Kinship Landing, a new boutique hotel in downtown Colorado Springs, hosted a community event on Thursday evening, May 6, to bring outdoor lovers together with a goal to “get outside” and to “be a responsible steward.” The American Trail Running Association was one of the organizations represented along with Bevara, Kids on Bikes, Medicine Wheel Trail Advocates, Pikes Peak Bike Tours, Pikes Peak Alpine School, City Rock, and Angeler’s Covey.
Attendees mingled in an indoor-outdoor setting and those 21 years and older enjoyed craft beer from Odell Brewing. The program included presentations by each of the organizations over the two-hour event. Bobby Miklaus, CEO and co-founder of Kinship Landing, in his welcome said, “Tonight is about fueling the stoke, getting people excited about getting in the outdoors and equipping them with education, stewardship, and a conscience to help steward our outdoor assets into the future so that they are here and they’re in better shape ten years from now than they are today.”
The American Trail Running Association presentation included a take on the letters making up the word “SPRING” and in doing so, inspired the audience to think about the environment, the trail underfoot, and how they could be responsible trail users.
S – Select a trail
The first decision is to figure out where you are going to trail run. Consider the duration of the outing as well as the terrain underfoot. Look to city, county, or state websites for information about parks in the area and zero in on the one that best meets your intentions for a run, be that rock single track, or a flowing, buttery smooth trail.
P – Prepare for the outing
Decide how long the run will be and carry the appropriate gear which may include a hydration pack, extra wind jacket and hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, and a map of the area. Carry a fully charged cell phone and be sure you have downloaded the trail map. Be prepared for the weather – what it is at the start of the journey, and what it may become.
R – Respect the trail
Stay on marked trails. Don’t cut switchbacks. Don’t litter. Stay off the trails when muddy conditions exist. Carry out your used energy bar and gel packaging and upcycle. With the help of ATRA member GU Energy Labs, you can be part of the #NotTodayLandfill mantra. Learn more about the performance nutrition recycling program on our website.
I – Invest in a good pair of trail running shoes
If you will be spending time on the trails, do so in a pair of shoes that are built for the terrain. The best place to learn about the right shoe for you and your training is to visit a run specialty or outdoor specialty store. Think about the mileage you will run, the surfaces you will encounter, and most importantly consider the fit, function, and performance of the shoe.
N – Navigate the route
Getting lost on the trails doesn’t always lead to a positive outcome. Carry a paper map encased in a plastic baggie so that it doesn’t become wet with sweat or moisture, or download the route on your fully charged cell phone. Consult your map, especially in unfamiliar areas, to insure you are on the selected trail. It is also helpful to know what markings to follow on the trail whether they be signposts, directional arrows, marks on trees or rocks.
G – Go have fun
With these tips, you are ready to start your outdoor experience. Share your love of nature with a friend, or loved one, be safe and alert on the trails, and be a good steward.
Are you ready to “Spring” into a trail race? Choose from thousands of event on our national Race Calendar.
