Aspen & Prairie Loops, Harmon Park Reserve
Running Time: 56:58 + 2-minute kick
The closest running trail in All Trails was close enough to my hotel to run to, which is a bonus, because it was not planned. I have stopped trying to map out my runs in addition to my flights and sales routes and hotel stays. It is already too complicated. I have adjusted my ritual: if I feel like running when I get to the hotel (and if running is safe), I run. Otherwise, I work or nap.
In this case, the park entrance was about a mile from the hotel. Once I got there, the trail complex was a mix of walking trails and bike trails. The bike trails were mixed use, but narrow, which requires attentiveness. Twice I stepped aside for bikes, which worked only because I was running the wrong way on the trail and saw the bike coming.
I have modified my running ritual in other ways. On a trip back to our former hometown in Oregon, I stayed with our good friends Debbie and Dennis. Sir Dennis, who is an osteopath, voiced his concern about repeated long-distance running after age 50. He explained that studies have shown that keeping your heart rate consistently above 140 bpm at that age can cause cellular damage to arteries, increasing risk of stroke and aneurysm.
He further proposed that running 1-2 miles, and then walking to reduce heart rate, was safer. So I have changed my run from a full 56+ minute run to 10 minutes walking, 10 minutes running, 10 minutes walking, 10 minutes running, 10 minutes walking, 6+ minutes running plus a 2-minute kick. I continue to increase the total 2 seconds per run if I run consecutive days, with a loss of .5 seconds for a missed day.
I like this run structure better. For one, it is easier. Secondly, it allows me to run harder when I run. And finally, I get to stop running, which is my favorite part, 3 times instead of 1. I do not so much mind the restarting, but I love the stopping. It makes the run more enjoyable. Also, walking through some of these locales is better for the mind and spirit, I suspect. You might take in a little more.
If Sir Dennis is right, and I do trust his judgment, maybe this will also allow me to run longer into my twilight years, while better enjoying the long, strange trip it is.
Don't Make It a Habit. Make It a Ritual. 