Running is one of those things that make most people say, “Ack!” Once people know I run, I’m placed in one of two categories: ‘the weird-people-who-like-torture-their-lungs’ category or the ‘awesome-a-lot’ category. Generally, runners are placed in the first option. However, just because people don’t get my idea of great physical activity, doesn’t mean I should give them anymore reason to think I’m weird with my choice of great places to run.
Let’s face it: not everyone likes to run. And even for those select few of us that do, seeing the same scenery everyday gets boring, especially if you’re indoors. There are only so many times I can run in the gym, surrounded by large TV screens hanging from walls and the ceilings, and weight lifters. The repetitive sight isn’t all that gets boring, so does the smell. After a prolonged period of time smelling the plethora of hygiene products, sweat, and body odor, I start to go a little crazy. My body aches to run outdoors and not on a treadmill.
Whether you’re visiting Flagstaff or living here, there are plenty of great local places that will get you out of the gym or the house. You can put on your running gear and escape into your own peace of mind as you go, go, go.
Sawmill County Park is a place where you can go, go, go. It’s easy for me to lose myself here—my stress and worries that is, not get lost literally. The park has a wide, dirt trail ( part of Flagstaff’s urban Trail system) behind the top of the hill where Sawmill rests. The trail is a short walk down the side of the hill into the cover of tall pine trees. Flagstaffers and visitors alike can appreciate the view even before you begin to run, passing it by.
The dirt trail isn’t tough on your knees compared to asphalt. My knees thanked me the first time I ran a mile on the dirt glad to have a break from the concrete of city streets. My senses thanked me as well. Fall, spring and summer are the best times to run when weather conditions are best. Color is everywhere during these seasons, especially the fall, before snow dominates the surrounding nature. A mixture of earth, flowers and pine always fill my nostrils, as I leave behind a line of disturbed dirt, each foot pushing forward. Occasionally, I would see another soul, but most of my company was birds singing and chatting with one another as they checked me out from the comfort of the pine trees. The lot is especially chatty in the early mornings and evenings.
My first visit, I prepared a running playlist on my iPod, expecting to jam out to the likes of Vampire Weekend or Franz Ferdinand, until I heard the energetic soundtrack of nature. An iPod or MP3 player is a worthy companion if you prefer the upbeat tunes of Usher, Kings of Leon, or Lady Gaga. However, the birds, the infamous Flagstaff wind, the creaking pine trees swaying with the wind, and the insects all work together to create a one-of-a-kind endless track that will seduce you to keep running, just so you can keep listening and achieve a great workout.
With places like this, those who think runners are weird can’t deny the beauty of escaping into nature and getting in the 30-45 minutes of physical exercise a majority of our bodies need 5 or more days a week. The trail snakes along and along, allowing for any amount of running, from long distances to short distances.----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Low-Down:
Sawmill Country Park is located on 703 East Sawmill Road.
I will just start by saying that I'm one of those who HATE running. In fact, I prefer doing sprints simply to be done sooner and still get a decent workout. However I do know about whole health aspects and why it is beneficial to do such running. That being said, I strongly agree with the whole "running on treadmills is annoying" thought and when I do have to force myself to actually go on a run I heavily prefer outdoors. I would hope that I would greatly appreciate a location such as the Sawmill Country Park, and it is definitely something I will consider whenever the time comes. Thanks for the recommendation!
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