Following up on my weekend trip to Madison, Wisconsin, I am highlighting the two beautiful runs I enjoyed while visiting. Yeah, I run even when on vacation - because us crazy runners have to get our miles in or else we get cranky.
Really, I didn't have any excuses not to run - I was on my own in the mornings, (those college kids still sleep in until noon) and the weather was perfect - sunny with very little wind. Prior to the trip, I did some research for running routes and found a 6 mile loop around the UW Arboretum. I knew it would be a nice route with options for trail running. The Arboretum is 3 miles away from campus and while I initially considered running there, I'm glad I didn't - the route there was basically city streets. Once I entered the park it felt like another world - lush tree canopy, adjoining forested lands and a winding asphalt road. I saw several runners and groups as I made my way to the parking area, so I knew it would be safe for me to run by myself.
The route was perfect - rolling hills under the trees that opened up to a small lake. The path took me around the lake and adjoining golf course before rounding back through prairie lands and the parking lot where I started. I then opted to explore the running / hiking trail that took me directly into the prairie. I've embedded the route below:
If that doesn't work on your mobile device, here's a simple screen shot of the map:
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq_xRUQWWsg1KJj3V1LM4GhPRFAfGDdV7OU374hgriLni0y8FYeDJ2odge-uFN_EfxrJYDJNjyFxK_PDCwQA5qzI1Mlj3OtCU9ASTTEJeYstMUL5xS6tWEUoKoVln3eRK3ysRGpgGYuQX5/s400/UW+Arboretum+Loop.JPG)
Of course, I captured the scenery I got to enjoy while running the loop - so much variety to take in.
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5782/22985045696_31e72f8f77_b.jpg)
![](https://farm1.staticflickr.com/614/22997591852_4f7a37ec3f_b.jpg)
This section of the trail was unbelievably gorgeous:
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5735/22389765883_9fb417b3ff_b.jpg)
After I completed the loop, I added on 2 miles of trail running in the prairie.
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5631/23011124135_32e50ac07f_b.jpg)
On Sunday, I decided to run from the hotel to the Wisconsin campus and along the Lakeshore Path. This route follows the banks of Lake Mendota, which is a great backdrop for any run, walk or bike ride.
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5740/23010842876_90c75ce19c_b.jpg)
![](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5764/22644728639_867710024c_b.jpg)
Another gorgeous fall day!
On the way back, I came upon Wisconsin's Porter Boat house, something unique to this school.
![](https://farm1.staticflickr.com/691/22644879299_c1163fbefc_b.jpg)
Here's the general route I took. The city has done a great job adding bike lanes so there are a myriad of options to explore along Mendota and Monona Lakes and around campus.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguqoW9Udyx9PFdvcuY1l51s5aa9KugYueoB2s8IpVfurusfVaSR9grp6RWcdWlGmGly7HstbvZ4wofzoJKbkstebR1FdJM41XP-yvMZxJE3UfvMunc8MpqsdJEzvsqBYiZbhOokhWwO_gJ/s400/UW+Lakeshore+Loop.JPG)
Finally, since November is running safety month, here are my some comments regarding the subject specific to running in a new city. Of course, personal safety is paramount and is trickier when running in a new town or unfamiliar territory. Prior research of running trails can facilitate this. Before setting out, give your travel mates or family a general idea where you will be running and the expected duration of your run. If possible, run with a partner or in a group. Stick to daylight hours and well populated areas. My rule of thumb - if there are other runners, walkers or bikers on the trail, it's ok. If I don't see another soul on an isolated path, I turn back. Take your cell phone! I always run with my cell phone, even at home, even if I'm simply running up the street and back. You just never know. Carry a form of personal identification on you, especially if you have a medical condition. I have Road ID tag that attaches to my shoe. Finally, listen to your instincts - if an area makes you feel uncomfortable, leave it immediately.
I really enjoyed my two runs in Madison and if you are a runner or biker visiting the city, there are plenty of options around town to explore, so get off the treadmill and go run outside!
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