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On March 26, 2011, a run around Corpus Christi Bay will take place. It's not an organized event, but a personal journey that anyone is welcome to join, in whole or in part. The reason for this estimated 65.8-mile adventure is to celebrate and promote health, running, and the beautiful surroundings and possibilities of the Coastal Bend.
route
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RouteThe route will go clockwise, completing a circle around Corpus Christi Bay. The starting/ending point will be at the JFK causeway on the island side. We'll meet and start under the bridge (where the Beach to Bay handoff for the bridge leg happens). The route will follow the sidewalks/access roads of SPID, Ennis Joslin, Ocean Drive/Shoreline Blvd, 181, 35, 361, and it will travel the beach between Port Aransas and Corpus Christi. NEW--to see the route in detail and zoom in on it, please visit this link: http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/28705022
story
Background (just one runner's perspective)Mainstream running events like 5ks and marathons are fun, but for a change I want something less scripted and more personally meaningful. I've never stood at the start of an organized race and wondered whether I'd finish. Large runs are meticulously planned, with timing chips, crossing guards, medical staff, and all sorts of nutrition available at frequently spaced aid stations. Training plans will tell you what to do every single day for months in advance. If you follow such a plan, there's no mystery in it--barring injury or catastrophe, you're going to finish. I'd like to get back to the roots of why I run by adding some of the mystery and adventure back into the sport. I got hooked on running when the distances I went began to amaze me. It didn't take much at first. A mile nonstop, then three miles, then, gradually, four, seemed incredible. Plus, running let me explore the region and appreciate my environment on a whole new up-close-and-personal level. But as months and now a few years have passed, I sometimes take that ability for granted. Double-digit mileage has become easy, and the scenery on familiar routes starts blending into the background. That's how I know it's time to shake things up. I want a reminder of the days when every single run was an unscripted adventure and when (even if I only set out to go one mile), each run was a challenge that I wondered whether I'd finish. When I did finish, it felt like an accomplishment. I want to experience that again.MeaningOne more note about the meaning of the course. The annual Conquer the Coast event is a big deal here (and an awesome event I've volunteered and cheered for), but I've never done it. Sitting crunched over on a bike for that long just doesn't appeal to me. Yet, the route does. We are blessed with a spectacular bayfront. I've enjoyed the bay on so many levels that range from athletic and social to simply aesthetic. I want to conquer the coast, but on my own terms. Setting off on my own two feet around a bay that has brought me so much joy is a challenge that inspires me. But to each his own motivation.
get involved
Join the adventureOthers have expressed interest in joining this adventure, either for the whole loop, a segment, or as part of a relay. Since it's not an organized event, you'll be responsible for planning details and any assistance you may want along the way. But there will be a good deal of camaraderie. To join the email discussion list, contact alissain_gmail.com.
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