I started trail running about two years ago and liked it immediately. It's kind of like hiking, except you're running. It's kind of like road running, except there aren't smoke-spewing cars trying to mow you down. So what's not to like? Ok, so you might encounter a few hills, and some rocks and roots, and an occasional vicious carnivore. They can be fun too.

If you happen upon some "real trail runners" you'll meet quite a few crackpots and various nutcases, an added benefit. These folks think nothing of a 50 mile moonlight jog. Of course, I think nothing of it either, at least no more than I think of piercing my nipples with a rusty javelin. The trail runners are actually a very friendly lot, and their smiles and good nature easily makes up for their questionable personal hygeine and wild-eyed look.

Near Santa Fe, my favorite trail run is the Atalya trail (170). Starting from the trailhead at the St. John's visitor parking lot, it winds up the mountain, about 3.5 miles and 1700' to the summit and a great view of the city. During the school year you are likely to encounter some Johnnies sitting cross-legged by the trail, discussing Kant or Cubism while chewing on a healthful seaweed-bar. There are actually several trails, so you can choose to take the same way back down or not. Some of the trails are endangered by new homesites, and the main trail itself passes through St. John's and other private land. There is concern that access to this beautiful area will be further restricted by development ("No, not more development in Santa Fe!?").

Some other great trails start from Bishop's Lodge. The lodge will provide you a map if you act nice and guestlike. You can run up to the lookout and view Nun's corner on Hyde Park Road, and then run down to Hyde Park Road on Juan's trail if you wish. Again there is an extensive network of trails in this area if you are willing to explore.

If you don't like hills there's the Lamy RR trail, all the way from S.F. to Lamy, or the trails behind the Radisson (formerly the Picacho) Hotel, the "La Tierra" area. There's a great trail starting across from the ski rental place on Hyde Park Road, marked "Hiking Trail", and of course the Winsor and Chamisa and Borrego trails, accessible from Hyde Park Road. If you're an outlaw-type, there's the lovely Santa Fe Watershed area, banned from recreational use for dubious reasons.

Close to Albuquerque, there is the Embudito Trail, starting near the top of Montgomery, or Elena Gallegos, off Tramway Blvd., or Tres Pistoles Canyon, near I-40 before Tijeras on the left, or of course the La Luz trail to the Sandia Crest. And many more. There are maps.

If you want to try a trail race, a good first one is Gil's Wheeler Run in June, starting from the town of Red River, 11 miles total, about 1500' climbing, about half on trails. The famous La Luz Trail Run, in August, is 9 miles but straight up the crest 4500'. There is a 400 runner limit. The Big Tesuque Run up the Aspen Vista Trail (6 miles, 2000' each way) is also great. It is scheduled for Sunday, September 14th this year. And don't forget June's Laid Back Tetilla Peak Run in May.

Happy Trails!