Running along the Grand River
I thought it’d be fun to do an entire post on my running routine and my route, since it feels like such a big part of my life right now… as strange as that sounds! I’ve always liked running, but I never actively ran outside much and was always a studio fitness gal. I’ve participated in a few 5Ks here and there, and a 10K once, but I never had a routine and route I’ve loved quite like this. It’s so fun to be able to explore downtown Grand Rapids a bit more and see some familiar sights so often. I get to cross over the Sixth Street Bridge, all along the Grand River, seeing the fish ladder, watching the rapids, the highways overhead, crossing through downtown and seeing Rosa Parks Circle, the Love Sculpture, and heading over to the Blue Bridge to cross over, loop around the carousel of the public museum, through a tunnel lined with murals, and back up through Ah-Nab-Awen park seeing Lorrie’s Button. It’s such a fun route — and has played such a big part in my happiness and peace lately!
So yeah to back up a little bit on my fitness routine… before quarantine and lockdown, I was an avid studio fitness gal. I went 3-4x a week into the studio, and I loved it. It was embedded into my routine. When shutdown happened, my studio offered virtual classes, but I really missed the cardio part of my workouts. Sure, you can do cardio inside your apartment but I found it SO BORING. I couldn’t jog in place or do high knees for 30 seconds… let alone 30 minutes. I tried some dance videos on YouTube and liked those, but ultimately decided… I just didn’t like working out inside my apartment. I hated being cooped up in here all day long, and getting outside to run gave me that excuse, even if it was cold or gloomy or whatever. So in the beginning, I started running even if it was in the low 40’s, just as a reason to get some fresh air and different scenery.
So since the middle of March, I’ve been running and extending my runs a little further! Now I’m pretty settled into my 3.26 mile run, but hope to extend it out a little bit further here soon. But I love it. I really do. I’m so glad I decided to start and continue this journey. It’s helped me maintain some sanity during this weird life and quarantine, it’s helped me reach some of my fitness/health goals, and it’s filled my head with scenes of this amazing city I live in. I barely ever made it down here in the last few years, even though I work downtown and live a mile from downtown, and it’s so funny to me now. So if you’re at all interested in running, I’d say get out and explore your city! Start small, and just continue to work your way up. Find little milestones in your run that you look forward to.
A few other things that have helped… find a playlist you love! I love running to classic rock, but find what works for you. I just cannot ever picture being in a bad mood while listening to AC/DC “If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)” or Van Halen “Runnin’ With The Devil” while running, haha. It makes me so happy. 😂 As for workout gear, I absolutely love Old Navy’s workout items. They’re affordable, comfortable, and supportive. Their 7/8 elevate leggings are my favorite. I also love my Nike Tanjun running shoes… I have them in black and gray. When it’s colder out, I wear a zip jacket or hoodie. I also wear a little ‘fitness fanny pack’ (like this one) that holds my phone and keys, which is super convenient. Aaaaand I just got my Apple AirPods this past winter, and I love them for running. Super easy, no cords, and I can double tap the ear when I want to pause music or skip to the next song. And last but not least, I use the RunKeeper app to track my runs! It gives you little notifications every 5 minutes with how many miles you’ve ran and what your current pace is. Super helpful! If you have any questions, let me know in the comments! I’d be happy to answer!
