Two weeks after running the Backcountry Half Marathon, I decided to run some of the same trails again, this time solo. I was amazed as to how strong I felt. My latest half really built muscle and increased my cardio capacity. I ran a total of 10 miles and during that time, I only saw one other person - a biker. It astounds me that I can be so close to civilization, and see only one person. These trail are so accessible, I am amazed people don't use them more. Maybe it is the pest problem... ;)
The Backcountry Trails are an intricate web of dirt single track trails mixed with some wider groomed dirt. They are well maintained and only Highlands Ranch residents are allowed on site. I took lots of pictures today, hoping the views might inspire other residents to brave some new territory.
There was a rather large brown cloud over Denver today. We haven't had much wind to blow it away. But the views were still worth while. I was standing at the edge of a sea of houses. Behind me are thousands of acres of open space.
My earphones broke weeks ago and I haven't had the energy to find new ones that actually fit. I ran music and Garmin free. Of course I brought my phone in my backpack and snapped some pictures, but I enjoyed the quiet and was left with my thoughts following a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with family.
I lived in Highlands Ranch for 6 years before I knew any of this existed. I had no idea what I was missing. It is interesting how running allows you to learn and appreciate the intricacies of your home geography. I have become so familiar with every main trail-line in the town, how they connect, approximate distances, meeting points, detours, and yet I continue to find new trails weekly.
I love these trails because I feel like I am a part of something much bigger than me. I can see all of Denver, the Rocky Mountains, the Great Plains, and beautiful plateaus. These buttes remind me of the wild west.
I felt great 6 miles into my run when I came across my old friends from She Who Runs with Cows gets a Fist Full of Poop. At first sight of them, my heart dropped. I panicked running through hundreds of them less than a month ago, but I had my husband to keep me company. This time I was alone and not wanting a similar encounter. I approached cautiously and almost jumped for joy when I saw the fence dividing us.
The views from the top of Wildcat Mountain are stunning. I didn't make it to the top today as I am running the Rock 'n' Roll Vegas Half Marathon next weekend. While I felt great, I wanted to leave some in the tank.
There is a vast open space that divides Castle Pines and Highlands Ranch. If you stand on the edge of the trail system, you can see all of Highlands Ranch to the north and open untamed plains to the south. I prefer running on trails any day over roads and pavement. At this point in my loop, I ran about 7 miles.
After Vegas, I am taking a break from racing for a few months. I raced all spring and summer, and finished the season with 4 half marathons and one duathlon in 2.5 months. I look forward to hitting the trails without purpose again. I won't have to push a certain pace or maintain a distance schedule. I feel freest when I can turn in a new direction, see where it takes me, and wind up running 13 miles when I planned on 8. Running without my Garmin today made me feel freer than I have in months. It might just have to be shelved for a while.
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