What
a gem! After signing up for Lake McMurtry Run (50K in April), we decided
to check it out by planning a long run on some of its trails. We dropped
Bella off at daycare and headed out of town.
An
hour later, we found ourselves in our element. A lake, several long
trails, camping, nature, fresh air….all the things we crave. The drive was beautiful as
well, as we quickly traded busy Oklahoma City area for Stillwater, where the cow population appeared greater than the human population! Again, totally up our alley.
We
chose the Orange Trail and, depending on how we felt, decided we might add
another trail after. Spoiler alert: 1) we felt great and followed
the Orange Trail with the Blue Trail, and 2) we didn’t know when we were
running it, but now know the 50K race will take place on the Orange Trail...score! Gathered up 13.26 miles between the two trails, and LOVED.EVERY.MINUTE.
For
my friends and family back in New England, these trails reminded us of
home! Some areas thrust us back in time to running StoneCat. Lots
of single track, some ankle grabbers, rocks, and switchbacks. There was
even an abandoned car (just like the StoneCat course)!
Other parts of the trail felt like we were running through the fields of
Pineland Farms. My calf sleeves show a collection of dagger-like prickers from some
of the overgrown areas, and possibly from the bushwhacking we did to get back on trail at one point -
Can’t
wait to go back! They do charge $6 for a day pass, but they also offer
bathrooms, trash receptacles and a manned gate. The park is pretty and
feels undisturbed. The trails were clear and passable at all times.
So $6? Totally worth it. We loved it so much, we may even buy a
year pass. Totally worth the money and the drive. I mean, how do
you put a value on peacefulness, solitude, and happiness.
Run happy friends!
Looks beautiful!
ReplyDeleteIt was!! So peaceful :)
DeleteIt makes me happy to see you happy.
ReplyDelete