For a runner, one of the best things about western Washington is the temperate winter weather. In many other states runners are forced onto cramped indoor tracks come November or December, but not here. With weather that tends to hover somewhere between 38F and 45F through even the coldest parts of winter and rarely drops any slippery snow underfoot, its a runners paradise. But it gets even betterwith the beautiful scenery in and around Tacoma, running outdoors can be a peaceful and uplifting way to relax and exercise.
Often, when Im looking for somewhere to run, I check out everytrail.com, a site where people can post their favorite trailscomplete with directions, maps, and descriptions of what youll see along the way. Plus, each trial has its length, the approximate time needed to complete a hike or run, and a difficulty rating listed, so you dont have to worry about planning for a relaxed jog and instead finding yourself on an excruciating hike!
To get you started, here are a few of my favorite trails within a short drive from Tacoma:
Lower Coal Creek Trail: Easy, 2.2 miles long, requiring one to three hours.
Wildside Trail: Easy, 1.1 miles long, requiring an hour or less.
De Leo Wall Trail: Moderate, 1.5 miles long, requiring an hour or less.
Poo-Poo Point via Chirico Trail: Moderate, 4.7 miles long, requiring one to three hours.
Before you go out, make sure that youre prepared for your trip:
Wear good running shoesthis should go without saying, but all too often people neglect their feet. Even if youre planning on a laid-back walk, wear some good running shoes with solid support. Your feet will thank you for years to come!
Stay hydratedget plenty to drink throughout the day before you leave, and be sure to take a water bottle with you. It might not be warm out, but that doesnt mean you cant get faint and dehydrated.
Make sure someone knows where youll bethese trails should be safe, but you can never be too cautious. Better yet, take a friend along; good company and peaceful jogs go together like peanut butter and jelly.
Dress on the warm sidebetter to be too warm and have to tie a sweatshirt around your waist than to be too cold and unable to do anything about it! Running Trails around Tacoma
For a runner, one of the best things about western Washington is the temperate winter weather. In many other states runners are forced onto cramped indoor tracks come November or December, but not here. With weather that tends to hover somewhere between 38F and 45F through even the coldest parts of winter and rarely drops any slippery snow underfoot, its a runners paradise. But it gets even betterwith the beautiful scenery in and around Tacoma, running outdoors can be a peaceful and uplifting way to relax and exercise.
Often, when Im looking for somewhere to run, I check out everytrail.com, a site where people can post their favorite trailscomplete with directions, maps, and descriptions of what youll see along the way. Plus, each trial has its length, the approximate time needed to complete a hike or run, and a difficulty rating listed, so you dont have to worry about planning for a relaxed jog and instead finding yourself on an excruciating hike!
To get you started, here are a few of my favorite trails within a short drive from Tacoma:
Lower Coal Creek Trail: Easy, 2.2 miles long, requiring one to three hours.
Wildside Trail: Easy, 1.1 miles long, requiring an hour or less.
De Leo Wall Trail: Moderate, 1.5 miles long, requiring an hour or less.
Poo-Poo Point via Chirico Trail: Moderate, 4.7 miles long, requiring one to three hours.
Before you go out, make sure that youre prepared for your trip:
Wear good running shoesthis should go without saying, but all too often people neglect their feet. Even if youre planning on a laid-back walk, wear some good running shoes with solid support. Your feet will thank you for years to come!
Stay hydratedget plenty to drink throughout the day before you leave, and be sure to take a water bottle with you. It might not be warm out, but that doesnt mean you cant get faint and dehydrated.
Make sure someone knows where youll bethese trails should be safe, but you can never be too cautious. Better yet, take a friend along; good company and peaceful jogs go together like peanut butter and jelly.
Dress on the warm sidebetter to be too warm and have to tie a sweatshirt around your waist than to be too cold and unable to do anything about it!