"There are few instincts more natural than the body in full motion as it races across a field or through the trees."
--NEAL BASCOMB, The Perfect Mile
A few years ago I made the switch from road runs to trails. I'll never go back. That's not to say I don't jump into a road race now and then, but truly, running on trails is a much different experience and one I love tremendously.
In fact, I'm currently training for the Hagg Lake 50K in Forest Grove, Oregon in February. It won't do me any good to train on the roads for that beast. I need some gnarly winter trails to run on all winter long.
Luckily, that's not a problem. Whether you're a runner, a walker, or simply a meandering day dreamer, here in Clark County, there's a trail for you somewhere near home.
One of my favorite places to run is in my own back yard -- the Lacamas Lake trail system in Camas. I usually park in the small lot near Round Lake and head towards the dam. It's also easy to get to Round Lake from the larger parking lot near the boat ramp (below). The trails branch off from there (perfect for mountain biking as well) and it's open year-round and dog and kid friendly. The Lacamas Lake side of the trail is much flatter, but more crowded.
Sometimes it's hard to know exactly how far you've gone on an impromptu run or a trail route. Map My Run will tell you just how many miles short you are. I always think I've gone farther than I have. There are also some great Clark County area runs pre-mapped, including the 19+ mile bridge-bridge loop!
Sometimes it's hard to know exactly how far you've gone on an impromptu run or a trail route. Map My Run will tell you just how many miles short you are. I always think I've gone farther than I have. There are also some great Clark County area runs pre-mapped, including the 19+ mile bridge-bridge loop!
Don't stop there -- hunt down additional Clark County trails here:
http://www.clark.wa.gov/parks-trails/trails.html.
http://www.clark.wa.gov/parks-trails/trails.html.
Get Fit, Live Fit!
An excellent running/fitness program offered by Fitright Northwest (located in east Vancouver near Target) offers training programs for beginners and experienced athletes.
Program offerings include group, personal and online options in Vancouver and Portland for all levels of runners.
i LOVE all of the trails in Camas... especially when i've got a girlfriend or two with me to chat!
Posted by: krista colvin | December 29, 2008 at 08:30 PM