It’s official. I’ve signed up for my first three half marathons, which means this 50 states challenge is another step closer to happening.
I’m kicking off in my home state of Maryland this May. It’s the Frederick Half—one of the races in the Frederick Running Festival. A friend of mine ran it a few years ago. She said it rained and she was miserable. Hopefully I’ll have a more positive experience. The course runs through downtown Frederick, beginning and ending at the Fairgrounds. I’m working on getting former Top Chef contestant Bryan Voltaggio to meet me at the finish line with a sign saying “Go Nathasha!” Ha. One of his restaurants sits along the course, so maybe…
Next up is Virginia—I’m running the Alexandria Half Marathon, which takes place two weeks after the Frederick Half at the end of May. The race is part of the Alexandria Family Festival, an event honoring military service members. The course starts and ends at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and according to the description online, is mostly flat and scenic, and includes trails, parks and pavement. Oh, and the event includes a beer garden (always a plus).
Third is North Carolina—the Asheville Half Marathon in June. I’m really excited about this one, even though I know this race is going to kick my butt. The city of Asheville is situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains, which means the course is VERY hilly. It begins and ends in Pack Square, going through the town and along the French Broad River. Live music will take place throughout the entire race, with a local artist at every mile marker. Aside from the race, I’m looking forward to spending a few days exploring Asheville, which I hear is great city—lots of music festivals and breweries.
Getting pumped!
Running the States 