A Running Mom

 

my favorite run

The start of the race is important to me. Sometimes race directors line you up in some random, tight space that feels more like a cattle chute than the beginning of a race that required some training on your part. The Chicago Marathon has a start that is a little like that. The Marine Corps Marathon lacks a bit in the starting arena, too. Both races are phenomenal in total, but the start? Not so fabulous.

For me? The New York City Marathon start is unbelievable. Bam! You’re running over the Verrazano Narrows Bridge. In an instant, your memory-making begins. It won’t matter how well you run that race, there are 2 points in running the New York City Marathon that you won’t ever forget: the start and the finish. 

The Fairfield Half Marathon used to have a start that left quite an impression, too. Same with the Shelter Island 10K. Even the Hoboken 5K (I think?) offers a lasting impression of the neighborhood-all-out-in-the-street-to-support-the-race kind of feeling that makes every runner happy to be out on the course and taking part in the run.

All it takes is a key visual, like a peek at the ocean or a downtown full of spectators, the race gives the runner a feeling of something special; unique; memorable.

What are some of your fave starts of races? Why? What should my half marathon training race?

May your next run be a good one.

Rebecca

Tags: great races, Great starts, Memory-Makers

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 21st, 2009 at 10:49 pm and is filed under Motivation. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.