According to Bolder Boulder swag, "Sea level is for sissies." I certainly took pride in running more than a mile above sea level while living in the CO. I feel like Colorado runners are hard core because they train at altitude every. single. day.
And I remember running in Vegas or San Diego or LA and thinking it was easier than running in Colorado.
But you'll never hear me say running in Portland is easier than Colorado.
In fact, I'm going to come right out and say it: it's harder.
It's harder for two reasons:
1. It's unbelievably hilly. And not just for short stints. I'm talking hills that go on for miles. Steep hills that feel no need to level out just so you can catch your breath. These hills are beasts. But the reward of running them is the strength you develop. Not sure if I have become a better runner since moving here, but I am certainly a stronger runner thanks to these hills.
2. It's humid. You don't notice it when you are walking to work or to the store. But you do notice it when you finish running a 10k and your shirt is heavier than you are.
Both Oregon and Colorado offer beautiful scenery for runs. I loved looking at the Rocky Mountains when I ran in Colorado, loved running by big farms with horses and cows grazing in the fields. But I also love running in Oregon, with its incredible deep greens and trees that seem 1,000 feet tall.
Bottom line is I love running in both places. But I have a much deeper history of running in CO. Looking forward to my next phase of my running: the Oregon years.
Side note: be careful when you run by bushes in Oregon. Most are harmless, but a couple have caught hold of me.
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