Copied from my other blog today...
One of the best things about our 5k training is the route we take. It starts at the top of a hill and connects with the Greenbelt. For the first piece, the Connector (freeway) runs near the Greenbelt, and the noise of the traffic nearly drowns out my music. After the Greenbelt leaves the Connector, things get a bit quieter. The only traffic are bicyclists, walkers and other runners. A few buildings pop up here and there, and once in a while we see city streets nearby.
We cross a series of three bridges. The second one is my favorite. Just before the bridge there's a sign outlining the laws of the bridge, telling crossers what they can and can't do. My interpretation is...Don't hurt others, but go ahead and kill yourself if you want! This bridge crosses the Boise River, and I often look to the side to watch the river as it flows under me. Today I saw a squirrel on the struts of the bridge. He ran five or six feet and then paused to look at me, and repeated that process several times. I told him, "Yes, even you can run faster than me, but thanks for checking up on me."
Once we pass the bridges we find the fireman memorial. It reminds us of the firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty. I feel gratitude for them as I pass.
Then we pass under Americana Blvd and run past a small falls in the river. Now we are at my favorite part of the entire route. This makes the whole trip worth it. The path travels along side the river. I can look over and see the flowing water as it races past me. The sound of the water joins my music to give it a fuller, more satisfying flavor. The noise of city traffic is only a memory. In front of me I see only green grass and trees spreading their branches over the Greenbelt. In this one stretch, I find peace and feel as if I could go on running forever.
Soon after this we turn around and go back. As we add time and distance we will go farther, but I think I've found my favorite place on the entire Greenbelt.
