With a little over a month to go until my 2015 running trip, much of the planning has been done, and I thought I’d share my plans. As always, I’ve waited until the final month before the trip to ramp up my training. While it probably isn’t the best approach to step on the gas a month out, my training plan has served me well for my past three trips. Having said that, and now being a father of a three and one year old, I have to do a little more each year to convince my body that it can accomplish the rigors of the trip. I guess that’s life!

The annual running trip now enters its fourth year, and I am delighted to have one of my best buds and Fraternity brothers (Brad Carlson) by my side throughout the trip. Brad and I have traveled the world together, having “studied” abroad in Swansea, Wales when we were juniors at Iowa State. We’ve collected many memories together throughout some of the world’s best cities, and I’m so glad that he committed to joining me this year. It’ll be nice to have the company and share the incredible experience with a close friend. Brad and his wife Mindy welcomed their first child just a few weeks ago, little Miles Lloyd. While both of us will probably enjoy a diaper-free week of travel, we’re both lucky to have incredible wives who allow us to take on crazy ventures. (Note: It’s always smart to thank your significant other upfront!)

After flying into Atlanta on Friday, November 6 and attending the Georgia vs. Kentucky football game on Saturday, November 7, we’ll be running approximately 55 miles in 7 cities in 7 days from November 8-14. This year’s route will take us to Savannah (GA), Charleston (SC), Myrtle Beach (SC), Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill (NC), Charlotte (NC), Asheville (NC) and Knoxville (TN). One missing component of this year’s trip will be Megabus. As you may know, I traveled via Megabus for each of my previous three trips. Unfortunately, Megabus does not run through many of the cities that I wanted to visit this year, so Brad and I have decided to rent a car. It’ll be a nice luxury to have this year, but I will definitely miss my bus time.

I will once again be raising funds for Phi Delta Theta’s Iron Phi program. My fundraising goal is $3,578, bringing my total to exactly $16,000. 50% of the dollars raised will be donated to The ALS Association to fight Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS research). ALS is an awful disease and one that we Phi Delts want to help eradicate. The other 50% of the dollars raised will support the Phi Delta Theta Foundation, an organization that has provided me with great experiences, opportunities, mentors, core values and friends.

To celebrate the generosity of those who donate to my effort, I’ll be continuing the scavenger hunt approach that I’ve taken on each of my running trips. Throughout the trip, we’ll be running past recognizable landmarks in each city, where I’ll stop and thank the donor who has contributed towards that landmark. It’s truly the best part of the trip.

If you’d like to make a donation and be thanked on this blog during the trip, please visit this page.

Stop #1 – Savannah, Georgia

I have never been to Savannah, and I must admit, Savannah and Asheville are the two cities I look forward to the most on this trip. Savannah is known for its southern hospitality and city squares. We are going to attempt to run through each of the city’s 22 squares.

A Few of the Landmarks We’ll Be Passing:

• River Street
• City Market
• Telfair Museums
• Chippewa Square – Forrest Gump Bench
• Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace – Girl Scouts
• Cathedral of St. John The Baptist
• Jones Street
• Forsyth Park

Where We’re Staying – The Dresser Palmer House

Stop #2 – Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston holds a special place in my heart as Tillie and I honeymooned just outside of the city. It’s a magical place with so much history and fanfare. I look forward to seeing, running, and staying with two of my best friends while in town – Joe & Sarah Wechsler. Like Tillie and me, Joe & Sarah have a three-year-old boy and a one-year-old girl, and I look forward to meeting them for the first time.

A Few of the Landmarks We’ll Be Passing:

• Waterfront Park
• Nathaniel Russell House
• Rainbow Row Houses
• Old Exchange Building & Provost Dungeon
• Griffon Pub
• Charleston City Market
• College of Charleston
• King Street
• Closed for Business
• Bay Street Biergarten
• Palace Hotel
• Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge
• Charleston Marina
  

Stop #3 – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Our beach day will take place in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, another city that I have not visited. Myrtle Beach should make for a relaxing backdrop for a wonderful run.

