Christmas morning; my eyes blink open and my senses are immediately inundated. The competing aromas of coffee, freshly cut oranges and pine needles enter my nostrils simultaneously while the distant sound of O’Tannenbaum playing on the stereo begs me to forego my bed covers and make the trip downstairs. Waking in a new city evokes a similar response from my senses. The anticipation of the unknown is intoxicating. Everyday, however, cannot be Christmas.
Most of us have our “go to” runs. Those runs where our feet are five paces ahead of our brain because they know every crack in the pavement and every rock on the path. I am lucky enough to live in the northwest corner of Connecticut, a place that lends itself to some sublime running routes. Below are two of my favorite “go to” runs.
WHITE MEMORIAL
The White Memorial Foundation came to be out of the generousity of Alain C. White and his sister, May. In the early 1900’s the pair purchased several tracts of land surrounding their family property on Bantam Lake and subsequently conveyed the land to the White Memorial Foundation as a memorial to their parents (now there’s two kids who really appreciated their parents!) With over 40 miles of trails there are an endless combinations of routes to choose from. I usually incorporate “the boardwalk” into at least some of my weekly runs. The Boardwalk is an elevated 1.2 mile wooden walkway that meanders its way around Little Pond. It can be accessed from Whites Woods Road or from the bottom of Gallows Lane.
During the months of July and August White Memorial plays host to the White Woods Cross-Country race series. Every Thursday night runners of all ages fill the trails, choosing from races ranging from 2k to 5k. People come early and stay late, catching up with one another on the weeks events. If you don’t happen to win a medal in your age division that night you can usually grab a homemade cookie as a consolation prize instead!
LAKE WARMAUG
Lake Warmaug in New Preston is one of the largest natural lakes in Connecticut. As I drive down East Shore Drive and the lake emerges in front of me, I immediately feel at home. This is my marathon training ground and my respite from the daily grind that life sometimes bestows upon us. The little over 7.5 mile loop around the lake is as flat a route as you can get in New England. In early fall the crowds have left and the only company you’ll have are the geese, also preparing for their imminent departure. The trees have taken on various hues of gold and amber and the air smells ripe and fresh. These are the mornings I have longed for as I trudged along through the summer heat. This is my reward and I revel in it.
Although I prefer the solitude the lake has to offer, it is venue to the Polar Bear Run at the end of February and the Lake Warming Ultramarathons at the end of April.
