clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Stride Nation Poll: Which weekend workout do you prefer -- trails or long runs?

New, 3 comments
The National Trail on Phoenix's South Mountain. Photo: C.J. Schexnayder
The National Trail on Phoenix's South Mountain. Photo: C.J. Schexnayder

I went out today for my "distance" run of the week, a six mile loop on Phoenix's South Mountain. It's a picturesque run but the 700 feet of ascent can be a bit much on the legs. When I "go long" I tend to stick to the local canal paths that provide a level and traffic-free course. It's a bit boring but I can cater it to whatever distance I need.

Thinking about it today I found I really enjoy both these types of runs for completely different reasons. Getting up among the rocks, Saguaro cactus and occasional havalina is a wonderful change of routine. As difficult as the elevation is, I always feel like I've accomplished something when I've finished. Yet there's something special about those 15+ mile long runs as well. You get up early and pour everything you have into them and, when you are done, you know you've done something worth doing.

In both cases I find myself looking forward to them the whole week and doing them well is the difference between an average seven-day effort and real progress in my training. So we ask you, which of these weekend runs do you prefer? And please let us know your reason in the comments