iRun because I cannot say no to a second slice of chocolate cake – Emily Shandruk , Vancouver, BC

iRun to stay fit and release those running endorphins – Liliana Plava , Calgary, AB

iRun because I want to qualify for Boston and raise money for charities near and dear to my heart – Christine Gracel , Calgary, AB

iRun because it makes me feel good, allows me to spend time with my friends and gives me a feeling of accomplishment – Helen Kolodziejzyk , Calgary, AB

iRun but not enough – Michael Shaw , New Westminister, BC

iRun because I never thought I would be able to – Gary Morris , Winnipeg, MB

iRun to challenge myself, physically and mentally – Kathleen Keenan , Brampton, ON

iRun because people around me inspire me – Pina Bevilacqua , Caledon, ON

iRun therefore I am – Duncan Walsh , Nottingham, UK

iRun because I live – Georges Schneller , Laval, QC

iRun to be free and enjoy our beautiful country – Cheryl Carter , Clearwater , BC

iRun for overall wellbeing – Trish McCourt , Halifax, NS

iRun because it makes me a better person, a better wife, a better mother and a better friend – Nathalie Joncas-Caissie , St-Antoine, NB

iRun because it makes me feel powerful – Carlene Paquette , Carp, ON

iRun because pecan pie, french fries and beer are chasing me – Teresa Sterling , Ottawa , ON

iRun because it’s in me – Michael Foley , Stittsville, ON

iRun because it reminds me that I am capable of so much more than I have done – James Sauve , Ottawa, ON

iRun for me – Kiza Francis , Ottawa,ON

iRun to prove to myself I can – Lesley McGougan , Brampton, ON

iRun because all the ladies are chasing my sexy runner’s body – Chris Baker , Etobicoke, ON

iRun because I can and I’m grateful – Terry SanCartier , Gatineau, QC

iRun because when I run I feel most alive – Meghan Lynch , Ottawa, ON

iRun to unleash my inner athlete – Adelle Densham , Avonmore, ON

iRun because it cleans up my life, because I drink more water, sleep better and eat healthier foods – Robin McIntyre , Ottawa, ON

iRun because of the peace and strength it brings me – Michelle Jordan , Ottawa, ON

iRun because I need it to soothe the soul, keep me in shape and for overall wellbeing – Beth Neil , Lombardy, ON

iRun because it is my tonic and my salvation – Georgia Ioannou , British Columbia

iRun for relaxation and to motivate my two sons – Keith Bradbury , Newfoundland

iRun because endorphins are free – Cassandra Chouinard , Ontario

iRun because somebody once told me I couldn�t – Heidi Abbey-Der , Saskatchewan

iRun because couch potatoes die young – Cathy Andrew , Ontario

iRun because it�s cheaper than therapy – Leah Boulter , Alberta

iRun because I like buying running clothes – Pamela Blaikie , Ontario

iRun slowly! – Jason Hoffman , Manitoba

iRun because it gives me freedom to relax my brain – Marie-Claude Gregoire , Nova Scotia

iRun because I learn more about who I am with every km – Steph Mansell , Quebec

iRun because iEat – Sherry Maligaspe , British Columbia

iRun and run, and run, and run, and nobody can stop me – Andrei Lucaciu , Ontario

iRun because the wall is meant to be broken – Jonathan Bird , Ontario

iRun because it has saved my life – John Marshall , Alberta

iRun for the challenge to go faster and farther – Steven Matejka , Alberta

iRun to my happy place and some days it�s very – Doreen May , Alberta

iRun because food tastes better afterwards – Patrick Houston , Alberta

iRun because I can�t dance – Mario Javier , Ontario

iRun so I don�t say never ever again – Linda Klaric , Manitoba

iRun because it makes me whole – Denis Ladouceur , Quebec

iRun because it gets my husband out there – Tricia LaLonde , Alberta

iRun away from the negative and towards the positive – Teri Lepard , Alberta

iRun because running is like breathing to – Stephanie McEvoy , Ontario

iRun because I love the solitude – Janene Tailleur , British Columbia

iRun for the moment when both feet are off the ground – Catherine Anderson , British Columbia

iRun to someday win the race – Lindy Dunlop , Yukon

iRun to stay ahead of the weight gain – Myra Abstreiter , Alberta

iRun because otherwise I�m grumpy – Alexandre Charest , Quebec

iRun because I get foot rubs afterward – Kate Howerton , British Columbia

iRun because iLoves my man – Beverly Huang , Alberta

iRun because not everyone can – Olivia Harvey , New Brunswick

iRun to get to know myself, my strength and my spirit – Lisa Groulx , Ontario

iRun whenever I feel the need to escape – Iona Hillis , Ontario

iRun because it�s like flying, only lower – Glenn Johnson , Ontario

iRun because it makes me feel powerful – Sarah Kallaghan , Alberta

iRun because I�ve lost 80 lbs and running has become fun – Cheryl Kelly , Ontario

iRun because there is no finish line – Claire Kilgour , Ontario

iRun so my daughters know that they can, too – Shelley Kirkpatrick , New Brunswick

