Trail vs. city running

I've always preferred running on trails instead of roads or (shudder) tracks. Trail running energizes and recharges me and the time passes faster. I have enjoyed running on trails and country roads here in Finland - better access to forest-y trails was literally one of the reasons we moved here.

But the other day I timed my run to meet up with Jeremy and the kids after some errands, which meant I needed to go for a run in town. It wasn't my favorite option - every time I head out the door on a run, I turn away from downtown. I make for the trees or the river or at least the quiet neighborhood streets nearby. However, to my great surprise, I ended up loving my downtown run.

Part of the reason, I'm sure, is because it's Finnish Summer right now and Finnish Summer is amazing. I ran by Kupittaa Park, which is basically Turku's backyard, and saw people being active at almost any outdoor sport you could imagine (including the summer version of cross-country skiing, using poles and rollerblades - did you imagine that?) and relaxing alone, in pairs, in families, you name it. I ran by Luostarinmäki museum and looked down a few 18th-century alleyways. I ran up and around a prominent hill overlooking the city, then down that hill, then up another prominent hill overlooking the city. I gawked at Tuomiokirkko (Turku Cathedral), which I do every time I see it. I can't help it. I ran on sidewalks and cobblestones; alongside bike paths and on wide park promenades.

And throughout the run, I got to see people going about their business, exercising or walking or biking or driving. I was energized and recharged and the time passed so quickly. I've had a hard time getting back into running after the long winter, which is a shame since I'm planning to run an 18k (trail!) race in August, and that urban run was just the shot of inspiration I needed. I think I'm still essentially a trail person, but in Finnish Summer, the city beckons!