And for the last 10 years, it has been home of the Eugene Marathon.
This year (after breaking my femur, and turning to running to help the healing process and fast-forwarding several years, giving birth to twins), I will be running my first marathon in my hometown of Eugene. I get to run the streets and tracks traveled by Olympic runners, prominent college runners and up and coming younger track-stars, all who definitely leave me in their dust.
But I love it. Over the years running has changed from an obligation to a necessity. It’s how I heal, work out problems, mediate and relieve stress. It helps strengthen my body and clear my mind. This spring, I get the honor and challenge of completing 26.2 miles around the city that I know and love so well, hopefully cheered on by my twin toddlers (the pressure is on not to take too long!) I hope you join me on my new goal of being a marathon runner.
If running alone isn’t enough incentive, here are the “must-see” and “must-dos” for Eugene:
- Strolling the University of Oregon campus (It’s a lush and beautiful campus)
- Get a cup of coffee at one of the many amazing coffeeshops and bakeries (there’s one pretty much on every block)
- Hike Spencer’s Butte for a stunning view of the city
- Hit up some local run clubs for the best group of runners you’ll ever meet
- Run or walk at Hendricks Park (especially in the spring, the flowers are vibrant)
- Check out the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (absolutely amazing, with a great cafe)
- Explore Mt. Pisgah, known as the “museum of trees”
- Run Pre’s Trail. Enough said.
I hope to see you in April!
Check out Maiah Miller’s blog, www.runninggirlhealth.com for her delicious vegan treats and energy bars to fuel your training runs.
And for $10 off the half or full Eugene Marathon, use code EMAMBMM18
Happy Running!