Running in LA is different than it is in New York. The town where I live in LA is near where the fictional characters of The Big Bang Theory live. If I knew I could see Sheldon, Leonard, Raj and Wolowitz on the streets near me, I might be motivated to do the out-and-back run more often. I’m sorry but Penny wouldn’t even get me off the couch.
I’d run more if I could see these guys on the streets where I live. Image: Heavybm
I just don’t like the out-and-back run. When I run, I want to get somewhere and cover my distance. Ideally, once I’m done running, I enjoy walking to cool-down and then taking the lazy (wo)man’s way home with a train ride. Moving to LA has put a serious cramp in my running style and I’m having a hard time making the necessary adjustments (even though it’s been over a year).
Image: Radiohead022
It’s embarrassing to admit that the lack of subway trains has impacted my running and not in a good way. It’s easy to think that since the weather is gorgeous nearly every single day in LA, I run often but I don’t. Sometimes it isn’t my injury that keeps me from running. Sometimes it’s the damned out-and-back option. Although I have no right to be incredulous about it, I still find the LA concept of driving to a place to run and then driving home unbelievably ludicrous.
Image: Lrumiha
I need to find a way to get over this hurdle and right quick! I’ve committed to a 200 mile Ragnar Relay with some serious runners in April and I’m determined not to let injury take me out this time!
Despite my dislike of the out-and-back run, I suspect I’ll be doing a lot of them given that October 1st will begin my 6 month training plan to get ready for my Ragnar. I don’t have a plan together yet but I’m curious to see how strength training, cardio, fuel and hydration trials and different gear will affect my running.
Maybe I’ll get my friend (and fellow Ragnar team member) Jill @TreeFitness to give me some exercise advice when I see her at the FitSocial Conference this weekend? If you have training advice that has worked for you, please let me know!
There will be a lot more upcoming posts about running, fitness, food and music in the coming months so stay-tuned!
Self-inspiration – Working to get back to the excited Pre-Race feeling!
Seriously, I want to do how you get yourself motivated on a daily basis to achieve a long-term goal (in fitness or in life)?
I only have a certain amount of time each week to exercise so even if I’m not feeling motivated, I force myself because I know I’ll beat myself up later and regret not doing it.
Also? I dream of walking/running through NYC. Especially Central Park. It’s been too long since I’ve been in the Big Apple.
I’m just impressed you run! I love it and just don’t make the time for it.
I wish I had some magic words of wisdom to bestow on you but I just LOVE to run. Out and back, loops, trails, roads, whatever – I’m just happy to be out there. Usually a race date gets me motivated or new gear! If all else fails – I download a new playlist and that usually does the trick and keeps my mind occupied on the run. Good luck!!
Drive to the hills- or run up to Runyan Canyon and run there! The sights are always incredible and so fun on the trails. If anything the people watching cracks me up.
I understand the challenge of driving everywhere in LA, drives me bonkers, but what if you run somewhere and take the bus home too? That could be an adventurous way to learn the LA area too.
When it is time for Ragnar, while I am SO BUMMED I can’t run it with you guys (to soon post Baby Bean’s arrival) I will be cheering from afar. I am a Hood to Coast Veteran and love running relays! You’ll have so much fun! Fun goal to train for too. xo
Such an interesting post! I remember being in New York last year and seeing all the people running towards Central Park after work and thought that was crazy. But the subways would allow for so many different areas to run in. I am not a runner but the idea of the run and back would be very boring and I am sure I would stop quickly. I hope you heal up nice and do well at you race!!
Due to where we live, we have to do out and back hikes. I get so very bored of it. We talk often of walking to the beach (about 6 miles) and figuring out how to take the bus sort of home. I miss living in Chicago and SF with their great public transit systems, too!
I understand the time window. If I had that I might be more motivated. I did run today and took a roundabout way so it was a bit better.
Maybe one day we’ll run together in Central Park.
My running career has been in fits and starts but yes, it’s something. Thanks for the support Steph!
Allie, I want to be you in many ways. I wish I loved to run but I just don’t. I’ve come to enjoy it more but I don’t crave or love to run. It could be why music is so important to me. If you have great running song suggestions, I’m all ears…and feet!
Thanks Erin! Perhaps I can get you to do a guest post on training for a Ragnar? Your input would be greatly welcomed!
I’m looking forward to seeing you (and the Bean) at the Fitness Meet & Tweet next month! Hoping you are feeling great.
Thanks Sharon! Central Park is a nice place to run but honestly, I love running over bridges. There is nothing in the world like running over the Brooklyn Bridge. Thanks for your continued support! I can’t get over how much I loved your easy GNI post!
Glad I’m not the only one who dislikes the “out and back”. Did a run today from my kid’s school after drop-off instead of from home and that worked a little bit. I guess we suffer a little with lack of public transportation in beautiful California. Not a bad trade off though.
I’m not much of a runner but I wish the best of luck with that long run!! I know you will do great! 🙂
I’m a suburb runner — right out my front door and go!
(*I’ll tell you what I’m excited for: To follow your journey as you work this out! Because what’s motivating for me is community! And that’s what I think we just might have here! *Swoon*
This post is so funny because as a Cali girl the thought of running then taking a train home has never even entered my mind. I do an out and back run nearly every day, but when that bores me I drive to a different part of the beach then run and drive home. Its all scenic to me!
My bestie and my hubs have run 2 Ragnars now and absolutely LOVED them both. What route are you doing?
Brittany: As long as my back holds up, this is going to be an adventure! Thanks for the support, girl!
Love that attitude about your running and the community, Galit! I need to take some of that on. Thank you for a perspective switch reminder and the support.
Betsy, I’m doing SoCal in 2014. If I lived near a beach, my out and backs might be more enjoyable :). I did circumvent some of my boredom yesterday with a new tactic, started my run after dropping off my little guy at school rather than start from home. It helped.
I completely understand the boredom aspect, I’m a treadmill runner! Some days it just flies by, others it feels like I’ve been running for years and it’s only been 5 minutes. Good to know I’m not alone!
Carrie, you are absolutely not alone. You run on the treadmill!? Wow. I trained on the treadmill for my one and only 26.2 and it scarred me for life!
I was actually laughing at this post because I cannot imagine living somewhere that you WOULDN’T have to drive somewhere to run and then drive home! I live in such a small town that I have no choice. My options are pretty much either to run from my house and then make a loop or an out and back and run home, or drive somewhere and run and then drive home. It’s not so bad when it’s your only option! Great seeing you this weekend!
Great seeing you and meeting Natalie as well! Your response made me chuckle quite a bit. If there’s anything I can do to help contribute to Ramblen for LA and/or NYC, let me know. Hope to see you at Fitbloggin’ in June or sometime sooner.
I was just about to suggest taking the bus, too. I do it when I go hiking in the Verdugos – take the bus to one trailhead, come down another, and take the bus home.
Hi Wendy! I think I may need to take the bus for a run. I think my husband would like that better than me calling for him to come and get me.