by Mollie Millington | Dec 10, 2023 | product review, running, travel
If I counted up all the miles I have run in the last 10 years, I would say there have been a fair few. Since moving to the United Kingdom in 2011, I have started running routinely, as well as travelling more. By combining the two, I refer to it as active travel (not to be confused with running or cycling to work). Believe it or not, Europe is so much more accessible from London rather than Michigan. My passion for running started as a way to fundraise for an American charity close to my heart. The more I ran, the farther distances I had to go to encourage more donations. My first international race was in Paris for a half marathon in 2013. I traveled alone from London and stayed with a friend’s sister (who not only I had never met, but also wasn’t there, so I actually stayed with my friend’s brother-in-law). The only other time I had been in Paris was in 2005, so it was amazing to explore the city with fresh eyes while on foot. Road races tend to take you through neighborhoods you might not otherwise see. Moving at a relatively slow pace (compared to a car) and above ground (as opposed to a subway), you see things from a different point of view. An added bonus is runners love talking about all things running which means even if you head to the start pen on your own, you will make friends shortly after arrival. This trip to Paris was a long weekend and as it was my first ‘big’ race, I was cautious drinking too much wine or eating too much cheese until after I had crossed the finish line. Now, I am quite not as cautious if the race is only a 5 or 10K.
Since 2013, I have run in 12 countries and ten states as part of my goal to run in every country and state that I visit. While I have memories from each, I have been looking for a way to commemorate these trips. Luckily, I have discovered El Camino Bracelets.* With each race, I have specific memories of the time and place, and now I also have a physical representation i can wear on my wrist. The half marathon I did in Auckland, New Zealand was seven loops in a local park with a hill, which my husband reminded me each time I passed him that I was slowing down. My first marathon was in Prague and I had a few days to wander the city on my own beforehand. As a souvenir, I bought a small red garnet (the national gem) to wear on a necklace that said ‘26.2’ (the number of miles in a marathon). The first time I went to Disney World was at the age of 36 for a half marathon with a charity entry. Charity entries start in the back due to lack of estimated finishing time and everyone ahead of me was walking due to the Dopey Challenge (four day event which starts with a 5K and ends with a marathon). It took me six miles to move ahead of the walkers and find a steady pace. I slept under the stars in the Jordanian desert while completing a 5 day ultra marathon in 2018. During the Rock-N-Roll half marathon in Dublin (which was hillier than I thought it would be), the deer in Phoenix Park ran across the course as we neared the finish line. I was too slow to get my phone out for a photo.
Hanging my race medals in the spare bedroom isn’t too inspiring when I am training or conversational when visiting friends and family. Those of you who know runners know we love to talk about running! When I learned about El Camino Bracelets*, I saw this travel-inspired accessory to be the best way of reminding myself of what I have achieved and therefore what I still am capable of. With a ‘Step’ from each country I tick off, along with the colorful Steps to categorize my race distances for ‘5k’ to ‘marathon’ to ‘250km ultra’, I can wear this bracelet day in and day out, including when I am training, as a reminder of how many memories I have made by simply running. El Camino Bracelets are made in the UK and meant to be worn while exploring. The hand polished surgical grade stainless steel holds up against salt water, sweat, and a range of temperatures. The spacers are all made from sustainably sourced woods and coconut. Typically, I don’t wear jewelry because it is too inconvenient to take it on and off daily for exercise, dishes, my ‘real job’, showering, etc. The big appeal to me was I can leave this bracelet on and only take it off after I have run somewhere new.
Even though El Camino has created categories for their Steps (animals, regions, continents, sea, oceans, etc), you can create your own code to make the jewelry meaningful to you. I wanted to use traffic lights as inspiration for my distances. You can use your creativity to find a custom Step designs too, to capture weddings, birthdays, travel with your besties, adoptaversaries of your pets, etc. You are only limited by the 29-32 character space. Adventure Steps illustrate your jewelry with small symbols. I chose the airplane and arrow adventure Steps (not the footprint because I don’t like feet), then added on the following the countries and colorful Steps: 5K (green/South America): USA; 10K (orange/Tiger step): South Africa, Portugal; half marathon (blue /Australia region): Scotland, New Zealand; marathon (red/ North American region): Czech Republic; other (purple/Baltic Sea): Jordan. I love this bracelet so much, it is listed in my 2023 gift guide and I have asked for the rest of the countries I have run in (see map above) for Christmas. Fingers crossed that Santa got my letter.
