It’s difficult to recap all the activities and excitement of my weekend in Boulder for the Skirt Sports Ambassador Retreat. Spoiler alert: I absolutely love Boulder and had a fabulous time Skirting Around.
Skirting Around Boulder
I flew in late Thursday night so I would have the whole weekend to enjoy all that Boulder had to offer. Because of the time change and the altitude, I did not sleep much and was up early Friday ready to explore. Friday morning my friend Andrea and I went for a lovely hike on the Red Rocks Trail. To say the views are breathtaking would be an understatement.
It was over 90 degrees out there but we didn’t let that stop us. The altitude takes a little getting used to. I could really feel a difference in my breathing and heart rate and kind of had a slight headache the whole trip. After our hike we went into town to check out all the cute little shops and stumbled right into Justin’s peanut butter headquarters. They could not have been nicer providing us with tons of samples and t shirts.
Friday night, I headed over to the welcome reception at the new Skirt Sports retail store. I had never met any of these wonderful women in person before but felt like they were my long lost friends. We were treated to a great cocktail party & dinner but the highlight was meeting Skirts Sports founder, Nicole DeBoom in person. I have read her story (an accomplished athlete who won an Ironman!!) but to hear her speak in person about her passions and how started Skirt Sports was just incredible. She could not have been more genuine and friendly and she seemed to know all of our names and faces. We also got a little sneak peak of the new fall line.
On Saturday morning, we had a group hike, lots of chatting, sharing skirt stories and hearing more from Nicole DeBoom. Wow the views up there are surreal. I am not used to the altitude at all so I was huffing and puffing on that hike quite a bit.
Sunday was race day! The “13er” race has 2 options: half marathon and 5K. No way I was attempting to do a half up there and was very happy to do the 5K. Did I mention the altitude??? I was totally dying on the run. It was humbling for sure. Also had lots of fun pre race pretending like we made a podium spot with my friends Andrea and Erika (MCM Mama runs).
I could go on and on about how amazing it is to be part of such an inspirational, diverse group of wonderful women. I knew I loved them all before I even met them and now I know why.
If you’d like to check out the great skirt sports gear you can use my 20% off code: CMR20
That view does not get old!
Where’s the most beautiful place you’ve run a race?
Linking up with Anne Marie, Nicole, Michelle & Jen
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
How fun that you got to do this IRL! I did the virtual run last year but had FOMO–I would have loved to run in Boulder. Was it your first trip to Boulder?
Deborah Brooks says
I have been to CO but not to Boulder it’s such a cute town. The views are just breath taking. I loved meeting everyone
Debbie @ Coach Debbie Runs says
As I’ve said (multiple times lol) I am so jealous! I’m glad you had such an awesome time. I’m a little jealous about Justin’s too. I love their dark chocolate peanut butter cups!
Deborah Brooks says
Ok those pnb cups were amazing! It was so amazing to meet everyone in person I loved them all.
Annmarie says
Looks like you had such an amazing time. I would love to go to Boulder one day- looks like a beautiful place to visit and run!!!
Deborah Brooks says
It was a wonderful weekend and yes a great place to visit
Susie @ Suzlyfe says
Boulder is supposed to be amazing (I’ve only heard good things) and experiencing it with great blog friends would be a dream!
Deborah Brooks says
It was amazing to meet everyone in person finally. Such a beautiful city
Deborah Brooks says
It is a fun and beautiful town. Such fun meeting all my skirt sports ambassadors in person
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub says
Justin’s Peanut butter headquarters!!! That would be my dream.
Deborah Brooks says
They could not have been nicer!
Mar @ Mar on the Run says
WOW! I love Colorado and this looks like an amazing and beautiful time!
Deborah Brooks says
It was really wonderful!
Pam says
Wow, what a gorgeous view on your hike. This sounds like a wonderful weekend with some fun women. I would love to visit the Justin’s headquarters and I love their small packets. What a great place to stumble on. The altitude is a problem for most people and I can’t imagine running in high altitude places. My most beautiful place for a run would be hard to pick. I love running in any new place.
Deborah Brooks says
The altitude takes some getting used to but now I understand why all the athletes train out there. When they come back they feel like rock stars.
[email protected] says
Looks like such a fun weekend….. I’ve run in a lot of beautiful places, but not raced in a lot of them…. I need to change that!!
Deborah Brooks says
Yes you do! It’s always fun to do a racecation right?! Come out the the DC area sometime
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
This sounds so amazing!!! Must have been such an empowering getaway!
Deborah Brooks says
Yes for sure! Such a wonderful group of eclectic women of all shapes and sizes
Melissa @ Mango About Town says
Boulder looks breathtaking! I bet it was just amazing to run a race there. I haven’t had any ‘beautiful’ races so to speak but some portions of my runs through the park/by the pond/etc are always lovely!
Deborah Brooks says
It’s always nice to run through a beautiful place isn’t it
Kimberly Hatting says
This looks like a blast!!!! I have always wondered what the” altitude thing” does to you? It’s probably not humid, but does it seem like humid air because of the breathing difficulty?I have not done much for scenic running (YET!), but I’d have to say the downtown streets of Chicago were pretty incredible because of the architecture, and San Fran was awesome for all the hills!
Deborah Brooks says
The altitude takes some getting used to. There is less oxygen so it’s harder to breathe and exercise.
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
I’m glad you were able to go & enjoyed it so much (and sooooo wish I could’ve).
