Not exactly off-road, or all that scenic, but my town recently got involved in the Rails to Trails program and paved a 5.5 mile section of rail bed. Here's a shot from New Year's Eve...
They'll tell you that failure is not an option. That's ridiculous. Failure is always an option. It is the easiest and most readily available option. It's your choice though.
Oh c'mon now FS. I mean, I do love my mountain trails, but those autumn colors you have there are gorgeous!
Freaking jealous PineGroveDave
All the pictures look great. I'm definitely jealous. I've hiked most of the C&O but haven't done any running on it, though the nearest access is only about 45 minutes away. The level trail through the woods reminds me of Red Top Mtn. SP in Georgia where I did a lovely trail run last year on vacation. The big mountains would be too much for me for running, but I love hiking in them when the altitude doesn't get me. I'd love to do more trail running, but the rocks on the AT are intimidating to a beginner like me.
Runs4Sanity
I was actually out shooting trails those days, but I do run them.
*Do It For Yourself, Do It Because They Said It Was Impossible, Do It Because They Said You Were Incapable*
PRs
5k - 24:15 (7:49 min/mile pace)
10k - 51:47 (8:16 min/mile pace)
15k -1:18:09 (8:24 min/mile pace)
13.1 - 1:53:12 (8:39 min/mile pace)
26:2 - 4:14:55 (9:44 min/mile)
Very nice. Here's some pics of a great trail to run. 7 miles out and back to 9400ft. This one is the Thunder Mountain Trail above Kirkwood Ski Resort...
This is the end of the trail where I turn around and head back. The large lake in the background is Silver Lake. To the left is a smaller lake called Granite Lake. I run the Granite Lake trail as well for a "quickie" as it's only 4 miles out and back from Silver Lake...
I am drooling
Refurbished Hip
Y'all are welcome to come visit us in the Trailer Trash forum anytime! Like Mike said, we have a trail porn thread to post pretty pictures.
Running is dumb.
I recommend both visiting Trailer Trash and running trails if you have the opportunity. Nice pics guys.
Go figure
Trying to find some more hay to restock the barn
Wow Dave! As an avowed road runner, even I could get into those trails! What I dislike about our trails, even the nice national park ones, is that they're all densely forested and too claustrophobic feeling.
Many of the trail runs I do upcountry start at ~8000ft and climb to timberline so, as you can see, the trees begin to thin out. I train up there primarily for my NorCal Tough Mudders because they're usually held around Tahoe and the altitude is what gets most people. Of course, all the trails I posted are currently under a nice snow pack.
I gotta get out on a trail. Maybe a trail recovery run on Monday.
Very nice. Here's some pics of a great trail to run. 7 miles out and back to 9400ft. This one is the Thunder Mountain Trail above Kirkwood Ski Resort... This is the end of the trail where I turn around and head back. The large lake in the background is Silver Lake. To the left is a smaller lake called Granite Lake. I run the Granite Lake trail as well for a "quickie" as it's only 4 miles out and back from Silver Lake...
Wow, what a beautiful place Dave. Do you see much wildlife when you're out?
First Race
Hot Chocolate 5K Chicago November 4, 2012 30:17
Second Race
Penguin in the Park 5K Decatur Illinois March 23,2013 27:08
Scott
On my runs? Small critters (up to marmots) and deer is about it. I haven't spotted any bear or mountain lions on my runs as of yet. I have encountered the bigger beasts plenty of times over the years while hiking and backpacking though...so they are around. When Marina goes out with me (she walks while I run), she'll carry pepper spray as we have had mountain lion spottings around the lake I run.
I Run on a paved bike trail, the only wildlife I see are a few bunnies Or a couple homeless guys.
The closest real trail to me is the Ice Age Trail, about 50-60 miles north, depending on where I pick it up. Other than that, lots of crushed limestone multiuse trails in many county forest preserves, the Des Plaines River Trail, and in a couple state parks. They aren't usually very scenic, except in spring or in fall, when we get a good color year like last year.