A Few of my Favorite Things

I have a few things that are on my bucket list and two of them are to run a marathon in all fifty states before I turn 50 and to see all of the historic mansions in the United States (perhaps I will write about some of the other things in a later post). Running has been a passion of mine since I was in middle school, but marathons only became a favorite pastime within the last few years. Distance running provides much needed “me time” and allows me to clear my head and keep my body healthy. As for the mansions, I have always enjoyed historic homes. The town I grew up in has a historic mansion that Abraham Lincoln once stayed in and I have fond memories of seeing one of the Vanderbilt Mansions in Newport, Rhode Island on a family vacation many years ago. I also recall hobbling through the Glensheen Estate after running Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth. It was a special experience because I was with Peter and the kids, as well as my parents, and still floating on cloud 9 after a BQ and PR in the race. There is something so fascinating about seeing all of the ornate decor, the gorgeous woodwork, brick, and marble that are often found in old mansions. The one in Rhode Island even had a garden!

One mansion that is at the top of my “Must See” list is the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. As long as I need to check North Carolina off of my 50 states list, I might as well kill two birds with one stone and do the Asheville Marathon. North Carolina also has mountains, another one of my favorite things. I cannot help but be filled with awe and wonder when surrounded by some of God’s finest creations. Speaking of mountains, here is another race I would love to do someday: Trapp Mountain Marathon. I have yet to do a trail marathon and do not live near mountains, so the training would be quite different than what I have typically done. I love a challenge, though! I also love fall, when the colors on the trees are vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges, and the air is crisp and cool. This marathon is in October and Vermont is well known for its fall colors, which is another thing that intrigues me about the race.

The last race I am going to talk about involves another one of my favorite things: music. I am not gifted musically, but I love listening to music and singing along in the car or the shower (or in front of my children to make them laugh or roll their eyes). Music allows me to connect with my emotions more while I am running and to strengthen my memories associated with certain events or places in time. I will often hear a song and think back to a time in my life when that song was popular or a person I was with when I first heard it. Music also connects people and brings people together to sing, dance, and have fun. I do not go to concerts often, but I have always enjoyed them when I do. I think the Rock ‘N Roll marathons look like a great time and one that really strikes my fancy is the Nashville one. I love the Smoky Mountains and, depending on my mood, country music. I have heard great things about Nashville as well and I love traveling to new places and exploring, particularly if the exploring involves running! So, there you have it. Mountains, music, and mansions: a few of my favorite things. Feel free to comment and share some of your favorite things or any fun memories you have involving the places I mentioned!