As I might have stated before, the great thing about running is that you can do it anywhere. Recently I was traveling on business to Vancouver, Canada and decided to head out for about 4 or 5 miles. Vancouver was recently names one of the "most livable cities" in the world. They have done an excellent job of "building up" with high rise apartments and condos, and have also built an extensive network of trails and parks in between. All that coupled with being surrounded by water on three sides and mountains in the backdrop make this a picture perfect setting.
One of Vancouver's treademarks is the Sea Wall Trail. What used to be just 5 or 6 miles around Stanley Park (their version of Golden Gate Park) now winds several miles along the entire waterfront. It is here where I began my run.
Leaving my hotel near Robson Street, I took a quick jaunt down to the water and made a right turn. It was right about 5:00 pm, but being that so far north, it was almost completely dark. A fairly cold night, I was not sure what I would encounter along the sea wall. Soon I would come across several walkers, runners, and cyclists, who were all making their way along the trail for their daily exercise routine, or for mere enjoyment of the crisp fall evening.
I also ran by several waterfront restaurants, pubs, and salons, that were all filled with patrons going about their business. Soon I found myself along the beach at English Bay and the lights that were guiding me along the trail were now few and far between. All I had to guide me was the flicker of a cyclist's headlamp in the distance and the glow of the city lights behind me. Looking out to the water, was just a glimpse into darkness. There were no ships or boats, just still calmness with the occasional crash of the waves.
When I was about three miles out, I turned around to come back. Now I could clearly see my way with the entire city skyline looking over me and a full harvest moon rising up just behind it. I tried to pick up my pace, but I was still feeling the after effects form the Chicago marathon. My calves and IT band were wiped out, so I just slowed up a little. After all, not all runs are meant to be fast. Some runs should be meant for pure enjoyment...and that's what this one was.
