I have only been to Colorado on vacation so the locals might know more than me. Anyway, west of the airport there is a pretty large shopping/eating complex. I don't recall the name but the place was a massive outdoor complex with more shops and places to eat than you could ever need. Hopefully a local can tell you what it is called.

As far as training in Denver, I thought the town was a hole and thankfully I spent my vacation time out in Breckenridge. If you have the ability to drive 30 minutes or so West of Denver you will probably be able to find plenty of outdoor trail running spots.

Good luck!

I live here!

I have no idea what mdd is referring to when he speaks of the complex west of the airport. It sounds like he hasn't been here in a while. West of the airport is nothing but fields!

Denver itself doesn't have much in the way of trail-running and hiking. You need to get up into the foothills for that. I'd recommend White Ranch State Park for both. It's about a 25 minute drive from downtown Denver. It also provides some decent mountain biking and you can rent a bike in Golden ( I think Bent Gate rents them). The Table Mountain area, also in Golden, has some good trails as well.

Cheap swimming can be had in Washington Park at the rec center. I think it costs about $3 a session and it's indoors, so open year round.

Eating? What do you like? Denver has everything. I could fill an entire post. Mexican, Chinese, Sushi, Italian, Moroccan, Mediterranean, Thai, Brazilian....whatever you want.

[QUOTE=djrez4;83013]I live here!

I have no idea what mdd is referring to when he speaks of the complex west of the airport. It sounds like he hasn't been here in a while. West of the airport is nothing but fields!
[/QUOTE]

I probably explained it bad. First you leave the Airport and drive South I think it was to the main interstate that will take you all over the state. Then from there you go West and the complex is one of the earlier exits. I think it is before the exit for the Denver Nuggets Arena and stuff like that.

In town go to Illegal Petes for Burritos. jackson's for more upscale sit down place. Tokyo Joes for fast and delicious Japanese. djrez is right, so many great options.

On your way into the mountains stop in Idaho Springs for a big fat pizza at Beau Jo's - uber classic.

You can get a good hike/trail run from near Idaho Springs starting at the Echo Lake trail head near the road up Mount Evans. But even here at 10K feet or so the altitude can get the best of you, especially if you live at 1000 feet or below. By this time of the year it can be pretty chilly, and you can't depend on the weather forecast you get in Denver.

Green Mountain, closer to Denver in Lakewood, has some popular running trails. Everything is exposed, so when it rains/snows be preparred for a muddy trip. I used to live in Golden and ran here a lot.

[QUOTE=mdd;83014]I probably explained it bad. First you leave the Airport and drive South I think it was to the main interstate that will take you all over the state. Then from there you go West and the complex is one of the earlier exits. I think it is before the exit for the Denver Nuggets Arena and stuff like that.[/QUOTE]

Yup, you haven't been here in a while.. ;)

The Nuggets play downtown now, not at the Coliseum off I-70. I'm trying to think of which complex you're talking about, but it's not coming to mind.

Leroy has it nailed. Pete's is awesome. (Big Fish Burrito!) There's a Beau Jo's in Denver, if you don't feel like driving as far, but Idaho Springs is a nice town. I like stopping by Woody's pizza in Golden after a good ride or climbing session...All you can eat! Just tell me what you like and I'll send you in the right direction.

And come on, man! What about the beer??

Visitors Guide to Beer in Denver:
[LIST=1]
find a door
walk through the door
you are probably in a microbrewery[/LIST]

[QUOTE=Leroy Bonkers;83063]Visitors Guide to Beer in Denver:
[LIST=1]
find a door
walk through the door
you are probably in a microbrewery[/LIST][/QUOTE]

I know...ain't it great?