A Favorite Run in Lake Placid

I thought for my second blog post of Major Musings, I would build off of my running theme of the Winter Warrior endeavor and highlight one of my favorite places to run. I am still amused that I managed to pull off the Winter Warrior Challenge - of all of the running shirts I ever obtained, I am the most proud of that one.

As far as a favorite place to run, it is without question the 2.7 mile loop around Mirror Lake in Lake Placid, New York.

The view of Mirror Lake from the town beach. 

Perhaps one of the nicest aspects of this 2.7 loop is the fact that there is plenty of inspirational company that joins you along this run.  Since this is an Olympic (and very athletic) town, there can be plenty of athletes out for a training run.  You will also be joined by various vacationers and residents alike who religiously circle the lake.   You feel like you are part of great athletic community.

The views that you will encounter around the lake are nothing short of spectacular, especially early in the morning. You will see Mirror Lake from multiple vantage points and also take in the majestic Adirondack Mountains.

The view looking back toward the town beach early on a summer morning

The run itself is relatively flat and at 2.7 miles for one loop it is a very manageable distance.  This past summer, I found myself taking two loops for a 5.4 mile workout. One bit of advice, since part of the loop goes right through the busy main street of Lake Placid Village, the best time to run is early in the morning before there is to much pedestrian and automobile traffic.

Finally, as an added bonus, you can detour off the loop near the town beach and head towards the Olympic Speed Skating Oval which is directly in front of the Lake Placid High School and adjacent to the Olympic Arena.  As you run around the oval you cannot help but be energized by historical events that took place on the oval itself and the arena.

The view from the Speed Skating Oval

If you combine the loop around the lake with a lap or two around the oval, you end up with nice 3 mile run. For those runners who enjoy taking photos may find themselves resisting multiple urges to stop your run since there are so many great photo opportunities.

If you are ever fortunate enough to visit Lake Placid and you are an avid walker or a runner, you will happy you spent some time embracing the Mirror Lake Loop.  You can check out the Lake Placid website for additional information on this loop along with other great runs in town,.

Additional helpful links:

Lake Placid News - Mirror Lake Stroll 
Mirror Lake
Maps of Running Routes in Lake Placid

Winter Warrior Challenge 2016

My 2016 began with a curious opportunity that I decided to embrace called the "Winter Warrior Challenge".  The idea is that you must run or walk at least one mile every day for the month of January.  There are three levels: gold for 5 miles a day, silver for 3 miles a day and bronze for 1 mile a day.  From the outset, I was thinking I would be content with the bronze category. Who would have time or energy for more than that?

Since I have been fairly active with my running of late, I figured this was an interesting way to start 2016.  My assumption was that I would complement my normal running routine with a 1 mile run or walk at lunch time to achieve this goal.

My first few days of the challenge I was solidly in silver (3 mile) status.   I was confident that eventually, life, work, and weather would quickly knock me to my rightful place in the bronze category. Somehow I  found the time, motivation and physical ability to keep up my minimum of 3 miles a day (and periodically 4 or 5 miles) for the entire month.

A few observations about my experience completing the challenge:

• Daylight and dry pavement are your best friends in January. 
• Dressing in layers is critical.
• There is another world that exists at 5 am in January that involves: barking dogs, very dark streets, and occasional encounters with skunks. 
• If you stay focused on the goal, you will be surprised at what you are capable of doing. 
• Knowing that their are other runners just as crazy as you (via the Natick Runners Facebook group) helps keep you motivated. 

Natick Common after some snow. 

Early morning view on a run in Grrenfield New Hampshire 

My own celebration at the end of my last run of the Winter Warrior Challenge 

I must admit that I am going to miss this daily challenge.   Certainly I will not miss the cold runs or the very early mornings, but I did embrace the relative absurdity of rising to this challenge.  I felt like a really accomplished something that I never imagined I could achieve.  The final total was 130.1 miles for the month.

I would like to thank Marathon Sports and Race Menu for teaming up to make the Winter Warrior Challenge a reality.  I also have to acknowledge Runkeeper for keeping track of  my every mile. 

I am already contemplating a return engagement to the challenge in January of 2017!