The Dirt
September/October 2008

Run for the Hills

Fall can be the very best season for trail running. The air is cool, the trails are empty, and the trees can be a million different colors all at once—all factors that can contribute to long, peaceful runs with photo ops galore. So grab your trail-running shoes and head out to one of these runner-friendly trails that are sure to deliver scenery, solitude, and good ol’ sweat time.

Haystack Mountain Trail Wilmington, Vermont From late September to early October, you can see peaks in every direction decked out in autumn colors. A relatively gradual uphill climb, this 4.8-mile singletrack trail passes through bogs, fir stands, and an endless spectrum of seasonal foliage, climaxing at an elevation of 3,445 feet, with a view of Haystack Pond below. The trail is marked with blue plastic diamonds and is dog-friendly. Total elevation gain: 1,233 feet Getting there: Drive west from Wilmington on Vermont 9, and turn right on Haystack Road.

Fall Creek National Recreational Trail Eugene, Oregon In early to mid-October, you’re able to follow a stream for up to 14 miles through the Willamette National Forest, where you can run through maple, dogwood, hemlock, Douglas fir, and cedar groves. There are sections of whitewater as well as deep pools perfect for a quick dip if you catch it on a warm day. Elevation rolls and ranges from 960 to 1,385 feet, depending on how many of the 14 miles you run. Total elevation gain: 425 feet Getting there: Take Highway 58 from Eugene to Road 18; go 11 miles to the Dolly Varden Campground.

Finger Lakes Trail Ithaca, New York So popular it has a whole running group named after it, the Finger Lakes Trail yields endless possibilities. With 562 miles to choose from on the main trail (850 including adjacent connections), the route is replete with the gorges that this area is known for and can take a runner on a challenging jaunt in any direction. The trail is clearly marked with large yellow signs with the logo FLT. Local runners suggest parking and running in one direction a quarter of the total distance you want to cover, then going back to the car to refuel and taking off again in the opposite direction. The Finger Lakes Trail is best run through mid-November, before hunting season monopolizes some of the trail and snow begins to fall. Total elevation gain: dependent Getting there: The trail is accessible from all over Ithaca.

Dale Ball Trail System Santa Fe, New Mexico A master-planned trail system of hard- packed dirt, the Dale Ball yields 22 miles of mild-gradient singletrack. With a series of intertwining trails (when looped with intersecting trails, you get 33 miles total), you can design your own route of almost any distance without having to double back and retrace your steps. At an elevation of more than 7,000 feet, these trails can be steep at times, although they’re mostly gradual ups and downs—what you would expect in the foothills. With fairly non- technical terrain and well-marked trails (every sign has a GPS-generated picture of the trail!), this system is ideal for anyone wanting to get their running shoes dirty, novice and veteran alike. Late September is an awesome time to run the Dale Ball trails while the temperatures are just starting to dip and the aspens are turning brilliant shades of gold. Total elevation gain: approximately 1,000 feet from the lowest point to the highest Getting there: From downtown Santa Fe, take Hyde Park Road toward the ski basin. Look for signs for the trail and parking.

Virginia Creeper Trail Abington, Virginia From Abingdon to the North Carolina border, the Virginia Creeper Trail traverses 33 miles through the wilds of Virginia. This former railroad line no longer has tracks, but it does have many miles of wide, flat, hard-packed dirt that’s excellent for a long run of rolling grades without any technical spots to slow you down. With access points throughout the trail (at miles 0, 8.5, 15.5, and 25), you can run a different segment each time you go. Because of its popularity with mountain bikers, there are also a number of shuttles that run to a variety of access points during busy months if you want to try a point-to-point adventure. Due to the trail’s popularity, locals recommend running on weekdays for maximum peace and quiet. Total elevation gain: approximately 1,500 feet from start to finish Getting there: Head south on Highway 11 through Abington, turn right on Pecan Street, and follow the signs to the trailhead.

Flu Shot or Not?

As fall approaches, our thoughts turn to colorful leaves, apple cider, shortening days, back to school, and, unfortunately, getting sick. The fear of becoming ill will send many of us into a full-court press to fight it. Frequent hand washing, reducing stress, getting enough sleep, and regular doses of daily vitamins and antioxidants are great ways to stay healthy. But what about the flu shot? There’s a lot of controversy surrounding it. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions.

What is the flu? Influenza is characterized by fever (100 to 104 degrees), cough, headache, drowsiness, muscle aches, joint pain, and loss of appetite. Flu kills about 20,000 people a year in the United States (more fatalities than AIDS these days). Several subgroups of the population are more prone to flu or flu complications: • Adults over 50 • Children six months to five years • People with compromised immune systems and chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease

What is the flu shot? Every year a group of scientists study the flu strains from the previous year and determine the three strains that are most likely to circulate in the coming year. Flu season can start as early as October and last into May, so the best time to get the shot is in October or November. The flu vaccine is grown in hen’s eggs, so avoid the shot if you’re allergic or if you suffer from Guillian-Barre syndrome, an immune system disorder.

What is the controversy? Many people believe that although the shot may not make them sick with the flu, it is nevertheless hard on the body. “I have noticed that for some individuals the flu shot itself causes a certain stress, and for a susceptible person, that stress can make them ill,” says Amy Rothenberg, a licensed naturopathic physician in Amherst, Massachusetts. “It can give them symptoms of the flu or can exacerbate other underlying illnesses.” Many other health professionals and parents are concerned about the preservatives and other contents of the vaccine, which includes thimerosal, a mercury derivative (preservative); ethylene glycol (antifreeze); and formaldehyde (to kill the virus).

What are the options? The good news is that flu shots are now available without thimerosal. If you get a flu shot, be sure to ask for one that does not contain the preservative. There is also now a flu mist, which contains a weakened flu virus (the Centers for Disease Control claims it does not cause the flu). The mist is thimerosal-free but recommended only for healthy individuals between the ages of two and 49 who are not pregnant. For more information go to www.cdc.gov/FLU/protect/keyfacts.htm.

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