Today, I’m linking up with Mar, Courtney, and Cynthia to tell you my favorite things about running on West Point.
Thankfully, being a military spouse certainly helps me add to my list of favorite running locations… Trust me, DC and Austin certainly rank up there! But, I wanted to share a little more of my home turf with you today. West Point has become one of my favorite training grounds over the past year and a half and here is why I love it so much:
1.) The Views: If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I love snapping photos of the gorgeous Hudson River and the historical campus bustling with USMA cadets.
2.) The Camaraderie: I am a solo runner through and through. Yet, after moving to West Point, that changed for me. Since moving to West Point, I love meeting up with members of Team Red, White and Blue and my women’s running group, the Lady Knight Runners. One of my favorite events of the year was carrying the flag as a moving memorial on 9/11. Thanks to the community of service members, civilians, and cadets, there were several flags kept in motion from dawn until sunset.
3.) The History: I will admit that I am at an advantage here. I can have a guided running tour whenever I decide to run with my husband and his co-workers. This is a perk of having a husband that teaches in the History Department!
4.) The Motivation: I don’t care what time of day you are on West Point but there is ALWAYS someone running. It is such an active community and it is a bit contagious. Plus, I will admit that I often use cadets as pace bunnies and motivation while on the run. Hey, it keeps things entertaining!
5.) The Hills: While I curse the hills of West Point regularly, I have to say that I love what they do for my strength and my PRs! After moving to West Point, I shaved off 8 minutes from my half marathon PR, merely from adding a significant amount of hills to my training. I mean, you can’t really go anywhere without at least getting some rolling hills in your route.
Have you ever visited the United States Military Academy at West Point? Where is your favorite place to run? What makes you love your running community? Does your area help you stay motivated?
Lisa
Love this! your photos are always so stunning. I have GOT to get up there for a visit AND a run 🙂
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There is a HILLY half here this spring. It's put on by the marathon team! Hint, hint!
Hmm!! A hilly half this spring in Upstate NY?! I keep telling myself that I need to go back to NY this year to run a race. I want to celebrate turning 40 years old in April! I talk about my love for Maine, but I went to high school in New York state and that is where my cross country and track career really exploded! I miss the views of the Hudson river and the hills of living in Upstate NY. My high school always held the Section 1 State Championships for indoor track at the West Point Armory. Love your instragram pics!
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Very cool. That'd be a cool place to run. And using cadets to pace is really just a good use of resources.
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That's a great way to look at it!
I've been to West Point once and can see why you love running there so much. I love the gorgeous views from there, especially on clear sunny days.
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The wind can definitely bite during the winter. Spring and fall are certainly my favorite times of year here.
I love this post! My bf lived at West Point cause his dad taught there (and is an alum) so I here stories all the time but have never been.
If there is one thing about a grad, they like to tell stories. My hubby was a grad too. It's kind of interesting for him to be on the other side of the coin now as a teacher.
I've never been there. Nice views though! Thanks for sharing
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Never a bad view around here, that's for sure!
Lisa- it sounds amazing. I have never been there, but I do follow you and I see how beautful your running is. I too can relate your journey as a military wife. As difficult as it is to move around all of the time, I appreciate and am grateful for the wide variety of places we've lived. Chasing cadets sounds right up my alley!! ha! Wish I were there to run with you! xox
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I wish we could run together too! Maybe this year if we brainstorm that plan a little more 😉
Looks like a great place to run! I've never been!
Yes, it's a happy place for runners!
I LOVE this post-my dad works in the chem lab at WP. SUCH a beautiful place! –CK
Small world 🙂
Wait wait wait…one of my friends is a runner in West Point. Maybe you know her!? (Have we had this conversation before and I'm just losing my mind?)
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No, we haven't had this convo before! Send me a message about your friend! Maybe she's in my running group. Although, there are TONS of runners around this place.
I have never been there but it sounds like you have a great running community around you. I honestly have learned to find a great place to run anywhere I go.
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As long as I feel relatively safe in an area, I'm good to go! Some of the places I have lived were not near safe roads and I was too paranoid of getting hit by a car. Thankfully, those locations had some trails and parks within driving distance.
Your pictures are always amazing! I'm glad you're loving it! 🙂
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Thanks Lindsey! Hope all is well!
Having the cadets to pace is such a bonus. And your pictures are always so gorgeous.
I’ve never been to West Point but it sounds like an awesome (albeit challenging) place to run. Love all the history!
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I"ve been to West Point once and I remember how beautiful it was!! I'm sure it's a great place and so beautiful!!
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