I live in San Francisco and way before I decided to start my c25k journey I used to go to Crissy Field with my dog. I sat there and watched some runners...and pictured joining them one day. It became my running spot in San Francisco
I think finding a good spot to run is definitely important start and keep motivated! Anyone?
I live in Central PA. I like running the streets of my neighborhood in the wee, early morning because there is no traffic, no people to gawk at me and it's peaceful. My other favorite running place is our local Rails-to-Trails, which has several different places where you can take off of the main trail. Again, it is not a busy trail and it's shared with cyclers, too.
It's too far out of your way but I love the Lafayette Reservoir in the East Bay. I can walk to it which helps, but it's just beautiful with rolling hills; keeps me motivated. There is a flat trail in town which mostly runs behind houses; it's okay but it doesn't compare to running around the lake with the hills in view all the way.
There's something about running by water isn't there. Seaport area in Boston is my favorite. Not quite a CA reservoir (!) but there's something about the old docks and the water that gets me inspired.
Yesterday I discovered a new running spot...my local cemetery. It's perfect because it provides hills (not steep) and flat course. It also provides different types of roads...macadam, dirt, gravel, grass, etc. it's safe (no traffic), and it's peaceful. I will use it when I want to do hill work.
