theHword.com

I generally consider myself a runner. I run because I know it’s good for me. I’m also an eater and I have to do something to balance that out. It’s nice to have that time to just sort of hang out in my head or to kick start my morning or to catch up with whomever I’m running with. I also like the high I feel afterwards.

That being said, I have a love/hate relationship with running in the winter. I still love to run, but I hate getting up at 5:30 am when it’s 10 degrees outside. Even though I know I have two warm YMCAs to run inside of, it’s the cold weather between my bed and the Y’s front doors that make me pause before getting up. The people that use the Y at 5:30 am are dedicated and actually wait outside the doors before they are open. They are waiting to exercise! At 5:30 in the morning! Almost how people wait to shop on Black Friday. But they are waiting to exercise! I guess I shouldn’t be Judgy McJudgerson. I too have been waiting for the doors to open this winter.

About two weeks into the treadmills, I’m sick of them.

Hastings is such a great running town. It’s flat and there are so many different places around town to explore. There is the bike path where you don’t have to contend with cars. There are plenty of neighborhoods to weave in and out of that have gorgeous houses to look at to help you pass the time. Heartwell Park is a perfect mile, and during the summer there are bathrooms and water available. Lake Hastings has great scenery. The Hastings High track is great for speed work. Let’s not forget about all the gravel roads out of town that offer quiet runs.

My friend Cody told me the best way to get to know a town is to run it. She was right. When I first moved here, I learned street names by running different courses around Hastings. I also learned Midwestern etiquette. I was running down 9th Street one day, and an older gentleman raised his index finger to me as we passed each other. I later found out he was saying hello. Who knew?

I also like the selection of running shoes in this town. I got my last pair of orange shoes from Brown’s. Hogan’s Sporting Goods downtown also has a variety of shoes to choose from, as does Hibbett Sports in Cimarron Plaza. I’m also happy to report that all three stores had many options for my size humongous feet.

One last piece of advice: If you value your life at all, do not, under any circumstances, run on 12th Street west of Burlington. There is no sidewalk of any kind and motorists will not swerve to avoid you. In fact, I am almost certain one swerved to hit me because I hear runners are worth extra points.

About the author: Russanne Erickson

Russanne is a 30-something who doesn't mind being 30-something.  She loves accessories and makeup.  Her only criteria for clothing is that she likes it, she can afford it, and it fits.  Russanne is relatively new to Hastings and living here has given her the opportunity to build her scarf collection. She has two cats and no children, but she doesn't think that makes her a cat lady.