Sunday, January 3, 2010 - Red Rocks - Bear Creek Reservoir

Time: 2:58
Distance: 20 miles
Effort: Easy
Body: Good
Weather: Sunny and cool


Up early for another Steve G.-organized long run. Met up with the group at the dirt parking lot near C-470 and Morrison Road.  We were joined today by Christine A., Lori B. and Ian Adamson, who works with Steve at Newton Running.


We set off around 7:30 a.m. running north on Rooney Road past Bandimere Speedway, under and back over C-470 and over the Dakota Hogback on West Alameda Parkway. We then ran up and through Red Rocks before dropping back down into Morrison. We spent the first part of the run catching up on everyone's 2010 running plans and naming our top five favorite races. No one could top Ian's top five...his top races involved exotic locations around the globe, a world record (most miles paddled in a kayak in 24 hours...263.4!) and podium finishes in the world's most grueling adventure races. 


After dashing through Morrison, we ran a loop on roads, paved bike paths and golf cart sidewalks in and around Bear Creek Lake Park, a 2,600-acre park in Lakewood that contains three lakes (Bear Creek, Little Soda and Big Soda Lakes) and miles of dirt and paved trails and roads.


Felt good this whole run. The pace was easy - average pace was a mellow 8:55, with 1,489 feet of elevation gain. Yesterday's day off made a big difference. Thanks to Steve, Ian, Chris and Lori for the great run!