yourself wanting to bring a hydration vest or pack along with you, don’t…
Denver Beginner Running Guide: Wash Park, Cheesman Park, and City Park loops
Denver has no shortage of amazing running routes, mostly thanks to the ginormous parks around the city. Washington Park (Wash Park to locals), Cheesman Park, and City Park are three of the most popular running destinations in Denver. Each has a crushed gravel path that’s great for running in addition to paved paths and loops…
How to snowshoe with a baby
When getting out of the house to walk around the block feels complicated, getting back (or starting) outdoor adventures with a new baby can feel downright impossible. But I was determined to rip off the Band-Aid and figure out outdoorsy adventures with baby in tow. Our Saturday snowshoe was a success, due in no small…
Beginner Trail Guide: The Manitou Incline
The Manitou Incline, or just “The Incline” as it’s more commonly known, is one of the more famous (infamous?) trails in Colorado. But it’s really hard to find any information about it, and all the folklore about how steep and challenging it is can make it seem totally out of your league as a beginner….
Beginner’s guide to Yellowstone National Park
I can’t overstate just how enormous Yellowstone National Park is, which can make planning a trip a little intimidating. Things are so spread out that the park itself has full-service gas stations and grocery stores. There’s just SO much to see at this national icon. So how did we pick? I read American Wolf a…
Surviving Winter: Gear Up For Cold Weather Running
I got the urge to start running in mid-October, which was a pretty poor choice on my part. Within weeks of starting Project Become A Runner, winter arrived in Colorado. More recently, I decided to run my first half marathon in April…and start training around Thanksgiving. Needless to say, I’ve been over (and under) dressing…
Beginner’s Leaf Peeping Guide in Golden Gate Canyon
As an East Coast native, I wasn’t sure leaf peeping in Colorado could live up to the hype – after all, instead of an explosion of a billion different colors, you have “just” one color. Gold. But there’s something about the contrast of the golden aspens against the evergreens that is just stunning. And there’s…
Beginner’s Trail Guide: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Torrey Pines is a must-do if you’re visiting San Diego. It has stunning cliff views, a unique ecosystem, and plenty of beginner-friendly options for hiking.
What’s it like to pace or crew the Leadville 100 Ultramarathon?
Ultramarathon and beginner are two things that you may not think go together. While beginner runners certainly can’t stick with someone for 50 miles (the maximum length you can be a pacer runner at Leadville), there is absolutely a place for us at one of the most iconic trail races in the world. Even if…
