Like most runners, I have participated in local runs and had a great experience with them. However, a small part of us always dreams of going a little further away to some exotic and exciting place and joining in a race that just matches our personality so well. We develop race bucket lists based on these desires knowing that the reality of actually accomplishing them would be unlikely at best. Wanting to experience both the new place and run while at it has created this new concept of "racecations." In considering where I would like to go and what I would like to race, below is my top five dream racecations.
1. Star Wars Half Marathon - I will be the first to admit it - I LOVE Star Wars! Ever since I was little, the movies (specifically the original trilogy) have always been my favorite. When I heard that Disney was hosting a race that combined both my favorite movies and running through the most magical place on earth, I was totally stoked. Sadly, between the finances to accomplish this run and not really being able to take time off from teacher to go in the middle of April, this racecation will have to remain on my list until I'm closer to retirement...in like 30 years.
2. Avengers Half Marathon - In the various travels I have done, the furthest west I have ever ventured has been Arizona. Yet, a place I would always like to go some day is California and pay a visit to Disney Land. And if I'm going to be at that park, how could I pass up the opportunity to appease my superhero-loving self and run in the Avengers Half Marathon? Now if only I had Captain America's build....
3. Big Sur Half Marathon - Every picture I have seen of the West Coast presents it as absolutely stunning. And from what I can tell, many races seem to take advantage of this gorgeous landscape. As an East Coaster, I would love to make it to the other side of the country to admire the Pacific while running the Big Sur Half Marathon. From what I have heard about the race, it is on a vast number of runners' bucket list and I figure I might as well add it to mine. Running while hearing the crashing of the sea sounds so soothing and enjoyable.
4. Boston Half Marathon - I first heard about the Boston Half Marathon when I was speaking to another runner this past summer. In the other runner being someone who has never done a full marathon, he told me that the experience of at least running on the same course as the famous race was really exciting. And with Boston not being that far away (my wife has gone there by train), I would like to see this famous and historic city. Maybe when things align, I'll finally get that chance!
5. Dublin Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon - I couldn't have a list of dream racecations without including an international experience. When my wife and I were planning our honeymoon, Ireland had been in the discussion right up until we made plans (decided to go with Rome instead). Consequently, I still want to visit the birth place of my great-grandparents. While there, I would like to make it to Dublin and run my first Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon. The Rock 'n' Roll series always sounds like a great time, so why not do it internationally.
So that is my top five racecations I would love to take, What is one of your dream racecations?
Happy running!
Sean
You hit three of my top choices for race-cations. Big Sur looks super tough but it'd be so worth every muscle fiber being torn to see those vistas. One day I'll definitely do it. And the rundisney races are a given.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Haley. Challenging courses just make the experience that much more memorable!
DeleteYour dream racecations all look like lots of fun. I live very near Disneyland and go there often but have never run one of their races. I did sign up for the Big Sur Half Marathon (it was actually in Monterey Bay though) but I was hurt so I just stayed on my camping trip in Big Sur and that was amazing! The coastline up there is so different than the coast down here (SoCal). I would love to run in Boston as well. I've only been there once and I loved every single thing about all the different areas (and the food) and had a great time getting from place to place on the T! Racing/visiting Dublin would, I'm sure, be quite an experience. For this post, I researched all these running cruises and now that's what I want to do. I don't actually see that happening anytime soon but hey, a runner can dream right?!
ReplyDeleteI figure might as well have a bucket list, since you never know when the opportunity may arise! I'm also glad you found something of use from my post.
DeleteI have run the Big Sur Marathon in April and that was great! I would love to run the half sometime in November. The views are just amazing!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to some day make it to the West Coast and see all the views!
DeleteI highly support your dream to run both the Star Wars and Avengers halves! I LOVE both races (well- I haven't run SW East yet, but I ran SW West last year). May the Course Be With You.
ReplyDeleteI highly support your dream to run both the Star Wars and Avengers halves! I LOVE both races (well- I haven't run SW East yet, but I ran SW West last year). May the Course Be With You.
ReplyDeleteThanks Patty! And I may have to use that tagline in a post when The Force Awakens comes out in two weeks.
Deletethe big sur marathon is on my list! i didn't get into the lottery for 2016 but i'm hoping for 2017!
ReplyDeleteHere's to hoping next year you get to cross it off your list!
Delete