Changing Locations

I have had the good fortune to live many places in my life.  Although this opens new horizons for me, it can disrupt my running routine.

Here are some tips that I have found helpful when I have to readjust my running routine.

1) Where to run:
There are some great websites out there that give advice for running trails throughout the country like www.mapmyrun.com where you can both map your run and find good running trails.  When I first moved to NYC, I needed to figure out the distance around my local park.  This website helped me a lot.  Now I know my exact distances.
2) How to run:
Sometimes it helps to find a guide for your new routine.  Even when I have gotten into a good pattern, when I change my location, my routine can get thrown off. Halhigdon.com can help you plan a routine if you are aiming for a goal like a half marathon or a marathon.  I find its easier to follow a guide when I am at first restarting my routine.  Physiologically I need a little kick in the running shorts to set my running goals.  Hal Hidgon is just the runner to help me do that. 
3) Whom to run with:
Choosing a partner is key.  Make sure you have a really similar running profile.  Here are some key questions that I ask myself and the other person.
What speed do you run?
I know I’m slow, I like to run at the 11-12 minute mile.  So if you are averaging an 8-minute mile, you will hate to run with me.
Trails or Roads?
These are different techniques so make sure you agree.  You can run faster on a road or a track, but trails are more beautiful and make for interesting runs.
Talk, Silent, Radio
I’m a talker and I usually don’t like to bring my iPod because it annoys me to hold it while I run.  If my partner runs with headphones, then I’m more likely to get bored and stop running.
Do you run with a pet?
I had a problem with my marathon partner 5 years ago.   I used to run with my yellow lab Danny.  But he always had to be on the left.  My partner had to be on the right.  Any deviation and both would be out of whack.  Ask your running partner which side they like to run on.  Make sure you get your positions straight!

All of these techniques help me to create a new running routine.  I’m still on the lookout for a partner though.  It seem  like radios  & iPods really have replaced conversation!

Keep Running!  --Madison

Comments

[Roger]

Out of idle curiosity, who are the posters/staff here and what's this site about (OK, I get it's health, but what in particular ;-) )? Many health blogs, like www.thehealthcareblog.com, have some kind of "About" page so I was curious what the mission statement here was with regard to health and who the folks here are. Thanks!

[Scott]

Variety makes any exercise more enjoyable - trails vs track, take the trail. Also, within the last month in our area we have had two runners hit (one killed) by vehicles while running. Both were wearing earphones. Run, look, listen - it's safer.

Scott