Nature Trail

Nature Trail

For all of my 4-1/2 years of running, my most frequent place to run is what is locally known as the "Nature Trail". While it sounds scenic, it is really just a well worn, finely crushed gravel and sand pathway that circles around the outskirts of a small community college campus in a somewhat shady setting. The total length is 1.8 miles. While it's certainly not a technical single track trail, it does offer some challenge with a few very short hills and occasional rain washed areas. The total elevation change is about 70 feet per loop. I have run this trail by day and by night. I have run the trail in the heat, cold, wind, and rain. That is my trail.

The best thing about the trail is it is located between my work place and my home. I can be there in 2 minutes after work or 5 minutes from my home. There are no other trails nearby so the Nature Trail is the place to go for a good workout of any distance. That is my trail.

I have only had two tumbles while running...and one was along the Nature Trail. On a fast tempo run along a downhill section with unsure footing, I twisted my ankle and went straight to the ground hands first. I only had a quarter mile to go on my run and I limped my way to the end like a proud marathoner at the finish line. I have seen (much too closely) live snakes and dead snakes on the Nature Trail and somehow bounded right over them while letting out a yelp that hopefully no one had heard. And what good is a trail if you cannot slip out into the woods for an occasional "break". Yes, I have also done that because....that is my trail.