These last 10 years have had ups and down both physically and mentally. Running has played a huge part in helping me get through it all (even though it is sometimes a love-hate relationship, I always feel better after a run). My next marathon is in Tokyo in March 2024. This trip has been booked since 2020 and rescheduled twice. The last time I ran a marathon was in 2021 as a virtual race (it may be the only way I ever get a Boston Marathon medal). I am anxiously looking forward to finally running this race after several start-stops over the years. As I enter my second month of training, I am starting to recall all the tips and tricks that have worked well for me in the past (daily protein shakes, weekly osteopath appointments, early morning runs in the dark, long runs with friends). It will be my 5th World Marathon Major which leaves me with Boston, the hardest one to gain entry to. The reason I chose a double El Camino bracelet was so that one string can be for the World Marathon Majors (London, Berlin, Chicago, New York, Tokyo, and Boston) as custom Steps with the years I ran them. What a tremendous day that will be when I get that Boston small Step on my El Camino bracelet (and then never have to run a marathon ever again!).
What will be next 10 years of active travel bring? I have already set my sights on a European road trip for August 2024. If I plan it correctly, I should be able add the following steps to my bracelet: Belgium, The Netherlands, Denmark and/or Luxembourg. There are over 190 countries which means I have a long way to go. And probably a few bracelets (or necklaces) to fill. One thing I am thinking about is signing up for a polar race, even though I ran a 5k in Colorado on New Years Day in 2022 (in a few inches of snow!). And I want to SUP around the island of Jersey. My plan is to keep putting one foot in front of the other while spending as much time outside and exploring. While I am back home training, I will have a constant reminder of just how far I have come.
How do you keep memories from your travels? Do you print a photo book? Keep your airplane tickets? Buy a magnet? Get a tattoo? Let me know in the comments below.
*El Camino bracelets gifted me this bracelet and steps. All opinions are honest and my own.
by Mollie Millington | Nov 24, 2023 | gift guide, outdoors, product review, travel
Are you looking for the perfect gift to give the travel and outdoor enthusiast in your life? Whether they love hiking, camping, running, or exploring, we have a variety of gifts at different price points to help you tick their name off of your nice list. For this Black Friday blog post, I have tried to feature British small businesses, as well as those with a sustainability-focus. Remember that you vote with your GBP (or dollars) so be mindful when shopping. Support small businesses, knowing your purchase will directly help someone and their family. Below, you will find gadgets, ways to relax, cozy apparel, travel accessories, and supplements in this gift guide, we have something for everyone! If you’re looking for the perfect gift for your loved one who loves to travel and be outdoors, keeping reading. You will also spot a discount code to Deakin & Blue.
Gadgets
Body Lite Gear’s Night Vision LED Belt is perfect for those who like to walk or run no matter what time of day (including dog walks!). It features a small amount of storage, so you can pack your keys or fuel. Only 90 grams of weight so you will barely notice it when you wear it.
Lumi Mini is a must if you are missing natural sunshine during the winter months. I have a large seasonal affect disorder (SAD) lamp and it takes up a lot of space when I am using it and when I am storing it in the summer. Using the Mini will help boost your mood, alertness, and daytime energy by emitting 10,000 lux at a distance of 12 cm. Have it shining when you eat your breakfast or while reading a book to make the winter months more bearable.
Travel
El Camino bracelet* is something I am super excited about. My bracelet is waiting for me back in the UK. I am telling my ‘running in every country’ story with large and small steps on my El Camino bracelet. You can also customize the steps to commemorate adventures and achievements that you are proud of. The bracelets are designed to be durable, which means I don’t have to take mine off to run, swim or work. Each one is unique to the wearer and I cannot wait to show you mine (so far!).
Your Family Travel Wallet is a PU leather wallet comes that comes in both teal and tan Colours. It can hold everyone’s passports (up to 7) and other important travel documents, such as plane tickets. The handy wrist strap will ensure you don’t drop or loose it as you make your way from check in to security to the gate.
D-Robe roll up rucksack is 35 liters of storage (including a laptop sleeve). The material is durable, waterproof, recyclable and biodegradable TPU, which means the bag can take a beating and still keep your gear dry. The thing that I think makes it unique is the air valve to compress the bag down (and make it fit in the overhead bin!). Internal storage pockets also make it easy to stay organized while traveling.
