When people think of running outside, Parks and Running Tracks are the first thoughts to enter a persons mind. The outside provides many running environments.


One factor that influences the running environment is where you live.

• Suburbs
• City 
• Rural area

Living in the suburbs provides many Parks and endless sidewalks to explore. A few years ago I lived in Downtown Kansas City. City running has unique challenges, traffic is the biggest hurdle. Running when traffic is minimal will solve some of the traffic issues, stay away from rush hour traffic, would not suggest 6am and 5pm for running downtown!!! Early on Saturday & Sunday mornings are the best times, minimal traffic preventing all the stops. Map out the run in advance, as a new runner I would map a run with several stops, this helped me develop a habit to run. The Liberty Memorial, Starbucks, and the Farmers Market in Riverside are some of the stops I used when I started running.   

Where do you like to run? Park, Sidewalk, Downtown, Neighborhood, Running Track ???

I-Lan Park in Leawood is a great park for runners, the trails go for several miles and connect to other parks and trails in the area, like Tomahawk creek  park.

Running outdoors meets different needs for each runner..
Why do people run?

several responses from coworkers.

Kim

Kim " I like the way it makes you feel, physically and mentally."

Dan

Dan " Its a good drug and my dog likes it."

Jen

Jen " Good way to diffuse energy, negative or positive"












Amber " Stress relief"

Running outdoors is rewarding and the gear needed is minimal. What do I need to start?

Shoes Foot Diagnostics (Runner's World) Shoes (Dicks Sporting Goods)
Shorts & Shirts Men's (Dicks Sporting Goods)  Women's (Dicks Sporting Goods)

Once you have the gear, the great thing about running......... running is free!