Jeff Stoner high-fives a runner in one of the Endurance Race Series races.

The top New Year’s resolutions each year boil down to staying fit and healthy, getting fit and healthy, and living life to its fullest. Resolution runners flood the streets first thing in January with these goals in mind. While pounding the pavement is not a bad way to get a start on those resolutions, many runners and non-runners alike have decided to take a more scenic route to reach their running goals.

With Colorado’s plethora of grandiose views and scenic trails, it seems outrageous to spend that time running while staring at traffic. With a focus on trail running, the Endurance Race Series takes advantage of the amazing views in our area that experienced runners and first time runners alike can share.

Jeff Stoner, CEO of the Endurance Race Series, moved to Boulder in 2000 and quickly hit the trails. He had always been into the endurance sports, but trail running was a new endeavor. Stoner takes the time to scout out each race course, keeping in mind both the experienced marathon runner and the newbie. “I have experienced something incredible and want to share it in our races,” he said.

It’s clear that Stoner is onto something by sharing this experience; each year the series has had booming growth in the half marathon, 10K and 5K races. Stoner credits the local  running community for the series’ growth in participants and number of races each year. In 2008, the series began with just two races in Denver and Copper as a way to build the trail running community. This year, the series adds a race in Silverthorne for its tenth. Due to increasing popularity, the 5K component is now included in six of the 10 races.

The intensity and seriousness of most races doesn’t seem to be as big of a component in the series. Generally speaking, trail races are low key affairs encouraging a sense of camaraderie among runners along the way. It’s not out of the ordinary for runners to snap selfies and pictures of the great views along the way. The race is as serious as each runner decides to make it, with less pressure to cross the finish line with a record time.

Weekend warriors may enjoy the views, and smaller crowds, but serious marathon runner have a valued place in the Endurance Race Series, too. For ultra-runners, the trail halfs work as tune-ups or simulated races on technical terrain.

Swag from sponsors is a huge perk of becoming a season pass holder. Prizes and merchandise perks aren’t typically offered as part of trail races, yet the ERS has amazing sponsors that take pride in being affiliated with the brand.

Endurance Race Series

April 29 Westminster
May 20 Palmer Lake
June 10 East-West (Littleton)
June 24 Silverthorne
July 23 Longmont
July 29 Black Hawk
Aug 13 Beaver Creek
Sept 16 Denver
Sept 23 Snow Mountain Ranch
Oct 8 Louisville

Half Marathon Series Passes start at $525.00 (thru Dec. 31)
East County locals might check out the Front Range pass: it’s for the six races here in our lower elevation.

The post Notables: Jeff Stoner appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.

Photo by Joe Hodgson

I have always been a runner. Well, a jogger really.

I love throwing on my headphones, finding a new trail and heading out with nothing much on my mind besides the music on my iPod. There is nothing better than finding that perfect pace where your breathing matches up with your strides and your strides fit perfectly with your tunes. Inside I smile, but I think my face looks more determined and slightly pained.

This is why I say I am a jogger. I am always envious of the runners who look so angelic and peaceful as they all but glide past you.

I mostly run alone and for meditation and fun and exercise; it’s never been a focused attempt to cross the proverbial or actual finish line. But last year, a friend who I would occasionally go running with—let’s call her Alexis—convinced me to train with her for the Denver Half Marathon (now the Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon, runrocknroll.competitor.com/tour-dates). It just so happened that this half marathon would fall on Oct. 18, my birthday, making it something of a milestone. This could be good for me, I thought.

Alexis is much more diligent and organized than I will ever be. She crafted a schedule that would make Russian Olympians look impulsive, and she filled her calendar with three months of runs, distances, nutrition, routes and more. I, on the other hand, got a subscription for Runner’s World and decided I would run, eh, about four times a week? Yeah, that sounded good. Alexis had a formula for mixing short runs with long runs, interspersed with interval training, all with the specific purpose of reaching her 13.1-mile goal.

I opted for this training program: run as far as you want when you want.

But I worked hard, and I actually did well with my training. I ran a few 10-mile routes and more than two-dozen sixers. My legs toned up, I lost weight (even though all the running made me eat more than I ever have) and I felt free. I splurged on new running shoes, new outfits and I even ended up buying a heart-rate monitor. Although, I put more use into it now than I did then.

When the half marathon was just days away, the two of us grew especially excited, nervous and carb-loaded. We were running a lot together and even more separately. We were ready. The night before our big day, we packed up the car and headed to Denver to stay the night at our friend’s place in LoDo. I packed my energy snacks, water bottle, packet with my racing number and overnight things. Running clothes, check.

We arrived at basecamp—a convenient apartment building in downtown Denver in which our friend Molly lived—we laid out our necessities. It was then I realized I forgot my running shoes. Yes, I forgot the only items I really needed. There were legitimate tears and profanities, and I was genuinely upset. I had put in so much time and energy to train for this day, and I wasn’t being hindered by an injury or lack of training. I was being sabotaged by my own silly forgetfulness.

What was I going to do?

Molly then casually offered me her shoes—like someone offering condolences. Looking down at her worn cross-trainers, I could only do one thing: I put them on and laced them up. I ran my first, and most likely only, half marathon in another girl’s shoes. And, aside from a few blisters, I crossed the finish line in great shape.

Seeing the end of that race brought with it a sense of accomplishment and joy. Alexis and I had a group of friends waiting at the finish to give us bear hugs and congratulatory high fives. The whole experience felt really, really good.

I love thinking back and reminding myself that I did run a complete 13.1-mile race. It really is something to be proud of. And, if I can do it, anyone can. So, run on, make your own rules and don’t forget your shoes.

The post Running a Half Marathon in Another Girl’s Shoes appeared first on Yellow Scene Magazine.