I brought my running shoes to St. Louis for Memorial Day weekend, even though they took up a good chunk of my bag. I'd like to think I'd pack my gear no matter what, but I had a specific goal in mind with this trip: run a lap around Francis Park.
This park has been a part of my life since kindergarten. My grade school is one on corner, so we often used it for activities like soccer practice, field day and fifth grade tree journals (don't ask).
The perimeter of the park has its own significance, first thanks to school picnic parades and later 1-mile walks (part of a 5K, which I could never see myself doing). And it just so happens that my parents' house is practically across the street, so this park was my go-to location for long walks and attempts at running. Still, I've never been able to run a full lap around it.
I did get a late start, and it was too hot to do two laps. But the change of scenery made a huge difference for me. Choosing a significant place is an added bonus. The Talladega 21000 (half marathon) is a good, if long, example. Here are some other thoughts:
- Try walking, hiking or biking a personally or historically pertinent route. Want to measure your new route? There are a lot of Web sites to help, such as the mapmyfitness.com group. You can also choose paths from those submitted by other users.
- Taking kickboxing, pilates or another class? Many will let you attend at multiple locations.
- Have workout videos memorized? Take them outside.
- Ask other where they get active. Sounds obvious, but it can be a goldmine for ideas.
Let us know: What do you do for a change of scenery? What other ways do you break the work-out monotony? As always, any motivational tips are welcome too.
Related links:
The Goal Post: Getting a workout buddy
