The Canal Trail

So I didn't end up going to the Spartan workout. There's a few factors at play here - I didn't get much sleep over the last 2 days. I found out last minute that my husband's battalion was having a christmas party, so we did that last night. He had last night and today off. But in the end I honestly didn't feel like getting up at 4 or 5 in the morning and driving 2 hours to Macon. Plus it was pouring rain. I know this sounds really whiny, excuse filled, and un Spartan of me, but I honestly just did not feel like making that drive. I also think at this point my time would be better served doing long runs in preparation for the Augusta half. The next 2 weekends I can't do long runs so I really needed to take advantage of today..

We got some heavy rain so I didn't think running on base would be a good idea. Instead I went to the Augusta Canal trail. It's a popular running trail around here which is some 14 or 15 miles long (I think?) I had been out to the start of the trail earlier this year - when I did the Resolution 5k or whatever it was called. The place I PR'ed!

Today I decided to start in the middle area of the trail, just to explore some new areas really. I don't think I will start from Eisenhower park again, however. It was a bit scary - I had to cross the canal on this 100% rusted metal bridge that didn't seem completely sturdy. Then the porta potty out there was right at the edge of a cliff, and it was leaning backwards slightly... so between the bridge and the bathroom I kinda had a feeling I might be tumbling into the canal or the Savannah river... lol.

I didn't have my phone with me for pictures, but I have some from the Resolution race. This is the area around the top of the trail - the same types of trees, foggy mornings, and water surrounds the trail itself

I do like the trail though. Its a flat, compacted dirt/gravel trail and even in the wintertime it is really pretty. It's along the Augusta canal obviously, and to the left is the Savannah river and the border to South Carolina. I think this would be a beautiful trail in the spring. Today certainly felt like spring. While some parts of the country are -30, it feels like freaking may in the south. 80 degrees, rainy, humid, STICKY!!! It was nice though, was about 67 when I went out which is a pretty perfect temp. There were tons of runners as I expected there would be. I ran 4.5 miles in 46 minutes, the run itself was difficult and kind of hurt at times. I wasn't feeling so hot this morning - probably as a result of the christmas party food/desserts. But it was a good run though, I was happy with it and it was nice to explore some new places.

I went downtown for a little bit too, wanted to eat at a certain restaurant but it wasn't open yet so I grabbed some yummy Quiznos instead. Saw some neat spots downtown..

I plan on coming back to the Canal for long runs in the future. Hadn't really been out here much before now because it's 30 minutes away from my house, but for my longer runs there really won't be many other good places to go. Aside from FATS, but that will be a new adventure entirely :)