Huntsville, Alabama pools and running

Triathlon Forum
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I will be in Huntsville next week - looking for a pool downtown and running routes. Anyone?

Thanks,

Brian

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bump
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Well, I used to live there, even grew up there, but it’s been 7 years. I used to swim at Brahan Springs Natatorium. It’s a pretty large facility, open to the public. It is a 50m long pool, lots of lanes. I have also swam at the Jim Williams facility, but it is a lot smaller, and darker. The Natatorium has plexiglass ceilings, so its brighter. I’d recommend the Natatorium.

http://www.ci.huntsville.al.us/recreation/aquatic.php

Anyway, not sure how mobile you are. The Natatorium is probably 5 mins from downtown, the Jim Williams facility is closer and technically in the downtown area.

As far as running, I don’t think Huntsville has any running trails near downtown. But there are some nicer neiborhoods to run it. If you are staying downtown, just head out your motel and head East or South to stick to the nicer parts. If you go to far North, or West, you get into yucky running habitat.

The best bet is to head east from downtown and cross one of the busy streets into some of those hilly neighborhoods. Sorry I can’t be more specific. It’s been awhile.

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You pretty much have to go through the Natatorium. I was there for 6 weeks visiting Redstone last year and it was after Labor day so all the post pools were closed. The only one I found was the Natatorium. But this is the same pool that everyone shares (High schools, masters and what not). Gonna have to find the best time to go.

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Thanks.

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There is a nice indoor pool (25 meters) in Madison at Dublin Park. Below is a link. I typically swim at Dublin Park because the Natatorium can get pretty crowded–especially if the swim team is practicing. Dublin Park is close to Redstone Arsenal.

http://www.ci.madison.al.us/events/dublinindoorpoolschedule_11-13-4-30.pdf

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If you’re staying downtown you can follow the marks on the road for the Rocket City Marathon course. I was just there a few weeks ago … yellow arrows with a block “M”. It’s easy to follow for an out-and-back for however long you need. The start is just a couple blocks from the Holiday Inn and Embassy Suites. You can also do a Google search for the Huntsville running club and Rocket City marathon to find a course map.

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I live in Huntsville and work at Univ AL in Huntsville. Shoot me a PM and I will set you up with a free pass to the University Fitness Center (www.universityfitnesscenter.com). pool is included as is a 3 mile running loop with little traffic. pool is 6 lanes/25 yards and I’m in it daily. This is the best fitness center north of Birmingham in the state. I’ll look forward to maybe swimming or running with you.
David K

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Thanks for all the suggestions.

Brian