Dear Colorado

By Erin Storie

By InnerVoice

August 2^nd, 2018

Dear Colorado

I sit here on my Colorado Springs balcony drinking my Bristol craft beer, where I can still smell the hops being brewed 2 miles down the road. I’m blinded by the orange majestic sunset settling down into the foothills of the Colorado peaks, saddened that the day is over, but excited for what adventures I can go on tomorrow.

Do I want to hike a 14,000-foot mountain? We have 58 in our state. I could rock climb the Flat Irons, raft down the Arkansas River, take a trip to Estes Park or spend a night in the infamous Stanley Hotel. Or what about compete in a triathlon?

Colorado is known for its 300 days of sunshine, and most importantly, its 365 days of pure awesomeness. When you make your way into this mountainous state you lose your breath - maybe because of the altitude - or maybe it’s actually the beautiful scenery that will leave you breathless. We have seasons; all 4 of them. Aspens in the fall, snow in the winter, orchards in the spring, and fires in the summer. We call it colorful Colorado. We even have more wildlife here than a zoo.

I’ve travelled all over the world for triathlon, but somehow always end up back at home in Colorado. There is an undying love of outdoors, a chill vibe, and sense of community. You have a mix of young and old, republican and democrat, corporate and farmers, and everyone is just as independent as the next.

We are determined and filled with spirit. You won’t find a Coloradan who won’t tackle a new challenge. I’m willing to wake up at 4am to be the first one down the slopes on fresh powder days, or just wait at the bottom of the chair lift and make fun of the stand out gapers. The athletic talent in Colorado is unprecedented. It’s the home of John Elway, and the Olympic Training Center. We are constantly being named one of the most active states in the United States.

There is no better place to race a triathlon. There is clear glacier water to swim in, wide open roads to bike on, and crunchy trails to run over. Your muscles are screaming, and your blood is pumping, and you think to yourself 'how much more can I take?' Then you finish and get that satisfaction that you did it; you achieved something others have failed to do. Colorado is unique in so many ways - a picture, a selfie, a video will not suffice. You have to come out and experience this, the Colorado peaks will forever change your life.

If that doesn’t sell you, it was home to the first Chipotle.

Erin will lead the hometown Colorado Peaks into battle this weekend at the second round of the 2018 Major League Triathlon series, held in beautiful Avon, CO.