Do you run the same routes every day, or do you change things up? I am a creature of habit when it comes to running routes. I have about 5 routes that I run all the time. I did change things up much more when I was marathon training. Now, for my everyday runs, I stick to the same set of routes. However, I do like to alternate them! I don’t like to run the same route more than once a week.
1. The close-to-home route
This is the route I run the most these days. I know I will never be more than a mile from home. There are hardly any cars, and I always see the same runners and dog walkers. It’s also pretty flat. The biggest problem with this route is it get’s so boring!
2. The long run adjustable route
I haven’t done this route since last winter, but it’s basically a 2 mile run to a lake, and then I can circle the lake as many times as needed. It has a sidewalk and is about 1.75 miles all the way around. It’s pretty hilly but I like knowing what to expect.
3. The long run loop
When I am feeling confident about my distance (at least 8 miles) I do a loop. This is something I will just do on the weekends because I don’t like running it in the dark. There are some hills in the beginning, but then the end is pretty flat.
4. The quiet neighborhood route
This one also isn’t too far from home. There are some townhouse and apartment developments pretty close by where I can run that are pretty quiet. I feel like I never go too fast because there are a lot of turns and some hills. I can kind of zone out and just go in all different directions without thinking much about it.
5. The out and back flat route
When I know how far I want to run I sometimes do a straight out and back. There are a few long lights and the out part is slightly uphill. But then you know that you get the downhill on the way back! I like seeing that my paces are faster at the end of my run.
Oh and we can’t forget about the bad luck running route! But I won’t include that in this list.
Do you run the same routes every day?
What are the factors you think about when choosing where to run?
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Your routes sound similar to mine! LOL! I’m already thinking about which long run route I want to run Sunday: the loop or the out and back on the bike path…
Thats what I always do the night before a run- and it feels like a much more important decision when the run is longer than a few miles. I hope you enjoy whatever route your choose!
I do run in the same area quite a bit. We have a bike/run trail near us so it’s super easy to add on miles there and a safe place to run. Stay away from that bad luck route!!
I wish i had a trail like that nearby! It would be nice to have a place to run without worrying about cars/traffic.
yes, we definitely think alike! I have a lot of different routes, I probably could have done a top-10 list, but I highlighted the top 5 at least LOL Like you, I like to do a different route each time I run (or walk), because UGH…I crave variety! And so does my body 😉
Yes to variety! I would get SO bored running the same route every day. I see a runner out every day running back and forth down the same main road. I cant help but wonder if she gets bored of that!
I tend to run the same routes daily. I live right next to a state park that has many trails so depending what distance you want to do you can find a trail for that.
Thats perfect to be able to run on a trail like that! Its nice that you have different distance options too.
I usually do the same two or three routes, depending on the distance/type of run I want to do! But I always love switching things up and exploring new areas! Such a fun post idea 🙂
Its nice to have a few go-to options and then be able to pick based on what you feel like that day!
omg I totally run the same route every day because I really can’t leave my neighborhood. for the most part I don’t care but lately I think about running on the weekends by my parents (where I grew up) because it’s a great area for running and a change of scenery (plus I can’t get lost lol).
I do think its nice to change things up completely once in awhile! Once I am running more I want to go run in other places like maybe back in the city or on a trail.
So far I have my neighborhood routes. In any direction, I’m less than a mile from home. They flow together too, so it’s easy for me to add one loop on to another for longer runs. It does get boring, but I know them.
Thats nice to always stay somewhat close to home! And it definitely makes it easier to run when you know exactly where you are.
I am such a creature of habit too! I have a big six mile loop around my hood- still never more than like 1-1.5 miles from my house at any given time (usually closer). I also have a 1.5 mile loop I have been running 4 times in a row in the mornings! LOL. I can’t believe I keep doing that but for some reason I just am crazing the monotony right now.
I cant believe you keep doing that either but I know there is something nice about not having to make a decision about where to run! Its easier to just be on autopilot and do what you are used to every day.
Hi, Lisa! I found your blog via Fairytales and Fitness. 🙂 This is too funny…I literally thought of a running route for each one of these examples. I never really thought about it that way, but I definitely have a go-to “loop” route, “out and back” route, etc. depending on how many miles I need to run!
I think its nice to have those kinds of options! It adds some variety while also not having to think abut finding new places to run all the time.
I try to change routes when I run and I find that very motivating, Lisa! This was an awesome read!
It’s definitely nice to change things ups rather than do the same exact thing every day!
I always run the same routes too! I pick the route depending on what distance I’m feeling that day. Unfortunately every route from my house is uphill out but it’s always downhill on the way back 🙂
Hope you have a great weekend!
Both directions from when I get on my main road where i live are uphill. But it is nice to end of a downhill coming back!
I have different routes as well and it depends on how I feel and what the mileage is. I run by my house, on the trail, and on the lakefront.
Its definitely nice to have different options! I do wish I had a trail closer to where I live.
I get so bored running the same route! Lately I have been driving about 2 miles from my house to run on some country roads. I love it. Sometimes on the weekends I will run around Lake Loveland but it’s about 4 miles from my house and the roads are busier so I only do it on the weekend. My favorite run is to drive a distance from my house and just run home! But then I have to have Rick take me back to my car (which he is kind enough to do).
That’s a really good idea to leave your car somewhere and run home! Although Im sure I would be annoyed about having to go back for my car.