A Run Down Memory Lane
I led the race from start to finish in my biggest win in my high school cross country career at Erbach Park.
Even though I hadn’t stepped on the trails in years, each footfall is flooded with memories as I run through Scotch Creek Woodland Preserve in Edgar and Erbach Park in Athens. I’ve recently had the pleasure of designing and introducing many people to these trails through the Choose Your Own Adventure series. Eighty percent of the people that registered for the Edgar edition of the event were visiting Scotch Creek Woodland Preserve for the first time! I can’t wait to introduce people to Erbach Park in the coming weeks too.
Scotch Creek Woodland Preserve
I received an age group award at the Edgar 5k. I often wore basketball jersey running since I figured the mesh was “breathable" - not quite the same type of gear I have now!
The first time I ran at Scotch Creek Woodland Preserve, I was a teenager running my first 5k, the Edgar Cross Country Challenge. I smile now as I reach the top of the “big hill” which left me struggling years ago. I smile because I don’t even notice the climb, yet the stigma of the “big hill” is still ingrained in me twenty years later. It’s amazing how our perspective changes over the years, but today my passion for the trails continues and now I get to share with my children and beyond!
One of the sloppiest running conditions I’ve been faced with was at Erbach Park due to a fall snowstorm. I actually still have these Eastbay running tights - my first running gear!
I recall one of my first “long runs” which I discovered the singletrack at Scotch Creek Woodland Preserve. I had run five miles on roads to the park then started exploring the trails for the first time on my own. I never realized the singletrack existed, but I enjoyed them. Altogether I was able to put in a two hour run, the beginning of many multi-hour runs on the trails.
Now I’m running with my children on the same trails, where they have no problem spending an hour plus on the trails.
Erbach Park
As I study the map at Erbach Park I realize I’ve never run on most of the trails, even though I have run here many times. I have had some of my best and worst running moments in my early running years at this park. I had my only win in an invitational cross country meet. But I also had one of my worst races ever missing out on all-conference honors by seconds one year later.
Now my children enjoy the same trails I was introduced to running on!
Near the shelter at Erbach Park is where one of my teammates during that same conference cross country meet lost a shoe in the mud just ½ mile into the race. We had received a significant snowfall days before the race and the conditions were sloppy. She continued to race without a shoe. Years later it is fitting that when I’m exploring one of the winter trails that “may be wet” I also lose a shoe!
Your turn
So with each footfall (with or without a shoe), I am not only recalling memories, but I am also creating new ones. And I am so happy to introduce others to the trails. Hopefully you’re able to create your own lasting memories.
Ready to try the trails? Check out the free marked course from May 29-June 14 at Erbach Park in Athens. Find out more info here.