It’s Friday, it’s the end of a LOOOOONNG week (at least it has been for me!) and I’m ready to ease into the weekend with a little lightness, a little rest and some relaxation. How about you? 😃
One thing that always fascinates me when I travel is seeing different cities’ running cultures — how big running is there, as well as the different places each offers to go for a great run, whether it’s on the streets or outside the city itself and in nature, on the trails.
What have you found to be great running cities, either where you live or a place you’ve traveled? Let’s hear all about it. — Terrell
I love the reminders of a couple of my favorite running places here! The one I haven't seen is the outskirts of Thies, Senegal and the trails near the beach in Dakar.
San Francisco...Golden Gate Park, The Great Highway, over the Golden Gate Bridge, The Presidio, along the Embarcadero (the waterfront) and hills, hills hills.
Love the Bay Area. Glad someone else appreciates the West Coast. Just got on the waiting list for the 2022 Half over the Bay Bridge. Should be a lot of Fun!
The trails between Rehoboth Beach and Lewes (DE) along Gordons Pond Trail is great! Once you get to Lewes you can continue on a Rails to Trails that goes on and on. I try to run there every time I visit DE, where I grew up. The Rehoboth marathon/ half marathon uses some of this.
Have to second recommendations for American Tobacco Trail (ATT) here in the Chapel Hill-Raleigh-Durham area. HOWEVER...I'll make a plug for many midwestern cities, including Omaha. Yes, the weather can be bad and the wind can be horrible, and there are hills, but....there are sidewalks! Never thought I'd appreciate something so basic until I moved to North Carolina where the idea seems to be that you risk life and limb running on the road edge and hope that some NASCAR wannabe doesn't smack you as they race by. ATT is an excellent choice, but if you can't get to that, running any of the major streets here is a risk.
It may not sound exotic, but in Florida, they have a mulitude of paved trails along side the ocean... Being origionally from Minnesota, anytime I can run where it's not below zero and can look out at the water I'm there... the water calms me and I forget everything that's bothering me and just enjoy being there... Now if I could only buy a place on the water, that's my dream...
I LOVE running in NYÇ, I try to incorporate Central Park (or at least a part of it) into my running loop. The energy in NYC is infectious and I have found that when I'm visiting the city, that energy translates to really great run times. :-) I also just signed up to run the Bay Bridge 10-miler this October. That should be pretty epic!
When I want to do some hill work I go to Berryessa Park and run up the tree lined trail along the creek to Alum Rock park in San Jose. It's pretty, mostly away from traffic, usually cooler, and and there's a nice view of the valley if you go all the way to the top trail.
I've yet to run on them, but the pictures of the system of gravel carriage roads in Acadia National Park in Maine look amazing. I understand for decades folks have been flying in from all over to attend running camps there.
Long Beach has endless miles of paths along the beaches and rivers mean you never have to run on sidewalks or near a car.
Lots of parks with paths as well as water fountains and bathrooms when you need them.
Perfect running weather about 350 days a year.
Half a dozen active running clubs that are big enough (some regularly get 100 people) that you will find someone your pace no matter how fast or slow you want to run that day.
Public track for speed work plus schools where some of the clubs get permission to meet.
A marathon & half that used to be a lot better but is still a fun event with close to 10,000 participants.
Several other shorter events through out the year, including one of the best 10 mile runs you will find anywhere.
A short drive from the mountains for serious hill work, trail running & hiking.
Next door to the city of Signal Hill for regular hill work outs.
Basically every weekend there is a half marathon within driving distance either in LA to the north or Orange County to the south.
Cal State Long Beach has had a strong track program as well.
It’s been a few years now but when I lived in Houston, I ran every day along the track around Hermann Park and over to the trail around Rice. Had to hit the trails early though due to the heat, but these were great to run on, tree-lined and friendly fellow runners.
I'm a person that runs loops. There is mental barrier for me running out and back on the same path (I'll do it, but it doesn't feel right, like why the heck would I go out this way just to come back). So I live in Denver and thankfully there are some good loops. If visiting, try Washington Park, Sloan's Lake, City Park, and Cheesman Park. They all have loops from less than a mile to over 3 miles and usually there are plenty of other runners so you are not lonely.
