July 25, 2010

Boulder Trail Running

Posted by Michael Hughes    July 26, 2010

People are drawn to Boulder for its blue skies, 300+ days of sunshine, cultural activities, lifestyle, thought provoking people, dining and of course the running trails of every description. The Boulder area offers hundreds of trail running opportunities. If you’ve always been a cement or pavement pounder, it might be time to mix it up with a trail run. This run is about 6 miles.

The morning was crisp and clear with high clouds and intensely blue skies. The mountains reflected in the water as I ran and sweated and picked up the pace. This is part of my cross training for my Muay Thai Kickboxing program. Like P90X,  I believe muscle confusion (so you never plateau) is important to the sustainability of any physical regime.

Boulder Reservoir Loop. Easy, mostly flat dirt and accessible: Popular among hikers, cyclists and runners, the Boulder Reservoir is a great standby for an easy run with a convenient location. There are also numerous variations to add anything from .5 miles to 20 miles to the existing loop, actually 26.2 as this is the starting area for the Boulder Marathon (formerly The Boulder Backroads Marathon and Half Marathon

The most popular place to start this run is Coot Lake north of Hwy 119 and 63rd. There is also additional paring at Tom Watson park across the street. You can easily run clockwise or counter-clockwise. I’ll give directions for a counter clockwise circuit.

Start by running north on 63rd Street. It will turn to a dirt/gravel road when you turn left on Monarch Road. Go all the way west (toward the mountains) until the road T’s take a left on the continuing dirt road, wind all the way around unless you want to add some more distance (about 3.5miles) the Eagle Trailhead is a good place to do it, Otherwise, continue running south until you come to the entrance to Boulder Reservoir. The road will have turned to pavement by this time and you can run on the shoulders for a softer ride. Then follow the east side of the lake around back to Coot Lake there will be some minor bouldering and crossing a dry arroyo to get to the Coot lake side. Run toward the Coot Lake parking lot and your done (except stretching).

For a list of trail runs around and near Boulder, visit www.trails.com.

If you have questions regarding this article or have thought about selling, renting, investing or  would like to Buy A House In Boulder check out my website. You may also call, text 303-359-6627 or e-mail Michael Hughes at Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty in Boulder, CO. Featured Listings




July 18, 2010

Top 10 Colorado Road Trips!

Posted by Michael Hughes       July 19, 2010

  1. The San Juan Skyway. Ouray into Durango. Don’t miss: Telluride, Silverton, Mesa Verde and Pagosa Springs.
  2. Pikes Peak Scenic Byway. Don’t miss: Manitou Springs, Seven Falls, Cave of the Winds and Garden of the Gods.
  3. Steamboat Springs. Don’t miss Strawberry Hot Springs, Gondola and Arapahoe National Forest.
  4. Independence Pass Scenic Byway. Between Twin Lakes and Aspen. Don’t miss Colorado Trail, Lake Creek Valley, and the Maroon Bells.
  5. Glenwood Springs. Don’t miss Hot Springs Pool, Biking along the Colorado River, Glenwood Caverns and Yampah Spa Vapor Caves.
  6. Trail Ridge Road. Don’t miss Rocky Mountain National Park, also Granby and Hot Sulphur Springs.
  7. Black Canyon of the Gunnison. Don’t miss North Rim Drive, Blue Mesa Reservoir and the West Elk Scenic Byway to Crested Butte.
  8. Highway of Legends. Highway 12 from Trinidad over Cucharas Pass to La Veta and Walsenberg. Don’t miss San Isabel National Forest, Spanish Peaks and the Great Sand Dunes and Colorado Gators (Colorados only public Alligator Farm).
  9. Colorado National Monument. Grand Junction to Fruita. Don’t miss Rim Rock Drive (23 Miles), also Palisade Peach Festival and Colorado Wine Country.
  10. Peak to Peak Highway.  Central City through Nederland to Estes Park. Don’t miss Rocky Mountain National Park, Boulder Falls, Longs Peak and Gold Hill.

