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Why I’m Running the Ethiotrail Half Marathon

July 6, 2015 by Cynthia Ord 3 Comments

Let’s be frank: I’m no runner. I’ve never had the special shoes or the Fitbit or the love of pain to really get into it. Yet here in Addis Ababa, I’ve just signed up for a trail run called Ethiotrail. I skipped the 12k option and went straight for the half marathon as my goal for August 9 (i.e. four weeks from now). Is that crazy? Probably. Good idea anyway? I think so. Here’s why:

Acacia tree landscape

Explore the Lakes District
I’ve been a little remiss about getting outside the city. I’ll go ahead and blame the rainy season and the odd jobs I do online that have been keeping me tied down in the capital, even on weekends. Enough with the excuses. Camping lake-side in Ethiopia’s Great Rift Valley is at the top of my list for upcoming adventures. Coincidentally, Ethiotrail’s 21k course passes through Abijatta-Shalla Lakes National Park, using Simbo Beach Resort as a base. The landscape and the lodge will be a nice distraction from the running bit.

Simbo lodge

XL Physical Challenge
I’m getting antsy. Physically. This is the first of several summers where I won’t be road biking across Colorado or backpacking any alpine circuits. As I sat browsing photos of all the cycling and summit hikes going on without me, I decided I needed a challenge here in Ethiopia. A mountain-sized physical challenge. I got talked into running a 10k a two years ago and survived, so I want to up the ante to a half marathon this time.

Support a Good Cause
National parks are fragile things, especially in places like Ethiopia. They’re chronically under threat of encroachment, and Abijatta-Shalla Lakes National Park is no exception. 20% of the race proceeds will go toward national park conservation efforts, as well as support of three local schools. Can’t argue with that.

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Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: Abijatta-Shalla Lakes National Park, Ethiopia, Ethiotrail, mountain travel, national park, trail running

Comments

  1. Javier says

    July 6, 2015 at 2:07 pm

    Love it! Go for it, you can run and run more then that!!!!! Just make your goal to run 9-10 miles in 3 weeks, run shorts distance and rest your 4th/last week and you will have lots of fun on that 1/2 Marathon!

    You have 100 % my support 🙂

    Miss you guys!!!!!

    Javi

    Reply
  2. Laura says

    July 7, 2015 at 10:00 am

    LOVE it! What an experience. How about I join you for it next year!? Keep me posted on your training and let me know how the run goes. I still think about our 10k – you’re such a beast! I’m so glad you are finding a physical challenge – that’s what it’s all about 🙂 Best wishes for a strong run!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. This Nomad Is Nesting So Hard Right Now | says:
    April 6, 2017 at 8:11 am

    […] around town. I’ve joined the legions of runners in Denver and signed up for what will be my third half marathon. I’ve reconnected with a bunch of folks I missed dearly while I was […]

    Reply

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About Cynthia Ord

cynthia ordColorado native. Inveterate traveler. Marketing strategy, management, and support for small businesses and place-based brands.
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