Blog: Race Ambassadors - November 2024

I'm so glad I packed my running shoes. What a memorable experience I had while going for a run during by trip.

I’m glad I packed my shoes for one of my Texas bestie’s wedding weekend getaway. I got to walk with a couple of her sisters and bridesmaids through a beautiful area that was close to where she grew up. It was a nice laid back walk where we all got to know each other and it ended with coffee and pastries.

Sabrina

My most memorable run took place on the morning of my wedding day this past summer. We got married in my hometown of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. At 7 a.m., I met up with my sister, my niece (in her stroller), my best friends from high school and college, and several close friends—my “running friends”—who made the 1,200-mile trip from Pflugerville.

The morning felt surreal, surrounded by so many people I love in the place where I first began running a decade ago. Afterward, we gathered with my parents and more loved ones at a nearby coffee and donut shop. What started as a run turned into a leisurely walk filled with laughter and conversation, but I’m so glad I packed my running shoes.

Liza Kate

I love love running in new states and climates! I’m October- I packed in a NY and Cali trip in the span of 2 weeks and had lovely runs in both places! In Cali, I got to see the lovely neighborhoods of Newport Beach. In NY, I was able to remember why where I grew up is so special by running among the beautiful Fall foliage!

Whitney

I was recently in Montreal and got to enjoy several runs in the Old Port area alongside the river. The sun was shining, the weather was perfect (70 degrees) and the views were great! I love exploring a new place with a quick run in the morning.

Laura

I had just moved to Hickam AFB with my parents. I was 14 and feeling depressed and isolated as I had just moved away from all my friends and family. Most of my belongings hadn’t even arrived yet. I decided to lace up my shoes and run along the coast. I set out early to catch the sunrise, and as I hit the waterfront, the sky was painted in beautiful hues of pink and orange. The cool ocean breeze was refreshing, and the sound of the waves provided the perfect soundtrack.
What made this run truly special was the unexpected sense of community I felt. As I ran past the beach, I saw locals doing yoga, families enjoying breakfast at seaside cafes, and other runners with smiles on their faces. It felt like I was part of something bigger, a morning ritual that brought everyone together. That was a pilotable moment for me…turning what could have been a lonely experience into one of connection and inspiration.

Jess

Last fall, I traveled to the DC area to visit family. I was able to witness peak fall colors with the changing leaves. It was absolutely magical running around the lake near my aunt’s house in the crisp, fall air with all that beauty around me!

Jennifer

Running in a race in a different country has been my most memorable run. Hearing a different anthem at the beginning of the race and immersed in the culture and environment while running to the finish line was something I’ll always cherish.

Kristi

I was on a business trip in Los Angeles and I packed my running shoes to run from Santa Monica Pier to Venice Beach and back. Any time I can run near water it is a memorable experience. Just hearing waves crash the shore and smelling the water in the air relaxes me as I run.

Nina

I got to travel out to Boulder, CO for work last spring, and was able to squeeze in three trail runs that have now become some of my favorite running memories. The mountains were STEEP, and I could definitely feel the altitude, but the views were absolutely stunning, and I felt so grateful to be outside and running through such beautiful terrain. I woke up extra early one morning to try to meet up with a trail group I’d found online, but I must’ve had old info because no one was at the trailhead. I ended up doing my own run (Anemone Loop!), exploring around huge rock formations and up to the summit to look out over the city of Boulder while the rest of the world was just waking up, then racing back through downtown to my hotel just as it started to pour, and it’s a run I’ll never forget.

Shanna

A recent one was doing a run around the Medieval walled part of the city in Nuremburg, Germany, which I just did a couple of weeks ago. The cool thing is you get different perspectives of the city and the wall, there is some elevation change by the castle and it’s about a 5K in total, so a great morning wakeup run!

Ian

For anyone that would be interested in seeing our nation capital and most of the tourists attractions while simultaneously knocking out a marathon, I recommend signing up for the Marine Corps Marathon. Among many of the great memories I have doing this marathon, the one experience that stands out is the 13th mile. It’s a one-mile section called the Blue Mile that honors fallen military service members. Having photos of our fallen heroes line each side of the road while you run is the most humbling feelings you could get during a race. The perspective I gained that day during that race, during that mile, is something I will never forget.

Scott

Years ago I took a trip to DC. And any trip that has a strong running community is always a good time.

I got out there early one morning to put in some miles running around the national mall, I saw the Washington Monument up close, I saw the Lincoln Memorial, and I just kept going. But what I wanted to see was the White House. I couldn’t find it, because when you see it, you just know that it IS what it is.

Low and behold….I had been running right passed this thing for 2 days without realizing it. I ran up and down the sides of the building which blended in perfectly fine. But I was so caught up in the moment and enjoying the experience, that I really didn’t see the White House as many times as I passed it. Once I saw it, I couldn’t believe my eyes.

