you should see the view from here

The view on the run is truly one of the unexpected gifts of the sport. From the sunrises on your neighborhood route, to the beaches of a tropical island, so much of my running peace of mind comes from the view.

I’m super lucky to live very close to a variety of views. From my driveway, I can basically get to several neighborhoods, as well as some rural property. The beach is just 20 minutes away, and in less than 30 minutes, I can choose an urban downtown or a more historic one. The trails aren’t too far off, either, so it’s really just a roll of the dice.

While I’m still on my quest to run a race in every state, I’m sharing some of the best views I’ve had while logging my miles.

Castaway Cay

Ever race on a tropical island? The view on Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island, is truly one to remember. Temperatures were brutal that day, but come on. How often do you get to pose with the Disney Dream in the background, against clear turquoise water and white sands, with Minnie at your side? It was a day, and a view, to remember!

Bar Harbor, Maine

Running in Bar Harbor was truly a special treat. I confess that I was not equipped to take on the trails, but I did love the downtown and the waterfront. The northern Atlantic coast looks a bit different from the Atlantic down south, so it was a pleasure to get to run alongside it.

Beachwalk, Florida

Florida is full of all kinds of subdivisions and planned communities, which has its pros and cons. Usually, I wouldn’t get all giddy over yet another one, but Beachwalk is something else. I shared about my Rockin’ New Year’s 5K at this venue, and I still say these are some of the best post-race photos around. Running near that gorgeous, crystal blue lagoon was truly spectacular.

Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World

Love Disney or hate it, the sight of Cinderella’s castle during a runDisney event is pretty darn spectacular. I’ve only had the opportunity to run through it twice (once during the WDW Marathon, and then again for the Princess Half Marathon), but it was something I will never forget.

Banner Elk, North Carolina

Mountain running? It’s a thing, and while it might not the easiest thing in the world, running in Banner Elk yielded views that were just beyond. Trees, drop-offs, clouds, fog, I saw it all. And while my knees and quads screamed for mercy, I wouldn’t have traded the view for the world.

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

Bridges are some of my favorite architectural features, so running over them is always a special treat. Running the Golden Gate Bridge was the cherry on the San Francisco sundae a few years ago, and I hope to have the opportunity to do it again one day.

I am linking up with Kookyrunner and Zenaida this Tuesday for Tuesday Topics!

Tell me about your favorite running views!