Andy’s Nationally Published Articles :: Running on the Road
A Travelers Guide to Running “on the Road”
Life on the road is hard for the business traveler. There is fierce competition for business, cabs or even in line at the nearest Starbucks. But life on the road is especially hard for a traveler trying to stick to a fitness plan. For many of us, the toughest competition of all is for the rickety treadmill in the dark hotel room, generously named “fitness center.” But for the well informed road warrior, treadmills are not necessarily a necessary evil. If you know where to look - even in the middle of a concrete jungle - some of the most beautiful runs on the planet are right outside your hotel room.
We have tallied the 10 U.S. cities with the most heavily traveled airports, and then turned to local tri clubs, running specialty stores, and other groups in the know. What did we find? The low down on the best downtown trails.
Atlanta, GA
Even in Midtown Hot-Lanta you can find a decent run. Piedmont Park offers Atlanta's only off-road urban running. Within running distance from most downtown hotels, this 1-mile paved loop is also the finish site of the worlds largest 10k, The Peach Tree 10k. www.piedmontpark.org
If you like to mix running and history, then drive twenty minutes north of downtown to Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. This park has several dirt trails with varied terrain and is loaded with Civil War history. The best trail for out-of-towners is the 16-mile outer loop. Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park (770) 427-4686, ext. 0
Chicago, IL
The most convenient and popular trail in Chicago is the Lakefront Running Path. Scene of the Mrs. T’s Triathlon, this flat 18 mile path is mostly asphalt, but does have around 7 miles of cinder path on the north end. The scenery includes the Chicago skyline on one side and Lake Michigan on the other. A good place to start is Lincoln Park. Chicago Area Runners Association (312) 666-9836
Dallas, TX
Right in the heart of downtown Dallas is The Katy Trail. This is 2.75 mile paved trail connects the West End with Mockingbird Station, two of downtown’s restaurant and shopping areas. This trail is in the densest part of the city, but with the trees and landscaping you almost feel like you are running in a scenic forest. www.katytraildallas.org
The most popular trail in Dallas surrounds White Rock Lake. This 15k paved trail is part of the White Rock Marathon and is only a ten minute drive east from downtown. www.dallascityhall.com
Los Angeles, CA
Beg, borrow or steal a car and head to Griffith Park. This park contains 53 miles of dirt trails and views of the ocean, the famous Hollywood sign and the entire Los Angeles Basin, its well worth the effort. Start at the Griffith Observatory and run to the summit of 1,652-foot Mt. Hollywood. Warm up first; as this 3 mile run climbs 500 feet in the first 1.4 miles. Griffith Park (323) 665-5188
Phoenix, AZ
The Salt River Project’s canal system crisscrosses the Phoenix metropolitan area and has miles of crushed granite and paved trails that are safe, well maintained and scenic. Granada Park is the most popular access point. Granada Park (602) 262-6696
The Christiansen Trail runs 7 miles through the Phoenix Mountains Preserve and avoids vehicular traffic via tunnels at Seventh Street, Cave Creek Road and Northern Avenue. One trail head is located at Seventh Avenue and Cheryl Drive. Other access points include the 40th Street South of Shea Boulevard. Scenic, with some steep climbs and descents. www.phoenix.gov/PARKS
Denver, CO
When you have to stay close to downtown, Washington Park is the place. Only a four minute drive from downtown, this suburban park has two good trials: a 2.5 mile dirt trail around the outer edge of the park and a 2.25 mile paved inner loop. Washington Park Recreation Center (303) 698-4962
If you want a well-kept gravel trail that’s flat, long and scenic, then head to the Highline Canal Trail. This trail starts at Waterton Canyon and ends somewhere in Kansas. The best place to enter is at Goodson Recreation Center. Goodson Recreation Center (303) 794-9216, ext. 111
Las Vegas, NV
Most people who visit Las Vegas stay on the Strip. You can run the sidewalks of the Las Vegas Boulevard, but anything other than the early morning can get crowded. A good alternative is to run to the nearby UNLV campus where there is a track and many paved paths.
But a great escape from neon overload is Red Rock Canyon. This National Conservation Area is filled with great soft surface trails, red colored sandstone formations and suddenly appearing waterfalls. Fifteen miles west on State Highway 159 is the visitor center and entrance, where a free guide to the hiking trails is available. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (702) 515-5350
Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN
From downtown Minneapolis, you are only a ten minute run or a short city bus ride to the most popular running path in the twin cities. The Three Lakes path, also part of the Twin Cities Marathon course, connects the Lake of the Isles, Lake Calhoun, and Lake Harriet with 13.3 miles of interconnected paved running paths. The paths are well maintained, even in the winter months, and are free of cars and cyclists. Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (612) 661-4800
Houston, TX
The most popular running spot in Houston is Memorial Park. There is a lighted 3mi crushed granite surface loop, along with various other dirt trails that go for miles. You can either drive 10 minutes directly west of downtown or there is a 5-mi paved trail from downtown to the park. You can pick up this trail between Allen Parkway and Memorial Dr. The trail follows Memorial Dr. along the Buffalo Bayou. Memorial Park (713) 845-1000
Detroit, MI
A 3-mile run from the concrete and steel of downtown Detroit will take you to a beautiful little island with wild deer and a great view of Canada. Bell Isle is a city park with a 5.4 mile paved road circling it. Take Franklin St. or Atwater St. to the pedestrian- friendly MacArthur Bridge to Bell Isle Park. Detroit Recreation Department (313) 224-1100
Bonus: New York City
Surprisingly, no New York-area airport made the top ten most traveled list. However, the number of travelers going in and out of the Manhattan warrants a spot on this list. The best running in NYC is found in Central Park. There is a nice 6-mile paved loop that goes all the way around the park. Amazingly, you can find a dirt trail even in NYC. Look for the outer bridle path and you can catch 1.66 miles of somewhat rocky trail. www.centralpark.org
Before you head out to the trail, please consider that while many of these trails are paved or groomed, some are real trails with rocks, roots and ruts. Some of the trails have water available and some do not. Some have public restrooms and some do not even have a bush to hide behind. Take the time to plan for emergencies. Let others know where you went and when you should return. Tie an “in case of emergency” tag on your shoe, and bring water, a cell phone and toilet paper. And have fun!
Andy Core is a professional speaker who helps busy people beat stress and live life with maximum energy and health. To have Andy speak to your group call (479) 582-2639 or go to www.fittraveler.com.
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