Runnin' runnin', and runnin' runnin', and runnin' runnin', and running runnin'

I get an adrenaline high after a long run or even after a fast short run. I started training for a marathon this summer ('09). Most of my long runs were on Saturdays and I was almost, always rewarded by good weather.

After going through all the pain and 6 months of training, I finally made it to the finish line. I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. There are a lot of beautiful trails which I visited during my weekend runs. Most of them are around DC/MD. Capital Crescent Trail, Mt. Vernon trail, C&O Canal, run around Great Seneca Park, run around Washington DC monuments, Rock Creek trail are a few to name. I also enjoyed my weekday runs and bike rides around my neighborhood in Germantown, MD; along Great Seneca Highway, soccer plex, River Rd. down to Swain's lock on Potomac river, etc.

Running is a great way to explore a new place. I especially enjoyed my run in Statesville, NC where I made a short business trip. I enjoyed my run through the small town and shops. Also enjoyed my run around Atlantic City.

From my personal experience, I have to tell you this; the amount of excitement just before I reached the start line of the Marine Corps Marathon is unmatched by anything I've been through thus far.

So it's that easy; just put on your running shoes, mark a trail on google pedometer, plug-in your ipod and get on the road and explore!

Stand up paddle surfing

I was sailing around Inner Harbor, Baltimore when I saw a guy, standing on his surf board and paddling. I wasn't quite sure until I went home and discovered about this sport!
Stand up paddle (SUP) surfing, also known as Hoe he'e nalu in Hawaiian language is an emerging sport. It has an Hawaiian heritage linked to it and began as a way surfing instructors would manage their groups.
As this sport is gaining more popularity you can find local SUP lessons in your locality and also find stores which sell SUP equipment. So all you need is a Stand up paddle boat, a paddle and a wave to surf; probably not if you are a beginner ;) I'd go with the calm water first. I This is definitely going on my "wishlist".

Row the crazy boat!

Kayaking and canoeing are great activities for those who are fond of water. There is a plethora of water trails all over the US. I found a great resource of water trails in MD here.
There are different styles of kayaking depending on the challenge level you prefer and the type of water body, like; whitewater kayaking in streams or rivers with faster water current, sea kayaking in seas or coastal area, kayaking in lakes or calm water, surf kayaking which is a great adventure sport for those who would enjoy the thrill of wave-surfing on kayaks. This requires specially designed surf kayaks .
For those who take a back bench when it comes to water sports, can also go canoeing. Canoes are safer since they larger and thus there is no/negligible risk of tipping over. Although, it would be difficult to canoe against stronger water currents as they are heavier than kayaks. Canoes are generally meant for 2 or more people.
You can also do a variety of other things on the canoe like camp, have a romantic brunch, etc. I went canoeing around Theodore Roosevelt Island in Washington D.C. and then went along the monuments in D.C. It is a great sight-seeing water trail and you can also park your canoe near Roosevelt Island and enjoy a nice meal or walk along a small trail. Please feel free to post about your canoeing/kayaking experience in the comments section.