A Few of the Landmarks We’ll Be Passing:

• Family Kingdom Amusement Park
• Second Avenue Pier
• Myrtle Beach Boardwalk & Promenade
• Skywheel
• Mt. Alanticus Miniature Golf
• Myrtle Beach Pelicans Stadium
• Broadway at the Beach
• Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium
• Bummz Beach Cafe

Where We’re Staying – The Sunset Inn

Stop #4 – The Triangle – Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill, North Carolina

As a guy who loves colleges and universities, our stop in the Triangle is going to be great. We have a 5K planned on three campuses that day: North Carolina State University, Duke University and the University of North Carolina. I also look forward to seeing two more friends in the area – Ross Cain and Ben Dictus.

A Few of the Landmarks We’ll Be Passing:

Duke University

1. Duke Chapel
2. Cameron Indoor Stadium
3. Duke Forest/Duke Lemor Center
4. The Sarah P. Duke Gardens
5. Phi Delt House

University of North Carolina

1. Dean Smith Center
2. UNC Arboretum
3. Carolina Basketball Museum
4. Carolina Inn
5. Kenan Memorial Stadium
6. Old Well
7. Phi Delt House
   

North Carolina State University

1. Phi Delt House
2. Memorial Bell Tower
3. The Brickyard
4. Carter-Finley Stadium
5. PNC Arena
6. Free Expression Tunnel

Stop #5 – Charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte is the biggest city that we will tackle during this trip and will provide a number of fun landmarks to visit. While in the city, I look forward to seeing Shane & Jenna Omann. I grew up across the street from Jenna and spent probably 50% of my childhood hanging with her brother Travis. Jenna is very much a little sister to me, and the couple’s first child is due just a few weeks before we arrive. It’ll be nice to have some baby time midway through the trip.

A Few of the Landmarks We’ll Be Passing:

• Queen Charlotte Statue
• Time Warner Cable Arena
• NASCAR Hall of Fame
• Wells Fargo Eastern Headquarters
• The Disco Chicken
• Mint Museum
• Bank of America Stadium
• BB&T Ballpark
• Johnson & Wales University
• Elmwood Cemetery
• Fourth Ward
• Museum of the New South
• NoDa Brewery
  
• Heist Brewery

Where We’re Staying – An Airbnb Loft in Plaza Midtown

Stop #6 – Asheville, North Carolina

As mentioned, I can’t wait to visit Asheville. I have heard nothing but great things from so many people about the city. Brad and I will be taking advantage of the city’s craft beer culture, stopping at 10 breweries along our running route. Wish us luck!

A Few of the Landmarks We’ll Be Passing:

• Biltmore Estate
• Burial Beer Co.
• Green Man Brewing Company
  
• Twin Leaf Brewery
• Hi-Wire Brewing
• Asheville Brewing Company
• Wicked Weed Brewery
• One World Brewery
• Thirsty Monk
• Lexington Avenue Brewery
• Jackson Building
• Flat Iron Statue
• Asheville Art Museum
• Thomas Wolfe Memorial
• Basilica of Saint Lawrence
• Grove Arcade

Where We’re Staying – The Tarot House

Stop #7 – Knoxville, Tennessee

After driving through the Blue Ridge Mountains, we will arrive at our final destination – Knoxville, Tennessee. The day we arrive is Homecoming on campus at the University of Tennessee, so we’ll be running through the festivities that come with Homecoming at an SEC school. Following our run, we’ll limp into Neyland Stadium to watch the Vols take on North Texas.

A Few of the Landmarks We’ll Be Passing:

• Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame
• Tennessee Theatre
• Market Square District
• Vol Navy
• World’s Fair Park
• University of Tennessee – Ayres Hall
• Neyland Stadium
• Payton Manning Pass
• Johnny Majors Drive
• Phi Delt House

Following the Tennessee game, Brad and I will drive back to Atlanta to catch our flight the next morning. We will surely be ready to be home to kiss our wives and babies.

Once again, if you’d like to make a donation and be thanked on this blog during the trip, please visit this page.