I’m not a big fan of visiting cities when traveling, but when I do, I always plan ahead to see where I can run. There is something about being in an unfamiliar city and the effect is has on me when searching out the unknown. Of course, safety always comes first so
mapping out my route can be time consuming and a little tricky. What better way to find a church, museum, or local restaurant to venture to later that day when out for a run. Whether the city is just waking up or the locals are busy finding their way to work without giving you a second glance, being in an unfamiliar city can be adventurous.
………
Belfast, N. Ireland
I practically grew up here, so knowing my way around here is
second nature. As a little girl, I’ve watched this city turn from a political war zone into the beautiful city it has become today. Running from the beautiful expanded waterfront through the shops downtown, passing some of the oldest pubs in the country, it’s an area you sure don’t want to miss. From city hall to the newly expanded Titanic quarter, you could run for hours and explore the rich diversity of history here and stop to have a chat with the locals on the way.
For more information visit: http://www.gotobelfast.com/
Chicago, Illinois
If you love to shop, then one of the first places you want to run in Chicago and one of the
safest is the Magnificent Mile. On a very early, rainy morning, I decided to get up and go for a run to explore what this truly magnificent city has to offer. After completing the Magnificent Mile from my hotel, I headed towards the Navy Pier and then along the never ending waterfront. If you love to run by the water as much as I do, then this is the place to do it. The skyline goes on forever, and there is such a peaceful feeling when all you hear is the pounding of cement from underneath your feet.
For more information visit:
http://www.run.com/city.asp?dest=Chicago%20IL
San Francisco, California
Several years ago, I had some time to spend while on a stopover on a business trip. Completely new to the city, I thought it would be nice to explore this area by
running. It’s amazing how many tourist places you can cross off your list when your pace is a little faster than a brisk walk. With my starting point in Union Square, my course takes took me through the financial district, and then up through Fisherman’s Wharf, and then I made way on the path to the waterfront that leads up to the Golden Gate Bridge. On my way back, I passed by Pier 39 for a brief look at the sea lions before I made my way to AT & T Park. Of course, attempting Nob Hill at that point didn’t even cross my mind as my time and energy was limited, but I will certainly re-visit the thought of running up this hill next time I visit.
For more information visit: www.runninginsanfrancisco.com
Sydney, Australia
Even though it’s been 20 years since I’ve been down under, I can still remember running through the streets of Sydney
and making my way to the infamous Opera House. Before I started a whirlwind tour of Australia, I stayed for a few days in ‘The Rocks’ which is one of the oldest areas of Sydney and one of the most visited by tourists today. From running past local eateries and pubs, I ran through the streets of a foreign city until I made my way to Darling Harbour to view the breathtaking sights of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and then made my way past the Opera House, through the Royal Botanical Gardens and back to my original starting point.
For more information visit: http://www.run.com/city.asp?loc=Sydney+AU
Las Vegas, Nevada
This city is pretty straightforward. My first visit to Vegas was for a work convention and I decided to stay and explore the city for a few days afterwards. With my body still working on Eastern Standard Time, I decided to hit the ‘strip’ before the city came alive. I couldn’t believe how quiet and errie it felt to see such a wild place so lifeless but then again, who is up before the early morning with the exception of those heading back to their hotel after a night of partying. I love running up and down the hotel strip in Las Vegas even though it’s much better to see lit up at night. If you’relooking to take your run off the strip and out into the rugged terrain, I’ve provided a link below is a great site to make that happen.
For more information visit: http://runninglasvegas.com/
……
Tips for Running When Traveling:
- Always plan ahead of time to see where it is safe to run. Check guidebooks and keep your route simple (try to make it a loop run) so not to get lost.
- Use your hotel concierge to see where the best spots are to go.
- Make sure you bring an international phone or the hotel phone number with you just in case you get lost.
- Bring some money with you just in case you need to take a taxi.
- Keep hydrated. Always bring a water bottle with you regardless of how short the
route is. You never know if you’ll need it.
