Dancing with the Dirt

Today I went for a run on the Mesa Trail in Boulder starting at the south end during Eldorado Springs. I intended to just stick to the Mesa Trail from one end to the other because this was the first time I’d be doing in on my own. Just a few miles from the trailhead I saw a signpost for Big Bluestem Trail. A friend of mine says it’s her favorite trail. I think I’ve run down it once, but can’t remember. So I make the turn and head up Big Bluestem, which I’m fairly certain brings me back to the Mesa Trail.

As I head up the trail I see why she likes it. It’s a great mix of open ground, some rocks to keep you aware, but not too many that an ankle twist is inevitable. It has steps, but not too many and not too steep. It’s a trail to keep a good rhythm and mix up the footwork. I like it. As I’m going up in places I feel like I’m dancing. Skipping over some rocks, landing on others, a little push off to climb a step or two, a sharp corner and change of direction. That’s when I came up with the title for this blog – Dancing with the Dirt.

It is indeed with the dirt. The dirt, the trail, the earth are the partners each moving together with me as I run. There’s always a flow and rhythm and it changes as the terrain changes. I like the metaphor. It’s how I feel often when I’m running on the trails around Boulder.

I did my out and back and came back to Big Bluestem on the way back. It’s a gentle downhill this direction and I decide to take it again to see what it feels like going down. It’s awesome! The same fluidity going up, and faster! I have to be quick on my feet, watch my step, but I’m never rushed. I never feel like I’m getting close to an edge or a twisted knee or a fall. It’s fabulous. Even moreso on the way down it feels like dancing. I don’t know when I’ll make it back here, but I sure enjoyed this run today!

Wanna dance?