June 16th, 2013
Seattle is really more active than any place that I have lived. When people talk about their “long run” over the weekend, they meant starting at dawn and come back for shower after lunch time. They would have cover about 40 miles before others finish their brunches. The runner’s regimen takes Monday and Saturday off and increases the distance leading to the “long run” on Sunday. “Geez!” I thought, “These people run three Marathons a week!”
My regimen is much more relaxing. On weekdays, I run on treadmill for about 2 miles. On one of the weekend days, if weather is nice, I will run outdoor for about 3 miles. Then, I got inspired and decided to go for a “long run” this Sunday.
The Cheshiahud Loop is conveniently just about 6.4 miles. I began at the last stop of the Seattle Street Car and ran counter-clock-wise. Instead of hugging the shoreline, I ran along Eastlake. On the north shore, the trail overlaps with the Burke Gilman trail. This route crosses the University and Fremont bridges and cuts through the Gas Works park. It is scenic, almost no street lights or crossing, and shared only with fellow runners, walkers, or bikers.
There are so many coffee shops, bakeries, and bars along the way that I regretted not bringing any money. I muscled through to the end in slightly more than an hour and ended at the Mercer & Westlake street car stop. I reclined on a bench, took off my shoes, imagined a glass of cold beer, and a nice nap.
Happy Father’s Day.