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Tag: Colorado


olympic training center, colorado

18
May

US Olympic Team sign

Do you know what one thing in Colorado Springs exists in only three places in the United States?   The United States Olympic Training Center (OTC)!

(The other two campuses are in Lake Placid, New York and Chula Vista, California.)

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to tour the Colorado Springs campus with a fun group of people while in Colorado – the first of the three to be built and also the home of the U.S. Olympic Committee.

OTC Entrance in CO

Some athletes preparing for the Olympics, Paralympics, and Pan American Games live at the OTCs for a period of months or years, while others visit periodically with their respective national teams for training camps, coaching, or physical testing.  (Although foreign national teams are occasionally granted use of the US OTCs, they are used mainly by athletes from the United States.)

Athletes

The best part of the tour?  It was given by athletes!  Our group was treated to conversation with paralympic gold medalist, 2-time world champion in the paratriathlon, Allysa Seely and U.S. skeleton athlete, Stephen Garbett.

Olympic training in CO

Since Colorado Springs is situated near the base of Pikes Peak (at the eastern edge of the southern Rocky Mountains), the view of one of the most famous American mountains is visible from most parts of the OTC.

Boxing ring OTC CO

The high elevation of the OTC (located on the former Ent Air Force Base) is thought to improve training effectiveness.  Its facilities include a swimming pool, an indoor shooting range, the Olympic Training Center Velodrome, two sports centers housing numerous gymnasiums and weight room, and a sport science laboratory, in addition to an athlete center and dining hall, several dormitories, a visitors’ center, and the offices of both the USCO and U.S. Paralympics.

gymnast OTC CO

Even when Pikes Peak is not in view, there are awesome mountain views from most angles.  I was particularly impressed by the magnificent mountain view from the  2nd floor indoor track in one of the sport center buildings – what a view to enjoy while running!

weight room at OTC with mountain view

I highly recommend an Olympic Training Center tour if you ever find yourself near one of the locations – it is an inspiring experience, for sure!

restroom sign

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a fabulous weekend!

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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rockin’ garden of the gods

11
May

beauty in rocks

A public park located in Colorado Springs, Garden of the Gods was my favorite visited spot on my first trip to Colorado.

beautiful rock formations

Not only was I able to enjoy a morning hike with a great group of people, but I was able to enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of this park.

rocks offlooking green trees

Visitors are not limited to hiking through the park – horseback riding is also an option.

view of the rocks

And, for the most adventurous, Garden of the Gods can be viewed from a higher vantage point – while rock climbing!

rock climbing at Garden of the Gods

During most of my hike, the snow-capped Pikes Peak was visible in the distance.

rockin pikes peak

My favorite view was when its beauty was framed perfectly through a rock formation.

Pikes Peak through the rock window

Four-hundred eighty acres making up the park was gifted to the city of Colorado Springs back in 1909 and was designated to “remain free to the public, where no intoxicating liquors shall be manufactured, sold, or dispensed, where no building or structure shall be erected except those necessary to properly care for, protect, and maintain the area as a public park.”

beauty in rock colors

Are you wondering how all this beauty was created?  The Garden of the Gods’ red rock formations were created during a geological upheaval along a natural fault line millions of years ago.

loving rocks at Garden of the Gods

I hope you enjoyed your visit to Garden of the Gods!  Have a fabulous weekend!

Garden of the Gods entrance

Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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spring at the broadmoor, colorado springs

8
May

broadmoor through the trees

On a recent trip (my first!) to Colorado, I had the opportunity to visit an iconic Colorado Springs resort.  The Broadmoor offers guests an incredible way to experience the unique beauty of the American West.

pink blooms at the Broadmoor

Many admire the ornate, European décor in this historic hotel (currently celebrating its centennial) as its standout feature, but, for me; the beauty of the hotel is truly in its surroundings.  Today I am sharing the views through the trees – a few of my favorite spring views on the property surrounding the hotel.  (You know I always find some kind of theme when appreciating a hotel stay!)

old world charm at The Broadmoor

This unique hotel, located on 3,000 acres of property at the base of Cheyenne Mountain, is just 5 miles from downtown Colorado Springs and offers an amazing selection of accommodations, activities, and experiences.

spring at the Broadmoor

The Broadmoor has remained one of the most recognizable and celebrated hotels in the world. Its distinctive blend of history, luxury and genuine hospitality has made The Broadmoor the longest-running consecutive winner of both the AAA Five-Diamond and Forbes Five-Star awards.

golf at The Broadmoor

The Broadmoor is a wonderful hotel for people that enjoy keeping active!  There is so much to do on the property!  In addition, The Olympic Training Center, Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods, and the Air Force Academy are just a few of the cool places to visit nearby.

spring flowers in colorado

If you have any interest in visiting Colorado, this is the place to stay!  Especially this year –  The Broadmoor is celebrating its Centennial and the year is filled with activities, specials and events.

zen through the trees

Thanks for stopping by!

I hope you are having a fabulous start to your week!  Remember to take pleasure in simple things, Jackie

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