Fall Trail Running is the Best!

I had one of the best weekends of running in a long time...I ran my favorite two local trails: Forest Glen Nature Preserve (near Danville, IL) and Clinton Lake State Recreation Area (near Farmer City, IL).  Forest Glen is an 11-mile loop with lots of hills, a few small creek crossings, and many chances to see deer.  Clinton Lake is a 10-mile loop with tons of small, short hills and nice views of the north fork of the lake.  Both trails are now well-groomed and ready for lots of good running...until spring comes and we start to get overgrown bushes, tall grass, poison ivy, itch weed, and briars.  Get out while the running, and weather, is good! 

The weather was perfect all weekend...sunny with lows in the 40s and highs in the 60s.  You start off a little cold and quickly warm up as you hit the first hill on the trail.  The leaves were changing colors and the views were just spectacular.   Unfortunately, I don't think this is going to last long...many leaves have already dropped and within a week or so, everything will be on the ground.  Watch your footing...those masses of leaves really hide the rocks and roots!  I didn't stumble either day, but some friends took hard hits.  Be careful out there, but enjoy the early autumn weather. Before you know it, we'll be ensconced in brutal, frigid, winter weather.  Is that why treadmills were invented?  I hate running inside. 

NOTE:  These two photos are from the trail, but taken on previous runs. Top left is Forest Glen, to the right is Clinton Lake.