How to Create Quality Workouts When You're Lacking the Right Venue

running in the city

Long-distance running is often a dichotomy of the haves and have-nots. While some long-distance runners are blessed with idyllic non-paved dirt roads or crushed gravel paths within expansive parks, others are forced to fit their runs in amidst exhaust and the honks of rush hour traffic.

The rolling hills and varied topography for those who are geographically blessed stand in stark contrast to the residents of northern Indiana or southern Florida, for whom a hill is a rare sighting.

And those with access to synthetic track facilities — ideal for interval training — are juxtaposed by many who are now finding track access to be increasingly rare. 

So just how do endurance runners who are lacking in venue, topography and soft surfaces make do? Try these simple strategies and alternatives to give yourself all the right tools come race day. 

More: Hill Running Made Easy

  • 1
  • of
  • 4
NEXT

About the Author

Pete Rea

ZAP Fitness is a Reebok-sponsored non-profit facility that supports post-collegiate distance runners in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. ZAP puts on adult running camps during the summer and is available for retreats all year. The facility has a state-of-the-art weight room, exercise science lab for testing, and a 24-bed lodge. Coaches at the facility include 2-time Olympic trials qualifier Zika Rea, 2007 USATF National XC Champion Ryan Warrenburg, and head coach Pete Rea. For more information, go to zapfitness.com or call 828-295-6198.
ZAP Fitness is a Reebok-sponsored non-profit facility that supports post-collegiate distance runners in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. ZAP puts on adult running camps during the summer and is available for retreats all year. The facility has a state-of-the-art weight room, exercise science lab for testing, and a 24-bed lodge. Coaches at the facility include 2-time Olympic trials qualifier Zika Rea, 2007 USATF National XC Champion Ryan Warrenburg, and head coach Pete Rea. For more information, go to zapfitness.com or call 828-295-6198.

Discuss This Article