USVI-On-Line

Hi, first time post for me so be gentle! I'm planning my trip to STT and counting down the days now. I'm a marathon runner, and I'm just wondering if anyone else out there has had good/bad experiences with running distances on the island's roads.

I'd like to keep at my normal training rates (minus my really long runs which I normally do when at home) while I'm on vacation. So I'd like to do maybe 5-7 miles per run and a total of 3-4 runs for the week. Anybody have any suggestions: good places to run, etc.? Thanks.

Whoa man Otto...I don't think it is a good idea to go on a long run in STJ. You would be taking your life in your hands!! the best place I can think of would be to run in the neighborhood of Great Cruz Bay Estates. Traffic is limited there. You can always work out at Gym in Paradise in the Marketplace or at the Westin's fitness center.

Crazy Otto,

Are you staying in STT? What part of the island? Like STJ, as Suzi noted, I don't think STT is a good place to go running. The roads in STT are narrow, winding and hilly and if it has a shoulder, it's dirt. I can't think of any stretch in STT longer than a mile where it's safe to run. There may also be some safety issues too in STT.

Back in the day (mostly running 5 milers and some 10Ks) when I was out on the East end of STT, I was limited to doing laps around a hilly condo complex near Cowpet Bay.

I understand that you have to continue training, so I think you're stuck with a treadmill whether it be in STT or STJ. Good luck with the training.

I thought of one other place. The University may have a track in case you want to do some intervals or speedwork. It's West of the airport in STT.

Back in the good ol' days when I was younger and running, I used to go to the Nat'l Park Dock area right before (or after depending on your direction!) Red Hook but I was not into hills and used to the boardwalk here at home. It also was convenient since we were out on East End. I shutter when I pass the runners on the side of the road where there is a tight squeeze around a curve or a narrow spot. I think that they are a little nuts running on some of the roads and the Nat'l Park area is boring but at least safe from drivers!

Jerseyboy wrote:Crazy Otto,

Are you staying in STT? What part of the island? Like STJ, as Suzi noted, I don't think STT is a good place to go running. The roads in STT are narrow, winding and hilly and if it has a shoulder, it's dirt. I can't think of any stretch in STT longer than a mile where it's safe to run. There may also be some safety issues too in STT.

Back in the day (mostly running 5 milers and some 10Ks) when I was out on the East end of STT, I was limited to doing laps around a hilly condo complex near Cowpet Bay.

I understand that you have to continue training, so I think you're stuck with a treadmill whether it be in STT or STJ. Good luck with the training.

We're staying in Peterborg. I'm willing to accept that I might not do as much during vacation, but I don't want to come back home and find I've really set myself behind my training schedule.

Peterborg is a great area to run. You will be off the beaten path and there is not much traffice. Just remember that people drive on the left so make sure you are on the correct side of the street.

It will not be flat but some of the views are incredible.

Crazy Otto wrote:We're staying in Peterborg. I'm willing to accept that I might not do as much during vacation, but I don't want to come back home and find I've really set myself behind my training schedule.

I've never driven around there but I can't imagine much traffic over there. It's definitly hilly as it overlooks Magens Bay. The golf course is nearby if you want to try a different surface/terrain.

Jerseyboy wrote:The golf course is nearby if you want to try a different surface/terrain.

Do you think I should contact someone at the golf course and see if it's OK for me to run on the cart paths, etc.?

Crazy Otto wrote:Do you think I should contact someone at the golf course and see if it's OK for me to run on the cart paths, etc.?

You should just check it out by yourself later in the afternoon one day. Then go to Udder Delight and get an ice cream or "adult" milkshake! Well, maybe not if you're training.

STT is the only Virgin that I've not run on. So I may be very little help.

I always run very early around 6am. I ran the 8 tuff mile route by myself on STJ which is RT 10 (Centerline) but again it was very early morning so not much traffic.

Jim W

My husband is also a marathon ruuner and always runs while we are on STJ - sorry I can't help with STT. He always goes in the morning close to whereveer we happen to stay. The only problem he has had are with the dogs that live on or near his running path. Sometimes they like to bark and chase him a bit! I would imagine the same problem would occur on STT so be cautious!

Once while I was out walking, I came across a runners card which showed a route and the actual distance of that route. It was by Runner's World magaizine and the Westin on STJ. You may want to check out the runner's world site to see if they have any for STT.

Tracy

So Tracy you don't get out and run with Juice We always need some slower to keep the dogs away

Waterguy - if we're on STJ at the same time again, I could volunteer you???!!! I'm usually still asleep or sitting by the pool taking in the view. On this last trip, I knew he was almost back from his run when I heard the dogs going crazy!

Tracy

yes I'm slow but crafty I'd just have to trip him.