L.B. Houston red loop
Posted on 17. Sep, 2006 by Brad in Training
Surface: Single track
Mileage: 4.44
Duration: 00:52:00
Pace: 11:42/m
Shoes: Montrail Hardrock
After looking at the various trail options in the Dallas area on the NTTR website, I decided to give the bike trails at L.B. Houston a try. I fully expected that they would be somewhat crowded on a Saturday afternoon. I suppose the high temperature and the humidity kept people away.
I examined the trail map provided by DORBA for a bit before heading there. I took my Garmin GPS with me just for extra peace of mind that I wouldn’t get lost on an unfamiliar trail.
Before heading out on my run, I took two Thermotabs in an attempt to stave off cramps. I wasn’t sure how long I would be out on the trail and figured it would be good to get them in my system anyway. Then I took two e-caps right before starting. Since I only did one loop, I didn’t take any more, but I had no issue with cramping. I also felt better than usual in such heat.
The numbness in my left foot was much better but I suspect this is in large part due to the route being 100% trail. Trails always require the feet and legs to be in different positions from step to step whereas road running is the usually the same monotonous movement (except for hills). I did have a bit of the feeling but it was not all that bad.
I spaced out my running with a few short walks just to keep my breathing and heart rate down. I finished feeling pretty good even though I was sweating heavily and ready for a big cold drink. I had premixed some very strong Crystal Light and that hit the spot on the drive home.
I ended up following signage provided by DORBA. I assume there was a recent race there. When I had a choice, I always took the red vs. the green arrow and this usually meant following the path that said “Race”. Sometimes the race sign was not there, but there were nice “Wrong Way” signs throughout the trail. Sub trails are also labeled with one letter. On one of them, I noticed a ratty old Jeep Cherokee and realized that it was the “Jeep Trail”. The elevated train track also gave me a general idea of how close I was to the entrance to the park. Likewise with the highway traffic noise and other roads.
This is a place I will go back as I love single track. I just hope it is not crowded. A little lower temperature would also help, though at times, the southerly breeze would whistle through the trees and felt quite nice.
