Running in Indy...

Indianapolis is a not a bad place for a business trip. Of course, it is made better when a little research is done and a good place to run is found in the heart of the city; I happened to find just that. Not far from downtown is the IUPUI campus with the Indianapolis Zoo directly across the river. Right next to the campus is a pathway that runs close to the river. I was able to find an approximate five mile route and there were a few things that I remember in particular about my two runs.

On my first run, I was just trying to navigate the course and make sure I did not get lost. The lost part was mostly on the way out, but on the way back I was rewarded with an exceptional view of downtown in the early morning. The vantage point that seemed to have the best view was near a place called West Side Bait & Tackle.* The other thing I remember from this run is that staying on that side of the river and trying to run between the river and the Indy Zoo is not a good idea. I kept going and eventually found that the trail was no longer lit and there was a closed gate in the way.** The most unnerving part though was the mephitic smell of animal urine. I took these many cues as a hint that I should not be there and promptly turned around to cross the closest bridge and went directly back to the hotel.

The second run was along the same route, but this time it was raining a little and I took my time to venture away from the first running route. This new area was a display of outdoor art work. The first thing was a mini power-line structures and then was a Chinese take-out box that was five feet tall. Both were oddly sized in comparison to their normal size. Next, was a scoop truck model that was put on it's back end with the scoop pointing in the air and last was a small metal structure called the "Bridge of Friendship." The plaque stated it was for two people to sit upon facing opposite directions, therefore, to gain the intended vantage point I climbed the three foot structure and began to ponder my thoughts. After a few moments I remembered I was out for a run and got back to the hotel shortly thereafter.

Both runs served their purpose in adding mileage for marathon training, but it is easy see that the first one was awkward and just added to my training. Alternatively, the second run was easier and proved to provide insight that can be brought out by contemplating art in any form. I am not sure when I will be traveling for business again, but this experience was enough to convince me to make the extra effort to find a route instead of resigning to the hotel's treadmill.


*While writing this I did a search to ensure I had the correct title of the store and happened upon this video from inside the store starring "Fat Boy Dan" a self proclaimed redneck fisherman. Admittedly, I did not watch the whole thing.

**Apparently, just because a route appears passable on www.mapmyrun.com doesn't mean that it is in fact passable.