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Thursday, March 20, 2008
Looking for a good long distance run??
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
ING MARATHON UPDATE: Due to tornado damage at the Georgia World Congress Center, the expo for next week’s race has been moved to the Georgia Dome. Schedule times for packet up and seminars are the same. For more info click here.
Some of you who are training for the ING and other marathons asked for suggestions on routes for long distances runs. We checked with marathon trainers Jeff Galloway, Jim Duguay and Gayle Barron.
All three are fans of the Silver Comet Trail. It’s flat and runner friendly. And you can stop intermittently to rest or drink fluids.
Keep in mind that many trails have desolate spots, even the popular Silver Comet. For better safety on long distance runs, go with a partner.
Here’s more routes from the running experts.
From Galloway, who has trained more than 250,000 runners:
Kennesaw Mountain Trails. “Without overlapping you can go 15 to 16 miles,” he says. “But there are plenty of loops and you can get in as much running as you want. The scenery is beautiful. It’s almost like being up in the North Georgia Mountains. If people are not used to running trails, it’s not a good idea. There are rocks and places where you can step into a hole or twist your ankle. ”
He also enjoys running through the Ansley area in midtown Atlanta. Galloway says, “There are so many places there where you can weave your way through neighborhoods. You can find low traffic areas. There are a few spots that you have to cross major intersections to get a longer run in. Piedmont Park is one of those sections [that you can build into] your long run course.
From Duguay, a member of the Atlanta Track Club’s Men’s Masters Team:
He likes the 16-mile Roswell Trail System that starts at Azalea Drive and Willeo Road in Roswell. Run down Azalea Drive and just before Roswell Road shift to the path that follows under the bridge, to continue the trail.
Duguay also suggests the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. The path is marked for mileage. In East Cobb, you can start on Columns Drive and continue into the recreation area. And in Sandy Springs you can enter from Interstate North Parkway off I-285.
From Barron a former Boston Marathon winner: Just get in your car and map out a route in your neighborhood.
That’s what I did years ago. It makes for a very convenient run. Share your favorite long distance routes?
MORE: State of the Art Marathon Training. USA Fit/Team Spirit Active Trainer. Peachtree Road Race. Road Rules. ING Georgia Marathon.
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