Category: Active Travel
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Chicago’s Shamrock Shuffle: A Spring Racing Tradition
The unofficial start of spring racing in Chicago There are some races that simply feel like the start of something, and for runners in Chicago, the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle is exactly that. Held every March, the Shamrock Shuffle has become an annual rite of spring in the city.…
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Is the Philadelphia Marathon Flat? My Race Day Experience & What to Expect
The Philadelphia Marathon was my “A” race this autumn, and I’d been looking forward to running it ever since I discovered that its medal contains a little ringing bell! I’d heard from friends that the course was flat, fast and ideal for a PR, and given how much I like…
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Explore Stockholm: Scenic Running Routes You Can’t Miss
Last summer, my husband and I spent ten days in Europe, visiting Stockholm, Tallinn, and Helsinki. In each city, we found time to work out and run, so I thought I’d share a few of our favourite routes. I know I’m super late in posting these, but better late than…
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Philadelphia Marathon Training: An Update
This year I decided that instead of running my favourite marathon, Chicago, I’d take on Philadelphia. I made this choice for a few reasons: I also decided that after a few years of self-coaching my way back to marathon fitness, I’d work with a coach this time (more on the…
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Best Running Trails Near Heathrow Airport: Explore Harmondsworth Moor
Recently, my husband and I spent a night at Heathrow Airport ahead of a long-haul flight back to the US. While our hotel ticked the basic boxes, it didn’t have a gym, and knowing that we had a full day of sitting ahead of us, I was determined to get…
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Exploring the Wrekin: A Classic Hike in Shropshire’s Countryside
Final Thoughts I’m so glad we finally made the climb. It was a personal milestone, a nostalgic reconnection with my roots, and a surprisingly challenging bit of exercise, all rolled into one. I’d recommend it to anyone visiting Shropshire, whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just fancy a beautiful walk…
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Discovering Shrewsbury’s Parkrun Experience
A couple of weeks ago, while visiting family in the UK, we spent a few days in my hometown of Shrewsbury – a picturesque, medieval market town nestled in a bend of the River Severn. With its Tudor buildings, winding alleys, and warm community feel, it’s a lovely place to…
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Exploring Philadelphia’s Schuylkill River Trail
Last weekend, my husband and I drove up to Philadelphia to visit a friend of his who was in town. Since it’s about a three-hour drive from DC, we decided to make a weekend of it, booking a hotel, strolling through the city, grabbing lunch, and enjoying an afternoon drink…
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The Importance of Taking a Break After a Marathon
Whether you crossed the finish line with a PB, gritted your teeth through every mile, or soaked in the scenery on a coastal course like the Big Sur International Marathon, one thing is true for all marathoners: recovery matters. After weeks, and often months, of commitment, training, and race-day focus,…
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Big Sur Marathon: A Wild, Windy and Wonderfully Scenic Adventure
When I entered the Big Sur Marathon lottery last year, I didn’t fully grasp what I was signing up for. I’m used to big-city marathons; flat, fast courses with huge crowds of spectators and high energy from start to finish. Big Sur, by contrast, is the polar opposite: small, hilly,…
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Big Sur Weekend: The Start of the Racecation Adventure
I’m writing this from the plane – we’re currently en route to San Francisco for a long weekend in California, and I’m so excited! We’ve been planning this trip for ages, and there’s so much to see and do. Once upon a time, back when I still lived in the…
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Exploring Lady Bird Lake in Austin
Last week, I traveled to Austin for SXSW EDU for work. It was my first time in the city, and I was excited, not only for the conference but also to catch up with a wonderful friend who lives there. I’d also heard amazing things about running in Austin, and…