iRun because it reminds me of how strong I can be – Monique Lavoie , Ontario

iRun because it�s a great way to see the world – Sherry Mahoney , British Columbia

iRun because my heart tells me to – William Martin , Manitoba

iRun to prove to them that iCan – Catherine Smith , Manitoba

iRun because it�s fun when it�s done – Sue Matte , Ontario

iRun because I am not as clumsy I thought I was – Hanna Baer , Quebec

iRun see where my feet will take me today – Megan Dolinskas , New York

iRun for the cool t-shirts! – Pina Bevilacqua , Ontario

iRun because I want to be a role model for our six kids – Catherine Empey , British Columbia

iRun to inspire my kids to try – Glen Johnston , Nunavut

iRun so I can eat ice cream – Sandy Bolan , Ontario

iRun because I want to live to be 100! – Colette DeJean , Ontario

iRun for health, iRun for life – Pat Cheung , British Columbia

iRun because it gives my day a boost of energy – Sara Campbell , Nova Scotia

iRun because it�s better than almost everything else – Nathan Carey , Ontario

iRun at 50 years old because at 43 I couldn�t – Peter Cicalo , Ontario

iRun iRun because it is my tonic and my salvation – Georgia Ioannou , British Columbia

iRun iRun for relaxation and to motivate my two sons – Keith Bradbury , Newfoundland

iRun iRun because endorphins are free – Cassandra Chouinard , Ontario

iRun iRun because somebody once told me I couldn't – Heidi Abbey-Der , Saskatchewan

iRun iRun because couch potatoes die young – Cathy Andrew , Ontario

iRun iRun because it's cheaper than therapy – Leah Boulter , Alberta

iRun iRun because I like buying running clothes – Pamela Blaikie , Ontario

iRun iRun slowly! – Jason Hoffman , Manitoba

iRun iRun because iEat – Sherry Maligaspe , British Columbia

iRun iRun because I learn more about who I am with every km – Steph Mansell , Quebec

iRun iRun because it gives me freedom to relax my brain – Marie-Claude Gregoire , Nova Scotia

iRun iRun at 50 years old because at 43 I couldn't – Peter Cicalo , Ontario

iRun iRun because it's better than almost everything else – Nathan Carey , Ontario

iRun iRun for my heart, so it runs for me! – Cathy Brzoza , British Columbia

iRun iRun to inspire my children! – Wendy Bowen , Manitoba

iRun iRun because it sure beats the bus – Robin Robbins , Alberta

iRun iRun for the challenge and to remember to fully live – Pascale Synnott , Qu�bec

iRun iRun to kickstart my day – Sharon Strueby , Saskatchewan

iRun iRun for me! – Judi Wearing , Saskatchewan

iRun iRun because it's a great stress release – Brooke McKenzie , Yukon

iRun iRun because i love to – Mirella Petriello , Ontario

iRun iRun because it helps me see things more clearly – Jennifer Pitts , Ontario

iRun iRun to eat – Maureen Tritscher , Alberta

iRun iRun to correct years of sedentary living! – Mike Scott , Ontario

iRun iRun away from the abyss – Charlene Thomas , Ontario

iRun iRun all the livelong day – Pierre Saint-Laurent , Qu�bec

iRun iRun to challenge my perceived limitations – Cassandra Williams , Ontario

iRun iRun to maintain a strong physical and mental state – Tammy Rainville , Ontario

iRun iRun so that I can live longer and stronger – Derek MacPhail , Ontario

iRun iRun to feel great – Kathryn Rachar , Saskatchewan

iRun iRun because I like to be healthy – Melanie Oickle , New Brunswick

iRun iRun to eat more, especially sweet potatoe fries – Joanna Skomra , Ontario

iRun iRun for the fresh air and adrenalin – Charlyn McGregor , Saskatchewan

iRun iRun for the individual pursuit – Robert Pelletier , New Brunswick

iRun iRun to satisfy the irresistible urge – Tim Nixon , British Columbia

iRun iRun because I love the sense of accomplishment – Amber Moase , Nova Scotia

iRun iRun to challenge my mind, body and soul – Sonia Mendes , Ontario

iRun iRun because walking is too slow – Barry Knapp , Ontario

CURRENT ISSUE GALLERIES iRunGEAR ARCHIVE BLOGS CONTESTS + CALL OUTS ABOUT ADVERTISE SUBSCRIBE CONTACT

Back to Table of Contents

Running on the Road

7 Secrets to a Great Travel Run

Going on a holiday or a business trip? There's no reason to leave your running shoes at home. Not only can you maintain your fitness and stick to your training program, you will get to know a new destination in a way you might not if you weren't a runner. Plus, you'll create some great new running experiences. "I have wonderful running memories that helped me connect a bit more to my traveling experience," says Krystal Ford, born in Montreal and now living in New York City. "Running through a bamboo forest in Japan, or in the rain next to a beautiful lake in China, with little pagodas scattered along the water's edge." Karen Lopez of Toronto has traveled throughout North America and as far as Iceland and Qatar. She agrees that running makes perfect sense when in a new location. "I use my morning runs as a great way of checking out the local restaurants and interesting places that I will return to visit in the evenings." Ready to hit the road? We spoke with Canadian runners and experts about how to stay on track while on a trip.

