ISSUE 009:
Topping out at 6,870 feet of elevation, within the Eldorado Canyon State Park, the run up to the Continental Divide Overlook seems otherworldly in contrast to the nearby suburban valley of Boulder less than 10 miles away. Along a narrow county road, Cody and Joshua arrived the earliest to the trailhead by 5:30am, braving the cold long before the sun would make itself known. Our ambitious runners pulled up to the trailhead, one-by-one committing to the unforgiving chill - always a jarring moment in those early spring mornings.
Bouncing in place and hands clinched tightly for warmth, Paige, JC, Isaac, Marisol, Justin, Juliet, Christopher, Emily, Cody, Elliott and Joshua excitedly took off up the gravel trail for what would become an epic morning. With its distant glow, the sun began to rise with promises of warmth and a spectacular view that had made the grit of the early morning now worth while. Our spirits grew along with the elevation and our crew’s energy was nothing less than spectacular. Something about being uncomfortable, jokes began to erupted left and right as we reconciled with each gust of wind that would cut down to our bones and bursted out laughing whenever it was our turn to flail from the unforeseen frozen earth that tested our balance.
The trek to the top was breathtaking with each bend along Rattlesnake Gulch revealing an undisturbed calm amongst the trees. Banking left and right, we picked up our knees and leaned into the climb. Gazing at the rolling clouds that billowed over the cliff’s edge, we finally acclimated to the cold. If this were easy then everyone else would be doing it too. We embraced the fact that the path less taken was challenging, but those of us who accept its demands were filled with passion, purpose, and fulfillment. We say, let the wind sting and the cold air bite. The only way to truly know the experience is to venture out and confront the obstacles. Often, these hardships become the most cherished memories of the run.
Snowfall evokes a unique sense of tranquility. The snow muffles the sounds of the world, creating a serene stillness that offers a welcome escape from the daily hustle. We appreciated the pristine beauty of the snow-covered landscape, its sparkling brilliance transforming the world. But perhaps the greatest joy of winter running is the element of surprise. Each turn reveals a new, breathtaking vista, a constant source of awe and wonder. So, I hope you embrace the snow, embrace the challenge, and discover the magic of winter running.
For many, running isn’t about the distance, it's about finding our people, an outlet for joy and the camaraderie that comes from shared experiences. Yonder is the new breed of runner. These non-traditional athletes are moving the needle far beyond physical fitness that transcends in all directions. In the ever-evolving post-pandemic era, many who previously felt isolated or excluded – those who didn't see themselves fitting the traditional image of a runner in terms of speed or physique – are now creating broader goals.
The collection started with a feeling many runners share - the delight in finding a natural surface while out for a run. Logging miles across Colorado, we found those moments through jutting cliffs, in dense forests, around hairpin trails, and high alpine summits. In Colorado, we call that pretty great running. And that’s the sensation we want to share with you.
-CB