Back on the Running the Alphabet challenge this week. Actually, in some ways, the second half of the alphabet was easier than the first, though many places are close to home. In fact, I’d have multiples of some letters if I wanted. But then, there is X. As I start writing this, I’m still searching my brain for that X location. Here’s what I came up with for M-Z.
Running the Alphabet: M-Z
Mill Valley – I’ve been to other ‘M’ cities but since we were just in Mill Valley a couple of months ago the memories are fresh. We loved it! We ran the Dipsea trail (twice), visited San Francisco three times (including two Giants games), and just generally chilled out in the much cooler weather which was just what we needed. As a side note, did you know that the Dipsea trail starts with about 680 steps? You do if you saw my reels.
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Nice, France – Alan and I stayed in Nice when we were on our honeymoon. We were just there for a few days and we liked it but it felt almost like any beach city that I’ve been to. We did have a couple of nice runs along the coast though.
Orléans, France – Orléans was one of the cities we traveled to after running our first Paris Marathon. We rented a car and took off to the Loire Valley. We didn’t run too much since we had just finished the marathon but we did take a short recovery run in Orléans,
Paris, France – I could write a whole post about running in Paris (actually I have here, here, and here). in addition to running the Paris Marathon twice, we also went there for our honeymoon.
La Quinta – I’m sure that after I publish this post I will suddenly remember all the ‘Q’ cities I’ve run in. But because I can’t at the moment I’m going to use my home town of La Quinta (cheating a little bit but La does mean the so…). If you follow me on Instagram you’ve seen all the beautiful running that my home has to offer. My favorite runs are on the trails which start just a half mile from my house.
Redondo Beach – For several years, Alan announced the Super Bowl 10k in Redondo Beach. I never ran the race but I would go for a run along the coast while he worked.
San Francisco, CA – Running in San Francisco is, well, challenging. This is probably why I’ve run the San Francisco Marathon or Half Marathon about seven or eight times. You can expect a lot of hills. But you also get to run over the Golden Gate Bridge and through many of the interesting districts of the city. And in my first SF marathon, in 1997, we got to finish in Kezar Stadium, which was the former home of both the San Francisco 49ers and the Oakland Raiders. Finishing on a track in a stadium, even when you’re struggling in mile 26, makes you feel like an Olympic athlete.
Temecula, CA – Temecula is close to home (about an hour and a half away) but I’ve run some fun half marathons there, including the only trail race I’ve run since before covid.
Utah – Alan and I visited Zion National Park in Utah after the St. George Marathon one year. We didn’t exactly run (we hiked a bit) but finding a “U” place was hard so I’m going with it.
Vegas – Cheating again a little bit. Running in Las Vegas is not the most exciting experience. If you’re staying on the strip your options are pretty concrete (lol). This video is from at least 10 years ago. It was summer. I mention (a couple of times) that it is in the 90s at 6 am. The challenge, besides the heat, is the multiple staircases that take you to bridges to cross the strip. Also, all the drunk people who want to high-five you as you go by.
Waikiki, HI – Okay, cheating again. Yes, I ran in Waikiki during the Honolulu Marathon but the race covered a lot of other places in Oahu. This was my first marathon. I loved it so much that I went back six more times. Not that I need an excuse to go to Hawaii, but…
Yucca Valley – I had two very interesting running experiences in Yucca Valley. The first was shortly after I met Alan, in 1996. He took me up there to run a 10k and he was going to pace me to a PR. Well he did that (42 minutes and some change) but, since the race was at about 4,000 feet elevation and I was running so hard I basically passed out at the finish line. I actually don’t remember crossing it. I was second overall and Alan still laughs because he knows how bad I felt after the race but I managed to get up twice (overall and age group awards and pose for the newspaper photo).
The other time was shortly after 9/11. A group of runners got together and planned a cross-country run. It started in Boston and finished in LA (basically the planned routes for Flights 11 and 175). You could jump in and run as far as you wanted. Alan and I, plus some other friends from our running club, drove up to 29 Palms and ran about 18 miles, through Yucca Valley. The hard part (aside from the 18 miles) was that a group of Marines joined us for part of the run. They were told to pick up the pace because we were running behind. They did have an RV you could jump on when you needed to catch your breath. And I got to carry the flag for a bit. Quite emotional, especially at that time.
Zuma Beach – Alan has announced the Malibu Half Marathon (and before that the Malibu Marathon), which finishes at Zuma Beach for a long time. I have also worked the race for the last few years. Before I had a job there though, I would go for a run while he was working.
So there it is! Along with last week’s post, my experiences running the alphabet from A-Z (minus X). Have you ever run in an X city?
And Now It’s Time for the Runners’ Roundup!
Weekly Linkups
My weekly linkups! Please stop by and check out all of the great recipes, workouts, and information that all these awesome bloggers share every week!
Meatless Monday with Sarah and Deborah
Inspire Me Monday with Janet
Tuesday Topics with Kim and Zenaida
The Runners’ Roundup with Deborah, Lisa, Jenn, and Me!
The Weekly Run Down with Deborah and Kim
Fit Five Friday with Darlene, Michelle, Renee, Jenn, and Zenaida
Ultimate Coffee Date with Deborah and Coco
So many great places! I loved running in Hawaii and would like to do a marathon there someday. I’ve been. to Vegas a couple of times but I dont think I’ve ever run there (other than maybe on the treadmill).
I’d love to do the Kauai Marathon someday. If I ever do another marathon.
you all have had some fun running adventures in lots of places. Running while traveling is the best isn’t it?!
It really is. These posts have been so great for reminiscing on the travel I’ve done over the years.
Great challenge and great experiences! I love getting to see where everyone runs!
X is a tough one!
There are not a lot of X cities (or places) in this country, that’s for sure.
Great places, Debbie!
That photo of you crossing the line of the Honolulu Marathon – so sweet!
I’d love to cross a marathon line with my husband but unfortunately he only does half marathons. Better than nothing, I guess!