I’m a Vermont transplant, and while I now live at the end of a dead-end dirt road inaccessible by public transportation, I try to avoid driving whenever possible. Whether I'm enjoying a quiet morning of running in Vermont or traveling to a new city, I always choose to explore on foot. Perhaps it’s because I didn't learn to drive until I was 20, or maybe it’s just the best way to truly connect with a new landscape.

A Runner’s Detour in St. Louis

blog_img_9671.jpgGateway Arch in St. Louis, MO

I was recently in St. Louis, MO, for the Running USA Industry Conference. Since flight options between Vermont and Missouri are limited, I arrived a day early to explore. Despite the surprising morning chill, I bundled up to see the Gateway Arch. I did one of my favorite things and something that reminds me of my time in Minneapolis: I ran across the Mississippi River.

Crossing the Eads Bridge allowed me to run straight into Illinois. Though the pedestrian path was unplowed, slip-sliding across the icy crust was a small price to pay for the spectacular views of the Arch. I circled that monument three times during my trip; its scale is jaw-dropping every single time. After crossing the second-longest river in the U.S., I rewarded myself with an apple fritter and a cappuccino. St. Louis delivered on both.

Finding Balance with Family Fun and Solo Miles

blog_4_ae94_b58-fcc5-4340-b5_fb-d3_cc5610_e893.jpgLake Memphremagog in Magog, QC

A few weeks later, I headed to Canada for some winter family fun and skiing. After a day of "type-2 fun"—the kind involving more toddler screaming than listening—I needed a reset. While my husband and kids settled in to watch hockey, I headed out for a sunset run in Magog, QC.

Running along the Canadian side of Lake Memphremagog was breathtaking. The city was alive with light displays and a winter festival, which eventually concluded with fireworks we all watched from our motel parking lot. That run wasn't just about exploring; it was a much-needed reprieve and a chance to reset my mindset. To cap off the adventure, I traded my usual apple fritter for a local beer and a mountain of wild mushroom poutine.

Tips for the Traveling Runner

The secret to a successful "run-cation" is embracing the unpredictability of the elements to find a unique perspective on a new city. Whether you are navigating the icy footprints of a Midwestern bridge or finding a quiet path away from the chaos of family fun, exploring on foot allows you to engage with your surroundings at a human scale that a car simply can't provide. For members of the running community, these miles are more than just exercise; they are a form of active meditation that helps reset your mindset after a long flight or a busy day of parenting. Next time you head out from your home base for some running in Vermont or abroad, remember that some of the best running memories are about more than the miles: it’s the sights, newness, and that local fare that follows.

And if you are traveling to our city, check out these summer running routes and winter running routes in Burlington, VT.