Golden Leaf Half Marathon in Aspen - {Discover Colorado}

This year would be the fourth year that we are running the Golden Leaf Half Marathon. (13.1 miles, 980 feet elevation gain, 1,712 feet mountainous trail descent)

The past few years, we have always made it a weekend. We camped at Difficult Campground for which this is one of the last  weekends it's open.

The drive to Aspen is breathtaking and I am looking forward to this event with special excitement to enjoy "The Turning of The Leaves". I don't think that there is a better way to get experience this colorful spectacle than actually being in the middle of it!

The run is really not a competition for me. I don't live in Aspen, so how can I disregard the beauty because I am trying to get my fastest time?

This year was different - I had had ACL repair surgery this year and was not ready for  the run. However, Tim ran it - by himself. It made me sad, but it motivates me to train even harder to lose the pounds that I have gained and gain muscle that I have lost.

The first couple of miles seem like they are going straight up into the sky! However, then the trail evens out and between watching where you run, looking at the beauty around you and just having a great time the next 11 miles are really awesome.

The last 1.5 to 2 miles are the longest miles you have ever run! Trust me, but the festivities, the food at the finish line let you forget the pain of the past few miles.

If you are in the area, you HAVE to stop in Aspen! There is so much more to it than the rich and famous.

Originally Posted: http://www.tellyouaboutit.com/2013/09/golden-leaf-half-marathon-in-aspen.html