Clear Creek Trail
Running Time: 52:25 + 2-Minute Kick
Once again I risked the relative safety of a running track for a concrete trail. This one wound through the woods alongside Clear Creek in Coralsville, IA. West High School was actually within running distance at the end of the trail, but it was a late run, so I had to turn around before I got there to make sure I got back to Grandma’s house before the Big Bad Wolf came out.
It was a picturesque setting, even in the duskness. The path cuts across University of Iowa grounds, so even at this hour there was a fair amount of foot and bike traffic, including some recreational cannabis smoking. I am not sure what is legal in Iowa, if anything.
The weather looked rather ominous as I finished my run, but it never got worse than a strong wind. I managed to stay upright even in the darkness, and there were several hills to navigate. I also saw four deer as the sun went down – the only live deer I saw all week.
Olive Garden was right next to the hotel, so I had a wonderful soup and salad for dinner. Curbside pickup was the only option, so I had to drive the rental car 200 yards to get my food. The signature salad was enormous, and after the soup and a beer, I did not even have room to eat both pepperoncinis they gave me. Tragic.
Don't Make It a Habit. Make It a Ritual. 