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| My favorite route |
I knew that to start training for the marathon I had to run outside. However, the thought of doing lap, after endless lap, around a track was not appealling in the least. My options in Córdoba are limited. Principally because:
- It is a small town
- Does not have a culture of exercise ingrained into it like the US.
It took some trial and error, and getting to know Córdoba, before I found the perfect spot!
How I Found It
When I get into a run I don't like a lot of starts and stops. It is not a realistic picture of my running capability and it throws off my concentration. Running "off the beaten path" gives me continuity in my running.
On the street there is a lot of contamination from vehicles as well as a lot of traffic lights. Lots and lots of traffic lights. I had to wait to cross streets and share the sidewalk with pedestrians. They don't like to share the sidewalk with runners, believe me!
Two summers ago I found this place by accident. I wanted to go somewhere private and serene after coming back from my dad's funeral. I was living with the inlaws at this point and had no privacy. So I went walking. I am a city girl at heart but this place spoke to me.
Why I Chose It
It gets me away from the hussle and bussle of cars and exhaust fumes and traffic lights and people. I run in clean air, surrounded by nature and I just let go.
It is visually stimulating.
Many people ask me how I can run 18 miles, for example, and not stop or get bored. When you run around a track, or park, you are just running with no goal in site. I run to reach the next bridge, or hill, or tree, or river. I am constantly looking at new things, smelling smells, and this motivates me to continue.
Likes and Dislikes
For all the reasons above I like it but it's not always the most convenient place to go. In the summer I can't run whenever I want becasue it's too hot. I have to go in the morning, at 7am, or at night once the sun sets. This cuts down my schedule drastically.
I tend to run at night simply because it's more convenient for me but I can't go there to run. I doubt anything will happen to me but there are no street lights. I don't carry my cellphone when I run and there are no phones around. I am in the wilderness. There are all kinds of animals around and I don't want to take any chances.
When exercising outdoors, or anywhere, safety is always first. So I have to go to a park instead and run lap, after endless lap around the track. It's not that bad when I run a shorter run, but imagine running 2 hours around a track! Not fun. So usually my long run days (Sundays) are reserved for my visually stimulating route during the summer months.
How I Stay Safe
- I always let someone know when I go and when I'm expected to be back
- My music is never louder than my surroundings
- I don't run there at night
- I pay attention to animals and other bikers and runners in front or behind me
- I bring water on really hot days
- I dress for the weather (hats, shorts, moisture-wicking fabrics, sunblock etc.)
- I make sure to warm up and cool down, including stretching
Here's another peek at my route:
If this helped you leave a comment and let me know how it goes!
I hope you enjoyed your Fitness Tip and will add it to your Recipe for Health
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