Outdoors
Amazing Jame thermal half zip is thermal lined, making it versatile for both autumn and winter depending on whether you want to layer it. The fabric is sweat-wicking and stretched four ways while compressing. There are thumb holes, hidden pockets, and a shaped hem for a flattering hem. Did I mention it is named after Mary Earps?
D-Robe Beaufort Outdoor Robe is something you will never want to take off. I wear my outdoor robe at home while on the couch instead of turning up the heat. I take it camping to stay warm around the campfire, during an early morning dog walk and if the temperatures dip overnight. If you like being warm, dry, and/or cosy, this jacket should be at the top of your list.
Deakin & Blue long sleeve swim suit comes in three styles: Hendricks (shown here), Monroe, and Hepburn. Covering your arms may help keep you a bit warmer and reduce risk of sunburn (still wear sunscreen, ok?). There is built in bust support and a back zip to make it easier to put on and take off. If you are an open water swimmer, why not grab a 2litre dry bag too (in pink or blue) to store your wet stuff after your dip? Deakin & Blue have kindly given my readers a special 10% discount off full price items using the code MOLLIEPT. Enjoy!
EcoSki is a platform that allows you to rent, buy, or repair outdoor clothes. What a fantastic way to be sustainable as you hit the slopes this winter. EcoSki makes an effort to feature sustainable brands and sells pre-loved kit too. Another selling point for me is the size inclusivity. The site offers skiwear sized from XXXS to 4XL for women and from XS to 4XL for men. The platform is also stocking a range of kit for skiers and snowboarders who prefer a longer or shorter cut in the leg or arm. So if you struggle to find outdoor gear that fits your body, definitely have a look. The Halti Planker Jacket and pants are what you see here.
1000 Mile’s fusion double layer socks are always the perfect stocking stuffer. This padded sock offers reduced friction and blister protection, making it perfect for long hikes or runs. I personally love how the design protects the Achilles, which is something I definitely need. The ventilation zones helps to keep the foot cool meaning you can stay out all day without issue.
Relax
Amazing Jane tie dye pajamas are a great option when taking a day or two to recharge at home. Designed and manufactured in the England but a female owned business, you can wear in bed or as loungewear. The relaxed fit with a brushed fabric make these both comfy and cosy.
Earth’s Secret sleep mask* will help you block out light when sleeping at home or when traveling. I have been using it at my mom’s and will be trying it on my overnight flight home. The eyes are cupped so you don’t need to worry about your eyelashes as you sleep. The fabric is breathable and you can adjust the band, as well as cup placement.
The Munros: The complete collection of maps from HARVEY maps looks great on your coffee table and can help you plan your next Scottish adventure. For those who don’t know, a Munro is a hill over 3000 feet. Not only can you use the book as inspiration, but you can also use it to capture memories for the hills you have climbed.
Supplements
Osavi joint and bones collagen* has been my favorite collagen product to try this year (and one of these days, I will tell you about them all). The powder is taste-free so I add it to my juice, yogurt, porridge, whatever I am having for breakfast. The bioactive collagen peptides have helped relieve me of my mystery shoulder pain that I have attributed to perimenopause. My hair quality has also improved (according to my hair dresser). I have also tried tendons and ligaments and am currently making my way through hair and nails (which I won as a prize).
Planthaya Lion’s Mane* I have been taking on and off all year. These 1000mg capsules help improve cognitive function (something I have been struggling with is brain fog) as well as promoting a calm and relaxed mood. I am hoping to be diligent with these for the rest of the year to help me cut back on caffeine consumption. It is time I kicked that habit!
I have written several gift guides over the years and know that there are plenty of other things out there that my readers would like. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please leave a comment below and let me know. Or come back after Christmas and let me know what Santa brought you.
* Item was kindly gifted to me as a PR sample. All opinions are honest and my own.
by Mollie Millington | Jan 17, 2023 | travel
It is week halfway through January 2023 and I am finally comfortable again in ‘normal life.’ For three weeks over Christmas and New Year’s, I was away from home, doing my own thing in Argentina (my 5th continent) and Antarctica (6th, leaving Australia). Without a husband or needy dog, my schedule was my own and as a bonus, I didn’t have to cook. Truth to told, I took a lot of naps but I also had a lot of adventures. Last week, I starting sharing the highlights of each day over on Instagram (@ptmollie), but here on the blog I will get into the nitty gritty. So many questions have come through from friends and family – what did I wear, did I get to walk on land, what the food was like, what animals did I see? It is my aim to answer them all over the next few weeks across a few posts. Here are the key points and some thank you’s for the brands who supported me on this amazing expedition.
