We're running for the trails in our new KEEN trail runners – and we're sharing our favorite places to go. Check back for more trail run reports from KEENers around the world.
My Run Log
Location: Deschutes River Trail near Bend, Oregon
Distance: 5 miles (part of a 15-mile bike/run/bike circuit)
Shoes worn: KEEN Roam trail runners
Nutrition: Oatmeal for breakfast, and I packed my favorite snacks: a Skratch Labs bar and a handful of Nerds Gummy Clusters.
Hydration: 4L hydration vest
I’m not a big distance runner. I spent most of my life running sprints on the track. So I’m still trying to get used to running more than a few miles. Sometimes I turn a run into a multi-activity adventure to be able to see more things and spend more time in beautiful places. Like going for a run at a lake and then hopping on my paddleboard.
For this run, I decided to do a 15-mile bike/run/bike circuit. I biked 5 miles to the Deschutes River Trail, a singletrack trail connecting Bend and Sunriver. I locked my bike to a sign post near Benham Falls and ran 2.5 miles toward Bend (5 miles out and back), and then finished with a 5-mile bike ride back to my starting point. My legs were really sore by the end of the ride. Soaking in the community pool and hot tub felt great!
Favorite Part:
I prefer having a view when I run instead of being completely immersed in a forest. So I loved that this trail hugged the river most of the time. Water views are at the top of my list, and the Wild & Scenic Deschutes River is beautiful.
Toughest Part:
Turning around. When I’m doing an out-and-back, sometimes I want to keep going to get to the next landmark or turn-around spot. But then I have to remind myself that I need to run it twice, and I have to be realistic about my fitness. LOL.
Personal Takeaway:
Biking to the trail means I can maximize my run time on the trail! For someone who can’t run very far (yet), this opens up more terrain.
My Shoes:
I wore my Roam trail running shoes. Since they are made for both dirt and pavement, they are a great all-around trail runner – not too luggy for bike pedals.
Other Gear:
I was recently gifted a pair of Swiftwick trail running socks, and I really like how they feel. I also wore my hydration vest and stowed my long-sleeve top in it once I got off the bike and started the run. I love having storage for layers and snacks while I’m out there.
Pro Tips:
The Deschutes River Trail has lots of great runnable segments, even from downtown Bend. There wasn’t any designated bike parking at the Benham Falls East Tralhead, but I had no problem locking my bike to a post.
