Michelle Runs With It

 Iceland Trail Run = 9km Although, I didn’t sleep well I still decided to go for a run on a nearby trail. And when I say nearby, I mean it started from the top of our driveway! I promise I didn’t plan that. April found the route on AllTrails and it looked safe, easy to navigate, not a ton of elevation and had good reviews. I headed out not knowing what to expect. It was a figure 8 course. The first loop was in the Heiðmork Nattúrugarour (nature preserve) along our Lake Ellidavatn. There were so many birds, wildflowers, little cottages and boats, a campsite in the woods and a little fearless mouse. There were also a ton of midges. The second part of the loop took me through Rauõhóla, a landscape of red lava rock with unique formations and lush green moss. At times, it felt like I was on another planet. I had the whole place to myself. The ground was covered in horse tracks and horse poo. I only saw one other set of footprints that lasted only a few meters. My shoes were pretty gros...

  Running in Brussels =  9km The AllTrails route I followed had me all over the city. I felt safe for most of it. The cobblestone slowed me down a bit so did the hills. Seeing a trend? I loved how there are so many parks, historical buildings and decorated streets. It was neat seeing some of the popular spots so early and empty in the morning. There were a few runners out, all with phones out for directions and photos. So many photo ops so couldn’t include them all. 2 thumbs up for running in Brussels 👍🏼 👍🏼

  Running in Paris =  16.4km total Running in Paris was glorious! We stayed on top of another hill though so more climbing on the return to Montmartre. It did make for some epic views though. On my first run, I ran along a risqué part of town and felt so-so and might have seen a few ladies of the night. Once I hit Rue de Clichy, it was smooth sailing to Arc de Triomphe. I ran through the lovely Parc Monceau. Friends from Believe in the Run ran a similar course this same morning. Tried to connect with them to see if we could run together but timing was a bit off. My second run in Paris took me down to the Olympic marathon course. The men’s marathon was the same morning so many roads were blocked. Pretty sure I ran past a couple runners from Ethiopia’s team! Also saw a few pigeons enjoying an early morning bath 🐦

 Marseille Runs = 10km total Running in Marseille was interesting. Our neighborhood sat up high and no matter which direction you went, you were running downhill. Luckily, I love climbing hills so didn’t mind the return uphill. I ran twice in Marseille, both were down to the harbor to Vieux Port. The first time, greeted by a dead rat outside our door, was to explore. The second was to buy tickets for a boat cruise to the islands. Both runs led me down alleyways that didn’t always feel safe. Once along the water, I saw many other groups of runners and will look up some local run meetups next time! I did smell lots of delicious bread from the boulangeries and brought back baguettes from House of Pain 🥖 Love the name 🤣

The best kind of adventures are of the spontaneous variety. I heard about On the Rocks 6 days prior and signed up immediately. YOLO. Then I asked Carrie to join because it sounded just like the training she needed in preparation for her next epic adventure ⛰️ The description was honest and accurate - all types of rocks, lots of elevation, and awesome views! Not in the description but equally awesome were the race director, volunteers, the BEST aide station crews & “fuel”, beef jerky, watermelon in pickle juice (TRY IT!), Martin’s Waffle BBQ potato chips, luscious fungi, 2 lookouts from the ridge, and an ice cube (get it, “on the rocks”) light as a finisher prize 🧊 Kudos to the runners who ran multiple loops! That course is no joke! Carrie’s ready and my hilly trail explorin’ soul is overflowing with joy! Thank you, Aunt Jeannie, for letting 2 sweaty runners in your home for a tour and to change for the drive home!

Ugh. I slept wrong a couple weeks ago. That resulted in a sore back that lingered for 4-5 days. What's odd is that it wouldn't hurt during my morning runs, but damn did it hurt after and for most of the day. Likely because I sit a lot at work. Did it stop me from running? No. However, I did take some time off while at the beach for my daughter's dance competition. Well, kind of. I ran twice  in 6 days which is not a lot for me. I was burning the candle on both ends and needed sleep.  Running along Coastal Highway in Ocean City (MD) is downright awful. The sun is beaming down on you, the traffic is loud, and the risk of the OC Bus splashing you with disgusting water is pretty probable.  However, I did soak in a few moments on those runs downy ocean, hon, that were pretty neat. As a kid going to Ocean City for summer vacations with family and friends, I never thought I'd run the length of OC. Last week, I did. One morning I ran north to Delaware and back (8 miles). Then o...

06.18.24  @runjuneteenth is a VIBE!! It’s free, accessible, supportive, and DIVERSE!! This was the race’s 5th year and it has grown larger, making an even greater impact on the communities it represents. With a 3am alarm, April, Beth and I headed to Anacostia to run along the Fort Circle Trail to the sites of six Union Army forts built during the Civil War. They played a significant role as African Americans escaped slavery in Maryland came to the forts, seeking protection and employment from the Union army. 📸 Credit: @sarahtruittphotography This was my 3rd year running these lush trails in the middle of the city, finishing strong up the Green Monster, meeting new friends, enjoying tasty BBQ and an excellent DJ! I will continue to spread the word of this incredible event and its mission. So who’s coming with me next year?