So glad you are back! Your newsletter seems like the only one that I get anymore that has any thought to it. Most of the others have gone into the unsubscribe pile as not worthy of my time.
Seems like I'll be over the Golden Gate again this year. I'm signed up, but I don't know how. Enough slacking off and back to training. . . :)
I have enjoyed running in Indianapolis because there is great crowd support and a flat surface. Plus the neighborhoods and sites are great! For those interested in a Boston qualifier it is definitely worthy for that race! I believe it was a spring run that we ran on the Indy race track which was cool!
I love running in all different cities/states/countries, but a few favorites- Tel Aviv running along the Mediterranean, Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast , all kinds of narrow streets, and , oddly enough, Las Vegas. I run early and what sites you see on the strip at any hour!!
John. Yes Chicago is a great place to run. Before my cousin & his wife moved back to Michigan . Beth & I did the women’s only 10k . I would always get a run or two in when we went. Love that city.
My favorite place to run is the American Tobacco Trail in North Carolina's Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) area. Scenic, foot friendly, always a tad cooler than the surrounding area and great for PR's because it's so flat. Not to mention great transition from woods to suburbs to downtowns.
I'd LOVE to run that trail sometime -- have read about it, and it reminds me a little of the Silver Comet Trail here just outside Atlanta where I live. Have you ever run any of the races they run on the trail?
Yes, I have run the Tobacco Trail Half Marathon (I think it's the biggest half in NC) and the 10-miler organized by the NC road runners club multiple times.
Hi everyone! This is maybe kind of cheating because it's really not urban running, but I adored trail running in Tucson Mountain Park (still technically in the city boundaries!) It doesn't get a lot of use so is very meditative, is covered in saguaros and other cool plants, and the trails fan out a long way. As for true city adventures; I've enjoyed a chilly morning or evening run in the Capitol area in D.C., choosing my direction based on whichever pedestrian crossings had the green light. It's really pretty when the city is dressed up for the winter holidays.
It's not cheating at all! Actually I LOVE hearing about places like this, because they're only the kinds of places you'd hear from someone who's actually been there and run them -- they'd never appear in a guidebook, you know? 😃
My favorite place to run is Mackinac Island in Michigan. In 2018 I did my final 20 mile training run for the Detroit Marathon. Starting before sunrise, it was so nice to see the sun coming up. I also saw the island coming alive with workers and tourist.
This is my favorite place to run even doing shorter early morning runs
I have very fond memories of running on Mackinac every day when I worked there over thirty years ago!! I would plunge into the lake now and then for relief from the heat. The inland neighborhood was also very inspiring.
We have met very nice people (students) working on the Island. Enjoy chatting with them and learning about their journeys. We always said one day we will stay . Btwn 15-20 years of pre fall get away. Last year was the first time we missed. Where did you work? I understand the 4 back miles of the 8 mile circle was damaged in the winter. Cannot go into that area or fined. Enjoy your runs wherever they are.
I'd love to get back there, and one of the runs you mention in a later post could provide just the excuse, thank you! I worked at the Chippewa Hotel, a small place at the end of town on the water. We all lived in a big old house down the street and rotated jobs weekly. One of the jobs was "fly patrol" and all we did all week was swat flies!
Yikes fly patrol. I believe we’ve had dinner at the hotel restaurant. If your in the Metro Detroit area, I Direct the Blue Ribbon Run for Child Abuse Awareness sponsored by the Trenton Exchange club. 8/26/21 Woodhaven Community Center. 5K get the “Hill” this year. Would love to have you join us. Blue Ribbon Run Runsignup. com Live this year 😀🏃♀️🏃🏻♂️
They have 3 organized runs. The lilac run in spring , Island 8 miler weekend after Labor Day& the turtle run last weekend in October, before they close for the season. I’ve done the 8 miler the island is 8 miles around. Cool running from Mission Point people lining the streets through town. Then just you the runners & beautiful scenery. Would like to do the other 2. Our favorite hotel is the Island House.
