Ah yes…we are talking about one of my favorite things today…RACEcations!
I got in 8 miles today plus some strength work and my upper body is seriously feeling it. I was so glad to be done with this run right after the sun came up! I tell you what those 5 am-ish wake up calls are never easy but always worth it. Plus I get to drink coffee even sooner.
So yeah, racecations…in my opinion they are the best way to see a new city or place! 26.2 miles is much more fun when you are exploring new territory.
Here are 5 reasons why you should just bite the bullet and book that next trip.
1. To cross some major marathons/races off of your bucket list. I’ve run Chicago, the Marine Corps Marathon and some of the Rock n Roll series races like New Orleans and San Diego. The big ones are the best because they have some of the most incredible crowd support. Which means you rarely ever get bored and someone is always cheering for you the entire way through. The volunteers can’t be beat as well so you will stay super hydrated.
2. For the scenic route. Although bigger, more popular marathons can be lots of fun, the smaller ones should not be discredited. They often have some of the more scenic courses so you can take in a bit of nature and enjoy the peace and serenity of the long run.
3. To enjoy some incredible post run cuisine in a different part of the country. There’s nothing better than going to a place that is known for wonderful pizza or food unique to that region and getting to have a little post marathon treat afterwards. And for the record, New York has the best pizza. I am just not a Chicago deep dish gal.
4. For the souvenirs. One of my favorite things is getting something at the race expo that will help me remember that 26.2 for years to come. I have so much memorabilia from races it is ridiculous. At least I never run out of workout clothes or race shirts.
5. For the memories. From the people you will meet along the course to the landmarks you will pass by along the way, there is nothing more fun than running a marathon in a unique destination. You will remember and cherish every mile.
Do you have a RACEcation booked this fall? Tell me about it!
thedancingrunner 
No race-cation for this Fall, but contemplating doing Big Sur 2 Boston in the spring! 🙂
FUN!! I would absolutely love to to Big Sur one day. And that challenge sounds great! As a maniac I enjoy those back 2 back marathon challenges!
I’m running the Richmond marathon in November and it will definitely be a racecation!!
Woot woot!! Best of luck to you Maddie!
What a great post! I can relate…I’m at the very early stages of a journey to run a marathon in all 50 states, so right now I have 47 racecations to plan! Next up is Chicago next month and we are well into our planning for 2016. My wife and I love to travel and race in new places and cities. I’ve also just started my own blog/site to document our journey…it’s pretty new so needs some work but slowly making progress! Congrats on your great site and articles…I’ll check in often!
Cheers!
James
Awesome! Best of luck on that 50!! You will love Chicago – it was my 1st 26.2… flat and fast! Hope you all get some good weather too!
Love this post! I’ve decided I want to use my love of running to travel so it’s like two fun things at once! I’ve been considering doing Rock N Roll Nashville in April!
Nashville sounds like a good one for sure! I really enjoy the RnR series!
The memories must be amazing on racecation. The food would be an incentive for me. Lol!
LOL absolutely!
I need to make my race-cations longer. I don’t get to see much. My next one is the Big Sur half in November.
Yeah I’ve actually done a few where I’ll stay a little longer after the race, especially if I have friends that live there and do some sightseeing and etc. That way you get more of a bang for your buck! Have fun at the Big Sur half!
You know, I’ve never ran a marathon in NJ. All my marathons have been driving distance out of state. Then again, NJ is really small and you can drive anywhere from 30-80 minutes and you’re in NY, PA, CT, RI. Then if you go 2 hours, Delaware — 3-4 hours, Maryland, DC, Boston… 5 hours, VT. Just a little dot on the map. LOL So yes, we have had a lot of racecations and they’re fun.
PS you’re so right — the hardest part is walking out the front door…
Yeah 30-80 minute drive here and you’re not even out of the DFW area!