Since the beginning of September, our workouts have all been geared towards one central objective:  To fine tune our bodies into running machines capable of covering long distances as quickly as possible.  But for those of you who are looking for a change of pace, both literally and figuratively, your time has come.  Tomorrow morning, we embark on the first part of a series of Friday morning runs aptly titled "Adventures in Trail Running."  These are runs designed to nourish the soul with breathtaking views of the less traveled paths that dot the Judean Hills.   Don't be fooled though.  Even though the pace is relaxed, these runs are no walk in the park.  The terrain is challenging, often extremely challenging.  The distance will usually range betwen 13 and 18 kilometers and we always endeavor to be back in time for the 8:15 minyan in Aviv. 

 

Tomorrow's run is the Burma East trail also known as Derech Hajeepim.  The Burma road was a road built almost overnight in 1948 to bypass the main road leading to Jerusalem. That road was dominated by hostile Arab villages who attacked and looted the supply convoys on their way to the besieged city of Jerusalem.  The 100,000 Jews of Jerusalem were at one point on a strictly rationed 500 calorie per day diet. There was a genuine possibility of mass starvation if a supply solution could not be found.  The Burma road was carved out of the Judean hills beginning near Tzomet Nachshon and ending near Bet Meir and provided that alternative supply route.  It is no exaggeration to say that the Burma Road literally saved Jerusalem and you all will get to run it tomorrow.  Here's what you can expect.  We start at the Machal Memorial on Rd 38, opposite the gas station at Mesillat Zion.  The first 4 kilometers are as spectacular for the gut wrenching climb as they are for their pristine, untouched beauty.  After we get to the top, we cross the Bet Meir Road and head down the upper ridge (black trail) overlooking Nachal Kisalon in a gradual downhill slope back to the Machal Memorial.  This loop is a total of 11.5 km.   Those who have to leave early can stop there while others will add 3.5 km on the Burma West trail for an even 15 km. Cars will leave from my house at 5:45.  Don't miss it.