Being from Chicagoland.....I love it when I am "home"......my first race was a 5K done on the Saturday morning before the Chicago Marathon running with "real" runners!!! Since then I have only run in Chicago and Minneapolis in the Hot Chocolate Races (always the most fun in Chicago) .......this November if all goes well I will return to Chicago to Run the Hot Chocolate 15K.........I ran the the Chicago Virtual Half Marathon Last year in my home town of Shell Lake WI.......I am blessed with great roads and trails that swirl around the Lake............if it is in God's plan for me I hope to be able to run the Chicago Marathon in 2022.........at 73 it will be a thrill for sure. Sounds like we all have great spots to run on a daily basis and places we dream of running!!!!
Hi Marianne. I was just in Lombard this past weekend and discovered/ran at Herrick Lake Nature Preserve. It was so beautiful and such a great place to run with miles of wide, shaded, crushed limestone paths. Good luck with your next big run.
Always fall.........we seem to luck out with great weather, there is a Half on the south side in September, the Chicago Marathon in October and the Hot Chocolate in early November..........Spring can be nice but if a storm comes in off the lake it is bitter........Summer is hot with all the pavement and buildings.........Winters are usually pretty cold and nasty.........Always good is the food!!!!!
Good Morning. Awesome topic. I am enjoying reading other peoples posts.
Prettiest run was on Stone Mountain GA in the Fall. Leaves were changing and the air was crisp. I haven't been many places but always love going for a run to explore the area. Sometimes you can see more on foot than in a car.
I agree, that 4 1/2 mile loop around the mountain is great, and bonus points for running up the trail to the summit to see sunrise. That is my favorite run in Atlanta.
Charleston, SC is good if you know where to run. Running downtown is dicey because the sidewalks are often uneven; running outside of downtown is dangerous because often there are no sidewalks or even shoulders. One solution is running in residential areas, especially with other runners. (There are several great running clubs in the city!)
The best places to run IMO are in one of the several excellent county parks, or on the Ravenel Bridge, which has a dedicated pedestrian/cyclist lane, separated from the traffic by a concrete barrier. It's a bit loud, but fine with a good playlist, and there's a beautiful view.
Typically assigned to military bases. My favorite for running by far was NSF Diego Garcia. Super dark at night but lots of trail roads. Very quite. USAGKA Kwajalein wasn't bad. Caught in the rain, more than once. Lately I run out near NSF Redzikowo in Poland. Running in the mid-east is tolerable but not any fun.
Chicago. Generous pike bath along the lake. You get great skyline vistas and views of the lake. Milwaukee. Beautiful bike path with views of the city and the lake.
My best running places are places I've run and suffered and overcome. I have run so many routes around where I live when I drive in the car to go places I am reminiscing about runs through these areas. I keep this to myself so as not to annoy others in the car... My favorite place to run to date is in Petoskey MI along Lake Michigan cliffs looking down at the water. Time and miles just went by unnoticed as I enjoyed the scenery. It was like being on a different planet for awhile.
i do most of my running in the dc/md/va area and fall and spring running here is really pleasant. you can run in woods or places with scenic views and then also run through downtown areas where there is always something to see. we do have our hills though so running an all flat course is nearly impossible but hey, you earn your beer:)
That reminds me of here where I am in Atlanta -- the time to run (outside) here is definitely the spring and the fall, though the winter can be nice too when it's not too cold/icy. DC has lots of great parks to run in too, doesn't it?
yes gorgeous wooded trails. i don't live as close to there as i used to but the capital crescent and georgetown branch trails were fabulous for marathon training back in the day.
The Monterey Peninsula. Beautiful oceanfront trails along the rocky shoreline and through coastal forests. Flat or hilly…your choice!
I love the reminders of a couple of my favorite running places here! The one I haven't seen is the outskirts of Thies, Senegal and the trails near the beach in Dakar.
San Francisco...Golden Gate Park, The Great Highway, over the Golden Gate Bridge, The Presidio, along the Embarcadero (the waterfront) and hills, hills hills.
Love the Bay Area. Glad someone else appreciates the West Coast. Just got on the waiting list for the 2022 Half over the Bay Bridge. Should be a lot of Fun!
The trails between Rehoboth Beach and Lewes (DE) along Gordons Pond Trail is great! Once you get to Lewes you can continue on a Rails to Trails that goes on and on. I try to run there every time I visit DE, where I grew up. The Rehoboth marathon/ half marathon uses some of this.
San Diego shoreline👍👍Seattle is beautiful along the coast as well
Love it!!!
