For whom the bell tolls

This week in Blake's column we'll be talking about finding good, safe running courses when you're away from home. There was no bigger challenge than doing that in China during the days leading up to the Beijing Olympics. Security guards, closed roads and lots of curious locals just added to Blake's fun on training runs in the days before the Olympic marathon. One of the treats once she ducked the guards was finding a local temple, where Blake exhibited her skills as a bell ringer. More on this to come in Saturday's Marathon Mom. - Dave Kellogg, Blake's editor