If you have questions regarding this article or have thought about selling, renting, investing or  would like to Buy A House In Boulder check out my website. You may also call, text me 303-359-6627 or e-mail Michael Hughes at Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty in Boulder, CO. Featured Listings

July 16, 2010

The Naked City

Posted by Michael Hughes  July 17, 2010

Boulder has always been known to be a little different. I had heard of the (WNBR) World Naked Bike Ride throughout the streets of Boulder several years back. Just another quirkiness of Boulder. Seems that people would ride through the streets of boulder in their birthday suits usually on a Thursday. I don’t like the pain nor the lack of sanitation involved with riding like that myself. Don’t get me wrong I think there is a time and a place for nude, just not on a bicycle. Padded bike seats and bike shorts were made with logic in mind. Nude bike riding brings to my mind one word “youch.”

Then of course who could forget Boulders’ Naked Halloween Streak. Where by nude people would run up and down Pearl Street naked, with a hollowed out pumpkin on their head. Many of these people need to keep their clothes on. This lasted until the participants started getting arrested and charged as sex offenders. Game over.

Ah the signs of Spring are in the air in Boulder and what…? Is that a topless gardener for all to see? Yes again the good citizens of Boulder, Colorado, have been exposed to a spring display that is more than the usual iris and virginia creeper. The locals were called when a woman wearing pasties and her co gardener husband were seen both wearing thongs. The rental home is at a street corner with a very low fence, near an elementary school and community garden. Gardening in the buff must be in the Bill of Rights somewhere. The aforesaid semi naked couple did challenge this in court after they were charged with “nuisance” to the community. The couple won.

Most recently the public who addresses the Boulder City Council have started stripping. All the way, the full monty.  Since there are rules of decorum this does not necessarily get your point(s) across (no pun intended). No longer will you be accosted by the public trying to put 1’s in your G-String but you will be faced with removal from the room, possible criminal charges (depending on your body type) and worst of all a 30 day ban from addressing the council.

Well it’s Saturday maybe I’ll go for my morning naked trail run.  I love Boulder and have lived here since the mid 70’s.

If you have questions regarding this article or are thinking you will Buy A House In Boulder please call or text me 303-359-6627 or e-mail Michael Hughes at Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty in Boulder, CO. Featured Listings

July 13, 2010

Energy Efficiency

Posted by Michael Hughes  July 15, 2010

Definition: This little label packs a big punch — think of the Energy Star brand as proof that an appliance isn’t just green for the sake of green consumerism; it’s tried and truly energy efficient. How efficient? In 2008, Energy Star products helped Americans save $17 billion on their utility bills and offset the greenhouse gas emissions of 30 million cars.
But not just every appliance can get the label — only those that get their job done while saving a significant, measurable and tested amount of energy. They also need to be affordable, an idea aided by the federal tax credits available for Energy Star products.

But products aren’t the only thing that can earn the label — since 1995, over one million Energy Star homes have been built, and they’re 20-30% more energy efficient than standard homes. But you don’t have to buy a whole new house to live in an Energy Star home, instead you can renovate your own place to meet the standards: Effective insulation, high-performance windows, tight construction and ducts, efficient heating and cooling equipment, efficient products and the biggie: Third-Party Verification. So even if you go through the first five steps, you don’t have an Energy Star home until it’s inspected and tested.

If you have questions regarding this article or are thinking you will Buy A House In Boulder please call or text me 303-359-6627 or e-mail Michael Hughes at Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty in Boulder, CO. Featured Listings

June 29, 2010

So…What’s happening in the Market?

Posted by Michael Hughes June 30, 2010

So often people ask me so…”what’s happening in the market?”  In answer to that question here is May 2010 for Boulder and the surrounding area Market Statistics. There is no better time than now to buy a house in Boulder.

If you have questions regarding this article or are thinking you will Buy A House In Boulder please call or text me 303-359-6627 or e-mail Michael Hughes at Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty in Boulder, CO. Featured Listings

June 24, 2010

KOHAI

Posted By Michael Hughes      June 25, 2010

Kohai means “Eager Student” in Japanese. I am a black belt candidate in the martial art of Muay Thai Kickboxing at Trans Martial Arts in Longmont, Colorado (as well as a Realtor with Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty). Master Tran and Kru Meier are my teachers. They push me to my limit, every single time.

