WHERE do you run?

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ready*to*run

Joined: 13 Dec 2004
Posts: 6

WHERE do you run? Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2004 4:37 pm

I am curious to know where other people run. I used to run at our local track when I was first starting out - I did a lot of interval running/walking - so it helped me measure it exactly. I have finally built up to three miles without walking - and the track is VERY boring now! I have tried running around town - and I like it a lot more. We don't have a lot of trails around here - so I pretty much stick to the sidewalks. The only problem is the sidewalks start and stop a lot around here - and I really do worry about cars! I have run in some neighborhoods too - and that has been great. However, I don't think I can run around the same neighborhood 10 times once I build up to say 5 miles or more. I'm just curious what other people do or how you determine your loop.

Rickshaw
Runworks 2005 5M Racer
San Francisco, CA
Joined: 26 Nov 2004
Posts: 1157

Re: WHERE do you run? Posted: Tue Dec 14, 2004 8:13 pm

I'd say the more interesting and pleasant your route, the more you'll enjoy your run. For me, the track is definitely out unless I need to do some very specific and precise workout. I do most of my running on neighborhood streets or medium-busy roads. If it's not too busy, I'll just run along the side of the street rather than on the sidewalk, since as you've experienced, sidewalks can stop and start unexpectedly. For my longer runs (12 miles or more), I drive to a resevoir about 10 minutes from my house, and run along the trail there. It's a beautiful run through woods and hills, and is totally closed to cars. Rather than running the same short neighborhood loop 10 times, you might try finding a larger loop to do. Exploring new areas on foot can be fun. You may need to do sort stretches on busier roads in order to connect the neighborhood streets. Just stay on the sidewalk, and watch out for cars at stop signs and lights. Also, no matter where you live, I bet there are at least a few trails nearby. They may be more like paved bike paths around a park than dirt tracks through virgin forest, but anything off the street and out of traffic is great.

OldManRunner
Runworks 2005 5M Racer
Rochester, NY
Joined: 28 Nov 2004
Posts: 262

Re: WHERE do you run? Posted: Wed Dec 15, 2004 8:15 am

I think subconsciously I'm always on the prowl for new running routes. Tracks are boring, treadmills are even worse, and trails are pretty few and far between around me too, so most of my running is on the road shoulders. You do have to always run on the left, assume all drivers are blind and don't see you, be VERY careful on blind curves and at the tops of hills, and never wear headphones so you can hear the cars coming. I'm lucky to live where I can go from suburbia to fields within a few miles, and so at least some of most of my runs take me to where there are no traffic lights or significant intersections. If that's not the case for you, driving to a large park or country area once or twice a week for you runs might be worth it.

Rustyboy

LA, CA
Joined: 14 Dec 2004
Posts: 225

Re: WHERE do you run? Posted: Wed Dec 15, 2004 3:16 pm

Luckily, I have several options in my area of the world (Los Angeles): Most of my weekday mornings are done on a 5 mile loop I mapped out through a quiet-ish neighborhood near my house. On weekends, either I hit the local reservoir run which is a 3.2 mile loop nestled near the Hollywood sign or I hit one of the mountain trails that run through the Santa Monica mountains for a couple of hours. During the summer I hit the treadmill 3x/week and almost blew my brains out from the monotony. Give me big, hairy, scary trails anytime!

BGibbsLMT

Southington, CT
Joined: 12 Dec 2004
Posts: 68

Re: WHERE do you run? Posted: Wed Dec 15, 2004 8:22 pm

Got to agree with Rustyboy on this. Trails rock. A big climb to a ridge run through pines or mountain laurel with a killer view at the top. Snow makes it even better.

boomerfss

Kamloops, B.C.
Joined: 12 Dec 2004
Posts: 5

Re: WHERE do you run? Posted: Wed Dec 15, 2004 9:12 pm

Absolutely. The bigger, the hairier, the scarier, the better. I run occasionally on a treadmill, but prefer the wild. If you can run the whole trail, it isn't tough enough. If I can do it in the winter in British Columbia, anyone can (especially you softies in Califoria :) ).

sfird
Runworks 2005 5M Racer
Long Island, NY
Joined: 10 Dec 2004
Posts: 80

Re: WHERE do you run? Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2004 10:37 am

I have a number of neighborhood runs and do my long runs on the service road of the LI Expressway. The service road is pretty quiet and in most areas that I run has a break down lane so whatever traffic does exist isn't driving where I'm running. Unfortunately I'm moving in the Spring and I'll have to find new running routes. Hopefully this will add more excitement to the routine.

phaedrus

Joined: 26 Nov 2004
Posts: 37

Long Island Expressway Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2004 12:36 pm

No offense, but a highway service road doesn't sound like the most scenic place in the world to go running. I would think you'd be happy to be moving!

sfird
Runworks 2005 5M Racer
Long Island, NY
Joined: 10 Dec 2004
Posts: 80

Re: Long Island Expressway Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2004 2:08 pm

You're right it isn't too scenic but it does have its advantages. First, it's easy to know the mileage. Second, I can put water out for my long runs. Third, it isn't crowded. Fourth, it's right near my house so I don't have to drive. Fifth, it's easy for my wife to find me in case I have a problem (I carry a cell phone in case of injury). Also, you'd be surprised about the scenery. One side of the road is mostly woods. The other side is where the highway is and there are some trees and a wood wall in some places. It's not as bad as you would imagine. I am hoping to find a better running route for my long runs.

Rustyboy

LA, CA
Joined: 14 Dec 2004
Posts: 225

Re: Long Island Expressway Posted: Thu Dec 16, 2004 2:37 pm

I can see where you're coming from - The L.I. expressway goes through a number of remote, scenic spots. I stayed for a week in Huntington Station and had some glorious runs out there!

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