For all my runners out there- who’s tired of running mile after mile on treadmills in a smelly gym? Who’s tired of staring at a wall as you struggle to stay motivated? Not to worry, spring has sprung and soon the weather will be nice enough to run outside! But even still, sometimes an old route can get a little monotonous. Here are some new routes to try to liven up your running routine.
Campus Loop: Just over two miles, the campus loop is perfect for a quick jog before classes. Begin in front of the Johns Hopkins sign and circle the perimeter of the campus. But just be careful- sometimes cars can go very quickly around San Martin Drive. Wear brightly colored clothing and stay alert! And of course, always run in the daytime.
Loyola: A run to Loyola and back is just under three mile and very safe as well. It’s also a great way to get off campus, if only for a half hour! Begin on North Charles Street and bear left onto St Paul after you pass the Second Presbyterian Church. After a block, turn right onto North Charles again until you reach Loyola.
Sherwood Garden/Guilford: Running through the Guilford neighborhood is great for many reasons. First, the homes are beautiful- I have a major “house-crush” on about fifteen of them. Second, it’s very safe, although you should always exercise caution when running (it is Baltimore after all). And thirdly, it’s easy to tailor your run to however long you’d like. It’s easy to spend just twenty minutes running or it’s also possible to explore the whole neighborhood in detail for an hour and a half. But be sure to look out for Sherwood Garden- a gorgeous place to stop for a water break!
Druid Hill Park: A run to Druid Hill Park will require a bit of Google-mapping, and you should definitely bring a friend, but overall, it’s a great place for a longer run. With the picturesque lake and wooded areas, it feels very distant from the stress of Hopkins, although it’s only a few miles away. You can even stop at the Baltimore Zoo if you get tired of running!
Charles Village: A quick jog around the Charles Village neighborhood is perfect for a busy schedule. Plus, with more people around, it’s easy to stay motivated to keep running. With lots of restaurants, stores, and people-watching opportunities, it’s also hard to get bored.