I enjoy running in a new location because it gives me an opportunity to see the area from a different perspective. Running provides for data collection and discovery without the concern for appearance or protocols. Without the stress of an agenda, running let’s me explore without purpose. It is simultaneously therapeutic and investigative.
That being said, there is a certain level of comfort that comes when a running route becomes a familiar route. Finding the perfect route is a bit like creating a work of art. When you know exactly where a mile is from every direction of your house. Or approximately how far you need to go “out” to run “back” and achieve all of your desired mileage.
Dave and I are slowly working out the kinks of our long run routes. We have consistently run over double digits the past few weekends and will break into the teens next week. We have yet to perfect the exact route. Today, we doubled backed at mile 8.25. We were approximately 2 miles from home and I was hoping if we added a 2 mile circle, we would arrive back at the gate right around 12 miles. I underestimated the distance. We agreed to stop running at 12 miles and walk home from there. Plan your work and work your plan! We essentially did a half marathon by the time we returned to our front door. All in all it was successful. We achieved our mileage, had ¥110 for water at the vending machines and enjoyed amazing views of Mt. Fuji. Run happy!