I actually started with Trans Martial Arts about 7 years ago. I was doing Tae Bo over at the Airport Road Trans Dojo. When they moved to another location I sort of lost track of them.  Then one day my daughter wanted to do kick boxing over at a dojo on Sunset Ave. I started as well to support her.  It was Trans. It was fun but very difficult.  I started going more, then I dropped out and went to Boot Camp over at Longmont Recreation. After I had pulled 2 hamstrings simultaneously because the instructor did not understand warming up,  Kickboxing looked a lot more plausible.

I could barely kick 3 inches off the ground when I returned to Trans Longmont. But I came with a resolve that I would not give up this time.  I remember my first testing from white to yellow belt.  I thought this is so difficult how can I possibly remember all the different katas.  I kept at it. I didn’t give up.

It is not only the workout that I love. It’s the people and their stories. I met Mr. Schlutz who lost the left side of his brain in a freak accident when a propeller on his airplane came in contact with his head, he was slated to fly large commercial jets for United Airlines the very next day. He is a prime example of when life gives you lemons make lemonade. He was in rehab for several years and when his right brain kicked in and he was doing therapy with modeling clay and he had some amazing dreams he realized he had a talent for sculpting American Indian bronzes. He had never done so before or had any formal training. He has become a world renowned sculpture and his sculptures are much sought after.

There is the woman Ms. McCullough who 4 years ago due to MS was in a wheel chair. She started Muay Thai Kickboxing and has not only ditched the wheel chair for several years now but also been able to stop the last of several medications because now her heart is so strong she no longer needs it. She has also started a business and website called Hopeology.

There is the woman and for her privacy I will not mention her name here. She had lost her son at 17 in a terrible car accident. She needed the social contact and the workout to help her through a devastating period in her life. She went on to partner, create and start a well known micro-brewery and restaurant in Longmont called Oskar Blues.

There is Ms. Nannen who I absolutely respect.  She started a company you may know called Greenspoint Catering. It has become a very successful and renowned catering company in Boulder County. She has started numerous successful businesses and she is one of Trans MAFC finest teachers and one of the greatest people you will ever meet.

There are Master Tran and Kru Meier. Here to teach, support and help us to be the best of what we can be.

There is Ms. Tran who has started a nutrition company  Nourische. She knows the importance of nutrition and feeding your body the proper foods.  She is a great spirit and a bright star in the Trans Network.

There are the Lucarelli Brothers (race car drivers and mechanics)  who are tough as nails and the nicest guys you will ever meet, There is Margie Balthous, Patty Chonis,  Ed Ruskus sparring partner extraordinaire,  Demian Weigle who has become not only a good friend but a great running companion as well or ms. Olson and Mr. Butler who are so commited to the practice and teaching of Muay Thai.

And it’s not all about the people. It’s also the weekly message, “if you have to eat a frog don’t look at it too long” (don’t procrastinate-if you have something difficult to do-just do it), “a smooth mountain cannot be climbed” this is one of my favorites as it makes it clear that without difficulties, problems and challenges we would not have the contrast between what is good in life and the not so good times, it’s all about contrast.

When my mother died last September I just could not act as if everything was great, and then I realized No matter what kind of day, week, month or year I am having; when I come in to Trans or even at work now, if someone asks me how I am doing; my answer is Super good and getting better…it elevates me; every time……..I hope one day you can say that about your life.  Super Good and Getting Better.  Life is so precious and so good.

If you have questions regarding this article or are thinking you will Buy A House In Boulder please call or text me 303-359-6627 or e-mail Michael Hughes at Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty in Boulder, CO. Featured Listings

June 17, 2010

Spontaneous Boulder Art

Posted by Michael Hughes June 18, 2010

I have seen many things come and go in the past years I have been in Boulder. There is no longer a Broken Drum Bar with a dirt parking lot at the east end of Pearl St. or a Peggy’s Hi-Lo out near the Diagonal and 47th, or for that matter even a 47th St. because that is where Foothills Highway is now. One thing you can be sure of is that Boulder is always a little bit different, a little on the cutting edge, always number one and a sure bet for a great place to raise a family, go to dinner, catch a hike or an outdoor movie, a run or to dip your feet in the Boulder Creek. Which brings me to what I saw when I removed my shoes and socks and dipped my feet in the downright cold Boulder Creek the other day.  The river rock stackings were a spontaneous balancing of polished rounded river rocks. They were a gift, a visual pleasing to the eye and the senses. Who would have time for such a thing or the ever present thought came to mind “only in Boulder.” I love Boulder, it’s filled with people of intellect, odd people, rich people, people who don’t have a home, people who ride naked on their bikes (although I am more in to comfort and tight and well padded bike shorts), people who like to garden naked and now people who stack rocks in the creek as if it were the Palace of the fine Arts in San Francisco. Boulder is different and weird and well groomed with gustatory delights and fine people everywhere.

