Jeff Wilson: Local Running and Fitness Coach

Jeff on his way to see Barbie.

Jeff Wilson is a friend of Routes and regular at Trailblazers. He grew up playing hockey in the hockey crazed region of SE Michigan (home of the Detroit Red Wings!). He started running to stay in shape for hockey and eventually realized he was better at running. Once in high school, he made the agonizing decision to commit to just running. With the support of a great high school coach and a dad who runs, he was able to then run competitively at Saginaw Valley State University in Michigan. While there, he ran a 14:55 5K PR (4:45 mile pace) - yowsers!. After graduating with a degree in kinesiology, he had his sights on the Olympic Trials in the marathon. To qualify, he needed a sub 2:20 (5:20 mile pace) - yikes! Ultimately, injuries kept him from pursuing his dream, but he realized a love for helping others train in the process. 

For the last decade, he has helped coach the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs men’s cross country team and also teaches in the Health Sciences department there. To boot, he works as a personal trainer and private running coach for clients throughout Colorado Springs and online. He has a holistic approach of working with folks on diet, strength and weight training, mental approach, and fitness.  

Jeff in training

In regards to nutrition, he recommends a varied, colorful plate of food with a balance of carbs, proteins, and fats. One of his favorite meals to cook is baked salmon with a vegetable and quinoa mix (though he loves Detroit style pizza too and recommends Decent Pizza in town!). 

For the last couple years, he has been working with a client whose ultimate goal was to be hired by the FBI. Jeff helped him reach his goals for the 300 meters and the 2 mile. And Jeff coached him through his secondary goals of looking physically fit and feeling good about his body too. 

Personally, Jeff will be running the Ascent Half Marathon to the top of Pikes Peak this year - as well as the California International Marathon. And he just started a podcast with two of his friends about running, training, and health. And you can check out his website here. 

Trailblazers Field Trip

Lunching along the North Catamount Reservoir beach

This past July (2022), the Trailblazers Running and Hiking Group went on a field trip! We meet every Wednesday at Trails End Taproom for a 5 mile run through Red Rocks Canyon Open Space. However, we wanted to get out and explore a new area together. So we ventured to North and South Catamount Reservoir. Ten of us met at Routes in Old Colorado City for coffee, bagels, and fruit. We carpooled for the 40 minute drive - going through Manitou Springs to the Pikes Peak Highway. We paid the $5 toll/per person and made the beautiful and winding drive through the National Forest. 

Once we reached the reservoirs, we parked nearby and split up among runners and walkers. Each group followed the trail along the South reservoir - seeing fisherman, picnicking families, and kayakers along the way. We did a 6 mile out and back route, taking in the views of Pikes Peak throughout. After finishing, we walked 10 minutes to the North Reservoir and lunched along the beach. 

Afterward, some folks kept driving north to camp for the long 4th of July weekend, and a few of us drove back to Routes and stopped at the Pickle Shack along the way. Since it was someone’s birthday, we took pickle juice shots! 

Being with good people in such a beautiful place made for a great field trip!

The view from the trail along South Catamount Reservoir

Hiking The Crags - Day Trip Series: Part 1

The Crags Trailhead

By Nate Van Noord (RO Staff)

Since our cold-season hours have changed at Routes, and we are closed on Mondays, I have been taking day trips from The Springs.

Both friends and folks online recommended a 5 mile hike called The Crags. It is also known for being a trailhead leading up to Pikes Peak. So, I made the 45 minute drive from Old Colorado City to the trailhead in Divide, just past Mueller State Park.

The trail meandered past aspen groves in the last stages of yellow, wound along 4 Mile Creek, and was well marked with signage.

The dictionary defines a ‘crag’ as a steep or rugged cliff or rock face - which fits this trail perfectly. The granite found throughout the area erodes horizontally into monumental slabs or vertically into colossal cusps.

At the top of The Crags.

It was 800 feet in elevation gain to the top, where I soaked in a view of the Catamount Reservoirs and the Rampart Range. All the twisted conifers shaped by the wind also caught my eye. On a Monday morning, there were only few other hikers at the summit.

On my way back home, I stopped at Hungry Bear in Woodland Park for a brunch of buckwheat pancakes. A favorite of locals and tourists alike, the diner has hundreds of teddy bears hanging from the walls.

I’ve been told The Crags is a good spot to snowshoe, so I will have to return this Winter.