Have to second recommendations for American Tobacco Trail (ATT) here in the Chapel Hill-Raleigh-Durham area. HOWEVER...I'll make a plug for many midwestern cities, including Omaha. Yes, the weather can be bad and the wind can be horrible, and there are hills, but....there are sidewalks! Never thought I'd appreciate something so basic until I moved to North Carolina where the idea seems to be that you risk life and limb running on the road edge and hope that some NASCAR wannabe doesn't smack you as they race by. ATT is an excellent choice, but if you can't get to that, running any of the major streets here is a risk.
It may not sound exotic, but in Florida, they have a mulitude of paved trails along side the ocean... Being origionally from Minnesota, anytime I can run where it's not below zero and can look out at the water I'm there... the water calms me and I forget everything that's bothering me and just enjoy being there... Now if I could only buy a place on the water, that's my dream...
I LOVE running in NYÇ, I try to incorporate Central Park (or at least a part of it) into my running loop. The energy in NYC is infectious and I have found that when I'm visiting the city, that energy translates to really great run times. :-) I also just signed up to run the Bay Bridge 10-miler this October. That should be pretty epic!
I’m so jealous of your Bay Bridge Run!!! You’ll have to tell us how it goes in October 👍
When I want to do some hill work I go to Berryessa Park and run up the tree lined trail along the creek to Alum Rock park in San Jose. It's pretty, mostly away from traffic, usually cooler, and and there's a nice view of the valley if you go all the way to the top trail.
I've yet to run on them, but the pictures of the system of gravel carriage roads in Acadia National Park in Maine look amazing. I understand for decades folks have been flying in from all over to attend running camps there.
Acadia! Love it.
Long Beach, CA. You can run along the shoreline and they have one of the best marathon/half marathon event in the fall of the year.
Agreed!
Long Beach has endless miles of paths along the beaches and rivers mean you never have to run on sidewalks or near a car.
Lots of parks with paths as well as water fountains and bathrooms when you need them.
Perfect running weather about 350 days a year.
Half a dozen active running clubs that are big enough (some regularly get 100 people) that you will find someone your pace no matter how fast or slow you want to run that day.
Public track for speed work plus schools where some of the clubs get permission to meet.
A marathon & half that used to be a lot better but is still a fun event with close to 10,000 participants.
Several other shorter events through out the year, including one of the best 10 mile runs you will find anywhere.
A short drive from the mountains for serious hill work, trail running & hiking.
Next door to the city of Signal Hill for regular hill work outs.
Basically every weekend there is a half marathon within driving distance either in LA to the north or Orange County to the south.
Cal State Long Beach has had a strong track program as well.
Yes! Great area.
It’s been a few years now but when I lived in Houston, I ran every day along the track around Hermann Park and over to the trail around Rice. Had to hit the trails early though due to the heat, but these were great to run on, tree-lined and friendly fellow runners.
I'm a person that runs loops. There is mental barrier for me running out and back on the same path (I'll do it, but it doesn't feel right, like why the heck would I go out this way just to come back). So I live in Denver and thankfully there are some good loops. If visiting, try Washington Park, Sloan's Lake, City Park, and Cheesman Park. They all have loops from less than a mile to over 3 miles and usually there are plenty of other runners so you are not lonely.
San Francisco, CA. . .over the Golden Gate! Amazing to run over the water and look out over the Pacific.
So glad you are back! Your newsletter seems like the only one that I get anymore that has any thought to it. Most of the others have gone into the unsubscribe pile as not worthy of my time.
Seems like I'll be over the Golden Gate again this year. I'm signed up, but I don't know how. Enough slacking off and back to training. . . :)
Thank you SO much, Nilima! You are incredibly kind. I'm so glad you still love it!! I still love writing it too.
Writing is tough. I've done it for several magazines. One of those things that has to come from the heart to make it ring true. :)
Fayetteville, AR
Fayetteville is fantastic for running! I had the chance to visit there several years ago -- a beautiful place.
I have enjoyed running in Indianapolis because there is great crowd support and a flat surface. Plus the neighborhoods and sites are great! For those interested in a Boston qualifier it is definitely worthy for that race! I believe it was a spring run that we ran on the Indy race track which was cool!
