Running is an adventure in itself, don't you think? The early mornings, the mental battles, the port-a-loos... But nothing gives me greater pleasure than taking that adventure one step further - here's five running experiences that you simply have to try!
1. Go on a running tour
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| Exploring Cape Town with the lovely Phillipa from Run Cape Town. |
Running tours are perfect for exploring new territories on foot, or for rediscovering old ones. Miss K and I did a running tour with Run Cape Town in 2014, and learned so many new things about an area that we've visited a gazillion times before. Find one in a town near you.
2. Do a race abroad
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| Running the Maluti Mountains in the Kingdom of Lesotho, with the Katse Dam in the background. |
Nothing beats the vividness of memories created on foot - running is my preferred mode of exploration by a mile. And what could possibly be a better souvenir than a shiny new medal and a tonne of memories? Do a race abroad - you won't be sorry.
3. Do an obstacle race
Okay, so I haven't experienced this one first-hand, but it's been on my to-do list for years now. What on earth could be more fun than crawling through mud pits and swinging on monkey bars with a group of friends or family? Memories de luxe.
4. Join the parkrun family
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| Big Bay parkrun, Cape Town. [Photo by Kevin from Lisa Olivier Photography.] |
So maybe parkrun isn't as exciting as wading through a mud pit (although I've seen clips of UK parkruns that closely resemble the latter!), but it sure will change your life. It will motivate you, introduce you to a fun and supportive community, and might even make you just a tad obsessed, ha! Try it.
5. Brave a night-time trail run
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| Remember your headlamp! |
Ready to give your senses a shake-up? Do a night-time trail run! But learn from my mistakes: a) Remember your headlamp; and b) Close your mouth while you run. Trust me.
Thanks to the lovely ladies from Eat Pray Run DC, You Signed up for What? and Mar on the Run for the opportunity to share these must-do adventures as part of their Friday Five link-up. Happy weekend, everyone!
Nice list! I understand about the keeping your mouth closed on night-time runs. I also hated being the one clearing the spiderwebs with my face! I've been there, done that on the OCRs. Fun to say you've done one but I won't be signing up for those again.
ReplyDeleteI'm weird, so somehow I think I'll love obstacle races! The muddier, the better :) .
DeleteGreat list. Sounds like an awesome way to shake things up. Obstacle races are pretty fun. I did two basic ones last year which were good, but none this year.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'd LOVE to do an obstacle race, John! Unfortunately there are no obstacle races in my part of the country, but hopefully that'll change soon. Or I'll just have to travel for one...! :)
Deletei would love to do an international race!! such fun!
ReplyDeleteI've done four so far, Courtney, and they've been life-changing! Highly, highly recommended!
DeleteI have not done any of these! Perhaps I am a boring runner...haha!
ReplyDeleteNah - running is an adventure in itself!
DeleteI have never done an international race! I have 2 destination races next spring: one in Florida and one in California. A total change of pace for this Chicago runner!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like so much fun, Wendy - enjoy!! :)
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