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Jul 30, 2013

Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area - Trail time!

Over 14 mile on Sunday on the trails.  Ouch.  Tough.  We had a good time though running.  It was Alexis, Kevin, Sherri, Josh and I out there.  We only saw a few bikers and I only saw a couple runners.

It was like our own personal trail out there.  These pictures don't even do it justice.  This trail is an incredible resource in the area.  I really wish it was closer to me.

The views at the top are really pretty.  It was a cooler and overcast day - perfect for running.  I did trip once on a tree root and went tumbling down on my left side and shoulder but thankfully the only thing I hurt was my thumb.  Phew!!!  That could have been a disaster.  It's the first time I've ever fell on any trail so I guess it was bound to happen sooner or later.

Pontiac Lake Trails
There is some great hills to train on here especially if you are training for a trail half.  The prize at the end of the climb is this:
Great views!
In fact, we decided to make a stop at the top and grab a quick picture of everyone running, except me, since I took the picture although Josh did take a picture of me as well.
Kevin, Josh, Alexis, Sherri
As you can see below, much of the trail is single track.  It's set up for mountain bikers but also a perfect course for runners as well.  Nice and technical in parts of the trail.  Lots of rocks and roots to watch out for.  In fact, I'm not sure how you get through some of it with a bike!
Josh and Alexis in action
The loop is a 10 mile loop but Kevin and I did a bit more than that.  Check out the map:
Elevation per Garmin
Map per Garmin
So if you have not been out there, get out there now.  All you need is a State Park pass and it's free otherwise.  Michigan does have some incredible parks.

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!

7 comments:

  1. Thanks for visiting us in our neck o' the woods. We'll have to do it again sometime.

    I look at the group picture when I look at myself I think "it must have been cold" and then I notice my little pooch belly that never quite goes away. :P

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  2. Looks like a great run! So beautiful! I so wish we had more trails here in Kansas City...we have basically none. It sucks!

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    1. That is a bummer. I bet you have more than you think if you search them out.

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  3. I always fine it's: too many trails not enough time, always good to find the time to run on new trails.

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    1. Coach - I'm sure you're in an area with mostly trails but they are a luxury for us. We have lots but not really close. Even this one takes me 40 minutes to get to. My regular training grounds has trails as,well which are 15 minutes away. Wish I could walk out the door to trails.

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  4. I love trail running! A running friend of mine was out there on Sunday running. I think he ran something like 22 miles. I bet you saw him! I really want to run this trail. Hopefully I will be able to work this trail into my trail marathon and 50K training.

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