[Rick Lee]

Outside of CA, I'd bet the Wash. DC area has the best running culture in the US. There are a lot of great places to run, which was usually my motivator. Before I got really hardcore, I'd have a friend drive me 10 miles or so from my car and drop me off. I had nothing but my ignition key, no wallet, no dime, no cell, no gun. That motivated me for sure. One time I dropped my ignition key in the woods and didn't notice it for a few miles. I had to run to a pay phone to call my gf to rescue me.

Cold weather is another motivator. It's very difficult to get started. But I'd always wear shorts and not too much up top in very cold weather. That way you have to keep running to stay warm. There were times when I was so far out in the woods, running on frozen-over slush and rocks, that if I'd gotten hurt, I would have died from exposure before anyone found me. Another motivator!