The Metroparks have been an integral part of my past running life – especially Stony Creek and Kensington. Training for a marathon does not stop because of the weather. My friends and I would spend many winter weekends “enjoying” our long runs, since the Metroparks trails are some of the only trails that are plowed in the winter time. Besides running, I have spent many weekends biking, hiking and walking those same trails.
I no longer a marathon runner, but still bike and hike to stay active. This year, 4 of us decided to expand our horizons and joined the Trail Challenge to experience all of the Metroparks. To date, we have completed 8 of the 14 (including the bonus trail) and have dates on the calendar to complete the remaining 6 before the end of October. Each park has been stunning in each of their own way. We will definitely be back to experience them again in the future!