But I recently came to understand just how far GPS and Internet technology has come, so you may never have to ever ask where to run again when you’re traveling.
I Googled “running maps” and came up with the link www.usatf.org/routes. The information was unbelievable. I plugged in Portland, Maine for all four- to six-mile routes and came up with 46 different loops. I plugged in all running routes and up came 117 different runs. After looking at a few, I was stunned by how graphic and directional the maps were. Some even had ratings and reviews. Holy cow! I never knew Portland had so many runs!
Then I stumbled upon www.mapmyruns.com. There were more than 240 Portland runs! I’m in heaven. You can actually go in and map out your run and then post it so I’m going to be able to give our many training groups more options than ever before. No more having to try and explain via email note or phone conversation — just attach each running route and email.
I am a creature of habit — I run the same loops over and over. It’s simple decision making and allows me to measure how tired I am, because if I run under 30 minutes I’m feeling pretty good, if I run over 30 minutes, well ... But we all need a little variety. These sites can take the work out of finding all those new loops I keep talking about.
Technology, it’s a wonderful thing!
John Rogers is the owner of Maine Running Company on Forest Ave. in Portland. Send questions or comments to him at jr@mainerunning.com or check out the store’s website at www.mainerunning.com.