Safe and sane running in Arlington

Running is designed to keep me sane -- but arguing with other runners and annoying the walkers is not working.  Walkers think runners should wear a mask to keep the vapors and germs that stream out from heavy breathing from infecting the walkers.  In fact, runners who are training for high altitude running sometimes run in a mask to simulate lower oxygen.  If I were training for the Denver Marathon -- that would be a great option -- but I am not. 

So here are the last 3 runs:  one through the neighborhoods for about 6 miles.  One into the woods for about 4 miles (more below), and one on the running/walking/biking path in the rain for 4 miles.  All of this avoided the density which is stressful and possibly germ-ful. 

In the woods there were two people walking dogs -- very eager to keep their distance from me.  And there was one person down by the water fishing quietly.  And there was one Mom with two kids, again, eager to keep a distance.  With the whole woods around us, it was easy to keep at a distance, and yet greet each other warmly. 

Running in the woods is good for the mind and the body -- mostly soft dirt rather than paved surface, and each footfall is a little different, putting stress on different parts of the body.  The mind needs to focus on each footfall, and also keep track of the changing seasons. 

The first picture is an improved version of the poison ivy picture.  The others show some of the season.

Poison ivy

May apple

Violets