Looking for a low budget way to take in the Boston area during your travels? When thinking of running and Boston, the first thing that likely comes to mind is the world famous Boston Marathon, but there are a wealth of scenic and inspiring running (or walking) routes to be found all around the Boston area.
Whether you arrive early for the Boston Marathon and are looking for a couple final prep runs, you are on business and seek a morning energizer or you want to get out of the car and really soak up some of the sights, local author and accomplished runner Mark Lowenstein has authored three books in his Great Runs series that provide easy to follow guides for your running enjoyment.
If you are a budget traveler, runner or fitness enthusiast or simply someone who wants to soak some of the many sights that the Boston area has to offer, the Great Runs series is for you. Below are highlights of Lowenstein’s three books:
- Downtown Boston: Check out "Great Runs in Boston, the definitive guide for running in Boston: historic neighborhoods; 50+ miles along the water, including the entire HarborWalk; all sections of the Emerald Necklace; and other scenic gems!" This book might be best for Boston Marathon visitors.
- Brookline, Newton, Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury, and Boston: See "Great Runs in Brookline and Vicinity." All of these towns are inside the 128 loop (close to downtown Boston). This guide features ‘parks, ponds and pathways’ all within just a few miles of downton Boston.
- Suburbs west of downtown Boston: Mark's third book "Great Runs in Boston's Burbs" focuses almost mostly on running routes in the Boston MetroWest, suburbs west of Route 128, including Natick, Wellseley, Weston, and historic Lexington and Concord. Routes in Cambridge and Newton are also included.
Sample routes for each book are available online.
Each route in the guides starts with profiles of terrain, lighting and interesting sights as well as amenities including availability of bathrooms and water access. Routes continue with an overview of the route as well as step by step route directions and an accompanying map.
How do I Purchase a Great Runs book? Before you visit, purchase a book online at Mark’s website or from internet retailers including Amazon.com. You can also visit many retailers in our local towns and neighborhoods.
Certainly, there are multitudes of ways to take in the Boston area during your visit, but what better way will you find then to delight your senses and get some exercise with a run (or walk) on one of these great routes?
Comments