2009 July 02 « Dirty Shoes

Highlands Ranch Romp

View from Highlands Ranch Backcountry Wilderness Area

No Trespassing

Row after row of nearly identical homes typifies Highlands Ranch, classic urban sprawl South of Denver. It’s easy to write off as a place that has sacrificed all of its open space for one more Home Depot, or Lowe’s, or both. But looking a little closer reveals a hidden treasure-the Highlands Ranch Backcounty Wilderness Area. I wouldn’t call it backcountry, and it’s definitely not wilderness, but the 8,200 acre tract of land surrounded by the Highlands Ranch community is a nice surprise; an island of nature in a suburban sea. The area is privately owned and access is limited to local homeowners, probably a wise policy considering the droves of people who would overwhelm the area’s trails otherwise. My friend and training partner, Ben, just so happens to be a homeowner there. Since guests are welcome at the wilderness Area I was in too! A little history-Ben and I met at the finish line of the Adventure Xstream-Moab Adventure Race this past March, and since it’s tricky to find good companions for a forty-mile mountain-bike ride, we decided to join forces back in the Front Range. Back to the wilderness area-I haven’t run in a friendlier place. Because every trail user is also your neighbor, interactions are universally cordial-one might say neighborly. During our run today, a four-mile romp that incorporated the Ponderosa Loop and the Waterin’ Hole Loop, we played leapfrog with a few mountain bikers. Any other trail this close to town at this time of day (after work) would be mobbed. The trails in the Wilderness Area have been thoughtfully designed with sweeping bends, moderate climbs, and swooping descents that keep visitors amused. At one point, runners must leap a small creek to keep their shoes dry. Sandstone outcroppings vary the scenery and ponderosa pine and mahogany groves line the trail, providing habitat for a diverse community of wildlife. The area is large enough to support even mountain lions whch have occasionally been sighted by trail users. If you can get in, you’ll be charmed by what the Highlands Ranch Backcountry Wilderness Area has to offer.

July 2, 2009 Posted by David | Running | Leave a comment

About

My Blog

images Welcome to Dirty Shoes. You’ll find details here about my training for the Denver Marathon and my efforts to support the mission of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Expect to find regular updates about my progress as well as features like my “Run of the Week”, sharing some of my favorite runs around the country, and “The Stamina Soundtrack”, a playlist of songs to keep you moving. I’ll also drop in tips and information about running, racing, and the landscape and phenomena that serves as the backdrop and inspiration for my running ambitions. This blog is an effort to give back to those who support my cause. I hope it will allow you to come along with me on this journey. Let me know what you think. Please share your thoughts and comments.

If you’d like to help me raise funds to research a cure for blood cancers and to support other families who are facing the challenges that these diseases bring, this link will take you to my fundraising page: http://pages.teamintraining.org/rm/denver09/dbraun

My Dad

Paul David Braun (November 29, 1944-October 12, 2008)

I’m running the Denver Marathon in memory of my father. During a full life, my Dad modeled values that I make every effort to live up to each day. He exemplified integrity, character, honesty, and faith. When he was diagnosed with a rare leukemia in 2005, my family was badly shaken. But his strength, pragmatism, and demeanor throughout the course of his treatment comforted me in difficult times and his providence, love, and foresight help me move forward in his absence. I miss him everyday but his spirit persists in many tangible ways. He does not live in my mind with the illness he suffered but rather in the many long and happy years that preceded it. For visitors who knew my Dad, I hope this site recalls memories that make you smile.

Running has been a rare constant in a rambling life. I’ve spent much of my adulthood moving from one place to another seeking education, adventure, and experience. In each new place, running has provided an opportunity to refocus and to know that place well. I’ve run along dramatic mountain ridges snaking through vast wilderness, and along cracked asphalt alleys slinking through urban districts. I’ve run along palm-lined beaches and along graffiti-lined bridges. Whether bounding down desert canyons, or cranking miles out on pavement I’ve found great satisfaction. Running helps me stay centered in a life that has been, geographically at least, anything but. It has helped me find peace during times of upheaval and clarity during times of confusion. It has given me gladness in times of hardship and novelty in times of dullness. I’ve had friendships built solely around running. It has been a big part of my life. I’m grateful that something I have a passion for can be used to purpose. I hope that my commitment to run in memory of my father will inspire you to turn your own passions to something greater. Or at least to go for a run.