August 15th, 2011 
Ralph
The spectacular views while running in Waterton National Park, Canada
I really hate running…all the panting, the aching knees, the back pain, the burning chest, the inevitable stitch in the side. I really want to love it, but I am just not a big fan of running.
However, one thing that I do at every RV park we go to is take at least one run. I’ve done it at every RV park from New York to Montana…in every RV park we’ve stayed at so far.
As I’ve written before, I am a tad obsessive when it comes to working out in the RV, so running is just a part of managing that obsession. After all, when you live in a cramped tin box RVing full time, you gotta get the hell out of that thing every now and then or you WILL go insane.
Doctors have proven this to be true…
Not one to ignore a doctor’s advice, this is exactly what I do.
The Worst Run I Ever Had Full Time RVing
The worst run I did was in Mitchell, South Dakota. I really wanted to run at mid day, but it was nearly 105 degrees, so I figured I’d wait till it cooled down at night. As soon as it turned a balmy 102 degrees at 5 o’clock at night, I went for it.
I ran on a road that was so long, so straight, so boilingly hot, as I was running I couldn’t see the end of the road clearly because it had those heat waves that blur your vision. I eventually deduced that the road actually disappeared at the horizon. Needless to say, I didn’t run to the horizon…that would have been in Wisconsin somewhere.
Instead I ran to a parked corn harvester I figured was probably a mile from our RV camp site, then I turned around and came back. It was the most brutal run I have ever taken.
The Best Run I Had RVing Full Time
The best run I have ever taken while RVing full time was the last one I just took in Waterton, Alberta, Canada.
Waterton, Alberta is on the other side of Glacier National Park in Canada. Its not a very well known town, as most people usually just visit the American side. In my opinion though, it is not to be missed.
Waterton is surrounded by some of the most majestic mountains in the Glacier/Waterton National Park and the views of the mountains from the town are spectacular.
So after we drove the two and a half hours to get there from our RV camp site in Hungry Horse, Montana I was ready for a run in the cool mid 60’s temperatures.
And it was the best run I have ever had. In fact, despite the elevation, I felt I could run for hours…although everyone was waiting for me back in the hotel to go to dinner. Here’s the view:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjRsyEpbekc[/youtube]
As we were in Canada, I felt the only thing I could play on my ipod was the crown jewel of Canadian rock, Rush. I was in a mid 80’s Rush mood and listened to “The Big Money” in fact…an odd choice for me as its really one of their weaker songs. But the view was the real story anyway.
What a run it was.
What’s the best workout you’ve ever had? Its OK if it was the 12 ounce variety as well. Comment below and I’ll respond…I even answer the phone while I’m running….
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I had a run once in South Dakota and it hailed! Worst run ever. I had welts on my head for weeks. Great post. Thanks for sharing gotta get to Waterton!
Ouch that sounds like it hurt Adam!
That does look pretty incredible, Ralph. Wish I was running along side you.
I went running on Long Island this weekend and missed the street that the house was on that we were staying in…..ran for an extra 30 minutes. Sun was hot, but the ocean was beautiful!
Nice Rich! This run wasn’t as tough as the Richy hill run over in Plymouth but the views were pretty sweet too. Not sure if I like mountains or oceans as my favorite views. Both are pretty darn cool.
Loved your video and your comments. My bigest workout so far is pruning the forsythia and hydrangeas, something for you to look forward to. Enjoy every minute.
Thanks Sheila! I do miss working in the yard. Now my outside work is emptying the black water tank which isn’t quite as fun as pruning the hydrangeas….
Best run of your life certainly looks that way bro.I would think that the other great runs were the “Midnight Runs” in August before Double Sessions started for Fall Soccer back in the eighties with BK. I would think with that kind of inspiration, you would want to listen to “Red Barchetta” or “Free Will” versus “Big Money”. Gotta love Rush when on a road trip or running or just to feel good about life again.
Yeh should have gone with Red Barchetta for sure! An odd choice but it was still an awesome run…a day before the real drama started! Congrats again to you and. Matthew
Thank you very much. “Wind in my hair, shifting and drifting”.
Mechanical music – adrenaline suuuuuurggge!
Andy came back from his ride telling me that the air is very humid and thick. Then I read your post. Your South Dakota run sounded so bad that I don’t think I’ll be exercising outside today. Hmmm – think I’ll crank the AC and pop in a DVD. Hey – you didn’t CALL FROM WALL. XO, Karen
Talk abou hot! It was 105 in Wall the day we were there. So hot you couldn’t even move. Shoulda bagged it and stayed inside on the South Dakota day for sure!
Very cool! I can’t contribute a best or worst run, as I WON’T do it! When we went to SD a few years ago it was sweltering too…I think on that day exercising should have been staying in the RV with AC and walking over to the fridge to get a cold one!
Looking forward to your running in the hills of San Francisco!
I agree I should have stayed in the RV woth a cold one…and maybe a few cheese curds!
The hills pf San Fran await. At leats it wont be 6000 feet above sea level!
I too have a love/hate relationship with running. Nothing beats when you get into that rhythm and feel like you could go forever. My best run was my first “official” road race this June. Going for the Sprint Triathlon next summer…
Good luck in the triathalon that is awesome! Let us know how ot goes. Hello to all Ramoses! Thanks for the comment.