The Bluff Trail behind Covenant's campus.
Ahhhh, it’s finally fall, the leaves are changing colors, littering walkways and trails with varying pops of red, orange, yellow and green. I don’t know about you, but that inspires me to put on my running shoes and go out to absorb all of God’s beauty. So, I figured today I would share some of my favorite journeys—both on the Mountain and down the Mountain. There are so many options of quality trails and walkways, like the Guild Trail or the Riverwalk, but alas, I’ll only list a few.
My favorite off the mountain location for road running is downtown Chattanooga. Running through the city which is full of life is invigorating. I start my runs at Coolidge park, and run the downtown strip, along parts of the Riverwalk, past the aquarium, through the art district, and across the bridges till I reach the mileage I want. Although this has less foliage, the trees in the concrete jungle are more vibrant because of the stark contrast of the gray pavement.
Something on the mountain that may catch your attention is a road that runs through Fairyland. If you want to run on Tinkerbell or Tigger Road, thinking of all the ways Disney has influenced your life, look no further than the loops, twists and turns that this little section of the mountain provides. The beautiful houses, churches and the entrance to point park all add to the aesthetic appeal of a fall run, dotted with more color which complements the many brick walls and older infrastructure.
If you desire more of a trail run, then the CCT trail is your best option. Starting a little bit down Scenic highway with the trailhead hidden just past the entrance to Shadowlands, this path will pull you through so many impressive sights that will leave you awestruck. The color variations are so intense that you will get lost under the shade the natural stained-glass ceiling provides. Additionally, the beauty of the Lookout is matched by the break in the trees for the powerlines, showing the rolling hills of Tennessee in all their created glory.
My favorite running spot of all time is here on campus. This nice three mile(ish) loop around campus begins at Carter, runs behind the gyms to a trail behind Scotland Yard before reaching Shadowlands and starting the trail head with the simple loop around the baseball fields. No sharp turns required, you follow that path back to my starting point with a slight detour behind the chapel and Brock. To me, it’s home, and it is both simple and fast. This does not require driving down the mountain, or cause any fear that cars may hit me. I just need to put on my shoes and start my watch.
There are many variations of paths for running (or walking) on the mountain, but be aware of a few things as you are running. First, run with a buddy your first few times, especially when taking the trails. You may want to be bold and ask an upperclassman who knows the trails to go with you. (I mean … take it from the senior who still vividly remembers getting lost on the trails her freshman year. I had to call my cousin to pick me up on the side of the road … only after I had used up battery life on Google Maps to find a road remotely close to where I was. As I sent the pin of where I ended up, my phone died. Be smarter than me, and heed my warning).
The second piece of advice I would give is to make sure people know where you are going and how long you’ll be gone. In the event that your phone does die, or that you are in trouble, people will have a general idea of your whereabouts and can know if something is out of the ordinary, or whether to be concerned. It’s a good idea to find someone who will be there a while so they can pick you up if needed. It’s easy to get caught up in the beauty of the mountain and miss the fact that it’s getting dark.
Lastly, remember the basics. I know it’s hard to think about hydrating during the class periods and social events, but dehydration is a silent killer and will ruin runs with the “perfectly picturesque autumn aesthetic” views if you are cramping or feel sick. I hope this guide helps you enjoy some nice runs on the mountain, and simultaneously keeps you safe. Have fun, fellow running (walking) buddies!