Kick Up Some Dirt

Shauna Farnell

Teva mud runners gather speed before their first trip through the swamp.

How many opportunities do you have to muddy up your tutu?

If you think running on streets and sidewalks is a good time, you'll never want to see asphalt again after getting a taste of the Teva Trail Running Series. Instead of focusing on the heat rising off the pavement weakening your limbs or holding your breath so you don't suck in car exhaust, you'll be honing in on rocks and stumps along a selection of tasty singletrack. You'll also be basking in the close proximity of beautiful, natural surroundings on Vail Mountain, pacing yourself as you negotiate heart-pounding climbs and tricky descents. Sound challenging? It is! Participating in the trail-running series is bound to be one of your most rewarding projects this summer, not to mention a way to meet a ton of fellow cardiovascular-minded individuals, enjoy the camaraderie and the wind-sucking ambiance.Make sure you're conditioned enough for the altitude (all races begin above 8,000 feet), have appropriate shoes for trail-running and drink lots of water. All races welcome all competitors from beginners to pros.Each race is $25 in advance or $35 on race day. Call 970-479-2281 for more information or check out http://www.vailrec.com/adult_runningrace.htm.2007 Teva Trail Running Race Schedule:Sunday, June 24: First Bank of Vail 10K @ 10,000 Feet; 9 a.m. at the top of the gondolaSunday, July 8: 31st Annual HillClimb; 8 a.m.; Vail's Mountain HausSunday, July 22: Vail Half Marathon behind the Golden Peak Children's Center at 8 a.m.Sunday, Aug. 12: Tiga Berry Picker Trail Run; 9 a.m. at the base of the gondola in LionsheadSunday, Sept. 9: Jointworks EverGold Trail 10K; 10 a.m. Behind the Golden Peak Children's Center

by Shauna Farnell