That thing? Sidewalks.
& speed limits.
& signs of the living.
We have moved out to the country & those things are gone.
Replaced are some areas of homes... big areas of nothing but trees. Lots of trees. Perfect for thinking up awful images of someone dragging you into the trees & you're never heard of again.
I have seen many a deer carcass in there too if it's not scary enough.
Don't get me wrong - its beautiful too... but running alone, it can be nerving.
The other thing it has in my new area? Hills. Lots of hills. God-forsaken-hills. I mean, not just little inclines... I mean, butt burning hills that make you feel like you need to get to the top & camp out kind of hills.
 |
| Me at the top of every hill |
What else does my running area have? People that drive like they have no sense. All those hills? People want to be the Duke Brothers flying over them, driving at 100 mph. Don't be on the wrong side of the road for that one... or technically the right side of the road... this is confusing. I try to go WITH the traffic going up a hill & then head to the opposite side of the road on the flat areas.
I'm basically zig-zagging the whole time - adding another half mile to every run - I'm sure.
With my knee & back injury though, I have done a new thing - gone to the local elementary school that is down the road a bit & I use their FLAT parking lot. It's my version of a track because its a constant round & round & round... & round... & round...
But I have to keep an eye out when school is in session & they have PTA events & the parking lot is full at night.... sigh...
The closest park to me is about 15 minutes away so I'll go down there if I feel like a little drive. Most of the times, I don't.
So the point of all this?
My treadmill is my friend.
Joining up
You do what'cha gotta do. I would be scared to run in an isolated place and with crazy drivers on top of that! The treadmill it would be for me too.
ReplyDeleteYeah - there is even a huge area that used to be some sort of 'dumping ground' so there's MILES of nothing but a big hole in the ground in one area... I don't even want to know what's at the bottom of that thing.
DeletePhilly overall is pretty flat in the city so it's tough to find good hills to train on...looks like you have no problem with that, haha! Cars that drive too fast can be so scary while you're on a run...sometimes it is best to just stick to the treadmill!
ReplyDeleteIt's flat out scary! I thought about calling the police to start ticketing, but its just how EVERYONE drives in the country... including the police.
DeleteSometimes the treadmill is necessary! I like the treadmill because I can read while I run. I've been using it since it's been so hot here. BUT I do want to get back to running outside!
ReplyDeleteHaha love this! Treadmill is still better than nothing, so great job getting it done :) I live in a very hilly area and have just grown to embrace the hill. I figure it just makes me stronger, right?!
ReplyDeleteThat's what's supposed to happen... they just make me grumpy :)
DeleteI long to live in town but my hubby prefers country living so we compromised and live in a cul -de- sac up on a hill above town. I totally understand missing sidewalks. I keep telling him next time we move we WILL be in a neighborhood that has them. Funny thing is though, my running trail is not far from my house at all ( I could probably walk) but the road to get to it is pretty dangerous to walk, run, or bike on.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice that you have a treadmill though so at least you have some options. Oh, and it is nice to be able to run around the school. Those are usually nice areas.
oh my gosh that is seriously terrifying. i have thought about moving further out of the city, you've reminded me why i wouldn't like this!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a scary place to be. There's nothing wrong with the treadmill. Way to get miles in that way!
ReplyDeleteThank God for treadmills!!! And you are definitely NOT the only person that just wants to lay down and die at the top of each hill. LOL
ReplyDeleteI live in a subdivision and I don't run on the sidewalks. You know that the concrete is so much harder on your joints than asphalt, right?
ReplyDeleteoh man, I never thought about that before! I bet that is difficult!
ReplyDeleteI hate hate hate running hills. I know I should but I just hate them! Thanks for linking up with us!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhen we see advertising and those beautiful girls running in the mountains and they seem perfect and flawless... I want to slap whoever thought that looked real!
ReplyDelete