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I've been running this 3.6 mile loop on a daily basis for almost a year now. I've done it in 90 degree summer heat and 15 degree winter cold. Dust dry, rain, mud, snow, ice, you name it. The park itself is at about 6500 feet of altitude and its hilly so you climb up and down by about 600 feet. The terrain is rough, sandy in some areas, rocky in others. There are also some nice wooded areas that take you through pine forest.
My goal is to do it in 30 minutes. Then I'll start adding to the distance.
- When I started last Summer it took me 54 minutes and I literally thought I was going to die. I was willing myself to put one foot in front of the other; everything hurt; I couldn't breath. It was awful.
- I remember each of my milestones with an unhealthy level of pride: first time I made it all the way around without having to stop for rest; first time under 50 minutes; first time under 45 minutes; first time under 40 minutes; first time under 35 minutes. Each triumph equal to the last in the feeling of awesomeness.
- Two weeks ago I was passed by a marathon runner and was completely pissed at how slow I was going. That day I clocked in at a personal best 32:50. Lesson: competition is good.
- This morning, I ran what I thought was a pretty strong time but it turned out to be something lousy like 35:30. Lesson: You just can't tell.
- Pet peeves: dogs off of leashes. Mountain bikers. That's all I'll say on the matter.1
- Unavoidable but hilarious: scaring the crap out of people listening to their iPods when you come up from behind. They really freak out and you feel bad, but still. Ha.
- Good things: People who say good morning or hello when you pass. Reaching that point where your brain shuts off and all you are aware of is the sensation of movement through space.
1 Except, c'mon people! Cut it out. Learn some trail etiquette for God's sake. Leash your dog. Slow down and pass on the left. Say, "on your left". It's not that hard.
