Friday Favorite #1

Well since this is the first Friday of my blog, I thought I would liven things up a big, and give myself a weekly topic to write about. So, each Friday I'll pick out a favorite of mine: gear, workouts, food, etc. And, I hope you'll share your favorites, too!

Today's favorite? One of my favorite run routes.

Chamber Creek Properties - Pierce County, WA

After a week of anticipated hotter-than-normal days here in the Pacific Northwest, my friend convinced me to get up and run in the morning on Wednesday (which I only do sometimes because of my work schedule) so I wouldn't have to work out in the heat of the afternoon. (Here in the PNW, 85 is pretty much considered blisteringly hot. It's embarrassing.)

I set out my clothes the night before, and mentally prepared myself for an early alarm.

You should know I'm a self-described morning person. Some might say I'm obnoxious a little too chipper in the morning hours, especially when there's exercise involved.

There's just something about how peaceful everything is early in the morning when the world seems to be moving just a little slower, don't you agree? (Non morning people, keep your comments to yourselves.)

This is where I have to add in that I started my run with a laugh because the exact person who talked me into  getting up early for a run? Sent me a text message that said "OKAY, I'LL GO BACK TO BED!!"

Don't worry, she got up and ran despite her bed trying to trap her.

Here's the view from where I ran:

This is Chambers Creek Golf Course (the 2015 location of the U.S. Open Championship) and the Chambers Creek Properties in University Place.

It's the PERFECT training route for all levels of runners. There's a paved path that runs around the golf course, a giant meadow, and through some forested area. If you take the longest loop around, it's a perfect 5k (although it feels much longer!).

The route has some significant hills on both sides; one side is three large switchbacks, and the other side in multiple smaller switchbacks with rolling (and sometimes really steep) hills through shady trees.

Here's an actual map of the route.

Chambers is NO exception when it comes to the early-morning peacefulness. It's next to Puget Sound, has a train track that runs nearby, and most of the regular users have a good understanding of trail etiquette.

The view from the top.

This course is ALWAYS challenging to me, no matter how many miles I've logged recently. The hills are KILLER, no matter which direction you decide to go around it.


Do you have a favorite place to run? Somewhere peaceful? Or maybe it's your favorite because it's super convenient to get to?