Last fall I started riding Cherry Creek bike path south towards the reservoir. Today, I finally ran this trail. Here's what I found.

It's close to downtown, so you don't have to travel far. But it's also quiet enough for the zen-running fix. If you like to trail run but your buddies don't like the hills, take them here. There's almost no incline either way. Likewise, if you want to run a trail alone, this doles out the trees and narrow dirt; And keeps you from big trouble on the back-roads trails sans help. Keep your eyes up for Mtn. Bikers. And finally, check out the parking situation. Park along Cherry Creek Drive North and cross the bridge on Cherry Street like I did.

But for an evening run after work, you win. It's quick, quiet, and works out the mental kinks like any 'ole trail run. And no driving, mountain lions, or crazy changes in tempurature.

Cheeseman Park: 1.44 miles

This is the perfect run from anywhere in Capital Hill or Governer's Park, or Congress Park. Or Washington Park if you are very motivated to run more. In any case, after a long day of Frisbee in the park yesterday, I decided to measure the circuit of the park once and for all. And Buzzcut, you were right. It's closer to 1.5 miles! Here's the Google Earth image of this measurement.

Traveling in the near future? I know I am. And I needed to know where to run in San Fransisco - it is mostly urban and urban can be tricky. For a $2.95 per month, you can peruse the Athletic Minded Traveler for your answers. Hotels, gyms, eating, gearhead shopping, or "play" areas are all the focus of the site. Thanks for the link, Dale.

Monday: Run 45 minutes. Make it easy.
Tuesday: Run 55 minutes. On a hill! (up and down is fine)
Wednesday: Run 30 minutes. Make it super easy. Bring the dog.
Thursday: Run 50 minutes. Tempo (WTF is tempo?) (See below)
Friday: Rest and Relax. Use the remote. And Valet. Chinese Delivery for dinner.
Saturday: Run 8 miles slow. Never get out of breath.
Sunday: Sleep in. Go to church. Take a walk. Have fun. (Jen says so)

Tempo running is at a pace where you can't easily have a conversation, but you aren't completely uncomfortable. With a little of your own mental encouragement, you can hold this pace for 50 minutes. If you need to recover, slow down for 5 minutes, but don't stop. The point of tempo is to teach your muscles to recover even at a high heart rate.