Make your travels an experience to remember by integrating fitness with cultural exploration. Instead of a workout in the hotel gym, runners might consider a jog around the local landmarks to get a flavor of the region. From New York's Central Park to San Francisco's Golden Gate, every location has something interesting to offer a runner. With a little curiosity and a pair of athletic shoes, you too can become one with the scenery and build vibrant memories of your next trip.
In Seattle a visiting runner came across a map of the stairways of Queen Anne, the district where she was staying, and noticed ‘Boston Street Haunted Stair, No. 54’. The runner was determined to locate No. 54, which was a 2.3 mile run uphill from her hotel.
A little research uncovered the local legend claiming a woman fell to her death in the early 1900s when climbing the wooden steps to meet her fiancé. Years later, a woman descending the concrete replacements is reported to have heard a voice urging her to turn back. She heeded the warning, turned around and was saved as the stairs crumbled apart.
The visiting runner upon arrival at the stairway was under-whelmed. The stairs were closed and no voices were heard, but the runner was much better acquainted with the city and the view of the bay from atop the hill was breathtaking, a perfect landmark run.
Running Heightens Every Sense and Builds Positive Memories
The act of running can make any visit to a new location much more memorable. According to Science Daily Magazine (March 6, 2008) scientists in Germany have finally confirmed that endorphins in brains of runners do indeed lead to an intense feeling of good will. Dr. Henning Boecker, University of Bonn, used "positron emission tomography" to record endorphins released into the brain calling them "the brain’s naturally occurring opiates" and linking them to "decreased pain perception and an increased sense of well-being ". Science confirms what runners already know, it is a sport that can boost your mood.
Take that information and add a recent study published in Cognition (April 2010)where it was determined emotional memories could be influenced by motor actions. Subjects that moved a marble upward recounted more positive memories, downward more negative, suggesting that "meaningless" motions can modify one's memory. Though this study focused on the recounting of memories, one could argue a connection may exist between the creation of a memory and movement as well. So sightseeing, boosted by the endorphins and motion of running may take a mediocre vacation to new heights.
Landmark Runs for Casual and Serious Runners
What better way to discover the values that influence people of a region than to jog around the grounds of their state capitol? A feast for the senses: state capitol buildings display beautiful architectural design from the state's birth era while the grounds exhibit gorgeous gardens flaunting native botanicals. Visitors will find interesting sites such as memorials to a flag, fallen officers, war heroes or even gravesites like that of the 11th U.S. President James K. Polk which is located on the capitol grounds in Nashville Tennessee. It's an interesting and memorable way to learn about the history of a state when visiting a capitol city.
Like state capitols, university campuses boast interesting gardens, beautiful architecture and information on the region. Campuses provide a peek into the local industry with a splash of sports. Most campuses are vast enough to cover more mileage without having to repeat your course and there are a number of displays anything from touching tributes to unique student art pieces.
Bridges are a common choice for runners but can be a challenge. Though built for vehicle and pedestrian traffic, big city bridges such as the Golden Gate or Brooklyn can be very busy with commuters, tourists and bicycle traffic so time of day should be considered. Still, running over a bridge gives one a sense of accomplishment and from high above the water provides some of the most gorgeous scenery and cityscapes around.
Learn From the Locals When Looking for Running Opportunities
Take advantage of the local runners groups to find the more popular and safe courses in the area. Many have websites and contact information, some even invite visitors to join their ranks for a run. Safety is crucial in an unfamiliar area, another good reason to be in contact with those in the know. Local groups can tell you if there is an organized run planned during your visit and if a particular landmark you are considering running is wise choice. So use your frequent flyer miles, see the city and don't forget your running shoes.
Brooke Keast - For four years, Brooke Keast managed public communications for northern Nevada's largest law enforcement agency. A Deputy Sheriff working ...
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