Rediscovering Hogbackloop Trail: Off The Beaten Path

Thu, 24 May 2018 00:00:00 +0200

A few weeks ago, I was thinking about the route I should take on my next run. I was looking for something easier, but still with some elevation gain. Definitely wanted it to be a trail covered with rocks and dirt instead of pavement. So I figured I will cover Hogbackloop Trail that I haven’t visited in a while. As it turned out, I returned to this North Boulder trail almost on the anniversary of my last visit here. Time flies…

Quiet Flagstaff Road near Boulder, CO.

In case you are looking for a trail that offers the followings, Hogbackloop Trail is for you:

short, but steep uphill
great view of a typical Colorado Front Range scenery
not crowded trails
views of North Boulder
plenty of opprtunities to break your ankle

Heading up on a wet Viewpont Trail in Boulder, CO.

Being a loop, divided by a summit where you can find plenty of spot to sit down and enjoy the views of North Boulder, the two “halves” of the loop are very different.

The South side of the loop is steeper, makes you work through steeper terrain and cover a series of typical trail steps to gain most of the elevation as quickly as possible.

The North side of the loop is a longer, less steep section, covered by rocks in various sizes, making it a good training ground to strenghten your ankle. The faster you run, the harder your ankles will work and the more you will have to focus to avoid an injury. Without the crowds, I would consider it a great training ground for anyone trying to ease into trail running.

Heading up on a wet Viewpont Trail in Boulder, CO.

Don’t get distracted by the fact that this is not one of the well-known, popular Boulder trails and destinations. It can be also a perfect trail to cover with visitors from lower elevations, who would still like to get an idea of what the local trails have to offer.

If you end up visiting it, let me know how you liked it! Have fun out there!

In The Light Rain

Sun, 13 May 2018 00:00:00 +0200

Ever since I picked up running I had the great fortune to run in so many different places. Yet one thing I didn’t expect was to discover how much I enjoy now being out there in the rain.

My favorite is the light rain: no wind, no lightning, just the steady flow of raindrops falling from seemingly infinite heights.

In general conditions which are not going to turn my time outside into a fight for survival, but bad enough that will keep most of the crowds at home.

In the past, before I became a runner, I was just like most people. Bad weather: stay at home.

Not any more.

Quiet Flagstaff Road near Boulder, CO.

I like how busy streets turn quiet.
I like How otherwise busy trail sections become my own playground.
I like that when like yesterday, it feels I own the entire mountain.
I like how the wet rocks and exposed roots force me to stay 100% focused: be present in the moment and take my mind off of anything else.
I like I like it a lot.

Heading up on a wet Viewpont Trail in Boulder, CO.

If you ever have a chance to try this experience, let me know how it went. Until then, enjoy the weather outside!

JFLMTCO Stories

Rediscovering Hogbackloop Trail: Off The Beaten Path

In The Light Rain