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The Leaning Tower

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The Leaning Tower

A run through Pisa, along the banks of the River Arno in Italy’s Tuscany region

Terrell Johnson
Aug 31, 2021
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The Leaning Tower

www.thehalfmarathoner.com

Maratona di Pisa

Pisa, Italy | Sunday, December 19, 2021

Nestled along the banks of the River Arno in Italy’s Tuscany region, this ancient city — archaeological digs have found evidence of people living in a city here as far back as the 5th century B.C. — plays host to a gorgeous run that finishes in front of its iconic leaning tower, built between the 1100s and the late 1300s. From the starting line in the city, the course runs past majestic cathedrals and crosses over the Arno, taking those running the full marathon out for a stretch along the shoreline of the Ligurian Sea. The half marathon unfolds along the riverbanks in the second half, all the way back into the city for the finish in front of the tower.

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A great running read

Ali Montag, a writer and journalist (who interviewed me earlier this summer) writes for Well + Good about what it’s like to start running completely from scratch — in Texas, in the summer:

“I needed something to throw myself into, something to strive toward. The act of running — hurtling forward, leaving the past behind — seemed suddenly appealing. Never mind that I hate running. Other people like it. Ambitious people run. Successful people run. The sidewalk is available and free to use. How hard could it be?”

I think you’ll love it 👍

Twitter avatar for @ali_montag
Ali Montag @ali_montag
I (an uncoordinated, non-athletic person) ran one mile every day for the month of August. It was terrible. Here's an essay about why running isn't *about running*
wellandgood.comRunning a Mile for 31 Days Straight Helped Me Feel Unstuck | Well+GoodRunning a mile every day for one month helped me get unstuck and allowed me to practice discipline and achieve a short-term goal.
3:22 PM ∙ Aug 30, 2021
97Likes8Retweets

Words to run by

“In the time of your life, live — so that in that good time there shall be no ugliness or death for yourself or for any life your life touches. Seek goodness everywhere, and when it is found, bring it out of its hiding-place and let it be free and unashamed... In the time of your life, live — so that in that wondrous time you shall not add to the misery and sorrow of the world, but shall smile to the infinite delight and mystery of it.”

— William Saroyan

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The Leaning Tower

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LarryH
Sep 1, 2021Liked by Terrell Johnson

I love the quote by W. Saroyan. I don't think I've read one so precise on how we all should aspire to live. Most of us do try I believe, but I've seen human garbage in my 58 yrs as I'm sure we all have. It makes me sad. Those types are usually uneducated or uncaring and often both. Glad I can forget this when I bike or run. Thanks Terrell.

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Brian Pillsbury
Aug 31, 2021Liked by Terrell Johnson

Pisa looks beautiful, the article was funny and honest, and the words to run by encourage me to stay on a good path. I listened to the interview and I am eating at your restaurant every day brother. Keep up the good work and thank you.

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