As many of you know, I run. I run quite a bit.

I get a lot of questions like “Don’t you get bored running for that long?” and “How do you get yourself to get up and just go?”

I assure you, these are all things I wasn’t great at to start. I won’t regale you with the entire saga of Jess’ running history. But since we’re starting the year off right, this will be the post to kick off my running series; Running on the Go.

Do you travel? Do you like to stay fit while traveling? Are you also an aspiring/seasoned runner? Well well well, have I got the blog series for you. Smash that follow button if you haven’t already!

Let’s talk a bit about habits. Take a second to list out your habits in your head. Mine are things like: Coffee in the morning, brushing my teeth, showering, getting dressed, running, eating relatively healthy… so on.

How do you become a runner? You make it a habit. We’re talking real, bonafide habits. As in, if you forget to do it, your whole day feels off. Do I run every day? No. Heck no. But if more than a few days pass, I start to notice. I even dream about running if enough days go by.

Would I leave the house without brushing my teeth? No! Would I leave on a trip without packing running shoes? Nope! It has to be a habit. 

Get out there and go for a run. It doesn’t matter how far or how long. Just do the best you can and don’t stop doing it. Three times a week. I promise you will be 100% satisfied with the results if you run 3 days a week for 6 weeks. The idea will come so naturally by then that you will just start to do it out of (you guessed it) habit.

Why is running my sport of choice? I can do it anywhere! Seriously! I’ve run in 10 or so countries so far. That and it requires minimal preparation and time. Going to a gym or something is such a hassle, especially when you’re on the move in a foreign place.

Steps towards becoming a running traveler:

• Make a habit of packing your running shoes and a set of workout clothes
  • I actually bought shoe bags from Flight 001 just for this!
• “Fantasize” about running when you’re on the plane or similar
  • “What sights will I see?”
  • “What will the people be doing?”
• Set a time and day that you will go running
  • Put it on your calendar! Tell your travel mates!
• Pick a route
  • I usually look for a park or a dense sight-seeing area
  • Don’t stress too much about the route, there is something really fun about just getting out there and having a jog around, even if you have no idea where to go
  • I’ll cover this more extensively in later posts
• Stash your passport (I use a RooSport), grab some money, your hotel key, your phone, and get going!
• High-five yourself upon return

In the coming months, we’re going to cover all kinds of topics, from tips & tricks to actual routes around the world. Let me know in the comments if there is anything specific you would like to read about!