My friend Garrett B Shoemaker has been running in St Paul for a long time. (He remembers when the streetcars first came to Grand Avenue, but that's another story). Talking to him reminded me of the benefits of staying in place. I've lived in St Paul long enough to appreciate its charms and Grand Avenue is one of the brightest.
I've gone to school, lived and worked on or within a few blocks of Grand Avenue for over three decades. As Grand Old Day approaches, I've come up with eight reasons why Grand Avenue is the place for people On the Go:
I've gone to school, lived and worked on or within a few blocks of Grand Avenue for over three decades. As Grand Old Day approaches, I've come up with eight reasons why Grand Avenue is the place for people On the Go:
- You're never more than a few blocks from a cup of coffee. I don't even drink coffee, but I can't help but be in awe at the supply on Grand. Local or chain, foofy or black, your buzz is safe here.
- It's a perfect fartlek course. When running down Grand, you'll naturally change speeds as you encounter the bar crowd near Victoria (speed up for your safety) or the college crowd near Snelling (seriously, how do they make it to class?).
- Bad back? No Problem! Between chiropractors and acupuncturists, Grand Ave is awash in health practitioners.
- You're just a hop, skip and jump from a running track. Both Macalester College and the University of St Thomas have outdoor tracks that are open for public use, at least at certain times. Be sure to follow proper track etiquette!
- Cool down with ice cream. Is there a better way to end a run in the summer?
- Stock up on carbs. Grand Ave holds its own with grocery stores and specialty foods shops.
- 'Heart healthy' street crossing. Want to give your ticker a jolt? Cross Grand Ave as a pedestrian. Sprint to the other side as drivers look at you like you're invisible.
- One day a year, the streets are closed to cars, and pedestrians take over. Grand Old Day On the Go gives runners, walkers and inline skaters get a head start!
I know there are other Grand Ave lovers out there. Garrett is running a Facebook contest called Where's Garrett? Check it out and test your Grand Avenue knowledge. And if you drive into my neighborhood, please stop for pedestrians!
