Running races is fun, but getting ready for them is better. My longest run in months occurred on Emerald Mountain, Steamboat Springs this weekend. We passed mountain bikers. Even entwined couples carrying new babies. But you know what really made this run better? 'Cause it's fall.

The trails down this phenomenal area make you feel like you are floating along. Like you live amongst elves in the deep purple, brown and great colors of the mountainside. Coming from the city where noise and people are never on the dry, it's nice to get out with the peripheral of an enchanted trail.