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  MANDY CHAPMAN For many UCLA students, running the perimeter is a more exciting alternative to circling the track at Drake Stadium.

By Hannah Gordon

Daily Bruin Reporter

Does the term “freshman 15” fill you with fear?

Running laps around the track at Drake Stadium may seem tedious, but so does a Thanksgiving filled with comments like, “You know, I porked up in college, too.” The perimeter (and laying off the doughnuts) may be the answer to your problems.

But what is the perimeter? The perimeter refers to the 4.5-mile edge of UCLA, generally defined as Veteran-Sunset-Hilgard-LeConte. Those who run around the school swear by it.

“I think running is the best way to keep your body in shape and maintain your fitness level,” said sophomore gymnast Angie Dickinson.

Kim Antonio,UCLA’s assistant athletic trainer for women’s basketball, water polo and cross country, agreed on the perimeter’s benefits.

“It has cardiovascular benefits because of the long distance, and it is both anaerobic and aerobic because it is not continuously flat,” she said.

Although some people run the perimeter just for fun, others use it to train more seriously.

“I ran it a lot to train for the L.A. Marathon,” said assistant sports information director Danny Harrington.

Harrington noted that there is an easier and harder direction to run the perimeter, the more difficult being Le Conte, left on Hilgard, left on Sunset, and left on Veteran.

“It’s definitely harder running it one way because it is more uphill. I think most people run it the easy way,” he said.

Although you do not have to be a marathon runner, the perimeter is not for everyone.

“I would recommend it for someone who already runs,” Antonio said. “It isn’t a beginning run unless you jog/walk it.”

Sprinters also avoid the 4.5-mile distance.

“I’m a track and field person and a sprinter so it doesn’t benefit my training,” said sophomore Adia McKinnon, who holds the Pac-10 400m title.

Antonio does not think the risk should prevent the average person from running, however.

“If you are well-trained, there is less risk. If you only run once a week, I wouldn’t recommend the perimeter. Everyone is different. Some may feel it in their shins or ankles or feet,” she said.

Most runners do not seem concerned either.

“I’ll worry about it when I’m old and crippled. I’d rather be in shape now,” said second-year engineering student Joseph Coe.

“I don’t worry about my knees because I don’t need them,” said women’s tennis head coach Stella Sampras.

Her players, however, need their knees, so she keeps them on the track where she can also keep an eye on them so they don’t slack off.

“On the perimeter they breathe too much smog,” added women’s tennis assistant coach Jon Reeves.

Car exhaust and joint issues aside, many people prefer the perimeter to the track because it is more scenic. Perhaps Sampras’ brother, tennis icon Pete Sampras, puts it best.

“Running in circles is boring,” he said.

“The track is monotonous,” agreed second-year undeclared student Myles Regele. “I see a ton of people on the perimeter. Anytime you go, you’ll always find another runner, even at midnight.”

So whether you are looking for company or just trying to keep little sister’s fat jokes at bay, the perimeter might be for you.

TWO WAYS TO RUN THE PERIMETER OF UCLA It is commonly believed that the more difficult route is north on Hilgard and west on Sunset because the inclines are longer and steeper than the reverse direction. Original graphic by VICTOR CHEN/Daily Bruin Web adaptation by MIKE OUYANG/Daily Bruin Senior Staff

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