Pick your route wisely...

Just as you would spend time mapping out driving routes through wine country or through Europe so too should you spend time considering and planning a running route. I've never been to Europe or wine country so I clearly did not know what I was doing. All I wanted to accomplish was a simple 2 mile run. It was the worst 2 miles ever!

First, safety is key. If running alone safety must be considered. Either run with someone or run where you're easily visible to motorists and houses. Our area of the NW has many, many trails. They all are great for running, however, some are very secluded. My husband and I have a deal that I'll never run alone on a trail.

Second, traffic. When road running consider the volume of traffic that will be whizzing by you at 35-50 mph. This was part of my 2 mile run problem. Also, the shoulder of the road - where I ended up running - is not a very even surface. I had overgrown grass tripping me, pot holes, low branches, and wildlife.

So, next time I venture into running outside - most of my miles are logged on a treadmill while the kids are in the gym play pen - I will spend a little more time considering where/when I'm running.