If you have questions regarding this article or are thinking you will Buy A House In Boulder please call or text me 303-359-6627 or e-mail Michael Hughes at Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty in Boulder, CO. Featured Listings

June 12, 2010

Making Your Luxury Home Standout In This Market

By Michael Hughes Broker Associate Sothebys International Realty-Boulder   June 13, 2010

What does it take to make a high-end home stand out in today’s market? Create great landscaping.  Improving internet & curb appeal in luxury homes is paramount. Professional photographs are a must even for my “quiet listings.”  Giving it a seamless feel of soft, subtle, warm, simple, inviting and comfortable.

Generate a sense of entry near the street with entrance piers that pick up the architectural details of the home such as large potted plants or French limestone beds on either side of the entry.

Select two or three focal points of the home and use a mix, select perennials from opposite spectrums of the color wheel as accents to add contrast. Early flowering varieties work well.

Enhance stone walls or piers at the front of the home with urns planted with fresh flowering plants in solid limestone planters adding simple but rich character. Pay attention to the details, luxury is all about the details.

Spotlight key features of a property or tree or grove of trees with architectural lighting modulated for the mood you wish to achieve for those after early evening showings.

A more sophisticated look is had by creating a landscape in regard to what is around as well as adding sophisticated but understated tone demure. Keep it simple and balanced. Sophisticated landscaping doesn’t mean extremely complex

Entryway. Make the arrival experience one of elegance, pay attention to the color, the details, the style and the feeling you wish to impart on these potential buyers of your property.

If you have questions regarding this article or are thinking you will Buy A House In Boulder please call or text me 303-359-6627 or e-mail Michael Hughes at Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty in Boulder, CO. Featured Listings

June 4, 2010

Morning Perfection

Posted by Michael Hughes   June 5, 2010

I was on a 5 mile run the other morning with a friend of mine.  Demian is a fellow runner and an all around good guy. Competent, smart, tough and has a beautiful wife Kathryn.  Running this morning at 6 a.m. was inspiring, about the 3rd mile when we went over a fence to find a longer path the sun was rising and the clouds were shooting rays of gold. The water sparkled like no other morning. I could hear the pelicans on the pond. What a great and wonderful time of the morning. The gratitude I felt for this morning was somewhat overwhelming. The appreciation for the quiet, the moment, cold air going into my lungs, legs moving effortlessly. My lungs working better than ever, after having encountered a bout of pneumonia during the winter that seemed would never leave. The hills came and we mowed them down one by one. Morning runs, the better they get, the better they get. Perfection in less than an hour.

If you have questions regarding this article or are thinking you will Buy A House In Boulder please call or text me 303-359-6627 or e-mail Michael Hughes at Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty in Boulder, CO. Featured Listings

May 26, 2010

Kiplinger on Boulder

Posted by Michael Hughes   May 28, 2010

Boulder poised for recovery and future growth.  Boulder ranks in the top 10 of Relocate America cities in their most recent survery. Boulders’ strong local leadership, employment opportunities, thriving community commitment, improving real estate markets (if you are thinking you are going to buy a house in Boulder), growing green initiatives, plentiful recreational options and an overall high quality of life landed it on this highly esteemed list. Boulder is one of the many communities moving in the right direction.

Boulder has been singled out as one of the “10 best city for the next decade” in the July issue of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine. It’s no wonder with all the planets aligning with Boulder. First of all there is the University of Colorado-Boulder, the federal research labs and more than 6,601 small businesses and corporation. Kiplinger chose cities for its next-decade list on the basis of current and likely future growth in high-quality jobs and income, housing affordability, public-transit infrastructure and the size of the local “creative class” of scientists, engineers, educators, writers, artists and entertainers, among other factors.

If you have questions regarding this article or are thinking you will Buy A House In Boulder please call or text me 303-359-6627 or e-mail Michael Hughes at Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty in Boulder, CO. Featured Listings