Couch to Beacon: Redemption
Shannon Bryan still can't run, but she believes in second chances. She's giving the Beach to Beacon 10K another shot (you know, after last year's tragic failure. But let's not bring that up).
Follow her training through race day: August 2.
The Bug Light at the end of the tunnel
Don't get me wrong, the Back Cove is a lovely place to run - the sun glinting off the calm water, Portland's East End rising proudly in the distance, the crunch of gravel, the blowing wind, the 295 traffic, the honking autos and of course all the sweaty attractive people.
But sometimes you need a change of scenery.
Seeing as the training group hits up the Back Cove on a regular basis, I thought I'd start running other trails on the weekends. You know, spice up my running relationship a little.
So yesterday I ran the Bug Light trail (otherwise known as the portion of the Greenbelt bike path that ends up at Bug Light Park). I jog/walked it a couple of times last year and recalled it being a quiet, easy and moderately scenic jaunt.
My memory didn't fail me - it was quiet, it was easy and there was plenty of visual distraction.
I picked up the trail at the Hannaford parking lot. It's approx 2 miles to Bug Light Park according to MapMyRun.com, though I think it's closer to 1.5 based on the time it took me to run it.
The view of Portland across the water is cool - though better later in the season when the trees are green and leafy and the water's not filled with a winter's worth of garbage.
There's a sign taped to a garbage can admonishing the local "youth" (aka "troublemakers," "hooligans," "ruffians") for tipping the can over and being all-around disrespectful.
The bike path cuts through a residential neighborhood most of way, though the last half mile is a serene, cement-laden trip through warehouse heaven. It's okay, the park is just ahead and will erase any impending industrial park nightmares.
Look. It's a ship-like structure.
The path gets hazardous here - so don't get too sidetracked by the pretty view that you stop paying attention where you're feet are going. You might end up with a pound of pavement in your teeth.
Ah, there she is. Bug Light - you've sailed past her during many a booze cruise, I'm sure.
The water, the grassy, kite-welcoming hill, the well-placed benches, the chain of Sprague oil tanks...nature!
Comments
I always forget the Green Belt and that area. Good idea. Will have to try it out to spice up my runs...I'm already getting bored with back bay and it's only April. UGH
Keep up the good work.
Posted by AndreaApril 22, 2008 03:47 PM
Way to go on branching out on your running courses. This will definately help spice things up and avoid the monotony of running the same course - over and over and over and over.
Keep up the good work! You're doing FABULOUS!!!
Posted by KathyApril 22, 2008 08:12 PM
Ahhh...it felt like I was making that jaunt right along with you! Can't you hear me panting??? You know the drill, you jog "in place" to keep your heart rate up, I struggle to catch up. Just remember that at your next Gearey's break. You're still in the "before" stage. And I've given you a real good look at the "after"!
Have fun...and take some REALLY DEEP BREATHS of that great open fresh air for me! I'll enjoy it vicariously!
Love,
SYNOF
April 26, 2008 07:52 AM
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Questions/Comments
What a lovely commentary...I felt like I was right there with you. And its great to know there are other options besides the Back Bay. You are certainly becoming a running machine...Are you sure the B to B is going to be enough of a challenge? LOL
Posted by VictoriaApril 22, 2008 03:43 PM