Isaac

My most memorable and unexpected run was the Houston Marathon because I didn’t expect that I could run it with such a good result and qualify for the Boston Marathon. Before the Houston Marathon, I had an injury in my left hip. For six months, I ran little and slowly. And I signed up for the Houston Marathon just two months before. I trained very intensively, but on marathon day I still had pain. I knew my leg would hurt. And it did hurt. With 10 miles to go until the finish, I realized that my left leg was starting to give out, but the support from people around me motivated me so strongly that I made it to the end with a very good result. This year I plan to run the Houston Marathon again, but now nothing hurts.

Anna

Running through Acadia National Park with my boyfriend Brad was very memorable. Halfway through our run, a light drizzle started, and before we knew it, we were running in a full rain shower. This was Brad’s first time running in the rain, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. The scenery around us was so stunning that the miles felt effortless. By the end, he realized just how refreshing and fun a rainy run could be. This is one of those experiences we still talk about, a reminder of how unexpected moments often become the most cherished.

Sara

I ran my first ultra last April at Zion National Park. It was a 50k, and a distance I never even considered. But because I have problems exercising at high intensities since I’ve had Long Covid, I have been running slow but long. I decided to try it, even though the distance sounded daunting! The course was breathtaking, as it ran through red rock canyons and up high ridges overlooking the Zion landscape. It was amazing to be able to run through that beautiful country. The runners and staff were fun and supportive. And even though it was a tough, long race, it was proof to me that I could keep finding new challenges if I adapt to my abilities, strengths and limitations. I may be a mid-to- back of the pack runner, but I changed my concept of what my limits are, and I am having fun looking for the next challenge.

Julie

2017’s South Padre Island Half Marathon will always stand out as a very memorable run! I went with a group of friends for a wonderful weekend of sunshine, waves, and miles! The night before the race we shared dinner while eagerly discussing our race plans and how we were going to celebrate afterwards.

Race day morning was pitch black and as we stood at the starting line, the sky opened it began to rain furiously! There was little shelter, so everyone was completely soaked….and it got worse – thunder, lightning, extremely cold saltwater winds. We huddled together, shivering and cold for wayyy to long while we waited to see if the weather would change or they would cancel the race. Thankfully, the rain finally stopped and they decided to go forward with the race.

Cold & salty we started running. As we ran from the starting line over a very long bridge, the sunrise was fiery brilliance above and dolphins were leaping through the waters below – it was magical! Until…the sun fully came out and OH MY GOSH it went from freezing to a humid swelter and that saltwater soak from the rain and winds had us chafing in places we didn’t know could chafe. I definitely didn’t look like a member Baywatch running along the beach, but still had a lot of fun. My friends and me still talk about that race and laugh about how ridiculous things were!

Amber

My most memorable run was the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5k in New York. The race finished at the New York Marathon finish line (Marathon took place the following day) without all those other 23.1 miles :P. We had the best time.

Sharon

Visiting Florece we accidentally stumbled on a 10k I didn’t know was happening. Although I didn’t participate in the race, I did get up and run the route the next morning. Along with getting a great tour of the city I stumbled onto a flag throwing competition and multiple local parade bands. I love to use running as an introduction to a new city!

Matthew

A few summers ago, my sons and I traveled to Bend, Oregon, to visit my uncle. He’s been a big supporter of my running journey, but isn’t able to run much anymore. I packed my shoes, though, and he took me to one of his favorite places to walk. I had the opportunity to go off on my own, and I’m so glad I did. You don’t get views like that in Central Texas. I’ll never forget it.

Susan

I’m glad I packed my running shoes on a family trip to celebrate Easter. I got up early on Easter Sunday and decided to go for a run at a nearby lake. It was one of the most enjoyable and peaceful runs.

Claudia

I had just signed up for my first half marathon, and had plans to meet my family for a trip to CT where my sister was living. It was Fall and the area my sister lived in was BEAUTIFUL that time of year. I was still new to running, but my sister insisted on taking me out. The weather was so crisp compared to Austin. And the Fall colors were GORGEOUS! I ran the fastest and longest I had ever run without even noticing. Carried along by the mesmerizing beauty of my surroundings… while sucking down my sister’s dust 😅

Kim

There have been a couple, both west of Texas. Running in Albuquerque while visiting family was a new experience with the altitude and consistent incline to get up to Tramway. Coming back was super easy because it was all downhill! The other was a race event to do the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving at Hoover Dam. What amazing views and to run through the train tunnels was pretty cool! It was a challenging course for sure but worth it!!

Maria

My favorite memorable and unexpected run was in Miami. I remember catching a run before Disney World and seeing coconuts on Palm trees was memorizing because I don’t see that in Texas.

Jessica

Recently, I traveled to Estes Park and stayed across the street from Lake Estes. I usually don’t run on the day I fly somewhere, but once I saw the views, I knew I had to go run around the lake! I ran in the evening around the gorgeous lake, saw moose, tons of geese, a beautiful sunset and felt that crisp mountain air. It was unplanned and honestly was the result of a stressful day, but that run was literally such a breath of fresh air.

