There's lots to do in Colorado in the summer. Here are a few
suggestions, and some new ideas, for the trail runner.
+ Run Trails
+ Do a Trail Race
+ Carpool
+ Volunteer at a race or trail work
+ Pace/Crew at Leadville
+ Orienteering
+ Burro Racing

RUN WITH US
Join us for a Thursday night run. Everyone is welcome at the runs. A
good time to start is at one of the picnics.

If Thursday nights don't work for you, suggest another day and time.
For example, in past years, we've had a regular early morning run. All
it takes is suggesting a time and place. I'll send it out to the
group, and see who shows up. It takes a while to build a new run. It
took a couple of months before we first had more than 10 people at a
Thursday night run.


RACE
Try a trail race. If you're a beginner or slower runner, running up
hills can be quite difficult. However, the scene at trail races is
generally much more relaxed and friendly than most road races,
triathlons, etc. Check out the calendar listed in the regular weekly
message.


CARPOOL
Save money and gas, and ride with other DTR runners. It's fun to go
with a group. If you're going to a race, to an Incline Club, etc., let
us know. I'll send it out to the group. I've suggested some events in
the regular newsletter.


VOLUNTEER
Give back to the running community. If you are injured, want to take a
day off, recovering after a big race, or just want to have a good
time, help out at a race. As a race director, we can never have too
many volunteers. You might be handing out water at an aid station,
directing runners, or helping with registration. It doesn't take any
experience.

I need additional help at my races.
http://www.runuphillracing.com; 303-870-0487

6/25; La Sportiva GoLite Golden Gate Canyon Trail Race; 13.25M; Gilpin
County;
La Sportiva GoLite Twilight Trail Series; Tuesdays, 6:40pm
6/20; 6.6M; White Ranch, Golden
7/11; 6.9M; White Ranch, Golden
7/25; 10K; Elk Meadow, Evergreen
8/15; 5.75M; South Valley Park, Ken Caryl Valley, Littleton

Darrin Eisman's races.
http://www.racingunderground.com; 303-642-7917
6/17; Mt Evans Ascent; 14M, Echo Lake, near Idaho Springs
7/4; Scar Top Mountain Run; 5k, 12k; Coal Creek Canyon
7/22; La Sportiva GoLite Lookout Mountain Hill Climb; 4.5M; Golden
8/5; La Sportiva GoLite Arthur's Rock (& Roll); 10M; Fort Collins
8/26; La Sportiva GoLite Indian Peaks 10K; Eldora, Nederland
10/14; La Sportiva GoLite Barr Lake Boogie; 15k; Barr Lake, Brighton


TRAIL WORK
Trails don't build or maintain themselves. The parks have maintenance
staff. They also rely on volunteers, especially for bigger projects.
Consider putting some time on the trail. Here are some organizations
that use volunteers:
Jefferson County Open Space, were we do most of our runs.
http://jeffco.us/openspace/openspace_T56_R118.htm
Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado. http://www.voc.org
Colorado State Parks. http://coloradoparks.volunteernow.com/


LEADVILLE PACING/CREWING
If you've ever thought about doing an ultra, or if you haven't, but
are just curious about them, pacing and crewing is a great way to go.
You see an ultra close up, share in the experience and emotions, and
help out another runner.

The Leadville Trail 100, August 19-20, gives you a great opportunity
to have that experience.

At many ultras, they allow you to use a pacer over the latter half of
the race. Pacers keep the runner motivated, make sure they eat and
drink, and can be crucial to a runner's success, or even finishing. At
Leadville, pacers are also allowed to "mule", or carry extra gear
(water, food, clothing) for the runners. Muling is not allowed at most
other ultras.

Pacing is fairly easy and fun. You don't have to be a good runner.
Most of the racers will be walking, most of the second half. Even when
they're running, they won't be going that fast. You don't need prior
experience. You can learn more about pacing at
http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/LT100Run/message/1815?l=1

Crewing involves driving to the various aid stations, and having the
runner's gear ready for them to exchange.

There are both local, and especially out of state runners who need
help at the race.

If you are interested in pacing or crewing, you can drop me a line and
I'll see if I can find someone for you. You can also go to the web sites:
http://www.leadvilletrail100.com/
http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/LT100Run/


ORIENTEERING
Orienteering is often called "the thinking sport" because it requires
map reading, problem solving, and quick decision-making skills in
addition to athletic ability and general physical fitness.

You use a map and compass to locate a series of checkpoints.
Orienteering uses specialized topo maps, much more detailed than a
typical hiking map. You choose the route, either on or off trail, that
will help you find all the checkpoints in the shortest amount of time.
Each checkpoint, or "control" is a distinct mapped feature, such as a
trail junction, a boulder, a hilltop, etc. The controls are marked
with uniquely numbered orange-and-white flags.

Most meets will have a variety of courses available, from beginner to
advanced level. The beginner courses are usually about 1-1.5mi, with
the controls all on trail, and are suitable for kids. There's
something for every level. While the meets are timed, more of the
local meets are generally non-competitive events. There's no awards.
The times are primarily to track your progress. Check the web site for
meet details.

6/17; Chatfield State Park
7/2; Sprint Fest at Twin Boulders; Laramie,
7/9; Manitou Lake; Woodland Park
7/15; Adventure Weekend at Beaver Creek Resort
7/22; Night-O; Frisco
*8/9-8/13; Rocky Mountain 1000-Day; Laramie, WY
*8/18; Model Event; Buena Vista
*8/19-8/20; US Classic-Distance Champs; Buena Vista
9/10; Frisco Peninsula
9/16; National Orienteering Day; Fox Run Regional Park, Colorado Springs
9/17; National Orienteering Day; Bear Creek Lake Park, Lakewood
9/24; Scapegoat (long event); Lake George
10/07; Observatory; Nederland
10/28; Chatfield State Park
11/04; Score-O; Boulder area

* The Laramie and Buena Vista events are national championships.
Beginners are welcome. However, there will be awards and intense
competition there.


BURRO RACING
Burro Racing is a long time Colorado tradition. It represents the days
when miners rushed to stake out a claim. I just did my first race. It
was fun, and very silly. As a beginner, who hasn't trained with a
specific burro, you'll be borrowing a burro, and they will have a lot
more say in how fast you go than you do. In some ways, that makes it
easy. You don't have to worry about how well you do.

There are a couple of events designed for beginners, listed below. You
will need to reserve a burro in advance.

6/24; Donkey Derby Days; ~3mi; Cripple Creek
7/23; Idaho Springs; 4-6mi

There are other, longer races listed on the web site.
http://www.packburroracing.com/