Virginia State Park's trails have spoiled me in the world of running. I’ve found it's hard to tolerate running along a noisy road, pounding the pavement and breathing in smelly fumes. Treadmills aren’t an option unless I’m desperate. I feel like a hamster on a wheel, watching the clock tick away until I quit. With the trails, it's almost as if you disappear into another world. The air is crisp and fresh. Noises come from trees blowing and birds chirping, not cars. The ground is soft and easier on my joints. The turning and winding is great for agility and strength. Jumping over creeks, crossing bridges, running down stairs…the intensity can’t be replaced by the "hamster wheel."
Running across the marsh at York River State Park.
When it comes to running alone, the trails make the perfect training partner. It's important to keep things fresh so you don’t become stagnant and bored. I find myself looking forward to regular courses I run through the park. Different trails that loop around in a circle or long trails that go out and back one way. I enjoy scouting out new trails for potential long runs. I rarely stop to read a map, or memorize trail names so I know how to get back. I just take off and enjoy the thrill running aimlessly about. This is my chance to run a little longer, a little faster, see new sights and let go of everyday stress. Perhaps it's a mind game to make time fly by, or a technique to make myself run that extra mile. Whatever it is, it works. And at the end of the day, it's rewarding to know you had a quality run and even enjoyed it.
Partners run along the Potomac Beach trail, at Leesylvania State Park.
If you’re in the midst of a training regime for a spring race, consider a state park near you. The parks offer hundreds of miles of trails. It's wonderful to have options when you're looking for something fresh and new. There's hilly and flat, deep forests with trees or open roads with water views. Virginia's great for running because the terrain is so versatile. Plan a longer run at a different park each week. It’s worth an hour drive to put in some quality miles. Many of our parks are in large forests with lots of trails, and others connect to major trails such as Sky Meadows and Grayson Highlands to the Appalachian Trail.
Trails galore! Sky Meadows State Park.
Looking for a hilly trail with a view?
Check out our website to see what each park offers. Visit Virginia Outdoors for enhanced maps and video tours of each park's trails. If you’re in the park, the electronic kiosks offer trail guides so you can map out your course before you head out. Virginia State Parks has recently launched a free app for your smartphone, with the ability to view any trail at any park! Pretty cool. But, if you’re adventurous like me, you’ll just find the nearest park, lace up and go run!
