My top 5 routes of 2011.
Of the countless miles that I ran in 2011, I definitely had some favourites. Behold, my top 5 faves of 2011.
1. Vancouver Sea Wall/Vancouver First Half Marathon - Starting in False Creek near Science World and heading West, run alongside the the path that will take you all the way around Stanley Park. At then end of the loop, cross over (through the path at Lost Lagoon) and make your way back along the ocean front. This is approximately 20k - 13 miles.
2. South Kihei Road, Maui, HI - Starting where SKR meets Wailea, heading North and up the hill until turning left onto Honolapiilani Hwy - then down the hill for a mile into Maalaea. 10 miles of beauty - apparently quite windy in the last 3 miles, but was perfectly calm when I ran there.
3. Bellingham Bay Half Marathon - A nice, flat course that takes you all over Bellingham - downtown, alongside Bellingham Bay, the South Bay Trail, Squalicum Harbour and more. Though parts of it are testy (running over the docks and up the hills at the end), this was by far one of my favourite races of 2011.
4. Two and a Half Bridges - This route was put together by Broadway Run Club - We ran from Granville & Broadway in Vancouver down to the Seawall via the Burrard St. Bridge, across the Lion’s Gate Bridge then across to North Vancouver’s Iron Worker’s Memorial Bridge ramp, across, then back to the store. A solid 32k training run prior to the BMO Vancouver Marathon. Any time I get to cross the Lion’s Gate Bridge is sure to be a favourite - no surprise on this one!
5. Pokeshaw, New Brunswick. Each summer, I travel back to New Brunswick (home) for a week or so, and every time I am there I try to get at least one great run in. In 2011, I was visiting with family in Pokeshaw, NB and ran along Route 11 to Grande Anse - a 7k route one way. The kicker - scenery like the one below. There really is, no place like home.
