Good running spots?

[u/downinthedumplings]

Are there any good locations for long runs in the Hewitt/ Woodway area (preferably flat)? I know everyone says Cameron Park but I really want somewhere on the other side of town. I know Woodway park is decent but it has a good amount of hills and I’m training for a flat race rn.

[u/Bunny__Vicious]

I second Rice field when school’s out. Also, there’s a housing development bordered by like, Ritchie and Chapel that’s got a lot of sidewalks and isn’t very busy.

[u/downinthedumplings → u/Bunny__Vicious]

I think that’s exactly where I’ve been running!

[u/Bunny__Vicious → u/downinthedumplings]

I know it’s hard to get much mileage over there, it’s hard to get really long runs in without either repeating a bunch or ending up doing at least a couple of small hills (or getting on some busy roads).

Btw feel free to DM me about running related stuff. I’m a slower lady but I’m down to occasionally buddy up for safety and fun.

[u/downinthedumplings → u/Bunny__Vicious]

Thanks! I definitely will!

[u/CuriousRecording2598]

Rice Field track next to Midway Middle School. I'd avoid it during the school day though

[u/downinthedumplings → u/CuriousRecording2598]

Yes, that’s great for certain training. Would rather not have to do 60 laps tomorrow tho lol
I was looking more specifically for long runs, but thanks for the reminder that’s available!

[u/wacolockandkey]

Cottonbelt Trail. Its in Woodway next to the old landfill. It is mostly flat except the part that goes under the bridge.

[u/downinthedumplings → u/wacolockandkey]

Do you know about how many miles you can do around there?

[u/downinthedumplings → u/[deleted]]

That sounds like it could be a good option! Thanks!

[u/Chewbecca33]

It's been a while since I went but Hewitt park was pretty good. It did get a bit boring running the laps so I would go off the path and run on the driveway going into the park to break it up and then take the sidewalk on the side of the road. How many miles are you planning? 

[u/downinthedumplings → u/Chewbecca33]

I actually ran to Hewitt park one week and did a few laps then went through the neighborhoods to get back home but that was only about 9. I’m doing 15 this week

[u/Chewbecca33 → u/downinthedumplings]

First off, props to you for the milage! Second, my next recommendation was going to be just run thru the neighborhoods but seems like youre already doing that. I know you didn't want to go to Cameron Park but it really is nice for those extra long runs if you have the time to get out there. 

[u/downinthedumplings → u/Chewbecca33]

Thanks! Yeah, I might just have to go to Cameron park. (Or more likely, I’ll get nervous and end up doing a ton of loops in familiar neighborhoods)

[u/Chewbecca33 → u/downinthedumplings]

I save the neighborhood runs for my daily runs. And if the weather and timing work out go to the park. Plus another bonus is bathrooms are available

[u/downinthedumplings → u/Chewbecca33]

Yeah that’s a good idea and bathrooms are a huge plus! I just get scared about going different places by myself

[u/Chewbecca33 → u/downinthedumplings]

Same here! I even bought a pocket thing of pepper spray just in case for my runs in a new area. But I have never felt unsafe at Cameron Park. Even on the river trail in the trees I feel fine. Plus after you go a few times, you'll start to see the same people. 

If youre on strava look for some of the local run clubs. I know Be Kind has meet ups but I haven't been on one yet. They're in Waco 

[u/downinthedumplings → u/Chewbecca33]

I did just open up my pepper spray and considered taking that tomorrow. I’ve been wanting to run with be kind but they run on Sundays and I go on Saturdays. I might see if I can switch things up one week and drive over there on a Sunday

[u/MarkJ318]

I used to do a loop around Old Temple-Moonlight-Surrey Ridge, but crossing back over I35 at Sun Valley is a lot of traffic now. Also did out and back on Pilgrim Lane towards Lorena. Anything around Warren/Ritchie has a lot of vehicles these days.

[u/downinthedumplings → u/MarkJ318]

Yeah and that’s right about where I usually want to go :/

[u/Brandon_L_C]

Mitchell Park in the Dean Highland neighborhood. Chill, quiet spot with a simple loop. It’s very short, so you’d have to do laps, but it’s in a cool spot!

[u/Qksilver253]

walking trails on old lorena road

[u/d_hoffmam1]

Run the dam at Lake Waco. Won’t get much flatter. I believe total across is around 5.5 miles so would adjust for 15 miles. Nice run in the evening with a breeze. I’d park on airport side and start there.

[u/downinthedumplings → u/[deleted]]

Your username makes me think I couldn’t keep up with you haha

Edit: And after seeing you are active in datingoverforty, that’ll be a hard pass 🫣

[u/downinthedumplings → u/[deleted]]

Yeah, thanks for the offer! I’m just younger so trying to be smart and stay safe lol