Bethany

Whitney

For me it was the race that got me to start running half marathons. I have a passion for motorsports and running and I was able to combine the two at the Indy Mini Marathon in Indianapolis, IN. My wife found the race for me in 2018, and this was supposed to be my first half-marathon in 2020, but we all know how that went. Fast forward to 2022, and two prior half marathons and I finally make it to Indianapolis. The great thing about this race is you start in downtown, run to the famous Indy 500 track, run one lap around the 2.5-mile oval and then run back to finish downtown. The atmosphere is electric and the whole city comes together for this race. It is a relatively flat and fast race, and I would do it again along with recommending anyone to run this race at least one time in their lives. Even though this is one of my most memorable runs I have ever done; it goes without saying that every time my wife and I travel anywhere in the world we will always make time to run the local trails, paths, sidewalks and community that we are in. You get a much better appreciation for where you are along with literally seeing the world from a different angle than you would otherwise. Race photo is from near the Start/Finish line and the famous yard of bricks.

Mark B.

I was in Colorado once, planning to run a trail, but it snowed overnight and completely covered the path. So, when I got up, I couldn’t find the trail and ended up just running hill repeats on a little valley section. Now I get to say I ran ‘uphill both ways in the snow.

Iram

My husband and I love to run while traveling. Usually, it is just getting out into the local area, and not always an organized race, but Germany was by far my favorite race. We ran a 10K (ish) through the woods on the outskirts of Berlin on New Year’s Eve Day 12/31/2018. With no signal, and no one to talk to in English, since he runs way faster, it was amazing to be out in nature enjoying it all. At one point we did like 10 switch back up the side of a mountain, and not knowing the route, I had no idea where we were headed. As we crested the top, there was a tiny card table with tiny glasses of champagne (bubbles) and an amazing view you had to stop and enjoy, overlooking the whole city of Berlin. The second half of the race was down-hill and muddy, but we celebrated with a strangely sweet German soda drink and a Berliner Pfannkuchen (jelly-filled donut). We finished the day with an amazing NYE celebration in the city center afterwards.
10/10 would do it again. They host it every year, so check it out if you’re up for an adventure. https://www.berliner-silvesterlauf.de/en/

Rachel

One of my most memorable runs happened on my first trip to Cancun. I wasn’t sure if I’d get
the chance to run, but I’m so glad I decided to pack my shoes! Stepping out early in the morning, I found myself running along the beautiful coastline, with the sun just starting to rise over the turquoise water. The sound of the waves, the fresh ocean breeze, and the peacefulness of those early hours were unforgettable. It’s a tradition now—I’ve packed my shoes every time since, and I can’t imagine visiting without going for a sunrise run!

Martin

Last spring I visited my family in Hudson County, New Jersey. It was great spending time with my family, but I was glad I packed my running shoes. I was able to squeeze in a run along the Hudson River. It was a memorable visit and run since I was able to take in the beautiful spring weather, and the blooming flowers.

Maria M.

A memorable run I had traveling was doing a run in Easter island, Chile. The weather was perfect and the scenery was amazing. The was one of the best runs of my life.

Josh

One of the many memorable runs I have run in the past was running an unsanctioned race called Take The Bridge in California. I had recently moved to Los Angeles, and had started running with this run group called South Bay coffee club. A couple of the girls in that group had mentioned signing up for one of the take the bridge races in the past and encouraged me to try racing one of them when they were in town. For context Take the Bridge in my eyes sounded like an underground street race but for runners. They popped up in different places across the US and would show up in Los Angeles from time to time. Well they came again posting 2 weeks in advance that they were racing in Venice and to bring $5.00 in cash for registration. There was no information on route, mileage or anything and having had just moved to California it was probably the bravest thing I could’ve signed up for. So I showed up. Meeting at a bike shop I gave my $5.00 to a girl at the checkout counter. She handed me a small bib the size of a note card and asked me for my phone number. “I’m sending you the location of your first checkpoint for the race” she explained.
“Checkpoint? What do you mean by checkpoint?” I thought. I get the text and the location of my first checkpoint was here
34.01740° N, 118.44785° W. So there I was copying and pasting these coordinates into google maps. Santa Monica airport. There’s another airport here besides LAX?…
The cool thing about this race was that it wasn’t based primarily on speed but also how well do you know the area. It was a DIY race meaning You come up with your own route to get to the finish. Now I hardly know Venice so 5 mins before the race I was scrambling on the map app looking for streets that would get me to the airport and back to the next checkpoint. At this point the sun had already set and I was toeing a line marked out in chalk with 30 other runners. Whatever plan I had went out the window as soon as the race started and was chasing after the person ahead of me. We ran through bushes, baseball fields, Soccer fields, and busy streets. It was the most thrilling race I could’ve ever run. It honestly opened my eyes to another world of running that I didn’t know existed.
where conditions aren’t always optimal, speed isn’t everything, and sometimes you just gotta take a new route and meet people along the way