Last night when my grandfather suggested we enjoy Italian for dinner, I knew that meant one thing only: a morning long run! I normally only eat Italian or pasta the night before races and long runs so it instantly got me excited for an outdoor run in Savannah.

My dad, who is definitely not a runner, surprised me with a great trail suggestion for this morning’s run. Our county, Chatham County, purchased hundreds of acres in 2000 from the YMCA in order to create miles of recreational trails. Like any public development, the project has taken years but is now well underway.

I enjoyed a delicious sandwich thin breakfast including 1 thin schmear of peanut butter and a half of banana since I knew I wasn’t doing more than 7 miles due to time.

The trail is only ten minutes from my parent’s house and I was able to enjoy the sunrise as I crossed over the bridge.

At this point, the paved portion of the Whitemarsh Island trail is only 2 miles long but the plan is to make it over 10 miles by the time it is done. They are well on their way as there were over 20 workers out this morning laying asphalt, clearing brush, and bull dozing.

Luckily, it connects to the YMCA’s 1 mile trail which circles their property.

It was more humid than I expected and my legs were exhausted from yesterdays hill workout on the treadmill and three days of walking with my mom. I easily could have stopped after my speedy first 3 miles which I did in a 9:45 pace, but keeping with my promise I pushed on and finished 5 miles. It wasn’t the 7 I had planned but it was a gorgeous trail and I enjoyed getting outside with nature.

Five miles and 48:45 minutes later, my legs were happy to be done but my body wanted more time in the sun.

Luckily, my mom and I have plans for one last long walk before my afternoon flight back to New York City!