Suburban Running
| June 18, 2012 | Posted by Carrie under Running |
Southern California offers up some gorgeous running routes. I have the pleasure in running at the beach, finding cliff routes and also some scenic trails.
Most of the time, I run a quick 3 mile loop around my home. Even my long runs sometimes are just street routes and are pretty boring.
This past weekend was one of those routes. 6 miles of nothing interesting. 6 miles of suburban running.
Or that’s what I thought. I live near my municipal airport. As I was finishing up my 2nd mile, I hit a point just under a plane coming in for a landing.
A few hundred yards later was a landscaping store, with some pretty color out front.
I had done a 3 mile out-and back route. On the way home (this was maybe mile 4.5), I passed by In-N-Out Burger. The smell came to me like a teasing reminder that I was sweating buckets and couldn’t stop for a burger. (Maybe it was also teasing me because I knew we were going out for yummy burgers the next day).
Then at mile 5, I pass by my local Costco.
Finally, as I was nearing home (and beginning to have exhaustion set in), I passed the local hospital which is undergoing a huge construction project.
While none of these things are really all that interesting. When I’m out running for over an hour, it’s interesting to take note of what becomes fascinating scenery.
6 miles done.
I’m not fortunate enough to have beautiful scenery close to home. But, with a short drive there are numerous parks with great running paths and trails. Most of my weekday runs are boring suburban runs. Who has time to drive?!?! Some of the routes from my house have been run so many times I have to entertain myself in my head
So good to know that your usual routes from home have been worn thin. I swear my eyes glaze over with the thought of some of my boring routes.
It’s nice to mix up a run by stopping and taking pictures, but I agree, sometimes all that stopping and starting again is rough. Lately, I’ve been sticking to two differnent shady trail loops, pretty boring, but at least it’s not in the full sun!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted..Do you incorporatre plyometrics?
Shade is key at this time of year for you for sure. I think I’d plan my routes based on tree cover too.
It’s good to take a look around at your surroundings, even if they are not “scenic”! I try to run in new places or to notice the houses, stores and whatnot along my route when I can. Otherwise, we may as well just run on the treadmill!
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I love looking at houses. And yards. Lot’s of ideas come when out running.