Thursday, September 25, 2008

Trail Running before the rain




With a storm on the way, I decided to stay out of the wind, and do some exploring.

My last few times running in Mercer County Park, I saw some trails that looked inviting. I really haven't run on "trails", since my cross country days.

My shins have been a bit on the sore side the past few days, so I thought getting off the asphalt, and running on dirt, would help a bit.

It was really cool to run in the woods. You really need to keep an eye out for roots. There sure where enough of them, ready to jump up and grab you. I had an eye to them, and one looking out for the low branches.
I will say, the trails I ran on, were very well traveled. The brush was back off the trails nicely, and every so often, there were either blue or red reflectors on the trees, marking the route. There were even some nice man-made bridges, across a few creeks.

The route I took, winded around to the boathouse at Mercer County Lake.

My training plan called for a 6 miler, and when I got to the boathouse, I was around 2 miles. One of the local prep schools, Peddie, had their crew team practicing on the lake.

I added on by running out of the park, and towards Mercer Oaks, our county golf course.On my way back to the lake, the girl's crew team, was running in pairs, with the oars. It looked pretty tough, since the oars looked to be about 10' in length.

It was a cool run, something different, and since the shins were hurtin', I glad I chose the trails. I will definitely be running them more.

6.01 miles 56:18

9:22 min/mile avg.

Mile / Time
1 9:19 min
2 8:57 min
3 9:02 min
4 9:33 min
5 9:37 min
6.01 9:47 min

8 comments:

Laurel said...

Sounds fun. I love finding new places to run and I LOVE running in the woods.

I however, would NOT love running with a 10' oar. That just sounds plain mean.

Progman2000 said...

Trail running rules.

Still thinking we may be able to hook up for a run. I think I will be shooting for 18 the weekend you are doing 15. Maybe we can meet up somewhere.

joyRuN said...

Sounds nice - if you were able to see straight with one eye out for low branches & the other for roots!

Kidding aside - that does sound beautiful. I have a preserve like that near me, but hunting season's coming soon & making me a nice slow target.

Marlene said...

It's nice having a change of scenery now and then. I'm terrified of trails, but may give it a try one day.

Good luck with the remainder of your marathon training. I'll look forward to reading about your first.

Vava said...

Nice run. I am scared to trails on account of the wonky ankle, but I'd love to do it again. My original injury to my ankle happened many years ago on the mountain in Montreal, trail running - roots.

akshaye said...

Trail running is always fantastic. I wish I lived closer to some nice ones. I hate to have to drive somewhere in order to run.

Unknown said...

You might want to consider signing up for Hashathon this Fall. I had a blast last year. They even set up a drinking bar on the top of the hill with a disco ball hanging from a tree. It was hilarious. Hashathon is one of the finest trail running. I am going to do it again this year. Its all 100% trail running race.
http://www.jsrc.org/clubraces/hashathon/hashathon.htm

BeachRunner said...

Very cool. I would love to run there.