The loop is one hell of a run. I go up the steep side first, yea it's rough but I'd rather run up a steep hill than run down. That's how you get injured or eat shit. I really like running the Newport Back Bay. It has a lot of rolling hills which are more fun than constantly going up!
Try some of the wacky tabacky before you run to get in that meditated state. LOL...I like to change up my music too. Sometimes I'll get in the zone to some jazz or really mellow music.