I am in no way a “runner,” yet I would like to inspire even one athletic non-athlete to lace up his or her sneakers and give Audubon Park a try.
Exercise is boring with a capital “B.” The varieties of fitness options at Audubon are so abundant, however, that they completely dispel “boredom” as an excuse to not stay in shape.
The sandy terrain of the outer walking path presents new challenges for me as a casual runner.
I’ve traversed it enough now to attest to the difficulties of running on unstable surfaces as opposed to stable ones like streets or sidewalks. In choosing to run the hoof-beaten rim of Audubon, I’m using new leg and core muscles that I hadn’t had to actively engage when I ran on roads exclusively. To support oneself on ground that shifts with more ease than concrete, one must work the muscles that propel the legs forward and that stabilize the upper body harder.
I’ve already noticed a difference in my quadriceps and abdominals aesthetically. I know for a fact that the climb to the sixth floor of Biever is less daunting as a result.
I’ve also noticed that when I run on asphalt, I’m able to run longer because my body has become accustomed to exerting the effort necessary for trail running.
My favorite thing about the trail on the perimeter of the park is the complicated root system that breaches the surface layer of dirt.
Because I have to focus on how to place my feet as they flick out in front of me, I’m hardly paying attention to how tired I’ve made myself. Talk about distraction: between trying hard not to trip and glancing up every once in a while to avoid head-on collisions with other joggers, I have no mind to tell myself to slow down.
If that wasn’t enough, the park is so strikingly beautiful that it’s almost impossible not to notice its beauty above one’s labored breathing.
If you’re not an off-road runner or walker, there are two alternate routes you could try in Audubon, the traditional center loop around the pond and the Meditation Walk that lines the golf course.
Both are equally as challenging as the outer pathway, but for different reasons. They are both paved, so one can focus less on where to touch down with each stride and more on one’s speed or posture.
The middle loop is most frequented by other runners, walkers, people on roller blades and people in general. This is beneficial in two ways: first, people-watching is another great distraction from physical fatigue, and second, one can secretly set goals based on other active people.
For example, if I see someone chugging along a few yards ahead of me, I will often push myself to pass them.
Because there are so many people exercising in Audubon during daylight hours, one doesn’t necessarily need a pacing buddy. Inspiration is everywhere you look.
Caitlin Vanderwolf is an English writing freshman and may be reached at [email protected]
