Why Did the Runner Cross the Road?

Greetings! Quite often when we travel, our hotels are locked in a labyrinth of Interstates and limited access highways. These occasions give way to less than scenic options for running, not to mention they are far from optimal for safety. When we arrived in Richland, WA I saw a fantastic path as we were circling off the Interstate. Unfortunately, the Interstate exit led directly to a round-a-bout and then a quick jaunt through a business district to our hotel. I was a bit disoriented, but I knew the basic way back to the pathway. The problem was I felt certain the path was on the other side of the Interstate.  Hmm.

The next morning I decided to explore and see if I could find a legal and safe way to cross over to the path.  The benefit of running at the light of dawn comes in the low number of cars on the road at that time of day. I had no trouble negotiating vehicles as I shot through the round-a-bout. I quickly crossed another street and ran alongside the access ramp to the Interstate. I could see a lake and the path on the other side of a fence. I was ready to climb it when I noticed an entry point. I happily entered the Yakima Watershed Habitat.  The beautiful setting was well worth the effort. I trotted along watching water fowl and early morning anglers.  I noticed concrete posts and thought them mile markers. Actually, these were stop points on the trail for Pompey’s Lessons. These are education bits about the area, as well as plant, animal and marine life.  The Name Pompey refers to Sacagawea’s son, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau. 

As I exited the Habitat I realized the walk/run path continued alongside the Interstate with only a retaining wall and fence between the two. I found that odd and unsettling.

Find the Path. Run.

Tom 

Badges and National Parks

Greetings! The Apple Watch produces badges when the wearer completes tasks like 30 minutes of exercising, or burning a certain number of calories in a day. It also has badges for a consecutive week of activity as well. Periodically users receive a message about special badge earning opportunities.  Mother’s Day was one. For that day, Apple Watch folks could earn a badge for taking a one mile walk. The idea was to spend time with mothers where possible. The badge includes a flower.  I’ll save my sidebar about cultural norms.

In celebration with National Parks, last Saturday the Apple Watch offered a special badge for running or walking at least 3.5 miles. The number of miles matches the distance from Old Faithful to Mallard Lake in Yellowstone National Park. Again, the idea of the badge was to inspire people to visit national or local parks for the run or walk. I did not make it to a park, but I did run four miles that morning. My original plan was to complete a different work out, but the Apple Watch did its job and influenced me otherwise.

On a related note, through this experience I learned that all fourth grade students are eligible for a free annual pass to National Parks. Follow this link for more information: https://www.everykidinapark.gov/

Earn Badges. Run.

Tom

Not The Same Old Sailor Bar

Greetings! We get out to Sacramento, CA fairly often. While there I really enjoy running along the American River. I generally go to Sailor Bar in Fair Oaks to access the river. This time I explored different trails. The change was a very good one. It was a terrific morning and the new scenery delighted. I’ve been having new experiences in parks a lot this year. I hope it continues.

Run the path less traveled.

Tom 

Running Will Find A Way

Greetings! Often weather, my schedule or other events create a situation where I consider exercising inside rather than running. In many of those situations I want to reconfigure my timeline and still run, regardless of the external factors. Rare is the occasion when I get on the road and regret it.

The last week this readjusting happened more than I liked. In the end, I enjoyed a number of great opportunities for running. They were all worth the wait.

Find a way. Run.

Tom