Earlier last week I realized that I actually *might* (just a teeny bit) like running marathons. Maybe it’s the challenge. Maybe it’s working hard to reach a goal.
Or maybe it’s to travel.
Why? Running is one of the most intimate ways to get to know a city, and within 3-5 hours (for most people) you get a pretty good tour of the major attractions, without worrying about traffic. Besides the major attractions, you can usually see some of the lesser known parts of the city or the suburbs, too.
A marathon is a half to full day event, so you might as well make it a weekend trip (or longer). Marathoners burn thousands of calories, so it’s also a great reason to splurge at a new restaurant.
Checking my watch sometime towards the end of the L.A. Marathon
When I run the Marine Corps marathon in October 2010, it will be my 4th marathon. San Diego Rock ‘N Roll was my first marathon in June 2007, followed by the Los Angeles marathon in Spring 2008 (both with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training program), and the Athens Marathon in Greece in November 2008.
After finishing the Athens marathon, at the top of the Olympic Stadium with the Parthenon & the Acropolis in the background. Oh and an olive branch in my visor 
I haven’t been to Washington D.C. since high school, and don’t remember very much of it. When I run there in October, I’ll get an up close and personal view, and am actually training and running with a couple friends from high school. D.C. is also close to Delaware, where I grew up, so it will be the first time my mom will be at any of my races! Training starts in February
Photo Credits: LA Marathon photographer, and Eric Lang
9 responses so far ↓
1 Alyssa // Jan 5, 2010 at 8:48 am
That’s a cool idea – running as “sight seeing”! I like it. I ran occasionally when I studied in Rome, always beautiful.
I’m about to register for my 2nd “official” race ever. The first being a 10k in high school that was just miserable for me, I wasn’t well prepared at all. I’m going to do a 5k *baby steps!* in June for Race for the Cure. It will be really awesome to raise money for breast cancer, because it’s affected my family. Also, the race is the day after my birthday, so I figure it’s totally fate that I should run!
2 Amiee // Jan 5, 2010 at 6:59 pm
I’ve loved traveling to places for races but I always seem to tire myself out exploring the area before the race – ughhh.
3 Candice // Jan 6, 2010 at 6:04 am
Dude, I wish I were half as fit as you. I admire marathon runners…I stall out after running for 25 minutes. Super cool way to travel.
4 AdventureRob // Jan 6, 2010 at 5:34 pm
I’ve never thought of running as sight seeing before, I’d be tempted to bring my camera along, it would make for some interesting photos anyway.
I’ve never given a marathon or even half-marathon a go, doubt I have the stamina for it, but it’s on the ‘one day’ to-do list
5 Stephanie // Jan 7, 2010 at 4:31 pm
DC is awesome! I think you will enjoy it, October is a pretty month as well.
I am a giant couch potato so I totally admire you!
6 Abbie // Jan 7, 2010 at 5:13 pm
@Alyssa – woot – congrats on the race!
@Candice & Stephanie – my 8 month training plan takes it super slow, and I do a body-saving run/walk program… you could totally lose the couch potato-ness if you wanted (hint hint)
@Amiee – I have to pull myself away from the expo to avoid that from happening before races lol
@Rob – I actually did carry a camera with me in Greece because I’m not trying to win or qualify for Boston, so why not snap a few once-in-a-lifetime pics?
7 Cathey // Jan 15, 2010 at 8:53 pm
Wow, you’re my hero. I had running forced on me because of the military, and when I got out, I hid from it for a year just because I could. I’ve been considering recently (due to the great weather) to get back into it on my own terms but am at a loss. Even bought a new pair of Mizunos just to inspire myself! These pics and the sight-seeing tips might be just enough to nudge me! Awesome.
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