Running Hawaiian Style

I received this email from Runner's World on January 2nd.  Les had received a verbal job offer that day so it was quite the coincidence!

There is no better way to experience a place than to run it.You get to experience the deep crevices of an area, the senses beyond the visual, something you would never do if you didn't run.
~Tawnya MacNeil, Runner's World Challenger

The island of Oahu is 597 square miles.  I'm very excited to start exploring!  Diamond Head is on my list of "must run."  I can see it from my hotel.  Les has been talking about riding his bike up Tantalus for weeks - there is a 10 mile running loop that I want to try.   I'm also looking at some races that I want to enter.  The Hibiscus Half Marathon is calling my name, but it is on our anniversary weekend so we shall see!

My other plan is to run on the beach in the early mornings before the crowds are too thick.  There are many benefits of running in the sand.  I've read quite a few articles and here are some of things I've learned and hope to find out for myself:

• Running on the sand burns more calories because it takes more energy.
• Expect a slower pace, it will be harder at first.
• It's easier on the joints instead of running on concrete.
• It is also recommended that one pair of shoes be dedicated to beach running - all the sand will never come out!  I'm not sure I want to try barefoot running, but I might!

I am bike-less, so for now my plan is 2 days of beach running, 2-3 days of road running and 2 days of strength training.