This is the eighth article in a series to get you and me ready for the Brett/Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon on May 3, 2008 at the Gulf State Park Pavilion. Last time I promised to list some of my favorite places to run in the area. A variety in running venues may make it more interesting for the bored runner. Here are some of my favorites and some of my last resorts.

For the numbers person who needs to measure everything, other than a treadmill the best place to run is on a track. Inside the Bodenhamer Center in Gulf Shores there is a track that is 16 laps to the mile. It is the ultimate in running in circles. Each day they change the direction to run or walk on the track. Talk about variety!

Another track in Gulf Shores can be found outdoors at the Sportsplex on County Road 6, north of the bridge. The track is 400 meters around or roughly four laps to a mile. The Alabama State High School Track Meet will be held on this track on the same weekend as the Brett Robinson Triathlon. The track has a comfortable rubberized surface and is easy on old legs.

A nice compromise between the measured tracks and the great outdoors of trail running is Catman Road in Orange Beach. It is a paved surface that has 0.25 mileposts along the way. Orange Beach has created a trail system that can be reached from their sportsplex and also from State Hwy 161 at the head of Catman Road. The scenery along this path is great. Don’t get wrapped up in looking at the watch.

Every evening there are many walkers, joggers, and runners circumnavigating the block around the Bodenhamer Center in Gulf Shores. The block is 0.83 miles around. The concrete sidewalk is not my favorite for running, but I enjoy the view of tennis courts, baseball fields, soccer fields, and Kids Park as I run this route.

Running in Orange Beach along Canal Road is also popular. You can start at the Orange Beach Recreation Center and get a good run heading east past the Bear Point neighborhood. However, the sidewalk is concrete that causes my old knees to ache after a few days of running there.

On the Eastern Shore the best place to meet and train is the Pier at Fairhope. There is always a group of bikers heading down to Pelican Point from the Pier. Running is also popular there with the Baldwin County Trailblazer path passing by the pier and the Grand Hotel if you are that strong.

Next time I will discuss scheduling the training to minimize aches and pains.

To register for the Brett/Robinson Alabama Coastal Triathlon, go to www.team-magic.com. Right now the cost to register is $80 for an individual and $115 for a relay team. You can register online or download a form to complete and mail. Sponsors and volunteers are also needed so please visit www.alabamabeachsports.com.

About the author:

A 1982 graduate of the University of South Alabama, David Lloyd is a triathlon veteran after participating in more than 100 events in the last 18 years. His career highlight so far has been finishing the 2006 Ironman Florida, which features a 112 mile bike ride. David resides in Gulf Shores with his wife and two daughters.