I love running in all different cities/states/countries, but a few favorites- Tel Aviv running along the Mediterranean, Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast , all kinds of narrow streets, and , oddly enough, Las Vegas. I run early and what sites you see on the strip at any hour!!
John. Yes Chicago is a great place to run. Before my cousin & his wife moved back to Michigan . Beth & I did the women’s only 10k . I would always get a run or two in when we went. Love that city.
My favorite place to run is the American Tobacco Trail in North Carolina's Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) area. Scenic, foot friendly, always a tad cooler than the surrounding area and great for PR's because it's so flat. Not to mention great transition from woods to suburbs to downtowns.
I'd LOVE to run that trail sometime -- have read about it, and it reminds me a little of the Silver Comet Trail here just outside Atlanta where I live. Have you ever run any of the races they run on the trail?
Yes, I have run the Tobacco Trail Half Marathon (I think it's the biggest half in NC) and the 10-miler organized by the NC road runners club multiple times.
Hi everyone! This is maybe kind of cheating because it's really not urban running, but I adored trail running in Tucson Mountain Park (still technically in the city boundaries!) It doesn't get a lot of use so is very meditative, is covered in saguaros and other cool plants, and the trails fan out a long way. As for true city adventures; I've enjoyed a chilly morning or evening run in the Capitol area in D.C., choosing my direction based on whichever pedestrian crossings had the green light. It's really pretty when the city is dressed up for the winter holidays.
It's not cheating at all! Actually I LOVE hearing about places like this, because they're only the kinds of places you'd hear from someone who's actually been there and run them -- they'd never appear in a guidebook, you know? 😃
My favorite place to run is Mackinac Island in Michigan. In 2018 I did my final 20 mile training run for the Detroit Marathon. Starting before sunrise, it was so nice to see the sun coming up. I also saw the island coming alive with workers and tourist.
This is my favorite place to run even doing shorter early morning runs
I have very fond memories of running on Mackinac every day when I worked there over thirty years ago!! I would plunge into the lake now and then for relief from the heat. The inland neighborhood was also very inspiring.
We have met very nice people (students) working on the Island. Enjoy chatting with them and learning about their journeys. We always said one day we will stay . Btwn 15-20 years of pre fall get away. Last year was the first time we missed. Where did you work? I understand the 4 back miles of the 8 mile circle was damaged in the winter. Cannot go into that area or fined. Enjoy your runs wherever they are.
I'd love to get back there, and one of the runs you mention in a later post could provide just the excuse, thank you! I worked at the Chippewa Hotel, a small place at the end of town on the water. We all lived in a big old house down the street and rotated jobs weekly. One of the jobs was "fly patrol" and all we did all week was swat flies!
Yikes fly patrol. I believe we’ve had dinner at the hotel restaurant. If your in the Metro Detroit area, I Direct the Blue Ribbon Run for Child Abuse Awareness sponsored by the Trenton Exchange club. 8/26/21 Woodhaven Community Center. 5K get the “Hill” this year. Would love to have you join us. Blue Ribbon Run Runsignup. com Live this year 😀🏃♀️🏃🏻♂️
I would love to do the Run for Child Abuse Awareness but we have an event on August 26. Thanks for letting me know about it, though. Maybe next time.
That sounds beautiful.......I need to try that.........not that far a trip for me!!!!!
Bring your head ligh. It’s dark when you start early. But sunrise is worth it.
I want to go to Mackinac Island one of these days!
Bucket List. Great Running & Fudge!
They have 3 organized runs. The lilac run in spring , Island 8 miler weekend after Labor Day& the turtle run last weekend in October, before they close for the season. I’ve done the 8 miler the island is 8 miles around. Cool running from Mission Point people lining the streets through town. Then just you the runners & beautiful scenery. Would like to do the other 2. Our favorite hotel is the Island House.
Being from Chicagoland.....I love it when I am "home"......my first race was a 5K done on the Saturday morning before the Chicago Marathon running with "real" runners!!! Since then I have only run in Chicago and Minneapolis in the Hot Chocolate Races (always the most fun in Chicago) .......this November if all goes well I will return to Chicago to Run the Hot Chocolate 15K.........I ran the the Chicago Virtual Half Marathon Last year in my home town of Shell Lake WI.......I am blessed with great roads and trails that swirl around the Lake............if it is in God's plan for me I hope to be able to run the Chicago Marathon in 2022.........at 73 it will be a thrill for sure. Sounds like we all have great spots to run on a daily basis and places we dream of running!!!!
