Reports
SURF CITY MARATHON
USA
Annie Brooks tries out the running scene in LA and further afield, where you can start from a 1-miler and work your way up
RACE
We take on some of the most epic races out there, because we want you to do the same!
Annie travels a lot for work so is always looking for a race or group to join
As a triathlete who spends a lot of time on the road for both business and leisure, training for my big A-races throughout the year can feel like trying to solve a constantly shifting puzzle! One minute, my husband and I might be in Los Angeles for a meeting; the next, we’re flying to Spain to visit family. Staying on track with a training plan while juggling work and travel can be a nightmare, but over time, I’ve found a travel hack that makes it not just manageable, but actually really fun.
Instead of rigidly trying to stick to training schedules (I’ve tried TrainingPeaks, I really have!) or dragging myself to soulless hotel treadmills, I started looking for small, local races wherever I happened to be. What began as a practical way to squeeze in a session has evolved into one of the best parts of my training. I honestly love it. These smaller races are often organised by tight-knit running communities, have a much more personal feel and offer a glimpse into local life that you just don’t get when you’re one of 40,000 at a big city marathon. Plus, the courses are always more interesting too.