Nathan Hammerschmitt Le Gal
You are here
Running Around Hanover
When I first arrived on campus, I acquainted myself with the area through my runs. There's no better way to find out where everything is than to go out and explore physically. It can be nice to take a moment and venture outside of campus boundaries. I've found that running helps me clear my head; there's something special about consistently spending time in a landscape and beginning to call it home.
Starting directly on campus, we have the classic Occom Pond loop. Occom Pond has a path that wraps around its entire circumference, making it a popular destination for walkers and runners alike. A Dartmouth Lingo term for any walk around Occom is a "Woccom." I like running Occom loops when I don't feel like going too far or if the weather is unfavorable. A local running group, the "Upper Valley Run Club," hosts speed workouts around Occom every Tuesday. As a part of Club Triathlon, I can attend these for free—which makes for a fun, challenging afternoon (though I can't say I go every week).
Moving directly North, we have River Road, which is probably one of the most scenic routes; it follows the Connecticut River for what feels like forever. I usually run past the green, turn right onto West Wheelock Street, and eventually turn again onto River Rd. West Wheelock St. is a massive hill, so getting to River Rd. is fine (downhill), but coming back can be quite the climb. I should also mention the Connecticut River is the border between Vermont and New Hampshire, which makes River Rd. a multi-state running route?!
Moving South, we have Lebanon Street and Greensboro Road. Both bring you to a quaint residential area. This out-and-back is good if I'm leaving the gym and I don't want a route with lots of hills. I would say the biggest challenges in finding good routes are knowing where the most elevation gain is and how much traffic exists because both will dictate how pleasant the run is.
Lastly, there's Lyme Road, which also follows the Connecticut River—but not directly next to the shoreline. I take Lyme Road past the Life Sciences Center, continue straight at the rotary, and typically turn around when the sidewalk ends. Lyme Road also goes past the old Dartmouth Golf Course, which has since been converted to trails connecting with Pine Park (another great route, perfect for light trail running).
Posts You Might Like
At Dartmouth, I'm constantly impressed by student-athlete friends who balance academics, social life, and demanding athletic schedules. Curious how they do it? Read on for a closer look at the life of a swim & dive student-athlete through Klara.
In this blog, I want to share my "Why Dartmouth" essay from five years ago and why it resonates with me.
At Dartmouth, I'm constantly impressed by student-athlete friends who balance academics, social life, and demanding athletic schedules. Curious how they do it? Read on for a closer look at the life of a basketball student-athlete through Connor.
A quick reflection on coming to Dartmouth from a small town!
Having been swamped with midterms and papers all week, Green Key was just the reprieve I needed.
Dartmouth's community is truly the best of the best!
At Dartmouth, I'm constantly impressed by student-athlete friends who balance academics, social life, and demanding athletic schedules. Curious how they do it? Read on for a closer look at the life of a baseball student-athlete through Alejandro.
A peek around my sophomore year residential building!
In my freshman year, I wrote a blog revisiting my decision of attending Dartmouth College. Now that more than a year has passed, I would love to revisit my decision again, with a more realistic lens.