First things first, I traveled with Intrepid Travel. They are currently having a sale on upcoming trips booked by 23 February 2023. And if you mention my name when booking, you will get $150 onboard credit (not an affiliate link/program). Although I will also give you some tips on how to book a cheap trip to Antarctica (clue- you will need to be flexible with the travel dates) in the near future. Originally, I booked my trip for 40% off in August 2020 to go on a WWF whale migration trip in February 2021 (the best time to see whale migration), which was postponed due to Covid. Twice. I had to redeem my trip by 2023 to keep the 2020 pricing valid which caused a diary clash. If you read my blog, you will know that my 2020 Tokyo Marathon was also cancelled/deferred several times and I had finally secured March 2023. Work wasn’t keen on two long holidays so close together, so I went for Antarctica over Christmas. This meant I saved a few days of annual leave and my inbox would not be too full (hopefully) upon my return. While I didn’t see as many whales as I would have liked, I met some amazing people from all over the globe that I now call my friends. And am now tempted to return to Antarctica to see the whales when my bank balance allows it.
The best coincidence of the trip was being in Buenos Aires for the World Cup final. This sporting event wasn’t on my radar at all and luckily for me, it did not negatively affect my travels (I cannot day the same for others on the expedition who were unable to travel between airports in Buenos Aires during the national holiday). It was so much fun to watch the game with thousands of cheering fans in the local park. Of course, as a solo female traveler, I had to be careful in large crowds traveling to and from the park, as well as experiencing the celebrations later that day around my hotel (more on that later). I was very fortunate not to have any incidents. My nephew even asked for a Messi jersey from Argentina as a Christmas present (which I will send to him this week!).
Of course, traveling to South America in their summertime meant I needed to be able to dress for 28 degrees C weather while also being ready for whatever Antarctica would throw at me. We could not have been luckier with the weather. Aside from the morning after camping, the majority of the time we had sunshine and blue skies. Yes, sometimes there were larger swells which kept us on the boat and strong winds, but for the most part, we were very blessed. As a skier, I had a lot of outerwear and base layers I could use on the trip (some I had to buy in bigger sizes due to recent weight gain). Being a blogger, I am very fortunate to work with brands by reviewing their products while on adventures such as this. I would like to thank Lucy Locket Loves (activewear and warm hat), Artilect Studio (merino base layers), Swarovski Optik (binoculars), Leki (trekking poles), and ON Running (tracky bottoms to wear around the ship), and Darn Tough (merino wool socks) for supporting this trip by gifting me the items listed. A packing list will definitely be one of the posts I share in the future. Luggage weight is very important when traveling to Ushuaia and you will need a lot of things for two weeks at sea. I will also be editing some of my 360 degree video footage at some point for my YouTube channel, but first I want to go through the 1000s (not an exaggeration!) of photos I took first.
If there is anything specific you want to know about traveling with Intrepid, going to Antarctica, or visiting Argentina, please leave a comment below. I will do the best I can to answer. Don’t forget to check out my Instagram highlights for day by day highlights in the meantime.
by Mollie Millington | Dec 7, 2022 | travel
Recently, I found my old blog that I started in 2006 when I moved away from my hometown to earn my Masters degree. What memories it brought back from my time in Michigan and Alaska. Turns out, I also reviewed restaurants and outdoor activities so I guess I have been at this for a while. My husband and I also had a blog with videos during our three week road trip across America before moving to the UK. This blog was in no way perfect and made me realize I should take the pressure off myself to create epic blog posts on a weekly basis. This is my side gig after all, so I cannot expect it to be at the same level as a full-time content creator.
Since the last time I posted, I am feeling a bit more relaxed now that the conference at work is over (it went well!) and the move to our new house (finally!). Now, we are trying to decorate, organize and unpack all at the same time. We stripped the bedroom wallpaper and an interior designer came over to review our choices. We have arranged for electricians and decorators, as well as finalized all the colors and fabrics. We had wanted it to be completed before Christmas, but like many big projects, it has seen some delays.
