This isn’t the typical newsletter talking about current running and life events. It’s that time of the year where the college kids start to migrate here for Summer training alongside families taking vacations to check out the flatirons. One of the most common messages I get from visitors is “Where should I run?”

Well, here you go.

Note- These are my personal favorite running spots. I am primarily a track runner who occasionally does road races. So, these runs may be different than someone who is interested in a different type of running.

The best easy run spots:

What I mean by easy run: conversational, the majority of your weekly mileage, and a place that you can go back to without beating the body up too much.

1. Bobolink Trailhead. The Brogan Austin Favorite. This is a great easy run spot for those in the South/Central Boulder area. The nicest part of this trail is that you can park at East Boulder Rec Center and use the turf fields for those EVER SO IMPORTANT post run drills and strides.

2. Tom Watson. Go here on a Saturday morning and you will see just about every type of endurance athlete known to man ready to smash a run or bike ride. The best part of Tom Watson is its variety of runs.. Easy run around the lake? Sure. Head out to the Farm roads? Sure. Need to run a marathon specific workout on pavement? Done. Oh, and did I mention the views of the front range? Chef’s kiss.

3. LOBO TRAIL. Tinman Elite and OAC rule this trail throughout the week. You can pick this up in Boulder or Longmont. There are a ton of offshoots, and you can even start at Niwot Highschool for a great easy run and strides. Relatively flat, but some longer climbs at certain points.

4. Teller Farms. Also known as “the Tank” from Running With The Buffaloes. This is a great out and back run for anyone who wants to mix up some surfaces. Smooth gravel for the first 4 miles and then into hilly single track trails. I once watched Joe Klecker run 15 miles sub 6 minute pace during his CU days. He went on to get 4th at NCAA Cross. Just saying…

5. Wonderland Lake. Another run you can make really easy, or really hard. The views from the start of this run give heavy Switzerland vibes. This is a great spot in North Boulder for doubles or even a single run if you don’t mind some hills. This run has some great off shoot single track trails that take you deep into the Foothills. Enjoy.

The best workout spots:

When I say “workout” I mean some sort of intensity harder than an easy run. These are the places you go 1-2xweek to get better at running. Think fartleks, tempos, 1ks, mile repeats, etc… There are so many other amazing places to workout in Boulder, so I tried to make a tiny list of places I have gone over the years with my team. Here it is:

1. Davidson Mesa. The best soft surface fartlek/tempo spot in the game. Anybody who wants to show up back to sea level strong and fit needs a few workouts on this loop. Be careful on windy days; there is nothing stopping those front range gusts. And bring some sunscreen!

2. Celestial Seasonings. Yes, you read that correctly. Boulder runners all know the infamous tea loop around the Celestial Factory. Rip some strength repeats on a safe road while soaking in the lovely smell of peppermint tea. The loop is about 1200m and even has markings. I recommend this to road runners looking to get strong for a 5k/10k/half marathon.

3. Foothills Community Park. A small/hilly/grass loop at the base of the foothills. It doesn’t get more cross country than this. This is a bit of a controversial take because this is such a hard place to run. But, I can tell you first hand I have watched athletes run workouts here and go on to do incredible things in cross country races later in the year. Great places to run/warmup from here too!

The best long run spots:

We all know how crucial it is to get in our weekly long run. Boulder roads are home to some legendary long runs. Here is where I like to run:

1. Lefthand Trail. Also known as Neva. This one stays in the rotation every other week or so for most pros. Like many spots in Boulder, you can get right onto dirt, hit some pavement, or choose some safer single track trails nearby. For those marathoners out there who want lots of ups and downs in your run, here you go.

2. Lagerman Reservoir. A tad bit North of Boulder but we’re gonna count it. There are some lovely loops out here you can run on dirt roads and you can end with some miles on one of my favorites trails, the Open Sky Loop which loops around a farm. Best of luck out here, you might see Joe Klecker clipping off sub 6’s on an EASY DAY.

3. Magnolia Road. If you’ve never heard of her, you clearly don’t love running enough. Made famous by Mark Wetmore and the Colorado Buffaloes epic cross country teams, Mags is a staple for those wanting to get really good at running. Some of the hardest runs of my life have taken place here. If the fitness isn’t there, there is no hiding from it on this run. I have witnessed sea level runners literally stop a mile into this run and call it quits. Here’s my one tip for anyone running mags: Don’t smash the downhills. Note: This run officially starts when the road turns to dirt. Do not start on the Pavement at the base of the canyon unless you’re okay with ending your season!

