See this picture? I took it from the highpoint view of one of my favorite runs. I can leave my house in Melrose, MA, run a few streets, hop on a trail on the south side of Wyoming Cemetery and in less than a mile I’m treated to a view of downtown Boston and the foamy Atlantic Ocean, both just a scant 7 miles away. The elevation of that highpoint is about 200 feet above sea level and the trails are more rock than they are dirt. And all of this is about to change.
Not too long from now I’ll be relocating from “The Hub of the Universe” to “The Crossroads of the West”, Salt Lake City. As a trail runner, mountain biker and all around outdoors junkie the prospects of living in a playground such as the Wasatch Front has me giddy beyond reason. I’ve had a chance to live and play in some amazing places but I cannot wait to experience the outdoor Narnia that is northern Utah.
I’m pretty much your typical American guy with an endurance problem. Mid-30’s, married, kid, dog, fish and for fun I like to run and ride on dirt. I’ve spent the bulk of my life in the northeast, save for a year in Colorado’s Front Range. Running and biking are what keep me grounded. Without them I’m a giddy mass of nerves, over thinking everything and driving my wife up a wall. Endurance sports keep me focused, in tune with nature and justify my love for ice cream.
For Utah Outside I’ll be writing from the perspective of the Salt Lake City Trail Running Newbie (or SLCTRN for short). Over the coming weeks I’ll be compiling a list of trails that I plan on running once I land in the valley. I’m open to any and all suggestions from the natives and locals and I promise that if you write in with a trail to run, I will run it and write an article about it. No matter the length or elevation gain, your recommendation will go on the list. Although these sea level lungs may save some of the burlier climbs for after I acclimate! You can send your suggestions to colin@utahoutside.com.
Doing a quick Google search on trails around Salt Lake has brought back names like Bonneville Shoreline Trail, Bobsled, Wasatch Crest and Stansbury Island. I have no idea what any of these trails are like; but I do know that I can’t wait to run on them. Hopefully you’ll like hearing about my adventures on your trails.
Colin,
Buddy, how exciting for me to get to learn about your adventures in SLC on the trails. I know from your past writings that they will be a must read, so get out and find me some cool trails to hear about 🙂 and good luck with getting your Boston lungs ready for the many trails your readerbase will pass along to you 🙂
Boyd
Thanks Boyd! I’m really pumped to be writing for UtahOutside.com. You’ll have to make the drive over from CO to try out some of these trails with me!
Cheers,
Colin
Are you still living in Salt Lake City as a newbie trail runner? I just stumbled across this website and think it is pretty cool. But I didn’t see much about you trail running out here. If you are out here, you may want to check out the Park City Mini Trail Series designed for newbie trail runners. http://www.R-U-Nevents.com Happy Trails!