The Laf

Issue date: 4/6/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Amanda Lincer

The Boston Marathon is only weeks away, and while you might not be gearing up for Heartbreak Hill, running can still get you in excellent shape for spring. The warm weather means it's time to turn off the TV, step down from the treadmill, and actually run somewhere.

Believe it or not, there are other places to run at Lafayette beyond the stuffy suspended jogging track and the elliptical machines.

Here's a list of nearby running routes for all levels of experience that will build up your cardiovascular health, lower your cholesterol, and speed up your metabolism.



Note: all routes start from Farinon Center.



1. For the beginners and the Video game vets: 2 miles

Despite the unusually un-snowy winter, if you spent most of your time battling your friends at Guitar Hero, this run is the place to start. Running - like any type of fitness - takes time to build up your strength. So start slowly if you need to, only running every other day the first week. Also, make sure you lace up a sturdy pair of running shoes - Asics, Saucony, and New Balance are your best bets.

For this two-miler, start by turning left out of Farinon, heading down McCartney St. towards the President's house. Turn left onto Cattell St., and then turn right onto Clinton Tr. At the end of the street, veer left onto Reeder St., following it until you run into West Lafayette St. Turn left and continue running until you come to Hamilton St. Turn left onto Hamilton, running up the hill past Kirby Sports Center. Reminisce about your stairmaster days, and then finish back at Farinon.

2. For the treadmill junkies and the club sport captains: 4 miles

Once your legs start to feel the road, it's time to ease off the pavement as much as possible. Roads are faster to run on, and the College Hill neighborhood couldn't be more charming in the spring, but when possible, give your legs a rest and run on grass.

For this four-miler, start the same as the above route, heading down Reeder St. But this time, when you pass March School - an old, brick building - turn right onto Pierce St. Follow Pierce until you reach Mixsell St., where you need to take left. Follow Mixsell until you come to Nevin Park. Get on the grass and run four perimeters around the park, always staying on the grass, and switching directions each time. When you've completed your quadruple loop, follow the same route back.

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