Something different

I've discovered as long as I'm outside on sunny days, I'm happy.  I must be part plant as I'm much happier in the sunlight.  =)  Today I was going to ride my bike, but decided it was really a bit windy for me and I didn't want to really ride my road bike.  Instead, I decided to go for a trail run.  I enjoy running sometimes, but the pounding of the pavement hurts my legs and feet.  Hence, my love of bikes!

Today I took my running to the Chestnut Ridge Loop on the Parkway.  I LOVED IT.  It was difficult and I did have to walk some; but what a terrific way to enjoy being outside.  I only ran about 2.5 miles before I found myself back at my car.  I'm not familiar with this trail despite it's proximity to home and work.  I guess since you can't ride a bike on it, I figured why bother with it.  I've taken my dog there a few times, but we must have always walked on the other side of the loop from where I was today as I honestly don't ever remember seeing some of the scenery from today.  

Part of the trail meanders to near Welcome Valley Road then back to the woods.  I saw a foundation to an old house along the way.  I honestly stopped at looked at the trail signs twice to make sure I was going the right way (and I had the map too).  At one point I looked to my left and there was a mobile home park.  I had no idea where it even was until I got home and looked at a map.  I also realized that I could see Pheasant Ridge from the trail.  I really was confused that I had come that close to Rt 220.  Weird.  

Anyway, I will definitely go back and run this half of the trail again.  I'd like to be able to work up to the entire 5.4 mile loop, but I'm going to have to explore it a bit more first as I get confused in the campground on which direction to go.  I think the signs are fairly accurate so I may go back next weekend and do the other loop.  

Good times, now to rest up before the next Mountaincross race tomorrow.  I think I'm going to wind up taking Punkin' and Ritchey to this one then decide once I get there which one to ride.  Options are nice huh?