{Run More} How to Love Running #2
image via The Hook
We all want to be more in love with running– after all, it’s one of the easiest ways to incorporate fitness into our busy lifestyle: just throw a pair of running shoes into your car, pack a pair of shorts and a sports bra, and you can stop and run ANYWHERE. Daunted? Don’t be. Running can be just as fun as a group class or an outdoor adventure camp– you just have to know a few ways to trick yourself into enjoying the experience as much as possible! The “runner’s high” will eventually kick in if you can force yourself out the door enough.
Last week, we talked about running somewhere you know– running in a familiar place is a quick way to enjoy the process. But what if you’ve been trying that for ages and it’s still not fun?
Running in Italy! image by Lars Schneider for Runner’s World
Trick #2: Run somewhere new.
The best part about running is getting to explore new places in a completely non-touristy, off the map way. When I travel, I still have to run every day– so after consulting locals, a few maps, and any running recommendations, off I go. Having the opportunity to check out a new city or country, as I wind through trails, run down roads, climb up hills is unforgettable. Just as you can see your own town in a new light when you run, you will absolutely see details, depths, and nuances you would otherwise miss when you run somewhere new– and that will enhance your entire travel experience.
But wait– running somewhere new isn’t relegated to travel. You can and should explore your surrounding areas; just because a place is close to where you live doesn’t mean it’s familiar! So while running is accessible and easy, make plans to jump in your car and drive to a new place once or twice a week and see the world from a new angle! It can be so refreshing to put yourself on a new trail or in an unknown state park and it’s a surefire way to enjoy your run in the moment. Make sure you tell someone where you’re going, send a drop pin, or carry your phone (just in case you do get lost)– but put yourself out there and challenge your senses with a totally new environment! Be sure to go when you know the sun will stay out– nothing kills the mood like a setting sun while you’re deep in a new trail. Stay safe while you explore!
Again, it doesn’t have to be a crazy, far away location– drive to a new neighborhood, to a nearby town, to a park you never seem to make it to when you run from your house. If you’re in Charlottesville, drive out to the Blue Ridge Parkway, George Washington National Forest, Orange, Monticello, dirt roads out in West Albemarle County. Mixing it up and finding somewhere fresh and unknown to run is a fun way to really love the experience of running!
When is the last time you went somewhere new to run? Did you enjoy it? If you could go for a run anywhere in the world, where would you go? Stay tuned– the Run More series will continue next week!
March 01, 2013 at 2:07 pm, Annie said:
Running somewhere new always makes me feel a little more kickass. And it can be a great motivating tool if you’re getting bored with the usual routes.
One other suggestion I’d have–if, like me, you’re REALLY nervous about getting lost, look at a map of the area before you head out. It’ll help you from feeling too freaked out since you’ll remember the names of some streets/shops/etc. but it won’t take away the sense of adventure.