The advent of summer weather may be an inspiration to you to take up a new exercise routine, either to fit into that bathing suit or to get some fresh air. But no novice runner should start with the Green Mountain Relay, a 200-mile race that goes over the hills and through the woods of Vermont.
It's designed for a team, but the high-altitude course, above, is still no slouch, even if you have the maximum competition allowance of 12 runners. (That's still more than a half marathon per person, albeit over two days.)
It's too late to sign up for this year's Green Mountain Rally, but if you hang out in Bennington this weekend cheering on the racers (and buying them pasta dinners), maybe you'll get some tips for 2009?
Sure, nothing beats a relaxing vacation on a tropical island, but sometimes you really need to get out there and do something. How 'bout running one--or all--of these marathons?
Finish off your training soon (you've been training, right?) for the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon on June 1. You'll start with a tour through downtown and the historic Gaslamp Quarter, head around San Diego Bay, and even sneak by Sea World. You'll finish up at the airport but before you fly to your next marathon destination, stick around for a bit to enjoy the sounds of Pat Benatar. Guess that's the Rock 'n' Roll part.
Next, head out to the Big Island of Hawaii. Grab your race packet for the Kilauea Volcano Marathon on July 28. The course has changed a little bit this year thanks to Mother Nature, but it's still considered one of the world's most difficult races. If this sounds a little too intense, just sign up to be a volunteer and hand out water cups.
If you're still going strong after the first two races, catch a flight back to the mainland for The San Francisco Marathon on August 3. You'll start of at the Embarcadero at Mission Street, and run (or limp) along the waterfront, checking out Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf. The highlight of the race is crossing the Golden Gate Bridge while enjoying the beautiful San Francisco Bay. Best of all, this run can qualify you for the Boston Marathon in 2009, if you're still able to walk.
This weekend, the streets of New York get even more harried than usual with the ING New York City Marathon. Saturday, more than 90,000 applicants take to the city's five boroughs. More than two million spectators are expected to stand idly along the sidelines, and more than 315 million people sitting in front of the TV will watch their fellow citizens test the limits of human ability.
Last year's winner, Marilson Gomes dos Santos, will return to compete. Santos wasn't quite the underdog — he wasn't even noticed as a possible contender. Cloaked in anonymity, the Brazilian runner snuck up in mile 19 to reach the finish line first. This time around, professional runners hoping to win a piece of $600,000 in prize money will definitely be keeping an eye out for him. Like 2006, it's still anyone's race. We'll be watching along 5th Avenue. Brunch after?
0 Comments - Add Yours
by egw
