Lakewood Trail Running Series Race #3

I've been participating in a trail running series through the Lakewood, Colorado Recreation department. The first two races were held at Bear Creek Lake Park. This race was the third in the series and it was held at Green Mountain. Here one of the volunteers explains the Long course (7.0 miles). The Short course, which is the series I am racing, was only 4.5 miles. I am the racer in the foreground wearing red shorts, and a ball cap:)

Now we are getting ready to start. The course was made up of rolling hills, but it was rocky and difficult to tread at times. The trail is rutted in places by mountain bikes. I sorta felt like I was running in a ditch during those sections. Also, there were a lot of mountain bikers out on the trails at the same time we were racing. Most of them were respectful and shared the trail thoughtfully.

And we're off! I look like I only have one leg! The start was straight up hill. I don't know how long that went on. I'm a terrible judge of distance:)

I always start out toward the front, and usually end up finishing last. I am not running daily like most of these runners. I would probably do a lot better in the races if I did. I felt the best during this race though. My breathing wasn't as ragged and my legs feel stronger. I didn't walk as much as I have on previous courses. It was a good race for me.

Evening Hike, Part III

Ah...the glory of some of my last shots of the evening.

Trinity and I sang together as the sun made it's way down the sky. We were so successful that coyotes in the distance began calling out to us. This did not sit well with Trinity and she did not want to sing anymore.

Last shot before heading back to the car. It was a beautiful, inspiring evening. I loved every minute of it and was thankful that I could share this with my mostly silent companion, but occasional duet singer:)

Trinity almost fades into the golden grasses and the dark peaks. The evening sky continued on its dramatic journey toward dusk.

Trinity relaxes along the trail. She has learned to be a patient model, and I think she even enjoys the bond we share as I capture image after image of her majestic figure.

A silhoutte that highlights Trinity's soft, flowing hair. Even though her face is obscured, I liked the way the remaining light highlighted her outline against the evening sky.

A portrait of evening turning to dusk. The intenity of the colors and contrasts increased with each passing minute. It was like viewing a totally different sky as the transformation to darkness marched on.

Evening Hike South of Boulder

On the way home from an appointment in Longmont, I glanced west and noticed a beautiful sunset. The first open space I could find I stopped at. I do not remember the name of this trail, but it led to higher ground where I could capture the majesty of the mountains, the setting sun, and my German Shepherd.

Trinity looks west toward the pastel colored sky. The wild Colorado sky put on quite a light show, as the sun sank lower behind the mountains. With every passing second, different shades of color were splashed across the sky and bathed those of us on the earth in it's glow.

A rocky trail leads onward toward the sunset. I decided to stop here and capture some beautiful cloud color and mountain silhouttes while at the same time alluding to the canine-wolf connection that I see in my German Shepherd, Trinity.

2nd Golf Scramble Ever: Part I

Here's my cart mate, Mike, holding up his prize from the "scramble" grab bag. We both pulled out club weights which I think help you improve the power of your swing.

This is the clubhouse at Homestead Golf Course where we played. It's located south west of Denver. I'm not sure what city it's located in. It might be in Lakewood or maybe Littleton.

A beautiful view of the foothills from one of the tee off areas. The beginning of the day was sunny but as the day progressed I was glad I brought my jacket

Here's Sharon scoping out her next shot. Sharon organized our golf scramble. She really did a great job. I couldn't have asked for a more fun day. Everyone on my team gave me great advice and were patient with my newness to the game.