With the 2012 Games now in the distance, Olympian Julie Culley, a 5,000-meter runner from New Jersey, intends to spend some down time at her family’s summer home in Beach Haven.

“I’m planning to be in LBI for Chowderfest and hopefully a few other times through September and October,” said Culley, 30. “Whenever I can get there, I’m there. There is nothing like the comfort, serenity, fun and relaxation of LBI. It is my calming, happy place.”

Her shore itinerary includes unwinding with family – on the beach, in her parents’ back yard, bicycling to garage sales…