JETTISON JET LAG
David Jackson of Victoria, BC, took a ten-hour flight to Newcastle, England for a half-marathon. He suggests downing bottles of water during the flight, walking around the cabin and wearing travel (tube) socks to minimize leg swelling. Upon arrival, he went for a brisk run to loosen his legs. But be patient with fatigue: Jackson flew to Newcastle on Monday, but didn't feel up to speed until Thursday. To help overcome jet lag, try to go to bed at the local time and force yourself up the next morning with a dash down the street. "A good, solid run gives me energy and makes it easier to adapt to the local time," says Kyle MacDonald, the Montreal author of One Red Paperclip.

RESEARCH ROUTES OR TREADMILLS
Reach out for local runners' recommendations, says Lopez. "I use websites such as MapMyRun.com or other Google-based mashups," she says. She also posts questions to e-mail lists and message boards about local running options and asks the hotel's concierge for assistance. Hotel staff may be able to supply detailed running maps and other tips. Ford says that if she's staying in an industrial area surrounded by highways, she often heads for the treadmill instead. But women weren't welcome in Ford's hotel gym in Seoul, Korea; and her hotel in Narita, Japan, barred tattooed people from the eliptical. "Guilty on both counts," Ford says.

CONSIDER CULTURE
In many nations, consult with a local guide or the concierge about cultural attitudes towards running. Lopez points out that running can carry class connotations in many countries: only the very desperate would need to run. "'Nice people don't run' is the attitude," she says. In some cultures, women are supposed to stay sweat-free; and there are expectations around proper attire. For example, skin-baring tops and shorts were a definite "don't" in Qatar, Lopez says. "All my running clothes would be categorized as tight-fitting by their standards," she says. Lopez reads up on and respects her host nation's traditions. "If I want to run, I want to find the places where locals would run." Female- or male-only gyms may be the only acceptable options, so ask around before arriving.

HEADS-UP ON HEALTH
Gary Podolsky, a Winnipeg-based physician specializing in sports and travel medicine, says some cities are notorious for heavy air pollution, including Athens, Bangkok and Beijing. He suggests running with a mask, or staying inside if you're asthmatic. "Think about the influence of a new climate on the run," Dr. Podolsky says. He suggests avoiding runs between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.; the midday time period has the poorest air quality and over-exertion can lead to heatstroke. Instead, run in the early morning or late evening, unless you're in a malarial area (malaria-bearing mosquitoes are more likely to bite between dusk and dawn). And when there's a smog alert in Los Angeles or Athens, with temps hitting 37 C, opt to use the gym or take a day off. Another crucial tip - don't forget the water. Deborah Zanke and her husband had a hard time running in Cuba's streets after escaping Winnipeg's winter. "It was just a shock to our systems," she says, exacerbated by not bringing enough fluids. If you're headed for a high-altitude location, acclimatize for two or three days before heading down local paths. "Just walking three blocks to the store can feel like a mile," says Dr. Podolsky, due to low oxygen supply and extra fluid around the lungs and brain. Young people are particularly vulnerable: "They don't know their limits and get sick," he adds. Bring along a list of clinics, in case of a sprained ankle, along with your VISA card or plenty of cash. If you find yourself stuck in a bind, call the Canadian embassy, which can provide you with medical options.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS
Check your hotel key at the front desk, but bring several dollars of the local currency for emergencies, along with the name of hotel on a business card, in case you twist your ankle. Pack your passport in a secure pocket or a moneybelt, suggests MacDonald. Lopez wears the maple leaf or other Canadian gear while on runs abroad. "That almost always leads to questions and great conversations with local people," she says. In New Zealand, she stopped to look at a house's exquisite garden. "A woman came out, first to figure out why I was standing on the sidewalk in front of her house, then seeing the Canadian hat I had on, she went on and on about how wonderful Canada and Canadians were. We had a great chat."

ASSESS SAFETY
Tell the concierge your route or call someone at home to let them know where you're headed. "Running at 4:30 a.m. can be intimidating in some areas," Lopez says, so she always informs someone of her route. If you can, connect with other runners. "The buddy system makes everything doubly safe," agrees Dr. Podolsky. Lopez says that non-urban U.S. cities often lack sidewalks and pedestrian crossings. In Europe, narrow roadways and sidewalks are crowded with people and cars. "I try to run in parks and other non-auto locations," she says.

SAVE AND SHARE
Lopez takes a GPS watch thattracks her run, along with the date and time. She then uploads the data to the Internet and blogs about her experience. She finds it's a great motivation. "My goal is to blog the most interesting runs and locations I've done, then be able to see them again, just like taking another look at vacation photos." In the end, Lopez doesn't bring home another tacky t-shirt, but a souvenir sprint she'll treasure forever.