Last weekend’s warm weather inspired a lot of Madisonians to lace up their shoes and go for a run. On the City Cast Madison podcast today, host Bianca Martin chatted with Paul Miller, founding member of the Movin’ Shoes Running Club, about the ways beginners and seasoned runners alike can enjoy the sports safely and take care of their bodies.
In addition to tips, Miller also laid out some of his favorite spots in town to run. We put the call out to Madison Minutes readers to share their favorite running routes and got some great responses. Let’s hit the road!
You Can Bring a Runner to Water…
Paul Miller said it’s not surprising that, in a city known for its lakes, his favorite running routes tend to be alongside bodies of water.
“We have Lake Wingra, we have Monona, we have Mendota, right in the middle of town,” Miller said. “Maybe that’s one of the reasons I love running in Madison. Because there’s something calm about having that water right there.”
If you’re looking for a short but inspiring run, Miller recommends starting at the student union on Lake Mendota, and taking the Lakeshore Nature Preserve path along Lake Mendota. And then, if you have the energy, go all the way out to Picnic Point.
Another short but iconic route that he recommends is starting in Olin Park and running north along Lake Monona towards downtown, ending at Monona Terrace.
“It’s just a couple of miles, and it’s one of the most beautiful entries into any city I’ve ever seen, especially if you do it at dusk or at nighttime.” If you’re an experienced and adventurous runner, Miller recommends taking the entire 12- or 13-mile route around Lake Monona entirely.
Another iconic Madison run that doesn’t feature much water is, of course, running through the UW Arboretum. The six-mile loop is perfect for many runners, although there might be one unexpected hazard.
“ You may have to deal with the turkeys when you go into the Arb because they own the place,” Miller said.
Living in Wisconsin, runners learn to bundle up and hit the road in cold weather. (Photo courtesy of Movin’ Shoes Running Club)
Your Favorite Routes
I put a call-out in the Madison Minutes newsletter for your favorite routes, and you all delivered!
Here’s some of your faves:
“I love what is called the ‘Arb Loop,’ roughly six miles around Lake Wingra — through the Arb, along Vilas beach. Can start and end at Colectivo Monroe for refreshments. Can easily create a longer looping route by running over to Southwest Commuter Path.” – Christine M.
“Arb Loop, Picnic Point, Glacial Drumlin Trail, and of course, around Lake Monona! My Saturday morning run group rotates between these and more. A fun thing we did this February was a couple runs straight across the frozen lake, from Olbrich to Olin one weekend and the opposite direction the next. So glad it was frozen enough to do it this year.” – Louie M.
“I like to run on the dirt and single track trails. My favorite spots in/around Madison are the Arboretum, Verona-area Ice Age Trail, Donald County Park, Indian Lake, and Blue Mound Park.” – Emily S.
“Lake Wingra Loop - this offers some varying scenery, all while being down by the lake. It's all beautiful, from tall marsh grasses near Edgewood to woodsy trails in the Arb and even some roadside sidewalk by the zoo. It's a 7-ish mile run, so it's not for everyone (I'm not trained up for it these days, actually), but it's beautiful.
“Shorewood Burial Mounds and Frautschi/Picnic Points - there's a hidden little entrance to a wonderful path right by 3305 Shady Ln. It runs through the woods by some old burial mounds and features a stunning view from the top of a cliff overlooking Lake Mendota. Follow the path down the hill on the other side and you get to the lakeshore trail which takes you along the lakeshore (obv) all the way out to Picnic Point and beyond. This is another longer one with some hills, but the views are excellent.” – Dan S.
