Top > Sport > 2005 > September > 2005-09-01

Preferred paths to log miles?

Most runner love the seclusion and softness of trails. A few don`t mind the hubbub and hardness of roads. As long as it`s wide enough for two feet and long enough to stretch the legs, Eastside and South County folks will run there.

The five-mile route - which starts in Bellevue, crosses into Kirkland and comes back to Bellevue - didn`t seem as if it was that long. There are a couple of challenging uphills, one of which is very soft dirt - almost like running uphill on a beach.

There`s a ridge that overlooks Highway 18 (which is a few hundred feet below) and the Green River Valley, and also offers a spectacular view of Mount Rainier, when the mountain is out. There are a couple of short, moderate hills for those who like them. And the tree cover is dense enough to offer a reasonable amount of protection from the elements, whether it",s July or January.