Welcome to the 4th season of the Denver Trail Runners (DTR). This is
a reminder of how the group works.

If you have any questions about the group, please go to the Yahoo
Groups site (groups.yahoo.com/group/denvertrailrunners) and read the
FAQ in the Files section, other files, and some old messages. The
group is almost all self-service. There are over 550 people on the
list. I don't have time to respond to individual questions. If I
don't respond to your message, it's probably because the info is
already there on the site. There's no need to send me a greeting or
thank-you. I appreciate the kindness, but I already have enough e-
mail to read.

I (Adam) usually send out a weekly e-newsletter. This is not a
discussion group. Please do not try to post a message to the group.
No solicitation allowed. If you have something of interest for the
group, send it to me (runahill@...) and, if appropriate, I'll
put it in the weekly message. That's the way the group wants it. I
try to keep the messages to a minimum. Please don't be offended by
anything I say. Chances are it's just my poor attempt at humor. Humor
doesn't always come across well in e-mail. If it sounds like I'm
angry, I'm probably just having some fun.

I try to include a schedule of upcoming events: trail/snowshoe races,
talks/clinics, orienteering, adventure racing, etc. If you know of
something that's not on the list, please let me know.

The group is FREE. I organize the Thursday night runs, but anyone
else that happens is up to you. This includes the morning runs,
weekend long runs, and carpools to races in the mountains or Sunday
Incline Club runs. If you want to organize a group run, carpool to a
race, etc., try to let me know a week in advance so I have time to
get it in the weekly message. You don't have to be the fastest one to
lead a run. Just set a time and place, and explain the route when
people show up. We're always interested in new and interesting places
to explore.

There are typically two groups on Thursday nights. The early group is
usually smaller and less formal. The later group is larger and more
diverse. The faster runners usually show up for the later group, but
there are also much slower runners there too. All ages, abilities and
interests are welcome - REALLY. We have people from 10 to 70; from
sub-35 10k speed to hikers. Please don't be intimidated. There are
usually several route options. So, no matter how fast or slow you
are, everyone can finish at about the same time. Even if you are the
last one on the trail, so what! No one cares. All that's important is
that you are out there having fun. You won't get better if you don't
get out there.

The runs are not intended to be races. Some people hammer; others may
hike the whole way. Please don't feel intimated or pressured to run
faster than you want.

Once a month, during daylight savings time, we hold a time trial at
Mt. Falcon, 2.5mi, 1,600'. This is a chance to gauge your progress
throughout the season. The time trial is handicapped with the slower
runners starting first, so we finish at about the same time. We will
then do a more casual group run together.

When it gets warmer, we'll have potluck picnics after the runs about
once each month.

Over the next few weeks, I will be adding directions, detailed route
descriptions, and maybe some trail maps to the Files section of the
site. As I do this, I will no longer be including that info in the
weekly message.

Please don't run on muddy trails. It destroys the trails for other
users and increases erosion. I will usually post an alternate site in
case of rain. Check my voice-mail Thursday afternoon in case of
weather, 303-282-3921. I will try to leave a message if we change the
location, but I can't promise it. Use your judgement. If you are on a
muddy trail, please stay on the trail, even if that means going
through mud. Running on the side destroys vegetation and
unnecessarily expands the trail. Trail runners aren't supposed to be
afraid of a little mud.

Dogs, burros and other animals are welcome. Dogs are required to be
on leash at almost every place we run. Even if you have the sweetest,
gentlest dog in the world, others may not know that or may be afraid
of dogs. Please use your judgement and be considerate of others. The
leash law is also to protect wildlife.

Be kind and courteous to the fellow users of the trails. Warn others
before you pass, smile and say thank-you as you go by. Yield to
uphill runners/riders. Always yield to horses. I usually try to yield
to downhill bikers too. It is easier for me to stop and step off the
trail while running than it is for someone on a bike. Be safe. If you
don't know the route, take a map. Most trailheads have maps
available. Try to stay with someone, especially in some of the more
remote sections of the trails. It is rare, but we have encountered
some larger wildlife (cats, bears) on the trails.

Many in the group usually go out for dinner after the runs. Everyone
is welcome. Don't wait for a personal invitation.

The Evergreen Runners Circle (ERC) is another free group. They meet
on Saturday mornings on trails in the Evergreen area. I will usually
include information about their run in the weekly message. Many of
the ERC people run with us on Thursday nights, and vice-versa. This
is not my group, so please don't ask me questions about ERC.