"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!!!

Evaluate, Restructure, Regroup & Move Forward

Things are looking a bit different around here at http://mindofarunner.blogspot.com/ . Let me know what you think about the change. Be honest! :)

Sad to put this graphic to rest already (below), but I it was a fantastic starting point.


Also, check out my newest blog endeavor, http://whereirun.blogspot.com/. To give credit where credit is due, my boyfriend thought of the idea and pushed me to get it started. He got me interested in this other blog, http://ifoundyourcamera.blogspot.com/ which served as the inspiration for this new endeavor. I've seen some spectacular pictures as I've bounced around to your sites, so whereirun will be a collage of sorts of the favorite running places of all sorts of runners out there. I think this could be GREAT, but it's only as good as those who participate, so send your photos and captions to me at therunnerchick@gmail.com.

Review of Week#2 Training Schedule -(Feb 25-March 2):
Monday: DNR
Tuesday: PM: RUNNYC - 7miles - 2 X 20 sec striders
Wednesday: PM: 5miles
Thursday: PM: 6miles - Burrrrr.. it was COLD outside!
Friday: AM: YOGA, PM: Women's self defense/cardiokickbox class-55mins
followed by 2mile run
Saturday: 4.5 miles,
Sunday: 7.5miles, 4 X 20 sec striders
Total: 32 miles + YOGA + 55min kickboxing

Thoughts: My overall mileage increased a bit and I'm feeling stronger, but getting back on a regimented training routine has been difficult with work and life (..and weather). Something always seems like it gets in the way. I'm on the right path, but I need to continue to increase mileage over the next few weeks with not letting the little things (i.e. core work) and threshold training go.

Triathletes, as a runner pursuing triathlons, I'm having a hard time dealing with lower (running) mileage as I incorporate cycling and swimming into my routine. If there are any runners turned triatheltes out there, do you always track swimming, cycling, running mileage separately? Sounds like a silly question, but I was almost tempted last week to add my cycling mileage into my running mileage... just so I could see the numbers go up! ...But I resisted the urge! :)