LA’s Best Running Adventures

Los Angeles is full of running adventures. The endless beauty and terrain types here keep things fun, challenging and exciting. There are so many places I still want to experience and explore. Recently, Buick challenged me to find my favorite “Runs Worth the Drive” in their fast and futuristic Buick Verano. The sedan’s new-car smell and high-tech gadgets made me super excited to drive it and scout out some new running routes. The whole experience was an adventure inside an adventure. Check out the best ones below : )

Best Kept Secret

One of the places I’ve always wanted to run is Carbon Beach in Malibu. In a world where social media exposes everything, Carbon Beach is still one of LA’s best kept secrets. This particular beach has always piqued my curiosity because there’s an air of hidden exclusivity to it. The easy-to-miss access signs, narrow entry points, and multi-million-dollar beach homes make it totally irresistible (so LA). Like most destinations in LA, Carbon Beach parking is scarce and tight. I was so thankful for the quick pick-up and easy maneuverability of the Verano, as I am severely parallel-parking challenged. The Verano’s trusty backup camera helped me avoid hitting this dolphin statue that’s right on the curb. Once all that parking nonsense was done, I ran an easy 3.5 mile out-and-back loop to the Malibu pier (http://www.mapmyfitness.com/routes/view/445132458). This pristine and sparsely-populated beach is a barefoot runner’s dream.

Best Atmosphere

The Strand in Manhattan Beach has the best runners’ vibe. Its elevated and paved runway features fit runners and breathtaking views. I’ve run on The Strand before, but this time I invited some other GreenRunners to go with me. What better way to enjoy a running adventure, right? On this 3.3 mile loop (http://www.mapmyfitness.com/routes/view/446191110) that started and ended at the Manhattan Beach pier, we got to run along the Strand, up a gnarly hill and through a woodchip path. This place was built for runners.

Best Unique & Picturesque Scenery

This Marina Del Rey Grand Canal run offers the most picturesque scenery. On this 3.2 mile loop from the North jetty to the Venice Canals (http://www.mapmyfitness.com/routes/view/443213030), you get to run on a manicured dirt trail alongside gorgeous homes and across a picturesque bridge over the Venice Canals. I’m so grateful to Buick for challenging me to create and explore in their Buick Verano. It was a ton of fun to run new routes and establish new connections with my clients and friends. I now invite you to take on these LA running adventures and/or create your own during the Buick “Runs Worth the Drive Challenge” on MapMyFitness. To learn more about and join the Challenge, visit http://www.mapmyfitness.com/challenges/buick. Registration opens today for a chance to win an all-expense-paid trip to the 2015 Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon & Half-Marathon in Phoenix, Arizona and a guaranteed opportunity to be more awesome now! Share your best running adventures with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and the comments section. Run. Explore. Repeat. Cheers, Martise : )