Hi Marianne. I was just in Lombard this past weekend and discovered/ran at Herrick Lake Nature Preserve. It was so beautiful and such a great place to run with miles of wide, shaded, crushed limestone paths. Good luck with your next big run.
Thank you....so many great spots all over this country!!!
You go girl. Do the Marathon no matter if you do it in 3 or 6 hrs.( my time for all 4), do it.
Thank you.........unfortunately my time is the 6 hour time.......but that is OK........just being there is an amazing experience!!!!
We could run together. I do a run/ walk. 🏃♀️🏃♀️😀
You can do it, Marianne! I haven't been to Chicago in decades but loved it. What's your favorite season for running there?
Always fall.........we seem to luck out with great weather, there is a Half on the south side in September, the Chicago Marathon in October and the Hot Chocolate in early November..........Spring can be nice but if a storm comes in off the lake it is bitter........Summer is hot with all the pavement and buildings.........Winters are usually pretty cold and nasty.........Always good is the food!!!!!
It will be a thrill, Marianne!
Good Morning. Awesome topic. I am enjoying reading other peoples posts.
Prettiest run was on Stone Mountain GA in the Fall. Leaves were changing and the air was crisp. I haven't been many places but always love going for a run to explore the area. Sometimes you can see more on foot than in a car.
I agree, that 4 1/2 mile loop around the mountain is great, and bonus points for running up the trail to the summit to see sunrise. That is my favorite run in Atlanta.
I've got to get out there in the fall -- I'd actually LOVE to do a sunrise run there.
Charleston, SC is good if you know where to run. Running downtown is dicey because the sidewalks are often uneven; running outside of downtown is dangerous because often there are no sidewalks or even shoulders. One solution is running in residential areas, especially with other runners. (There are several great running clubs in the city!)
The best places to run IMO are in one of the several excellent county parks, or on the Ravenel Bridge, which has a dedicated pedestrian/cyclist lane, separated from the traffic by a concrete barrier. It's a bit loud, but fine with a good playlist, and there's a beautiful view.
Pasadena. Specifically the loop around the Rose Bowl.
Typically assigned to military bases. My favorite for running by far was NSF Diego Garcia. Super dark at night but lots of trail roads. Very quite. USAGKA Kwajalein wasn't bad. Caught in the rain, more than once. Lately I run out near NSF Redzikowo in Poland. Running in the mid-east is tolerable but not any fun.
Least favorite: a 10k in Riyadh when stationed in Saudi Arabia, 117 in the shade (except there wasn’t any).
Chicago. Generous pike bath along the lake. You get great skyline vistas and views of the lake. Milwaukee. Beautiful bike path with views of the city and the lake.
Coach Q!!! Great to see you my man.
Hey Terrell!! Thanks for the great feed question!! I've been fortunate to run all over this wonderful country of ours. So many great cities to run!!
My best running places are places I've run and suffered and overcome. I have run so many routes around where I live when I drive in the car to go places I am reminiscing about runs through these areas. I keep this to myself so as not to annoy others in the car... My favorite place to run to date is in Petoskey MI along Lake Michigan cliffs looking down at the water. Time and miles just went by unnoticed as I enjoyed the scenery. It was like being on a different planet for awhile.
"I keep this to myself so as not to annoy others in the car." 😂 I love this... and it can be SO hard to do.
Agreed!!!
i do most of my running in the dc/md/va area and fall and spring running here is really pleasant. you can run in woods or places with scenic views and then also run through downtown areas where there is always something to see. we do have our hills though so running an all flat course is nearly impossible but hey, you earn your beer:)
That reminds me of here where I am in Atlanta -- the time to run (outside) here is definitely the spring and the fall, though the winter can be nice too when it's not too cold/icy. DC has lots of great parks to run in too, doesn't it?
yes gorgeous wooded trails. i don't live as close to there as i used to but the capital crescent and georgetown branch trails were fabulous for marathon training back in the day.
Chicago is a great place to run. Last time I was there I ran on the track along the lake. Beautiful