Signs of the times

One of three interesting signposts
on the LSU Lakes route

Sometimes we head out to run with our heads clear and our thoughts focused. Sometimes we're lucky to get out the door with most of our gear. Sometimes we run early in the morning to beat the heat, sometimes later to avoid the cold. Most of us plan our route before we take that first stride. Others of us just take off and go wherever our whims carry us. It's fun to run in a new and different location on occasions - that newness puts a freshness in our step and in our attitude. But it usually helps to know where you are at any point in time. Sometimes signposts help with that; and sometimes they don't.

The second of three interesting
signposts on the Lakes route

Running in my own neighborhood doesn't hold my attention much anymore. I'm not sure what that's about. Boredom with things is a measure of something inside you, not your surroundings. So, the timelapserunner usually gets in the car on running days and heads out to the LSU Lakes to get in those faster tempo runs and long distance runs that make up the current marathon training program. It's a good thing that he knows the route pretty well now. Others, new to the scene, don't always know.

The third of three interesting
signposts on the Lake route

A month or so ago, a fellow runner jogged alongside me and asked, "How far does this go?" I thought about saying, "Well it pretty much goes forever, if you don't mind crossing bridges and running the interstate." No, I didn't tell him that. I was courteous. But with all its turns the Lakes route can be confusing to a newcomer, or even those in vehicle looking for an address. A year ago, a guy in a  pickup truck drove along side me and asked where West Lakeshore Drive was. I honestly couldn't answer the question. Perhaps it doesn't help much there are at least three somewhat confusing signposts along the Lakes route, each displaying the intersection of East Lakeshore and East Lakeshore.