What happens when we get bored of our regular running route? We can deal with it, or we can choose a new one to add to our rotations.
But how do we go about selecting that new route? Here are some thoughts on how to pick a new course for your miles.
Is It Reasonably Accessible?
The main thing is to make sure your new running route is accessible. You don’t want to have to travel too far to get there, and once there you want to make sure there is safe parking and an entry to the path you plan to take. If you have to drive forever and then can’t actually get to the place you want to run, it’s probably not going to be a great longterm addition to your route options.
Is It Safe?
Assess the safety of your new running route. Are there sidewalks or trails to keep you away from vehicular traffic? Can you get light from street lamps along the way? Is it in a populated area where it might be easy to get help in an emergency? These are things to keep in mind. Remote locations are fabulous, but also come with a litany of logistics to make sure you are safe and protected.
Does It Motivate You?
Is your new route motivating? When you switch from your normal locations, it helps to have views that move you and inspire you on your run. Look for routes with that little special something: an elevation change, a new vibe, incredible scenery, or anything that’s going to excite you. Those special moments can mean the world to your self-encouragement, so make the most of the destinations at your disposal.
What are some things you look for in a new running route?
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Oh yes, it’s so rewarding to run up a hill knowing you will get to enjoy a beautiful view! I love lakes, too.
When I look for a new route, I try to find something that is close to home and where I don’t need a car to get there – it saves time and is more ecological. Thankfully, there are a lot of options!
I like lakes, but our lakes aren’t like other lakes. They are full of snakes and gators, and breed all kinds of mosquitos. It’s the beach and ocean for me.
Definitely needs to be interesting. Scenic. Motivating.
I hate running in my neighborhood. It’s easier just to go out the door. But usually I prefer to drive somewhere.
I also need variety. A different route for each run.
That’s awesome! I sometimes choose sleep over going somewhere new, but sometimes, I mix it up.
I tend to run close to home due to convenience. Also, there’s no time to drive somewhere in the mornings plus I feel safer running near home in the early mornings. I’ve driven to a park to do stroller runs a few times, but packing up the stroller and all our stuff is so much work!
I get it. I also stay here because it’s convenient. But there are a few mornings I can break out and do something different. I am so grateful for those days.
I always used to run the same route in my neighborhood, reversing it on alternating days. I don’t know what has happened to me, but over the past couple of years, I’ve left that route behind, exploring all kinds of trails! It’s injected new life into my running.
I love all the trails you’ve discovered. Mine are a little farther away, although I did find one trail network within ten minutes. I plan to hit that up soon.
I like the ease of a familiar route for a lot of my runs but it is also nice to mix it up and explore. That’s one of the best parts of running
Exactly. I have some great routes close to home, but every so often, I need to get out and find something else.
I have numerous routes of varying distances, so I do a lot of mixing & matching. I alternate which routes to begin/end with, and I (often times) run one (or several) in reverse.
Running in reverse is a great way to give yourself something new!
I ran the same route for YEARS, and have just recently switched it up. I love it! It’s a short drive to get to the nearby trails, so on busy mornings I still run the old route from my house. But a couple times I week I do the trails- I thought I wouldn’t like driving to/from a running route, but it’s so worth it.
There are definite benefits to tumbling out your door and staying close to home, but sometimes it’s nice to get a little variety.
I get bored easily with my running routes in the neighborhood so I frequently suss out new locations. This weekend I’m going for a run close to a beach in Clearwater to do some bridge work for elevation training so I’ll be able to find some pretty places for pictures down there! I don’t frequently run there so every time I do it’s like a little vacation 🙂
That bridge is gorgeous. Changing it up definitely helps to boost motivation. Have fun.
I have so many great running routes I haven’t thought about finding a new one for a long time. I’d like it to be close to home, though in the summer finding one up the mountain wouldn’t be a bad thing.
I like to stay close to home, too, but sometimes it’s nice to venture out, even to a new neighborhood.
I do look at how long it takes to get there.
Is it paved?
If it’s a trail, is it really technical?
Are there hills? Can be a good thing but not a,ways!
Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…More Garmin: Runfessions April 2021
It’s always nice to mix things up and there are always a lot of questions to ask when on the hunt for something new.
Before kids, I used to change up running routes often and drive to some different ones a couple days a week. Now, I start from my house but do try to vary routes a bit, even if it’s just changing the direction I run the route.