Long Runs

I pushed myself to do a 17.1 training run this weekend in Columbus, and believe me, i ran every inch of sidewalk in the "safe" part of Downtown in order to do so and some of it twice.  I know Robert is doing a whole thesis based on this topic, but I wanted to know about some of the best places for training.  So my first stop was of course google and a quick search sent me to an article in Runner's World about the top 25 cities to run in.  I am at the point of driving to Starkville to have a change of scenery, but my friend in Chicago runs a different route every long run she goes on and in the process gets to know her city a little bit better each time,
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-239-283-318-8155-0,00.html

I loved running around property at Disney because I could run the nice manicured sidewalks throughout the different connected resorts.  I wish the whole world was more aware of foot traffic for good, safe, connected routes for runners.

There is a great app called RunKeeper that people save their routes and the distance of the route is provided, so in an unfamiliar area you can learn the route and know how far it takes you.  Modern technology just can't be beat, and it for sure beats running in circles on a track or on a treadmill to know for sure how far your legs think they are going.
http://runkeeper.com/

And just in case this topic has you inspired to go running here is where I started
http://www.c25k.com/
When I first began I had only ever worked myself up to 2 straight miles, and that had honestly only happened once, now I can run 10 miles without stopping and I am training for a full marathon.  5K's are a phenominal accomplishment and very attainable goal.  Good luck if you want to try this and keep in mind how it is a great way to connect you to nature, to cities, and honestly to yourself.