BASS PRO MIDWEEK MOTIVATION - Change Your Location

Hello runner friends!

Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series

MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog!

Now let's get started by talking about how a change of location might be the very thing you need if your motivation to get out the door is waning. This was something I was thinking about last week as I ran the streets of Hinesville, Georgia. My husband, Larry, and I were in town for my daughter's wedding and, while we had a lot to do to get ready and to help her get ready, our mornings were free. Which made me super happy! I was not only in a new location but it was warm!!

As you can see by my smile above, running in a new place was good for my motivation (and my tan)! I'm training for my next ultramarathon and the thought of running another 20-miler in my hometown filled me with dread. So on the first day of our minivacation I left the hotel with no plan other than to finish the double digit run and be back before lunch. And that's the beauty of running in a new location. Whether you turn right or left, you get to experience new sights and sounds which will put a pep in your step and have you finishing up quicker. In addition, with the advances in GPS watches, smart phones, and maps, you won't have to worry about remembering how to backtrack your way home. You can program the address in when you’re ready to head back and get step by step directions. My phone also allowed my sweet Larry to track me and bring water and snacks at random times so I didn't have to wear a vest. Pretty nice right?

So with that being said, I encourage you to run in new places as often as you can and to switch up your routes frequently when possible. If you're like me and limited on time in the morning, this is going to require some flexibility and research but it will be worth it. For instance, I can run at the park near my work (it's got some great trails) by packing my clothes and using baby wipes to refresh and change in the park bathroom. I move quickly so I can make it to work on time, sometimes forgoing makeup if I'm short on time (I haven't scared anyone away yet, LOL). It's worth it to break up the monotony.

But whether you're looking for a new route close to home or one while on vacation, you'll want to check out the 6 Top Run Mapping Tools and Apps as comprised by Runner's World Magazine. They also listed three safety tips for mapping out your route which I’ve listed below. *With my two cents thrown in of course. 

Safety Tips for Mapping Out Your Route

It’s always a good idea to think ahead and consider the safety of your surroundings—especially if you plan to run alone or when it’s dark outside and if you’re in a new-to-you area. Use this checklist as a guide when mapping out your next route:

Not too lonely: Sure, it’s nice to have the trail all to yourself, but the old “safety in numbers” saying applies here—when you stick to paths where other people are out and about, you’re far less likely to be the victim of a crime. Plus, you’ll have help close by in case of an accident or injury.
*Keep your head on a swivel and pay attention. With the increase of random acts of violence, you can never underestimate the brazenness of a would-be attacker. This is a great time to nix the headphones as well so you have all your senses at alert. If this has you saying, "Now Melissa, I can't run without my tunes," opt for a wearable blue tooth speaker (I use a Noxgear 39g) or a pair of Shokz. This will allow you the best of both worlds.

Lighted paths: Choosing well-lit areas to run, especially when it’s getting darker, not only helps you avoid tripping on an uneven surface or colliding with unseen objects, but also it limits hiding places for would-be attackers. It’s also just plain smart to wear a good headlamp if the visibility may be limited.
*Use a tracking app so your family will know where you are. And it's always a good idea to carry 'protection.' There are lots of options out there such as whistles, alarms, and pepper spray. I personally carry a small firearm that I'm trained and ready to use should the situation warrant it. Whatever you choose though, make sure it's easily accessible and you're comfortable using it. Danger will usually spring out of nowhere and you don't want to be found fumbling.

Positive reviews: Sometimes you’re better off avoiding the road less traveled. If the area or trail you’ve opted to run has received ratings from other runners, pay attention to what people say—negative comments, particularly ones that point out potential dangers, should prompt you to reconsider your route. 

*If you're staying at a hotel, be sure to ask the staff if there are any areas that are more favorable to run than others and if there are any neighborhoods or trails that should be avoided. I did this while in North Dakota last year and it led Larry and me to a quaint trail off the town cemetery which was a route I never would have discovered without the knowledge of the 'locals'.

So there you have it friends. No matter what you're training for, running in new places is a great way to get your motivation back or to keep it from waning in the first place. I know running in a new town certainly got me fired up. That's why it's worth your time and energy to make it happen. You'll be so glad you did. Happy Running!