Harborwalk: UMass, JFK Presidential Library, Carson Beach
Distance: 4 - 5 miles (30 minutes) Jeremy’s energy expenditure: 500 calories
This leads to a great rest of your day.
Jeremy Watts, imm—May 9, 2020
University Hall and Campus Center, UMass Boston.
I remember vividly my daily routine as an undergrad at UMass Boston. I would beat Storrow Drive traffic from Waltham super early to be the first commuter on campus and park in the shrinking parking situation that came with campus renovation. I would pack everything from my breakfast and lunch, to my gym bag with clothes for class and training, and a backpack filled with books for the 5 classes I would cram my semesters with. I used physical training for many reasons; I wanted to break up studious monotony, relieve stress, maintain my energy levels, and overall, I love being in great shape! As a full-time student it can be hard being motivated to maintain an effective training regimen, but I found my particular regimen at UMass, Boston stimulating beyond the physical aspect, which kept my fire for fitness lit.
Harbor Cruise dock, Savin Hill Cove
It was fun doing resistance training at the fitness center and I usually pushed myself pretty hard. My goal though was always to run first, usually for 30 minutes and then do my resistance training after. My mindset was inspired by my fellow Marine Jimmy Malachowski who I used to train with. We would agree on a time to meet in the gym for resistance training and I would come in and see Jimmy having already run on the treadmill for 30 minutes! I enjoy the mental challenge of working out having already been well into a training session for 30 minutes prior; it definitely forces focus on the present which is a big anxiety reliever and I like the positive effects of vascularizing workouts on overall health and stamina too.
UMass campus is located on Columbia Point, which is a man-made peninsula that also is home to Boston College High, Harbor Point, JFK Presidential Library, and the Massachusetts State Archives building. Surrounding all of this is an awesome running path with incredible views of the ocean, the harbor islands, and the surrounding parts of South Boston and Dorchester, no matter what time of day. I usually begin at the boat ramp for the “Harbor Cruise” tour, which is located on the
Harbor Point Pavilions, Harbor Walk
southwestern part of the campus in Savin Hill Cove. The running path borders the water’s edge all the way around the peninsula for its entirety and I will proceed counterclockwise, heading first towards islands in the harbor. You will encounter sporadic cyclists and walkers/runners along the path, which although not marked, is wide, with room for maneuvering along the way. The path bends northeast to the left and there is a nice long and straight stretch of pavement. The common theme is ocean on the right, and elevated land leading up to the UMass Campus Center and University Hall on the left. The run can be challenging depending on the direction you are running. There is usually an energy-consuming wind coming from some direction off of the water and you will usually find yourself running against it to maintain your speed for long distances at a time.
View of South Boston from JFK Library
One technique I like to use for setting an intensity level, besides striding to the cadence of my hip-hop is using the distances between the stone barrier posts that line the entire waterfront for my stride length or stride frequency. I speak about using sidewalk squares to this effect where I will use a minimal number of steps per square, increasing my stride length and maintaining stride frequency; in other words I am speeding up. If the sun is at a good location in the sky the posts create repetitive shadows on the path and you can stride along without even needing to look directly down! The path will again curve to the left as you pass a beautiful view of JFK Library and flagpole. Being a combat veteran I always render a passing solute to the colors displayed inside of the large glass walls on the east side of the building. I get motivated with “star-spangled fever” and pick up the pace towards harbor point and the pavilion locations that have nice benches for inclined push-ups. I sometimes sneak in some pull-ups if I feel like jumping up onto one of the support rafters of any of the shelters—for all of you would-be rebel runners out there!
I continue northwest with Dorchester Bay on the right and Harbor Point on the left. You can see Dorchester Heights and South Boston across the water with thickly settled residential property. I approach Carson Beach and, depending on which route you decide, you can stay on the path and enter the sidewalk along William Day Blvd. and continue bending to the right (north east). Otherwise you can take the beach using the softer sand. If my running strategy is to run for 30 minutes, I turn around at 15 minutes wherever I am at and regardless of the route I take. The key here is to mentally note where my turnaround point is at 15 minutes and then return using the same route, beating my time back. The next time I run the route I attempt to pass the previous turnaround point at 15 minutes and this is how I track progression over the course of the semester! I then hit the resistance training usually for 45 to 60 minutes giving me enough time to shower, eat something protein-based, and slide into my front row seat in class smelling like an Irish spring and brand new textbooks!
Final Stretch to the finish!
This route is great from late March through November leading into the winter months. The winter months make this a very chilly route and if there is heavy snow the path can sometimes remain covered and icy for extended periods of time and can be really hazardous, so plan alternative routes in the winter months, or give your joints a break and seek an alternative method of cardiovascular training such as elliptical equipment, swimming, or stationary cycling! Either way, incorporating a technique for progression is key, and while this type of training is a great way to become more resilient, time constraints may require you spend more time in the books instead of the gym. Dig deep and find time to vascularize your mind on this awesome route and salute yourself for the path you decided to navigate when most do not!