I unfortunately still have about 20 years before I can retire, so I'm in the group that makes marathon runs to and from my destinations so I can spend as much time as possible exploring the area.
Once I retire, I'll have time to explore places along the way, but I'm sure there will still be some marathon sessions. I really enjoy driving and don't mind long days behind the wheel. I have driven the 1,000 miles from Portland to Palm Springs nonstop once as well as the 1,000 miles to Moab with a couple hours of sleep at a rest area. Last year we did another Moab trip and made it to Salt Lake from Portland in a day, camped in a parking lot for 6 or so hours, then were back on the road to get into Moab early that day to find a good camping spot.
I do like the last minute weekend trips where I tow the 40 miles out to one of our favorite local campgrounds in the coast range. It's nice only having to drive an hour to get to camp and have most of the weekend to enjoy fishing, hiking, relaxing, and occasionally some swimming.
