I mentioned last week that I love running on vacation: it’s fun to lace up my sneakers and head out to explore a new neighborhood on foot. (I seriously can’t wait to run in NYC again.) But today’s post is about something a little different: running a new route that I know I can come back to.
For nearly two years, I ran almost exclusively on the Neponset River trail: past the marshes and reeds, across Granite Street to the parks on the other side. I went as far as I dared until the path ended, and ran my first 5K there. As long as I lived in the neighborhood, I was entirely satisfied: my daily runs didn’t need to be anywhere else.
When I started dog– and house-sitting for friends in Eastie last spring, the days were still short: I didn’t want to venture out on unfamiliar streets in the dark. So I brought my running gear to work and began doing lunchtime runs on the Esplanade. That route – close to my office, and a favorite haunt of Boston runners – has become one of “my” places to run. And as the days lengthened, I began exploring new running routes in Eastie. Those loops along the harborwalk and the greenway are now, of course, where I run all the time.
Last week, I tried out another new-to-me route: the forest path along the river in the Brighton-Watertown area, close to where my guy lives. We’d been for a bike ride or two in that area, but I’d never run that path before. I set off on a stunning morning, the Highwomen in my earbuds, savoring the light and the way it filtered through the leaves.
Running that new-to-me loop felt both normal and refreshingly new. I kept up my usual pace, mostly, but I had to pay attention to my feet (so many tree roots!). Plus, it was kind of fun not knowing exactly where the path would go. I adore my normal route and all its variations, but I didn’t know how much I needed that dose of novelty. I ran all the way to Watertown Square, where there’s another bridge over the river, and came back down the other side. By the time I reached my starting point again, I was sweaty and smiling.
If you run, or exercise regularly, do you like to switch it up sometimes?
cakes, tea and dreams 
I’m a walker. I have a routine with slight variations of the same general path. I used to venture to another area but there was a little dog that always tried to follow me home – across a fast and busy street. So, I’d end up walking him all the way back to his house. His owners did not like a 6:30am doorbell so I could deposit him safely at home. It’s been years now so surely he is no longer around. Sweet thing but I had to quit venturing that direction. It’s a beautiful walk so I’ll give it another go.
Oh, poor little dog. Maybe you could try it again.
I actually like routine, but I sometimes run with my dogs and I know it’s good for them mentally to switch up the route. So it’s probably good for me as well, but I do it for the dogs. Haha!
Hey, whatever works! 🙂