RUNNERS - looking for places to run

[elaineyue]

I decided to start a new thread with this topic. Carole, how are ultramarathons easier than marathons? I've read up a little on ultras. Maybe speed isn't as important? Sounds like they have feasts at every aid station! Are most ultras run on trails? I have never even done a training run on a trail for fear of falling. There's also the safety factor.

By the way, all of you, where do you find places to run, especially long runs? My dilemma is finding places with little traffic, but that are open areas and don't encourage suspicious activity. I generally run by myself. I guess I could carry pepper spray, but I don't even want to encourage it. I would love to run through parks that have miles of uninterrupted roads, but I'm too chicken! How do you guys do it?

Elaine

 

[Elaine Keller]

Fortunately my husband is also a runner and I have friends that are as well. Plus I live on the CA coast and we have a wonderful boardwalk and nice uncrowded streets too.

If there is a runner's club in your area you might consider joining that. I've gone on some long runs with the local club where there are all levels of runners. It's also a great way to meet people that also love to run.

 

[Randi77]

Hi Elaine,

I've recently started running outdoors too and thought I'd jump in here. I have some of the same concerns that you do - I've been running around my neighborhood at lunchtime and it's pretty deserted. It's hilly and quiet, beautiful though, and I worry about dogs, bears, and the usual other safety concerns. I carry pepper spray just in case and I've been carrying my cell even though it bugs me for the first part of my run until I get used to the weight.

I may join a running club at the gym, I'm slow though and worried that I'll wind up running alone anyway!

Hopefully some of the more experienced runners will have some good advice...I'm planning on trying a half marathon by the end of this summer btw.

ttyl,

Randi

 

[Dutchie42]

I usually run with my son, but when I run alone the run is never as relaxed. I'm always alert when I see someone. If I see a man, first thing I do is check whether there's a wife or kids around, or maybe a dog. I'm also very wary of cyclists.

I always run a scenario in my head "what if" and I visualise the techniques I've learned years ago in a self-defense class. I'm actually thinking of taking self defense classes again, cause my son is not an early morning runner and I just know, when Summer comes, I don't want to run late afternoon in the heat.

Overhere you're not allowed to carry or have pepperspray, but boy do I wish I could get hold of the stuff. Just in case I need it. I'd rather get a fine for using it on someone, then be a victim.

Dutchie

 

[bjbowers]

I wish I had more places to run as well. I have a few different routes mapped out but I tend to get bored with them. They all begin with me leaving my house and most of the time I end up by a local park. I love to run through the park, but if it's a quiet day there I find myself running faster and watching everyone. I should get some pepper spray.

There is a local running club, but I love to run alone. It's my time. I feel safe running in my area for the most part, I just hate watching for all the traffic, cuz most of them aren't watching for me.

 

[rmrmr]

I am fortunate to have a trail right across the street from my work. At the end of the trail I do need to run on some pavement for a bit to a designated open space area with a trail as well. This trail is very rocky and hilly, and yes-I have fallen several times. No serious harm though, just some cuts and scrapes-more embarrasing than anything else. Also I feel safe running through my suburban neighborhood.

I recommend joining a running club as well. You will feel much safer running with a group.

Diana

 

[Mckmain]

Hi Elaine...I feel in marathons you are more stressed about a particular pace...at least I was......The Ultras I have done have been on trails, yes trail running can be scary but for me as I age, I find trail running easier overall on my body. I am 46 and have run for about 30 years and I find all pavement running can just beat me up. I have fallen on trails but thank god not seriously. You just seem to get dirty!! Speed on some trails is literally impossible. Except of course for the pros like Scott Jurek and Ann Trason. They have phenomenol times on some Ultra trail runs. Yes they do have feasts at every aid station and also very helpful people that take your bottles and fill them for you and always ask right away "What do you need" I know I wrote this somewhere but in Ultras you feel guilty if you don't walk the uphills, in marathons you feel giulty if you walk at any time!!

I'd agree with the other posters and find a running club. I run in my neighborhood by myself and yes CARRY PEPPER SPRAY, but on sundays when I do long distance I never run by myself on any unmarked trails. I am lucky to have good friends and a sister that also run.... I am also lucky to have alot of areas where I live in CA to run......Carole