define ('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '1024M'); {"id":96,"date":"2017-01-19T17:26:41","date_gmt":"2017-01-19T17:26:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.milesonveggies.com\/?p=96"},"modified":"2017-01-23T17:38:33","modified_gmt":"2017-01-23T17:38:33","slug":"5-best-trails-in-kansas-city","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.milesonveggies.com\/distance-running\/training\/5-best-trails-in-kansas-city\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Trails in Kansas City That Will Make You Fall Back In Love With Running"},"content":{"rendered":"
As much as I love living in the city, it sure grates on my nerves having to stop every other minute at intersections and yelling at distracted drivers in crosswalks. Nooo thanks. On the bright side, being located in midtown places me in convenient proximity to Kansas City\u2019s best trails for distance runners, making it easy to get quality runs in without zapping my energy from all the starting and stopping. Here\u2019s the rundown on where the cool kids can be found at the crack of dawn churning out the miles. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n #1 The Trolley Track Trail <\/span><\/p>\n www.traillink.com\/trail\/harry-wiggins-trolley-track-trail.aspx<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n By far where I get most of my miles in, this trail runs north to south from the Country Club Plaza to around 85th street in South Kansas city. The soft, well maintained crushed gravel trail climbs gradually for about 2 miles until you get to Brookside then flattens for a nice long stretch until you hit Waldo. This trail is excellent for mid-towners trying to get in 8-12 miles in an out and back route without hitting excessively steep hills like much of the surrounding area\u2019s terrain. Although you cross quite a few streets throughout the run, the traffic is low and you rarely have to stop more than once or twice. Added bonus, this trail comes equipped with 3 different water fountain locations along the way and plenty of bathroom facilities. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n #2 The Missouri Riverfront Trail <\/span><\/p>\n www.platteparks.com\/missouri-riverfront-trail\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n When I get sick of Trolley I drive 15 minutes out of the city and park at Argosy Casino to jump on the Missouri Riverfront Trail. This location is technically the end of the trail but is super convenient for anyone coming from Kansas or Downtown as it\u2019s right off both 169 hwy and I635. This trail takes you along a levee-like service road with a wide open view of Parkville, Riverside, and North Kansas City. Though it follows the river, it is set back far enough you don\u2019t see it for much of the run but the wildlife watching is fantastic. There are always deer, turkeys, bunnies and hawks enjoying the isolated natural habitat next to the trail. The first 2.5 miles is dead flat before you run down into the woods, onto some rolling hills and get spit out at the actual trailhead off of 9 hwy. I love doing easy 8 milers here or quick 2 mile repeat workouts on the flat portion of the levee. A few things to consider before paying a visit: There is only 1 porta potty at the trailhead so bring toilet paper just in case. There usually are not any people out on the trail and it tends to be very isolating, so if I\u2019m going alone I always bring a phone or pepper spray. Lastly, check the wind speeds before heading out because this trail is absolutely miserable with winds over 10-12 mph…I always tell myself it won\u2019t be bad but\u00a0end up regretting it every time. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n #3 English Landing Park\/Platte Purchase Park<\/span><\/p>\n www.yelp.com\/biz\/english-landing-park-parkville<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n I lived and went to college in Parkville, MO and probably have run a few thousand miles on this trail system. It holds a special place in my heart because I’ve had so many breakthrough running \u201cfirsts\u201d here. First hour long run, first 20 mile run, first college cross country workout, first 5k under 18 min, and the list could go on. It runs along the Missouri river, is perfectly flat and fast, and will enchant you with\u00a0some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets you\u2019ll ever see in Missouri. It is just far enough out of the city that it feels quiet, peaceful, and rural but is really only 25 mins from midtown. There are 2 parts, the original English Landing 2 mile loop and the recent addition, Platte Purchase Park, on the north side that is another 1.8 miles or so. I come here to do a lot of my tempo runs and fartleks especially in warm weather so I can loop back for fuel or fluids. There are plenty of bathrooms and water fountains turned on in the warmer months. For a long run you can start at English Landing, run a loop then head south on 9 hwy for about .75 miles to hit the Missouri Riverfront trail and add on the out and back 8 miles. <\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n