Visiting a new city can be an awesome experience. If you are traveling for work or fun, taking in all of the sights and sounds of a new place makes the visit an adventure. One of the best ways to explore a new city is by lacing up the running shoes and taking off by foot instead of by vehicle or bus. Running in a new city is a great way to find that hidden gem, whether it’s a shop, landmark, or restaurant. Here are a few reasons to run in a new city and what you may need to take with you.
Sweet Home Chicago
I used to live in the city of Chicago along the lake front. If someone asked me about exploring Chicago, I would suggest running along the lake front. There are 18 miles of trail going from Ardmore Street on the north side to 71st Street on the south side. If you are visiting, training, or just love running along the water front, it’s a great way to see some major sites while being mostly isolated from city traffic. To name a few, you will run by Navy Pier, Soldier Field, Museum of Science and Industry, and the South Shore Cultural Center. There are several beaches along the way as well. It’s a great way to see parts of the city without having to deal with driving and running just gives you that different perspective. The gems to name a few would be several of the beaches and views. Some of the best views in the city.
Reasons for Running in a New City
Running in a new city or town really helps you find things you never would find. Recently in a trip to Pittsburgh, I ran along the river past the Acrisure Stadium (Heinz Field) and PNC park. Throughout the journey, I saw what stores were the busiest, where people were gathering, and what sites were the most interesting that I would like to come back to. I found a small coffee roaster that I stopped at before going to my business meeting. I would definitely like to spend more time around the stadiums. The area looked pedestrian friendly and I wanted to take in some of the views.
There is just something motivating about running in a new city:
- A new destination: A big part to my motivation to run is to have a destination, whether you’ve run in dozens of times or for the first time. Seeing or experiencing a location, regardless the frequency, and really taking in everything around you. I’ve discovered things on my route by running in a new city that I never noticed in the fall or spring. The excitement of getting to a new destination really energizes my runs.
- Taking it all in: Seeing the sights and sounds at the ground level while running can be super interesting. You end up experiencing a city in such a different way then you would with a car or bike. It’s the slower pace, but faster than walking. It makes you feel like you can see more of the city than just walking alone.
- Finding the diamond in the rough: I enjoy finding places along my route that I would either return to or visit that same day. My love for coffee is strong and my love for an off the beaten path coffee shop is even stronger. Running through a city can help you find that coffee place you would probably not run into otherwise.
Planning for your Run in Advance
There are definitely a few things you should take with you when venturing into a new place. It really depends on where you are in the world. A few things are really key, including safety, comfort, proper running paths, and the ability to find your way back. Here are a few things you should consider:
- Safety First: A few ways to be safe are to run with a buddy or notify others that you are going for a run and check in with them. Sharing your location is a great feature to take advantage of and there are many apps to do that. I would also encourage you to take a connected device if you can. You never know when you may need to make a phone call to get help.
- Digital Map: Whether you get disoriented or not, you should have a map accessible. Maps can help you plan your runs and also help you return back to your origination. Either plan your route in advance or bring a connected device as you go. Garmin has the Garmin Connect to plan routes in advance. I have used Work Outdoors on my Apple Watch with Cellular and it will keep track of the route you’ve taken on a make, so you know how to return. Apps like Strava will help you pick a route based on distance or surface based on other runners. Just like for cars, you can find an app for running so you find your way back. Safety is important, so make sure you find a safe route for your way out and back.
- Be prepared for the elements: Ensure you are ready for the elements. If it’s too hot or too cold, be prepared to bring water, a hat, jacket, sun glasses etc. There’s really no difference here in how you prepare for your runs at home, but you have to prepare these things in advance of departing for your destination. So maybe a little more planning than you are used to. I’ve run in places without water, so keep that in mind.
- Essentials: If you travel for work and go to the same cities each time, there is probably not too much to plan for. Traveling abroad can bring some additional things to think about. Do you bring your passport or a drivers license on your way out? Should you bring cash or credit cards (or both)? Do you have the proper places to store this on your run? What about contact information of coworkers or the hotel? All things to think about when in a new city.
Running in a New City is the Best Way to Explore
Exploring a new city by running is really a blast and you should take advantage of an early morning, afternoon, or late evening whenever you can. It can be the best way to explore a new city that could be tough to get around with a car. Wherever you travel to, running is a great motivation to explore an unknown place. You will not regret it!