In other suburban life news, James bought a car. We went with a Skoda Octavia as we have hired this make/model for our camping trips and always managed to fill it up with our toys and Maple. James is keen to go on many weekend adventures with his bike and I hope he is able to in the new year. Although I don’t think we needed it quite yet, it was a great deal (one owner vehicle with super low miles). We have already been using it to leave town for an early Christmas away as we will not be together for Christmas this year.
My big news is that I am headed to Buenos Aires and Antarctica in December with Intrepid Travel. In August 2020, Intrepid had a huge sale on their trips. We were stuck home and not spending much, so I figured YOLO. Antarctica, along with Hawaii and the Galapagos Islands, have been on my bucket list for a long time (I am a marine biologist after all). Originally, I booked a WWF affiliated whale cruise for February 2021, which was postponed to February 2022. Then February 2023, which conflicted with the Tokyo Marathon (postponed from March 2020). I couldn’t be in two places at once, so luckily I was able to nab a spot on this Christmas and New Years trip.
Things are starting to feel real now as I start to pack and get all the paperwork in order. It will be 28 degrees C in Buenos Aires and cold in Antarctica (currently around 0 degrees C in Rothera at the British Antarctic Territory but I am not going exactly there). From what I understand, it will be quite warm on the ship so two wardrobes will be needed. I have been blessed to have several brands support my trip with the following kit (all gifted except binoculars are on loan):
Leki Sherpa poles
Artilect base layers
Lucy Locket Loves leggings, hoodie, and hat
ON Running active pants and active leggings
Swarovski Optik binoculars
Darn Tough socks
NGX are also supporting me on this trip by continuing to supply my with body fuel. While I have only lost two pounds and zero inches, I am continuing to make better food choices when hungry. Unfortunately, I am struggling not to let fresh vegetables go to waste. Frozen fruit and veg are proving to be life savers.
If you are thinking Antarctica would be cool, there are still spots available on this cruise and many cabins are on sale. Why not #joinme for a Christmas you will never forget?
Thanks to all these amazing outdoor brands for supporting me on this epic adventure.
by Mollie Millington | May 9, 2022 | race review, running, sponsored post, travel
If you are new around here, you might not know that one of my goals to run a race in every state and country that I visit. People always ask me why. While I am not looking to break any World Records, I do find that running races abroad helps me see the destination from a different viewpoint (both by pace and angle), as well as allowing me to meet people I will instantly have something in common with (running!). Some of the locations I would never have come across if I hadn’t signed up. The only downside is that racing while travelling can make planning holiday activities a bit more challenging. For example, you might not want to walk too much the day before a marathon. Nor will you want to stay up late dancing the night away the day after a race (or will you?). But if you adjust your goals, for both your holiday and race, it can be worked out.
This year, I have been fortunate enough to tick two new states off my list (more on those later), as well as a new country. Malta is one of the places in Europe that I hadn’t been too yet, although I know a few people from there. It is comprised of three small islands in the Mediterranean Sea, just south of Italy. There are many affordable flights to the island from London on Air Malta (I highly recomend flying business class. Great lounge and tremendous food on the flight) and other budget airlines. It never crossed my mind to look for a race there though until I heard a friend say that a new race was taking place on the island. The race offerings of Malta were very limited until La Valette Marathon was announced earlier this year. I reached out to Corsa’s marketing manager, who was happy to have me come along with a great group of runners from the 100 Marathon Club.
The La Valette Marathon event debuted on 22 April 2022. It offered many distances and race options (marathon, half marathon, relays, and walking) making it accessible to all. Malta has gorgeous views and nearly perfect weather, so I am surprised it is not already a poplar racing and/or training destination. Hopefully, this will change in the coming years.
Registration process & fees: You could register online up until four days before the event. Prices varied depending on the race from €49.95 and up. There was so much last minute interest from local government authorities and celebrities, the event kept registration until the day before. The fee included a jam-packed goody bag, Nike race t-shirt, free race photos, and a medal. If you wanted transport back to the start line, you had to pay €5 cash when you collected your bib and goody bag at the sports store in Sliema.
Location: The race started in Sliema and ended in Vittoriosa. As we lined up at the start line, the sun was rising over the ocean. Most of the half marathon was along the coast while the marathon continued south. The finish area was in the Three Cities, an important part of Malta’s history. I paid to take the bus back to the start, but it was only running every hour. Luckily there were two gelato shops at the finish line to visit while I waited.