Honorable Mention:

I am unfortunately barely scratching the surface of Boulder, CO running potential. A few of the best runs are right outside of Boulder; so I wanted to make one more list that includes a few more of my favorites in the area.

1. Boulder Canyon. Straight through the middle of Boulder. This connects you to the entire creek path system, so you can really go anywhere from here. Warning: This run is always harder than I want it to be.

2. Eagle Trailhead. I love this run and I don’t do it nearly enough. You’re running right on ridges outside of Boulder and just like the name of the run leads you to believe, you might see an Eagle or two. This run reminds me of my teammate Joey, who I really enjoy running with.

3. Mcintosh Lake. Out in Longmont, so about 15 minutes from Boulder. Macintosh Lake is a great 3.5 mile flat loop for some easy running or even lighter workouts. This Lake gives a great reflection of the mountains and has you running around some beautiful neighborhoods.

4. Mesa Trail. Now, I am not a trail runner BUT if I were to indulge, this is where I would start. You get to hangout with the Flatirons on this run and experience quintessential Boulder beauty throughout. Just remember to pick up your knees!

5. Cottonwood Trail. The best double trail in all of Boulder, good luck convincing me otherwise. This is more for nostalgic reasons, as this was very close to my house in Boulder. However, this trail is one of my favorites and I can’t help but feel grateful when running on this trail.

Post run brunch:

1. Walnut Cafe. This has become a joke on our team after any big team workout. After crushing a session someone will inevitable float the idea of “Walnut Cafe?” And… 30 minutes later we’re all devouring some pancakes and eggs from one of the best brunch spots in Boulder. Reed Fischer gives Walnut Cafe the “best value” brunch spot in Boulder.

2. The Buff. This is the boujee and high end brunch you’re looking for from time to time. A great place to bring together hungover college kids and runners who just finished a 15 mile long run. Worlds colliding!! Some fire skillets, if that’s your thing. Reed Fischer is a no comment on “the buff.”

3. Tangerine. I bought my favorite coffee mug from this spot. Tangerine has some of the best unique brunch food in Boulder. Reed Fischer gives Tangerine “best brunch food” in Boulder. When Reed Fischer says something, you listen.

Post run coffee:

1. Beleza. This feels like MY personal hidden gem. I think the coffee here is great and it’s in one of my favorite shopping centers in Boulder. Plus, they sell amazing purses/hand bags that make for a great gift for your friends. My wife has bought all of her sisters gifts from here.

2. Box Car Coffee Roasters. Box Car has the best coffee vibe in Boulder. Inside is a coffee bar, a little sandwich/meat shop, and a wine and whiskey shop in the back of the shop. So, if you really want to impress your friends you can get a latte, grab a sandwich for lunch, and then buy some local Colorado whiskey for a night cap. I am not cool enough to do all of that, but I will definitely get at least the latte.

3. Trident Cafe. This is for all the nerds out there. Coffee and a bunch of books, come on!! Brogan Austin goes here every weekend so if you want to go hang with him, don’t bother— he’s reading. They even host concerts in the back.

Lunch/Dinner:

1. Mt. Everest Cuisine. This is one of our teams favorite spots. You’re not gonna find better Tikki Masala in Boulder. Over Covid in 2020 I really racked up some Uber eats credits from ordering out from here. If you go by, tell Radha the Tinman Elite guys sent you.

2. Cross Cut Pizza. This is up the mountain in Nederland; so maybe more of a day trip or evening trip. However, there isn’t a better place to wind down than Cross Cut. You’re right across Boulder Creek and very close to Barker Reservoir which is a lovely place to walk down to after dinner.

3. Oak. Right off Pearl Street, so just one of the many great places to eat on the mall. They have fun menu items and sometimes even special lunch menus.

Other:

Wanted to end this little Boulder hype up with some other things to check out while you’re in town between the miles and food.

1. North Boulder Park. This is one of my favorite places to hangout during the Spring/Summer. My wife and I will come down here for picnics, throw a frisbee, or just hangout with a group of friends. Sometimes they will even have food trucks along the park during the Summer. Or you can hang up a hammock and read a book to enjoy this peaceful park in North Boulder.

2. Boulder Farmers Market. This Farmers Market is stocked entirely by Colorado Producers. The Farmers Market takes place Saturday from 8am-2pm April Through November and Wednesdays 4pm-8pm May Through October.

3. Gross Reservoir. One of the best places to go hike/kayak during the Summer. The drive up Flagstaff road alone is worth the trip.

Enjoy!