America on a Runner's High IV: Day 9

Cedar Rapids runner Chris Wolfe is off on his fourth running vacation, blogging every day at http://runnershighheartland.wordpress.com/

Here is an excerpt from Day 9:

I have expressed on a few occasions how much I love Civil War Military Parks for running. I've experienced Gettysburg (Pa.), The Wilderness (Virginia), and Shiloh (Tennessee); all have been great experiences for different reasons. I can now add the hills, valleys, and humidity of Vicksburg to that list. It's simply miles and miles of great training ground.

The Mississippi River has always been an important lifeline to the United States. During the Civil War, having control of it was vital for both the north and south, and the Confederate States had that control. Abraham Lincoln looked at the major southern ports as the key to ending the war; Vicksburg, Miss., was looked at as the most important key.

By July of 1863, the north had reduced Vicksburg to rubble with constant bombardment. The objective was reached and the end of the war was beginning. Life in the southern river city had to start all over again. Today, life is thriving.

My hotel was nearly a mile from the park entrance. Starting out, I could feel the humidity but the cloudy sky held back true heat. I hated to think about the sun breaking through and creating a southern sauna.

I pressed on down the Clay Street shoulder and feeling great. I was ready for the freedom that the roads of the Vicksburg National Military Park would bring. I hoped that running past the carcass of a baby alligator was not a bad omen.

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http://runnershighheartland.wordpress.com/