The path around Lake Waban measures a little over two miles. Some parts are rocky, some parts are narrow, and one part is a boardwalk through a marsh. I’d bet that every runner on campus has run that path. But it’s short, and the terrain is really uneven in some parts, and a large section of it is closed off this year, so I’ve become quite familiar with the Wellesley town trails.
There are three trails near campus that I run the most. If I want something short and maybe a little speedy, I’ll go towards town, take a left on the bridge over the train tracks, and take another left onto the Crosstown Trail. It passes by a pond, which is lovely, and lasts about a mile and a half before popping out at Route 9. (The first time I found myself there was a bit jarring. One second you’re in the woods and then poof! Route 9!) You can cross and keep going, but it’s a hassle, so there are other routes I take if I’m feeling something longer.
On Tuesdays, I’ve been catching Fuller Brook Path after the second block in the ville. The terrain varies from gravel to dirt, and it’s wide enough to not feel cramped even when it’s busy. It winds through town, goes right by Whole Foods, and ends around two and a half miles from campus, at which point I turn around and play the “is this where I get off?” game at every street crossing.
And then there’s Sudbury Path, aka the aqueduct, which runs right behind one of the Wellesley Centers for Women buildings. That’s out the other end of campus from where I live, so it’s almost a mile just to get to the trail, which makes it not ideal for anything shorter than 5 miles. Yesterday I ran it all the way to Babson and back, for a total of 6.5 miles. It goes to Babson! Who knew? (Answer: the trail map knew.)
As long as I can, I want to watch the leaves change and breathe car-free air. There is a world outside the Wellesley gates, apparently. Especially right now, it’s beautiful. And this Indigenous Peoples’ Day, I want to remind everyone that Wellesley occupies stolen Massachusett and Pawtucket land. Don’t celebrate Columbus Day.
A photo of the aqueduct in mid-September. It’s a bit more colorful now!