The BolderBoulder

Many months ago, Becca encouraged me to walk the BolderBoulder 10K with her.    This iconic Boulder 

tradition of 44 years is well known and runners from around the world enter.    And, many many senior walkers enter as well.    

I have walked (jogged in my younger days) regularly since I was in my early 30's.   I remember getting out in the early dawn to get it in before work.    And I have continued to pile up the miles as I've aged.   I still walk an average of 3 times a week at a good clip and manage 3-4 miles.   My walking app, Strava, informed me that it was time for new shoes after I had put 400 miles on them..... I complied and my current favorite are Hoka.   

It was a perfect Memorial Day..... Low 60's at the start with light breeze and Colorado blue skies.   

Yes, this is about 3 miles in and you could still reach out and touch your walking neighbor.   It was a bit frustrating at times as I tend to walk a bit faster than many in this wave (waves were made up of like runners, joggers, walkers, wheelchairs).    It's a relatively flat course.   I trained on the hills of AZ but that was not at altitude.   Boulder is a bit lower than Montrose so maybe that was a bit of an advantage. 

This race is known for its 'entertainment' along the route.   Homeowners and various groups provide diversions....slip and slides,  tequila shots, belly dancers, goats, blow up water slides, blow up swimming pools, lots of hoses spraying water ( which was appreciated later on)..... and music of all sorts.   Military bands, DJ's, amateur groups and Elvis and Neil Diamond showed up.     Queen was my favorite and kept me humming.     And, the gardeners displayed their beautiful yards...I even saw a huge yellow peonie and the ubiquitous red poppy and California poppy were plentiful.        There were frequent water/Gatorade stations and porta potties ( sponsored by a local urologist with funny sayings on the doors).       A Dorito display had staff holding large containers of Doritos....people just grabbed a handful with their grubby hands.    I said no thanks !!!!    But then followed up with. " well, if it was Cheetos, I'd get in line. !!"

Another BB tradition are costumes.   I considered a tutu ( there were thousands) but then my saner self said to act my age...... But others go all out....bananas were popular as were dinosaurs, family matching outfits and a hilarious chicken.  

The race ends at Folsom 

Field at the University of Colorado.    We had to circle the field to the cheers of the masses.....and the stands were packed.    Our bibs had tracking devices on them so Paul and Lizzie, in the stands, could follow our progress.   And  later we got an email with our splits and times.   

At the end, the world class elite ran ...... a record was almost broken.     I did the  10 K, 6.2 mile route in 2:02 and they did it in about 30 min.     I was hoping to do it in about 1:50 but I think the slow start and the crowds held me up.   I had no doubts I could do it since I had done it a few times before and I felt very good at the end.  

At noon, there was an impressive Memorial Day service with military sky divers and a fly over.   

I forgot to turn off my app at the finish so this time isn't accurate but is close.....

It was very special to have Becca at my side and Paul and Lizzie cheering us on.     And no, I won't do it again..... maybe..... I didn't like the crowds but thoroughly enjoyed the entire event otherwise.    I don't think I've ever been part of a group totaling over 47,000  happy people.