Running Marathons - Chronicles Home

What The Chronicles Are All About

Photo © Swiss Alpine Marathon, all rights reserved. Used with permission. These are marathons that we have traveled to, produced extensive video coverage of, and done additional research about things of concern to runners. In most cases, one or more of our people have also run the event.

About 5 years ago, we decided to run some international marathons. Each time, as we prepared and then participated in these events, we found we had a lot of questions that went beyond the material in the handouts and other instructions provided by the events. In many cases these questions extended well beyond the event itself. Things like getting around, where to stay, language issues, cultural differences, and so on. That is what started us on a journey leading to this web site.

Who would not love to work his or her way around the world, going from one marathon to another, running and making movies along the way? We certainly did, and now, with numerous projects "in the can" to use an old movie phrase, we are ready to begin showing you selected events from that library.

We will also tell you about our journeys and provide first hand accounts of things that happened to us along the way. But, first some notes about home town races.

How We Choose Events to Cover

We do not seek, nor accept money from the events that we cover. Our space does not go to the highest bidder. This section of our web site goes to the events that we feel are worth the time, money and effort that it takes to participate. Unfortunately, there is no way we can run and cover every marathon in the world. In fact, our capability in that respect is fairly minimal. So, we look for events that, in one way or another, are special: races that are in locations of particular interest, are particularly challenging or good for a pr (like the Monaco and Chicago marathons), or are outstanding because that are so well managed. We look for marathon running events that anyone can participate in if they submit their application in time and can get their medically qualified body to the start line before the gun goes off.

On the other hand, we hold off on events that are going through changes. In the long run, you will also find a few more small races than large ones. We feel there are many really great marathons out there that simply fall under the radar. The bottom line is, quite frankly, the choices we make are based on our own opinion. "We" being a small but very diverse group of runners. You may differ, which is fine. Since you are taking the time to "listen" to our opinion, we will certainly take the time to read yours.

In The Eye Of... ... the beholder, is it the journey or is it the destination? Some people love roughing it, some prefer doing it "just as the locals do." For others, it's just gotta be first class (as they define it) every inch of the way.

Whichever fits your profile, never assume that your choices will (or can) automatically match your expectations. Whether your marathon running is done at popular tourist spots in other countries (like the Paris Marathon), in the US (like the Chicago Marathon) or venturing far out into the uncharted wilds, be clear on the realities of your destination. Even then, the better your sense of humor, the more likely you are to have a rewarding experience.

For each of the marathons that we cover, we will also talk about the cost (for both a budget and a luxury point of view), options on how to get there, what else there is to do while you are there, possible family activities, how best to get around and if there is a definite "don't miss this" nearby, we will let you know.

Not all of the marathons that we cover cater to foreign participants. Those that don't can occasionally have a very "local" flavor in their approach to a race. We will do our best to point out those issues when they might impact your decisions. None-the-less, it is best to always expect a certain amount of adventure to burrow its way into the mix. Remember, your goals are running a good marathon and having some fun. (rs)

Bring A Dictionary (Chapter 6) My favorite little adventure, this one is. It happened in Paris where the food is truly as good as everybody says. We have a favorite place that makes great, great omelets.

One evening when we went there, I ordered one that was loaded with broccoli. Now, like many people, I have a problem with that vegetable. Gas. So, I should have known better. Several hours later, as my girlfriend and I were on our way back to the hotel...

It was really uncomfortable. We came upon a bright green cross sign that pharmacies use over there. Trying to look graceful in spite of the pain, I did a contorted walk straight through the door and up to the counter. "Gas. What for gas?" "Gaz?" was the reply. The woman pointed down the street toward a petrol station. "No, no." Then I held my hands together out in front of my stomach to signify vast bloating, and shook them up and down a little for added emphasis.

She got it, "Ah, Oui!" as she turned and walked into a back room. She returned with a box with the picture of a smiling man and woman on the front of it. They looked very joyful, which is exactly what I wanted to feel like at that moment. She handed it to me. I paid for it and we rushed out the door. We made a speedy dash to the hotel room followed by ripping the plastic wrapping off the box, all over the promise of immediate relief from my problem. I threw the cover open and dumped a dozen of the little packets out onto the bed. The instructional diagram was very clear. I had just purchased a gross of condoms. (rs)

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What The Chronicles Are All About

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