Giveaway: 7 Bridges Marathon

Last October, I ran my second marathon ever. While I didn't have the result I desired, I fell in love with the race.

The 7 Bridges Marathon is an up and coming event that is only going to grow in recognition, in my humble opinion. Of course, Chattanooga, Tenn., is one of my favorite places to visit.

The course is fun and yet somewhat challenging. There are rolling hills, numerous bridges to cross (more than just the seven the title suggests, but the seven bridges refers to the number of times you will cross over the Tennessee River). You get a sense of empowerment as you climb atop the Chickamauga Dam at mile 15. The falls colors make backdrop of the race absolutely gorgeous, especially during the latter part of the race as you run for miles on a greenway beside the Tennessee River. And the finish has a wonderful festival vibe as you ran on grass in Coolidge Park beside the river and in the shadow of the final bridge you crossed.

In case you can't tell already, I absolutely love this race.

This year's race is set for Oct. 20, and I want you to have a chance to enjoy this wonderful event.

Once Was Not Enough

Guess what, friends? I'm coming back for more.

That's right; I'm signed up and registered for my second full marathon - the 7 Bridges Marathon on October 21 in beautiful Chattanooga, Tenn.

Not going to lie, I'm still processing the fact that I'm putting my body through this again. For those of you who are like me, you realize this was a no-brainer. I had to sign up for another marathon. I ran one, so why not another, right? See, you get my logic.

Truthfully, I had already begun plotting my next marathon even before I ran my first. In the weeks prior to the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon, I started looking for what my next big race would be and when and where I could find a marathon perfect me. Call me crazy, but I really enjoyed all the training for the marathon and was going to miss it.

Don't Forget Your Running Shoes

Let's be honest. Keeping up your fitness/exercise/running program going while traveling is never easy. If you're like me, you do what you can to get your runs and avoid the hotel dreadmill.

But when you go to a new or an unfamiliar town, finding a good place to run can be a challenge.

So imagine my surprise and absolute delight when I found the Greenbelt Park when I recently spent the better part of two weeks in Kingsport, Tenn., as I worked a couple of college baseball tournaments. And it was a double score since I had easy access to it from my hotel, meaning I could just step out of my hotel room and begin running to the park.

It was a lovely situation for me.