It’s happened to many of us. You’re out of town on a quick business trip (or otherwise) and you suddenly find some extra time on your hands. (Yay for work days that end early!) You’d happily go sightseeing if you were in a big city, but you’re not. You’re in the suburbs of a big city (thank you Corporate for saving a few dollars to locate in an office park in the suburbs instead of the *actual* city nearby). It’s nice out and you’re antsy to go for a run…one problem…you didn’t bring your normal running gear. You loathe the idea of staying in and watching bad hotel cable. We all know how that goes – the Menu/Guide you have to exit out of *every time* you turn on the TV, the latency you get switching channels with the remote (why are hotel TVs SO SLOW?), the 4 news networks you have to chose from – but no movie channels…

Let’s be honest, the best thing to do for a workout in this case is to get your heart rate up with a HIIT workout in your room, then go out and take in some fresh air on a brisk walk.

Assuming you have at least an adequate pair of rubber soled shoes (think street shoes or ortho sandles), here are 3 trips to get your run on before heading out to the Applebee’s on the other side of the hotel parking lot for dinner.

Caveat: the following assumes you have experience running and know you’re body’s limits. Take care of yourself and use these tips at your own risk.

 

Don’t worry about what you look like

The key here is to find the best material for running available in your suitcase. Nylon and poylyester are best. Cotton, though less breathable, if fine too. Yes, this means you may be running in that blouse you just paired with your pencil skirt and heels, but that’s what dry cleaners are for!

 

Run on softer surfaces

Running shoes are designed to absorb shock. Without them that shock is absorbed by your feet, legs, knees, rest of body… not great. So instead of the roads and sidewalk, stick to grass, dirt, or any other softer surface. This also makes your muscles tire faster which means less time before you get to hang out at Applebee’s

 

Take it slow

This is one of times you can happily claim you’re not “in it to win it.” The idea here is to get your heart rate up…enough, see the surroundings, and enjoy the workout. You can always pair your run with a HIIT program in the room, so slow take it slow-er than usual and enjoy the time outside.

 

And if after reading this you think, “not worth it,” I don’t blame you. Check out Wikitravel to see what gems may be around you to check out.