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