Running Out of Town: Tips from a Running Traveler

13
Oct
2011
By

LTR Guest Contributor Greg Friese is an educator, blogger, podcaster, paramedic, and marathon runner. He posts his marathon training tips and race recaps at his blog, EverydayEMSTips.com, and you can connect with him on Twitter @gfriese.

I travel once or twice a month for business and always bring my running gear with me to stay on schedule and explore the place I am visiting. In the last year and a half I have enjoyed runs ranging from the boardwalk of Miami South Beach to an industrial park in St. Charles, Missouri to the rugged wilderness trails that start at the end of every street in Juneau, Alaska. These are my tips from running lots of miles away from home.

Finding a Running Route
To find a running route I use these resources:

  • Ask a local runner for their recommendation for the best running route starting and finishing from my hotel.
  • Search local running routes with MapMyRun.com.
  • Check websites and Facebook pages of local running stores and clubs.
  • Ask my social network contacts for their route recommendations.
  • Review local maps for parks, trails, and green spaces that I can incorporate into a route.
  • Talk to the hotel concierge which usually only yields short routes or looks of confusion.

I try to pick routes through historic or significant landmarks. I have enjoyed runs under the St. Louis Arch, through the Olympic park in Atlanta, and up and down the Las Vegas Strip.

Safety
An important part of route selection is my safety. If I am new to an area I ask hotel staff about the safety of my intended route and the time of day I intend to run. My recent sunrise run on the banks of the Truckee River in Reno, Nevada, was just at the edge of what I would consider a safe urban run. I also increase my personal safety by:

  • Wearing an ID in case the need arises for emergency responders to identify me and notify my family.
  • Wearing high visibility clothing. I also pack a red flashing light to wear if I am running after dark.
  • Telling a business associate or another conference attendee, or sending a text message home stating where I am going and for how long.
  • Running in well travelled areas, preferably on a side walk or running paths.

If I arrive in a new place after dark I am always content for the relative comfort and safety of the hotel treadmill.

Food and Fluids
When my schedule allows I like to do my long training runs while travelling so I don’t miss as much family time when I get home. In urban areas with lots of convenience stores I usually just carry $5 and buy food and fluids along my route. If I am not sure about the availability of rest stops I will bring a handheld water bottle holder, like the Nathan Quickdraw. It is easy to pack. I can use a water bottle I purchase at the airport and the pocket has room for a snack and my room key.

What are your tips for running and sticking with your training schedule while traveling for work or pleasure?

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  • http://twitter.com/momslrb MomsLittleRunningBud

    In my past life I was a consultant for Accenture and gotto do a lot of exploring too. Some of the things I learned:

    1: Westin hotels have run route cards they give you which are great to take with you on the run.

    2: I you’re running alone (woman more so than men) let someone know you’re going.

    3: be aware if you’re traveling into or out of time zones. It seemed like evenan hour change would mess me up some

    4: Plan to do morning runs if possible. Then it’s out of the way and you can focus on work.

    5: I found local running groups that met up and ran together. They were always really welcoming and I enjoyed meeting new people.

  • http://everydayemstips.com Greg Friese

    Thanks for the comments and additional tips. I used some of my own advice this evening in Columbus, Ohio. Running routes around the hotel didn’t look promising so I took advantage of a guest pass to a nearby health club. A couple of things I need to remember when heading to a health club to run on the treadmill is to bring a towel (odd that they never have towels) and ear phones so I can plug into the TV on the treadmill. 

    Safe running everyone. 

  • http://predawnrunner.com Greg Strosaker

    Good post, running while traveling can be an outstanding experience (and can really help on stressful business trips), but you are right, there is a lot of planning needed to make it successful and safe.  One other thing I’ve had success with is paying really close attention to the area near the hotel when arriving to look for potentially safe roads for running, in the event the staff doesn’t have any good advice.  but the Internet is far and away the best source for routes in unfamiliar cities.
    I’ve posted some of my routes in cities such as San Francisco, Shanghai, San Diego, Portland, and others on my blog at http://predawnrunner.com/category/travel/ – guest posts are always welcome!

  • http://twitter.com/dboyd22 Dave Boyd

    Greg, Look me up next time you’re in STL! I’ll take you through historic Main Street in St Charles.
    A tip I’d add is to drive a course if possible. I’ve mapped routes with mapmyride.com but been surprised to find out 2 miles in that there is not a safe shoulder or sidewalk to use. I also ask the hotel if a gym is available. Several have given me free passes but not until I asked. Lastly, I keep $20 under my insole for emergencies. but remember to take it out before you donate your worn out shoes to the local running store.
    Great tips! Thanks for sharing.
    Dave

    • http://everydayemstips.com Greg Friese

      I have walked and had dinner on Main St. The running I have done in St. Charles has been in a couple of industrial parks and neighborhoods. Getting near the river next time would be great. 

  • http://www.twitter.com/lovingtherun Kelly

    Such a great post, Greg. Thank you for contributing to this important discucssion. I don’t travel much…and when I do, I often use it as an excuse to take a short break from running. I mean…who wants to get out of a fluffy and cozy hotel bed? PLUS, when I do travel, it is often without my kids…so sleeping in is my main priority. :)

    But you’re nudging me a bit with this post, and as I think of what I have coming up in the next few months, I want to push myself to incorporate some miles.

    I really appreciate your points on safety. Whether at home or on the road, I most often run alone. And as a woman, sometimes that can be uncomfortable. My normal morning runs occur before the sun comes up, so I stick close to the house and run with the dog, my ID, mace, a flashing light and often my phone. And like you, even when I’m home, I write a note or text a friend to let someone know where I’m running and when I’m expected home.

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