Cruising

Coal Creek Trail

Coal Creek Trail

The mountains of Colorado don’t have an exclusive on the valuable resources of the state. Though gold and silver must be plucked from the steeper precipices and tumultuous rivers of the high country, the plains of Eastern Colorado have value too. At the turn of the 20th century, the most valuable of those resources was coal. It powered the industrial revolution in the East and the locomotives that would bring civilization into the western frontier. The mining towns, like Superior and Louisville, were rough places with rowdy residents and frequent conflicts between rival companies that became violent at times. Today, a decidedly more peaceful vibe persists, one that CNN/Money Magazine recognized when it selected Louisville (pronounced Lewis-vill) as the Best Place to Live in 2007. A regional path meanders along the wooded banks of Coal Creek for 7.5 miles and passes by the suburban homes, golf courses, and open spaces that characterize the communities today. I set off from the old homestead-turned-park at the west end of the trail and made quick time over the ten miles I set out to run today. I encountered only one short hill on an upland to the east of the Creek that rose above the trees and presented a great view of the Flatirons above Boulder where the Rockies begin. My goal today, based on Coach Rick’s recommendation, was to speed up the cadence of my stride. Most champion long-distance runners take about 180 steps each minute. My natural gait sets me at about 160. A quicker cadence (and shorter stride) is ultimately more efficient because it prevents a runner from bouncing up and down as much, making sure that all the energy is being put into forward momentum. It felt too fast at first, but I found the right cadence after a mile or so and never had a run this long feel so effortless. I’m convinced that this will make a long event like a marathon feel easier and keep me on pace longer. I’m grateful for the advice and commitment of my coaches in preparing me to complete my running goals and honor my Dad’s memory.