This Runner's Dream Home is Severna Park

House hunting from London was not easy.  Since we could not physically tour the houses we saw on the internet and had asked my husband’s parents to check out houses for us, we had to prioritize.  We were not afforded the opportunity to walk through rooms and make a decision on the small details of individual houses.  And while we would have enjoyed spending weeks hunting through the area for the perfect house, it was just too much to ask of our family.  So, we had to narrow our criteria to the items that mattered most to us.  First and foremost we wanted good schools for our children, but not far behind on the list was a runner friendly community.

With Kinder Farm Park and the B&A Trail within running distance of our house, my husband and I are thrilled that we ended up in Severna Park.  Just this morning I was reminded of how much I love this area.  It was barely 20 degrees out and the winds were gusting at almost 20 miles an hour when I headed out for my run along the trail this morning.  But I knew I would not be alone.

In the past I have run through ankle deep downpours, snow up to my knees and 100 degree heat and I have never been alone on the trail.  Severna Park residents are an intrepid lot.  The ones I see on a daily basis would prioritize in much the same way as my husband and I. 

In addition to the trail system, we are fortunate to have several races right here in Severna Park.  I recently signed up for the B&A Trail Half Marathon which is run every year from Severna Park High School in the first weekend of March.  In the process I came across the Annapolis Strider's Championship Series, a group of races that are scored based on not only finishing times but in participation in the entire series of races.

Of the eight races in this series, two of them are held right here in Severna Park.  The first race of the series, The Valentine's 5k, will be held in just under five weeks on February 12th in Kinder Farm Park.  As a runner, I love the progression of this series.  In years where I have felt like I am starting over or trying harder to build my fitness, it is nice to have this first race to look forward to. 

The second race in the series begins at South River High School but the third brings the series back to Severna Park.  The Dawson's Father's Day 10k will start and finish at Severna Park High School and will be held this year on June 19th.  

One of the many benefits to our trail system is that these races cause very little disruption to other resident’s daily driving routines. All three of the Annapolis Strider’s races held in Severna Park are run either in the park or on the trail.

Having the ability to train on paved trails everyday as opposed to being faced with the prospect of running along busy roads is a priceless benefit to living in Severna Park.  Even so, the motivation to get out there on a daily basis isn’t always there.  The races in our own backyards are a great motivator.  For twenty dollars, you can register for the entire series of eight races.  For me that isn’t divided by the number of races.  Instead I think of it as twenty dollars insurance that I won’t skip my daily training, twenty dollars that will insure I will continue to live the fitness driven life I love.