Run The Byways

running on the road

Not all who wander are lost. –J.R.R. Tolkien

Running is a unifying activity. Most people feel a sense of calm after a run, whether it be a run down the street or a multi-mile run in the morning.

Sure, it’s a way to get from one location to another quickly, but it can also be a way to see your neighborhood or your city in a new light. Some of the best runs are not when you are on a track or in the gym on a treadmill, these come when you explore places close to you or far away.

Running builds your endurance, lowers your heart rate average, and helps increase your lung capacity. But it also is a good way to free your mind, relax, and enjoy the scenery as you run past.

Whether you enjoy running on the sidewalks in a big city or exploring running trails in your local park with your baby in a jogging stroller, a good run will make you appreciate everything around you, and appreciate that your body was what took you on the adventure. Not every run has to be a full-on sprint, sometimes the best way to workout is to jog your way down an unfamiliar street or through a forest path and see what you find along the way.

Charging Ahead

No one just jumps off the couch and starts to run a marathon, so what better way to help you work up to your three-minute mile than by finding new areas to explore all around you. Make sure you know your limits before heading out for a run and make sure to bring water with you for longer runs.

There’s no shame in walking for a few feet or a few miles to give yourself a rest and to really take in the scenery. And while all you really need for a run is a good pair of running shoes and trail, it’s always best to make sure you are prepared before you head out on the road, and there are some gear adjustments that can help make every run your best yet.

Gearing Up

As we said before, all you really need for a good run is a good pair of running shoes and the dedication to keep going. Finding the right pair of running shoes for your particular need can help ensure that you don’t get blisters or sore arches as you make your way down the byways of life. For example, people with low arches would benefit from getting specifically designed running shoes for flat feet.

A good pair of running shoes will fit snugly but not too tight, and allow room for an additional pair of socks for longer runs. You want to make sure that you have a pair of running shoes that breathe so that your feet don’t overheat and so you don’t end up fighting against athlete’s foot after every run.

Having the right apparel is important if you want to be able to run as efficiently as possible. While you theoretically could go for a run in a pair of jeans, it wouldn’t be the smartest idea. Instead, you should opt for clothing made specifically for running. Besides clothes, you may also want to look into a good pair of running sunglasses to protect your eyes.

A good water bottle is also key to have on you, as well as clothes that are light and breathable, but also keep you warm when running early in the morning or in colder weather.

Besides the basics, there are some things that can help elevate your run, like running watches that keep track of how far you’ve run and where you’re heading. You can also invest in armbands to hold your phone or music player, as well as waterproof or sweat-proof running headphones that are wireless so you can enjoy your music without slowing down your pace.

There are also different braces you can wear to help support injured or weak knees, ankles, or other parts of your body so you can continue your workout without injuring yourself further. Whether you’re looking for a 30-minute jog around your block or training for your next marathon, the right equipment can make all the difference in the world when you’re out on the road.

That’s why we’ve gone ahead and found some of the best running gear available to you, so you won’t find yourself behind the start when you’re ready to charge out of the gate.

Never Run Out of Places to Explore

Where you decide to run really depends on you. While you may not be a nature trail runner, there are many circuits in major cities that you can take to tour the sites. There are even apps that allow you to find running trails made by other people so you can take in everything around you and mix up your workout.

Running in nature does present different challenges than running in the city. When going for a run in the woods, it is always best to be prepared for the trail at hand and to make sure that someone knows where you are going. Make sure to bring bug spray, as well as a whistle and a compass when running through the woods, just in case your cell service decides to cut out on you. If you are interested in running at night you should invest in a good running headlamp to illuminate the path in front of you. Of course, running in wet or muddy conditions will require good waterproof running shoes.

When running the city, it is always best to wear reflective gear and to pay attention to where you can and can’t run. Sometimes the biggest danger to a good run is traffic, so make sure to play it safe instead of heading out on the side of a highway. You should also bring similar safety precautions when running in the city as you would when running in the woods, like a compass, a map, and any protection device you feel you need with you to help you say stay safe.

Of course, if you really want to up your running game, there are certain trails that take you around national monuments, like the one that runs around Washington, D.C. showing you all the sights while helping you get your heart rate up. You can also make yourself a running bucket list to help you stay motivated on your daily run.

While you might not be ready to run a 26-mile loop right off the bat, it can help to have goals for where you want to go next. Keep the path in front of you in mind and make sure to keep moving forward and you’ll never run out of places to explore while on a run.

So start your favorite workout music and make sure to stretch before hitting the road, there are so many places to explore on foot you may never take the bus again.