Course & bogs: One of the big selling points for me on this race was proximity to the shoreline and accompanying scenery. I had incredible views for the majority of the race and ran past important buildings and landmarks in Malta. The roads were not closed, but instead coned off, so some bits were a bit hairy but there was over 120 people along the course to ensure you were safe and keep on route. The feedback I had from the runners who did the marathon was that it wasn’t super pretty (as it was inland) but got the job done.
The start lines had eight bogs which quickly ran out of loo roll. There were enough toilets for the amount of people though, with or without the toilet paper. Unfortunately, there weren’t any bathrooms along the way or at the finish line. As someone who routinely needs the bathroom on her runs, I suggested to the organizers that they add in a few more along the way for next year’s race. Instead, I stopped at the ferry terminal to use the bathroom along the way, which worked out perfectly.
Water stations were available every 5km with fruit every 15km, as well as sponges (for both the half and full marathons). It was a small bottle, but lasted me the whole 5K. I had decided to carry water with me anyways too because I knew it was going to be hot and I hadn’t trained for a half marathon distance properly. My finish time was a going to be a wild card. Plus, I wanted to be able to stop and take pictures as I please. There wasn’t much shade along the course and even though we started at 7:30am, the heat was intense early on.
Atmosphere: Being the first La Valette event, there were not many people cheering along the route. However, the start and finish lines were full of energy and good cheer. There were also a few bands and historical reenactments along the course. Neighbors were watching start line activities from their balconies and lots of people were meeting friends and family at the finish line.
Bling & goody bags: As I mentioned, a fantastic goody bag with drinks, snacks, discount codes to Garmin and Uncle Matt’s kitchen, as well as the performance t-shirt. Sadly, they were out of medals by the time I got to the finish line, but a envelope with instructions on how to get my medal were waiting for me. This clear communication was great as it reassured me I would get my medal (which will hopefully be arriving soon).
Tips if you decide to take part next time: The biggest tip I have is to train for heat and hills! To go along with this, practice carrying water with you as you train. Learn a bit about the history of Malta so you can appreciate the culture, architecture, and landmarks. Be sure to download Bolt app because Uber is not used on the island. Finally, I suggest adding on a day or two to explore all that Malta has to offer. I am preparing a blog post for Visit Malta on how to spend the weekend racing on the island. Will link here when it is live.
*Thanks to Corsa and Visit Malta for the complimentary race entry, flights, and hotel. All opinions are honest and my own.
by Mollie Millington | Mar 16, 2022 | cycling, outdoors, running, travel, water sports
Have you heard a rumor that California weather is perfect year-round? I certainly had so when I touched down in San Diego in late February of this year, I was expecting sunshine and warm temps. There were big plans to play outside and on the water while working on my tan. Unfortunately, the rumor is not true and winter comes to California making the air temperature cold when it is cloudy and rain showers inevitable. Don’t get me wrong, it was still warmer and sunnier than London at this time of year. Luckily, I never leave home without a raincoat and Gortex shoes so I was ready for this surprise (sunscreen and sunglasses were also on hand at all times, just in case). In the end, it was a mix of weather and a mix of outdoor activities while I was in San Diego for ten days. Most of the time was dominated by a work conference but I snuck a few fun activities in and around the jam-packed schedule.
Wildlife watching
My number one priority while on the West Coast was to go on a whale watch (closely followed by running a California race to tick the state off my list). While spending way too much time on Instagram during Covid, I discovered Dolphin Drone Dom who runs Gone Whale Watching in San Diego. Being the marine biology nerd that I am, I have a whale species bucket list (currently, North Atlantic right whale is still top of the list). On this trip, I wanted to see gray whales, a sperm whale, and if possible, a blue whale. Ironically, my uncle had sent me a sperm whale lapel pin as a surprise and it turned out to be a lucky totem. Tally for the day: eight hours on the boat, one Diet Coke, one sperm whale, five gray whales, two humpbacks and hundreds of dolphins. While it was very chilly (even before we left the dock), the sun was out for a fantastic day at sea. The seas were fairly swelly farther out but we were able to stay closer to San Diego due to the gray whale migration patterns.
