"Favorite thing" Fridays - Exploration Runs

So here's the scenario, you're on a vacation and of course you've packed your running shoes. You've tried to no avail to tap into the infinite resources on-line to find a local running routes, but have had little luck. You think, "F-it!" and just decide to take a risk and explore!


Yes, you understand that you're taking a risk of running into a rough area or getting lost, but you head out anyway. But of course, first, you let your travel buddies know the direction your heading in or (if your alone) you tell the concierge, either way, some one knows where you'll be....and then you take off!

You forget about your watch, because the excitement of the unknown feels like it could keep you moving for hours and hours! Ahh, the joy of the open road! There's no telling what type of adventure you have in store.

I've found myself in similar situations before and have ended up seeing things that the average tourist would have never found. One particular instance comes to mind where where this was the case. It was one summer while I was studying in Ireland and my college teammate and I needed to stay on target with our summer training plan. We got in some pretty decent mileage around NUI,Galway (where we were studying). We saw some great views and took some fantastic pictures. However we didn't think much of it until, at the end of the trip, a non-runner friend mentioned to us, "Hey, do you guys know there's this really cool castle about a few miles down by the river?". We just looked at each other and laughed. We had found that on our first run - Day 1 of the trip. Here she had come across it after having wanted to take a long walk the day before we were scheduled to leave. We had seen that and so much more by simply straping on our shoes and heading out to explore.

Running while visiting a new place has can have some serious safety factors. You should always tell someone roughly where you are going and be sure to carry some money in your pocket in case you get in to any trouble (ex: get lost, roll your ankle, etc.. ). And you should make sure you have your RoadID strapped just in case! ...Also if you know you're not going to far, make sure to bring your camera! This way, when you get back, your friends will actually believe what you saw while out on your run! :)

I recently received an e-mail from someone who stumbled across my blog. He mentioned that he is working for a group which offeres running tours in the city called, well... "city running tours". Seriously, what a fabulous idea! This defintely cuts the risk factor and offers a safer option for those looking to explore a new area through running.

And as a reminder, after you head out for your next exploration run whether your running alone or with a running tour/group, send some of those fantastic pictures you snapped of your adventure to me at therunnerchick@gmail.com for my other blog whereirun.blogspot.com.

There's little that tops being an adrenaline/endorphin junky with wonderlust! So what are you waiting for? Go out and explore!!!