There's an age old question in my mind when it comes to running or hiking or biking or even driving for that matter. Is it better to go in a big loop or back and forth along the same route? I think I prefer the loop but even that gets tiring and I need to switch it up from time to time. Sometimes it hard to choose but the option of not doing anything is far worse. 
Here are my usual running routes. The Red Loop is exactly 2 miles and the Yellow Stretch is 1 mile out and 1 mile back. They both offer plenty of hills and scenery through wooded areas and past lakes to keep my mind off of just running back and forth or in circles. In preparation for the Mount Desert Marathon I would do a combination of both and also incorporate many of the carefully measured offshoot roads and trails to meet whatever my goal was on any given day. There was a big difference there too since I had a goal to reach in October. These days I'm usually only running one or the other of these routes at a time with no big plans. I'm happy to be out and running 2 miles most days and with time constraints what they are, will settle for that for now. On each outing I'll start out down the driveway and up to the end of the block where if I haven’t already made up my mind it’s time to make my decision. Go to the left and do the loop or to the right for the straight out and back. Each track has its pros and cons and I often battle with my lazy side as it makes every mental suggestion to take the day off. Come on Gar! It's only 2 miles! The loop with its steep, steep uphill and then steep downhill often finds my mind looking for ways to convince me to just walk up the slope. I generally avoid this temptation on the way up but need to fight it again when I get down to lake level and start back up the gentle rise toward the house. Haven't I run far enough today already? On the There and Back Stretch I am usually ok until the turn around point. It’s that second part that becomes a battle. Do I really have to run this way all over? Once again It's Only 2 Miles Gar! and its all in my head too. I'm not tired, just lazy or worse, I haven't set a goal. In both instances I have to break out my best Captian Kirk/William Shatner "Must Not Stop!" Wasn't there an episode where he dramatically battled some unseen force? Anyway, lately I have been feeling like I need to set another goal to put a little more purpose in my stride. I started with running to do something positive in remembrance Joshua and that continues to be a big motivation anytime I get out and run. An important benefit is that it keeps me in shape for my family as well. I’ve been resisting the idea but thoughts of another marathon have been creeping back into my consciousness. But like which route to choose i've been having a hard time making a decision. I dread the idea of committing to long runs but that comes with the territory. I do have a couple of short organized runs for charity on my radar for the summer just to keep active. I’m not going to be soliciting donations on these although if anyone is inspired to give to any charity that’s great! Be sure to post a comment too! On that note I’m off on a jog, the loop this time, I think.
Here are my usual running routes. The Red Loop is exactly 2 miles and the Yellow Stretch is 1 mile out and 1 mile back. They both offer plenty of hills and scenery through wooded areas and past lakes to keep my mind off of just running back and forth or in circles. In preparation for the Mount Desert Marathon I would do a combination of both and also incorporate many of the carefully measured offshoot roads and trails to meet whatever my goal was on any given day. There was a big difference there too since I had a goal to reach in October. These days I'm usually only running one or the other of these routes at a time with no big plans. I'm happy to be out and running 2 miles most days and with time constraints what they are, will settle for that for now. On each outing I'll start out down the driveway and up to the end of the block where if I haven’t already made up my mind it’s time to make my decision. Go to the left and do the loop or to the right for the straight out and back. Each track has its pros and cons and I often battle with my lazy side as it makes every mental suggestion to take the day off. Come on Gar! It's only 2 miles! The loop with its steep, steep uphill and then steep downhill often finds my mind looking for ways to convince me to just walk up the slope. I generally avoid this temptation on the way up but need to fight it again when I get down to lake level and start back up the gentle rise toward the house. Haven't I run far enough today already? On the There and Back Stretch I am usually ok until the turn around point. It’s that second part that becomes a battle. Do I really have to run this way all over? Once again It's Only 2 Miles Gar! and its all in my head too. I'm not tired, just lazy or worse, I haven't set a goal. In both instances I have to break out my best Captian Kirk/William Shatner "Must Not Stop!" Wasn't there an episode where he dramatically battled some unseen force? Anyway, lately I have been feeling like I need to set another goal to put a little more purpose in my stride. I started with running to do something positive in remembrance Joshua and that continues to be a big motivation anytime I get out and run. An important benefit is that it keeps me in shape for my family as well. I’ve been resisting the idea but thoughts of another marathon have been creeping back into my consciousness. But like which route to choose i've been having a hard time making a decision. I dread the idea of committing to long runs but that comes with the territory. I do have a couple of short organized runs for charity on my radar for the summer just to keep active. I’m not going to be soliciting donations on these although if anyone is inspired to give to any charity that’s great! Be sure to post a comment too! On that note I’m off on a jog, the loop this time, I think.
2 comments:
Maybe you should set some goals of doing 5, 10, or 15 K's events. Yeah, they are not a marathons, but they are what normal people run:)
Well Mr. Pielow, Ya know this thought has crossed my mind, but comming from someone who walked from Georgia to Maine, I'm not sure what your idea of normal is;)
Besides, having sat through numerous Geography classes with you, I kinda expected a critique of my stunning map (copied from google) rather than my jogging.
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