[Janie]

Yes, I usually run on Rt. 109. There is a wide shoulder for 90% of the run. It's almolst like running on trails because I stay on the shoulder. Cars 'can' go fast but they have a pretty good line of site and slow down when they near you and are very good. I've never had a problem. 4-5 miles is a good run. What's your pace? Or, how long does it take you to run 5 miles? I run about a 9 minute mile pace for a 6 mile run. Sometimes I run faster... and sometimes when there are a lot of hills, like running from 19 Mile Bay to Wolfeboro Center, it may take me about an hour. There is a great "discount" show store where I got lucky and purchased my last pair of running shoes across from the Wal-Mart on Route 11 once you get off hte Spaulding Turnpike but, I already knew the type of sneaker I was looking for and after trying on three pairs found a pair of Nikes I LOVED. They were very inexpensive, too. I forgot my running shoes (I was wearing a pair of sandals) and made my husband stop on our way to the lake. I want to stop there again sometime because I think I may be able to get another great deal. If you plan on going to check out and buy sneakers on your own, definitely go to runnersworld.com and roadrunnersports.com because they have great Shoe Buying 101 tips to avoid injuries depending on what kind of biomechanics you have through some simple tests you can perform yourself. Good luck and let me know your pace, etc. Also, do you ever run a 5K? They have a great 5K in August in Alton. It's a little hilly but fun. I will be going running tomorrow morning most likely. If not, Sunday morning. Take it easy. Best! Jane