Running & Traveling- mixing them together?

I've shared before a few tips that I have to fit in running while on a road trip, but I wanted to share with you a few tips that I learned how to fit in traveling when you're NOT training for anything in particular (also remember that it's always best to run where you either know your environment or run with a friend/ indoors)​.

1. Do some research on the most popular running routes and either know how far you want to run for or just "wing it" if you can!​

2. Pack for all weather conditions. You never know when it could turn to bad weather or get really cold! ​

3. Look up a running group where you're going. I've never done this, but have always wanted to! Report back if you do (or have done this)!​

4. Find a gym that has treadmills if the place you're staying doesn't have one. I did this when I was in Las Vegas for a conference and had a membership to Anytime Fitness , so I was able to go to another Anytime to get my run in safely!

5. Leave all expectations at the beginning of your run. You may be jet lagged/ exhausted/ eating different foods- just have fun and enjoy the experience!​

6. Find a great trail or nature path to explore while you're running​

7. Check to see if there are any local races going on and sign up for one! Bonus​ points if it's a half marathon! ;)

Any other tips you have to fellow runners when they travel?​

Anyone else wish there was an AirBnB type of platform where you can look up and meet new running friends when you're traveling?!?​

Smith Lake

On Sunday, we hiked to Smith Lake in the Flat Tops Wilderness and it was so beautiful! This was a very gentle hike (less than a mile out), but very remote- we were the only ones out there. I think next time we definitely need to do a picnic at the lake or carry out a blow-up paddle board. We came across two small bogs and it had minimal elevation gain. I would HIGHLY suggest doing this hike with either small children or those older relatives. 

Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park

After the race, we got lunch at Five Guys (#racedaybrags) then headed our way home! We decided to utilize our National Parks Pass ($80- good for an ENTIRE year & you can have two people on the pass/ it can go in any vehicle) and drive through Rocky Mountain National Park. Our National Parks pass is definitely one of the best investments we've made thus far. Each park is normally ~$20-30 to get in, so it's totally worth it for the pass if you plan on going to more than one national park during the year. 

This was my second time driving through the park (I took my Dad through it a few years ago) and the road that drives through the park (Trail Ridge Road) just opened for the season a week ago! It was previously completely COVERED in snow.

The road is 47.97 miles long, so it's a definitely a bit of a drive, but SO beautiful. We got stuck in a traffic jam not even 15 miles into our journey and with the wait, we knew it must be some pretty awesome animals up ahead!

And it was the BIGGEST Elk we've ever seen! The three of them were totally unfazed by the traffic slowly driving by and mowing down on the grass. As we continued to climb up to the top of Trail Ridge Rd (elevation of 12,183 feet), we saw some of the most spectacular scenery!

Did you know that Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States with 11 miles above treeline?!? (source). We started at the bottom of the road at 85 degrees and it dropped down to 49 degrees at the top with still SEVERAL feet of snow in some sections! The snow didn't stop herds of Elk from exploring and lounging at the high elevation. 

This drive is really great for those who wish to experience the Rocky Mountains without doing strenuous hikes and also want to see some great wildlife. We saw several Elk, Deer, Foxes, and moose prints! Highly recommend doing this drive if you are ever in Colorado. We are already planning another trip back to the Park where we can do some backpacking and hiking later in the Summer.