If boats aren’t your thing, La Jolla is about a 20 minute drive north of downtown San Diego. At this time of year, the resident sea lions and seals have pups. Because of this, the beaches are closed to allow the animals some peace and quiet. Unfortunately, people still climb over barriers and approach these animals for a selfie. It is very important to stay at least 50 feet from marine mammals, so please enjoy them from afar and bring binoculars. Babies can be crushed if animals are scared into the water. In addition, sea lions and seals can spend up to half of their time on land so it is perfectly normal for them to dry out while on land.
For the kids who like to get their hands dirty, we tried tide pooling in La Jolla too but weren’t able to see many critters. I am sure there are better places (perhaps with a smaller tide or in a more protected area). Be sure to check the tide times before heading out to ensure you are safe. If you know a better tidepool spot near San Diego, please leave a comment below and let me know.
Cycling
San Diego has many cycling lanes built into their roads, but I didn’t see too many people using them (electric scooters were everywhere but most people ride then on the pavement (sidewalk)). There was a designated cycling and walking path near my hotel that ran along the Metro line towards Mission Bay. San Diego was a much smaller city than I thought it would be. Everything was within a 10-20 minute drive. With the infrastructure already there, I hope that more people will start cycling in the city as it is much more ecofriendly and helps you stay fit too. My friend, Haley, and I rented bikes at Stay Classy Bike Rentals. If we had planned a bit more ahead, they would have dropped the bikes off at our hotel and collected them too. In stead, we drove to their shop where Haley picked up her fancy road bike. I opted for a commuter bike because I can never reach the brakes on road bikes. We road about 10 minutes from the bike shop before we reached the promenade along the bay. Haley was happy to take it easy on me, so we kept a casual pace weaving amongst the tourists, stopping whenever we saw something cool.
While in San Diego, I also attended my first spin class since March 2020. Up until the pandemic, I was an indoor cycling instructor and taught weekly classes at my local gym. When the gyms closed up during lockdown, not all were able to open again, including my local one. I discovered Cyclebar Hillcrest while buying some groceries for my long stay. It was a short drive from my hotel and the studio offers a $10 introductory class. The class reminded me why I love indoor cycling so much. The music. The energy. The people. The lovely personalized welcome note on my bike. This was exactly what I needed to get me out of my fitness slump. Unfortunately, I unceremoniously fell off my bike at the end of class to stretch, which left me with a huge bruise on my arm. This became a big talking point as the week went on and the bruise further developed its colors. I am refusing to believe this is an omen of some sort and am actively looking for studio positions back in London.
Running
Not only were there lots of parks and paths in San Diego and along the coast, but I found there were lots of races to sign up for too. Initially, I was going to sign up for the T9 Mermaid Series Half because of the mermaid theme (omg the medal was gorgeous!), but it clashed with my daylong whale watch. The Mermaid Series is about inspire women from all backgrounds (men are allowed to join the races too) to experience joy as they cross the finish line. Accomplishing the goal of completing a race will hopefully inspire participants to pursue new goals in fitness and in other areas of their life. If I ever get back to California, I am going to check their race schedule before booking flights.
If you want a race series that is more about trails and PBs, I recommend Endurance Race Series (ERS). They are now sponsored by Salomon (congrats guys!), and have events that offer a range of terrain, distances, and locations in Colorado and San Diego. They kindly offered me a spot in their Coast to Crest 5K trail race #gifted on the day I was due to fly home to the UK. Unfortunately, it rained heavily two days before the race, so the event was postponed by a week to let the trails dry out and avoid long term damage. ERS gave me the option to go virtual, so I did. Originally, I was going to run around Fiesta Island but was worried that my little rental car would get stuck in the mud. Instead, I drove to the Mission Bay area and wound my way through some parking lots and along the shore to hit my 3.1 miles. Having looked at the social media posts about the postponed event, it looked like a perfect day for a run (check back next week for a race report).
Of course, this is not an exhaustive list for stay active while in San Diego and California. Surfing, kayaking, fishing, sailing, scuba diving, and even hot air ballooning are within two hours drive. There is roller skating, skate boarding, beach volleyball, golfing, rock climbing and more. I even managed walking over 4.5 miles at the San Diego Zoo. If spectating is more your jam, there are many amateur and professional sports teams located in San Diego.
Clearly, I need to visit San Diego again and explore the outdoors a bit more with a few other activities (and hopefully run another race with ERS). What’s your favorite way to spend time outside in San Diego?
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