So You Want To Run A Marathon?

Home

Reasons for Running

Training / Time Commitment

Equipment Needed

Injuries

Online Resources (Easy Marathons)

Seattle Training Runs

About the Author

Seattle Training Runs

Running In the Rain
I'm not going to lie to you -- it does rain in Seattle. But, we have our fair share of gorgeous weather as well, especially during the late Spring thru early Fall. However, running vests and reflective gear are required equipment in the Pacific Northwest, because we do a good amount of running in dark and misty conditions. If you live in Seattle, or visit at some point, these are some of my favorite, and most frequent, runs:
  • Green Lake Loop - Some folks say this run is boring, but personally, I love it. We usually start at the Starbucks at Green Lake, and run either the 2.8 mile inner loop, the 3.2 mile outer loop, or the revised 4.0 mile outer loop. I like this location because it is out of traffic, it is fairly well lit (to any Seattle politicians out there, it could be better!), there are drinking fountains on all routes, and it allows you to run on dirt, which is better for your knees.
  • Madison Park to Leschi to Seward Park - this is a pretty run along Lake Washington, is fairly flat, and allows for variable distances depending on your motivation level. I run many of my longer runs here, as the scenery is pretty and the course is fairly stable.
  • Capitol Hill 19th to 22nd Streets -- Since this is my neighborhood, I like to run an up-and-back type course on these streets. The houses in this neighborhood are beautiful and there are a lot of things to see, with every night being different.
  • Discovery Park -- I haven't run here often, but many people swear by it, and I can vouch for the fact that it is beautiful. It is fairly hilly, so it is a great way to get some hill training in, and it provides beautiful views of the Puget Sound region.
  • Myrtle Edwards Park -- this is a beautiful little park along Seattle's waterfront. If you are downtown, this is a great place to get out for an uninterrupted run along the water, right in the heart of the city!

[Image of the creator, Dave Schappell] Copyright ?2002 by Green Parrot Productions and David Schappell.