I don't need to point out that Vancouverites are spoiled. With so many stunning forest, mountain and waterfront trails to choose from, it can be tricky to decide where to run.

One of my tried and tested runs goes from Jericho Beach to Spanish Banks and back. My family terms this the pond-anchor-pond in reference to the landmarks at either end. The path is mostly gravel, so a bit softer on the knees than traditional pavement.

I love to do this run in the morning. You first run west, as the sky behind you brightens. About 3.5km later, you about-face at the large anchor (a sculpture commemorating early Spanish explorers in the region) and run towards the rising sun, and the pink-and-gold splendor of the glowing downtown buildings. The whole run is a hair more than 7km.

See the route.