Running On-the-Go

Since I have been teaching sunrise-early barre classes lately, I spend a good amount of my morning at either studio four to five days a week.  I only have one class on Mondays, and this week I made the most out of my thirty minute trip across town by going for a run around Park Avenue in Winter Park.

Winter Park is one of my favorite places to walk, run and explore in Orlando.

Whether I’m looking for a nice restaurant, a shopping strip, or a location to take photos, I have enjoyed the shops and scenery of the avenue for years.

Park Avenue

Back in October of 2010, we hosted my friend Brittany’s Bridal Shower at Park Plaza Gardens and shot photos in the main garden.

Photo credit: Lauren Watai

I ran my first 10K down the Avenue and through the surrounding neighborhood.

Scott and I frequent their Saturday morning Farmer’s Market.

It even served as the perfect location for our Rock the Dress Photo Shoot. <- click to watch our fun video slide show!

Photo credit: Elegant Imagery

Running On-the-Go

Since training for my first half marathon, I have enjoyed running outside more than ever.  Whenever I am out and about before 9 a.m., I often take a look around to scope out new running routes and areas to try out.

You might recall my Running For Beginners Q&A Video a few months ago.  In this post, I listed a few tips on how to avoid skipping training days while retaining motivation to keep going… even when the going gets tough.

A few of my tips include:

• Get in a workout/running routine that works for YOU and your schedule.

• Plan your runs ahead of time.

• Sleep in your running clothes the night before a morning run.

• Bring a set of gym/running clothes and shoes with you.

• Drink plenty of water.  Sometimes we don’t realize we are dehydrated and loose steam easily.

• Run with friends!

I bolded the bring a set of running clothes with you because that is exactly what I did on Monday to show my running on-the-go concept.  I also did two other things:  planned my run ahead of time and made sure to hydrate.  Doing these steps helped me enjoy one of my favorite runs outside to date.

I started the first half mile running down to Park Avenue, then looped around for another mile and a half before turning around to head back.  From what I remember, I covered a lot of the same ground from the 10K, and the neighborhoods were just as beautiful as I remember.

Around 8 a.m. was the perfect time to squeeze in a morning run, and since I was already close to a great running route, I took advantage of it!  Next time, I know I can go another quarter mile before I turn around to make it an even five.

I ran 4.5 miles in 39 minutes and felt great!

And that, my friends, is running on-the-go.  Simple to grasp and easy to do!

Question of the Day

Do you ever take a set of “just in case” workout or running clothes with you?

When I used to work full days at an office, I had to take my gym clothes with me at the beginning of the day.  If I didn’t, the workout or run never happened because I would go home and never want to leave.  Planning ahead and incorporating on-the-go runs have been my key to a successful training schedule.