I haven’t been to Boulder, but I’ve been to Denver several times and to Rocky Mt National Park (which is amazing).
I would have to say Gettysburg was probably the most scenic race so far, oddly enough. Runner up would be Montreal. I’m not sure that really qualifies as beautiful, but it was fun & scenic, anyway.
Abbey says
Ive never run a race but its on my to do list! also- i LOVE justins PB!
Deborah Brooks says
Justins is super yummy and they could not have been nicer
Kristy from Southern In Law says
What a fun weekend – and what an incredible race track! Boulder looks absolutely beautiful!
I’m lucky in that I have a national park right at the bottom of my streets that provides gorgeous views (both of water and bushland) but it also comes with some serious hills! In New Zealand I managed to fit in a little run around a lake which was gorgeous but that was it! Jesse is always too scared of me getting lost and he can’t keep up to run with me, haha!
Deborah Brooks says
It is convenient to have a Nat’l park in your backyard
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says
Looks like you had so much fun in Boulder! Cute pictures!
Deborah Brooks says
thanks we really did have a great time!
Christina says
This is wonderful! Smart of you to stick to the 5k with that altitude, though!
Deborah Brooks says
Oh yes no chance I could have run the half out there.
Karen G. says
Looks absolutely gorgeous! What a fun weekend!
I really need to start traveling away from the East Coast for some races… 😉
Deborah Brooks says
It’s fun to go off and run races in different places sometimes
Akaleistar says
I’ve been loving your pictures on Instagram! It looks like it was an amazing weekend!
Deborah Brooks says
Ah thanks so much! It was a great weekend
Sierra says
Looks like a great time!!
Deborah Brooks says
It really was a blast!
Mary says
Those views ???? I need to hike there some day. It looks like everyone had fun. Sounds like a great trip!
Deborah Brooks says
Hiking was gorgeous out there! You would love it
ilka says
I would love to go to Boulder, all your pics looked stunning and I saw how much fun you had! The pic at the finishing line is the Best!
Deborah Brooks says
It was a great time thanks!
Coco says
Now you know why I love Boulder! I can’t wait to go back and check out their store — and find Justin’s!
Deborah Brooks says
It’s such a great town to visit I loved it
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
What a fun trip! It sounds like you guys have a great community and I am still the only one out there who hasn’t tried Skirt Sports yet! I need to give them a look! Congrats on the race, I’ve never been to Boulder and it looks amazing!
Deborah Brooks says
Yes you need to try a skirt they are so comfy to run in and would look great on you
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
What a fun event! The have the cutest stuff and I love their patterns. Looks like a gorgeous run too.
Deborah Brooks says
I agree and yes a wonderful weekend
Celia at Chicago Jogger says
What a fun weekend!! I love Boulder but haven’t been back in years.
Deborah Brooks says
It was my first time there and it’s so beautiful
Kimberly Stroh @ www.fitdisneymom.com says
That looks like so much fun! I know Sport Skirts does so much with their Ambassadors. My cousin, Jen from JenLefforge.com is an Ambassador too. She loves it!
Deborah Brooks says
OH yes I know her! They are great to work with
Angela @marathonsandmotivation.com says
This looks so fun!!! The most beautiful place I have raced is in Mont Treblant, Quebec….and I’m headed back there next week 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
OH that sounds fabulous! Hope you have a wonderful trip. We are going to Montreal later in the summer.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says
The area looks gorgeous and it looks like you all had a fabulous time together.
Deborah Brooks says
We really did! Great group of women
Tamieka says
OMG!!!
It looks like so much fun!!!
What beautiful views!!! Lucky lady!!
Deborah Brooks says
Lucky indeed! It was a fabulous weekend
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
I love Boulder! If I could move anywhere, that would be it. Looks like a great getaway!
Deborah Brooks says
It was a perfect weekend and was so happy to meet everyone
Toni says
Sounds like a fun weekend! Virginia Beach has been my best, but I am sure there are much more beautiful places to run.
Deborah Brooks says
Oddly, we never go there and we are not that far away.
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says
Sounds like an awesome time! Colorado is amazing isn’t it?! It’s always a great time to meet up with your online friends!
Deborah Brooks says
It was so beautiful there and yes even better to meet all of my skirt sports ambassadors in person
Jess @ run pink says
Wow. Just wow! So beautiful! Colorado is on my bucket list! And I really like Justin’s almond butter. So so yum. I STILL do not own a running skirt. This may change today with that awesome code. The most beautiful race I’ve run is right here in wester NC in DuPont. 🙂
Jess @ run pink says
*Western 😛
Deborah Brooks says
Well of course I am all about the running skirts! If you have any q’s about fit or sizing feel free to reach out. Yes CO is a gorgeous place to run
Janice @ Fitness Cheerleader says
Looks like you had an amazing time and got to meet some wonderful people. I would love to visit Colorado one day – Those views are gorgeous!
Deborah Brooks says
The views were incredible and the women were even more amazing. A great opportunity
Natalie says
What a awesome trip!! I love Boulder and this makes me want to to back!
Yes, altitude will kick your butt for sure 🙂
So glad you had fun!!
Deborah Brooks says
It was a wonderful weekend!
Mary Beth Jackson says
That looks like a great weekend and so much fun! the altitude difference is no joke for sure! I would have run the 5K too and hoped to live long enough to tell about it! Puerto Rico was a pretty run. So many pretty runs though 🙂
Deborah Brooks says
I know it’s hard to say where the prettiest place I have run is. Hawaii was amazing too.