I just returned from my Sunday morning run. So what, you might say, but this run was significant. You see, I participated in Cycle Across Maryland last week, and was having a few new aches and pains in my legs. Enough for me to bag my run yesterday. I was supposed to run long (two hours), and usually run with the Reston Runners for company. Their run started from Sunrise Valley Elementary School, and went along the W&OD Trail for 16 miles. I knew that would kill my legs.

Instead, I started from the school, headed west on the trail to Michael Farady Drive (Reston Ice Forum) and made a right turn, following the drive back toward the rink, then heading into the back parking lot (where there is a metal guard rail) and picked up the trail into Lake Fairfax Park. I followed the equestrian trail markers for most of the run, leading me through the park and across Hunter Mill Road to Route 7.

By the third small climb, my legs were feeling loose and springy. They still do. I could have chosen to cross and continue on this trail (Difficult Run Trail), but was nearing my turnaround time. Apparently this part of the trail eventually hooks up with Great Falls Park, although I have never had much luck following it to there. I can't tell you why, but I got a creepy feeling both times I tried alone. I listen to my intuition, even if there may be no reason for worry.

You can enter from the main gate on Lake Fairfax Drive (off Baron Cameron, off Leesburg Pike). It is a Fairfax County Park, and is the proud home of The Water Mine (a water amusement park). There are camping sites, fishing holes, picnic tables, and playing fields scattered throughout the park. Besides the marked trail, with a few detours, there are ample grassy areas to complete loops if you get turned around a bit.

If you go left out of the front gate and run along the Fairfax Hunt Club's border, you pop into some of Reston's trails and nature areas. If you know the area, you could follow some paved trails to add to your loop without retracing your steps. My training partner and I have done hill repeats on some offshoot trails (powerline) for varying lengths of 45 to 90 seconds.

Reston Runners hold a Thanksgiving Cross Country race there, and NOVA held their first Milk and Cookie run of the season on these trails. There are bathrooms and water fountains (although the remote one was locked at 8:30 this morning) at several locations in the park. You will encounter mountain bikes (following them was the way I discovered the trail on the other side of Hunter Mill Road), and occasionally horses. The equestrian trail is very rugged in places, but usually for only a short stretch.

I used to live in Reston, and loved using this park. I give it a "4" Muddy Shoes Rating, the only downside being the rugged areas, the fact that it is multi- use and not particularly long if you just use the equestrian trail. If you are creative, you can easily get an hour or more staying mostly off-road.