Welcome to The Runner’s Passport

Striking a balance between running and traveling

I’ve been saying for far too long that I’m going to start a blog and today is finally the day that I let her out there on the big scary world wide web. There’s nothing like a limited time discount code from WIX for a yearlong domain subscription and the perfect coffee shop writing vibes to really put the pressure on. That being said, I have always loved writing and documenting my life through words and photos, but sharing that piece of me with others has always been a bit intimidating. I recently took some time to reflect on how much time and effort I put into writing and taking pictures for no one to read or see and thought, what the heck, what's the worst that could happen from putting myself out there? I mean, besides public shame, self-embarrassment, nail-biting induced anxiety after hitting "post", the potential for attracting stalkers... Yet, there's also the chance this could become a smashing success. Or a least a new hobby that brings me joy. Because in all actuality, that's what this is, for fun. Simply taking what I have always been doing to the next level.

I have also been talking about this blog so annoyingly that if I never launch it - it’s going to be real embarrassing to chicken out on something I put so much hype around. I’m doing this for my dream, not for myself. At least that’s what a wise man once told me this should be for. But selfishly, I do think this is for myself - because it is fun. And because I want to prove that I can do it- and be good at it. And if you’re reading this and thinking about something you’ve always wanted to do, I hope this the sign that encourages you to do so. Because doing scary things is worth it. If we never challenge ourselves, how will we ever grow? Which brings me to the whole purpose of this blog - Running and travel. Two of my passions that truly push me outside that comfort zone.

The Runner’s Passport here is a collection of my experiences with these two loves, sometimes seeming to be polar opposites. Travel, often all about spontaneity and saying “yes” to everything. Experiencing a new way of life outside your typical routine. Staying out late and sacrificing sleep. Over indulging in the local foods and drinks. Jumping at the chance to explore opportunities you wouldn't get back home. Becoming addicted to the adventure of everything being novel with traveling. On the other hand, my obsession with running is equally as real. I crave its structure. The goal planning. Pushing my mind and body to its limits to see what it’s capable of. I love the community, the support, and healthy social outlets that my running friends provide. Running gives me stability and purpose to continually strive for new race accomplishments. Nothing feels better than absolutely smashing that race goal or reaching a new distance PR. I've realized, however, that these running achievements do not come without sacrifice and discipline.

Which is why in that past I've found it difficult to balance my two loves. Traveling had seemed to pull me away from structure. It replaced my running community with new faces I met on my journeys. The jet lag, nights out and being an avid travel foodie did not necessarily line up with my running priorities. When I was traveling a lot, I wouldn't make time to run, thinking that I'd miss out on traveling opportunities. I would deeply miss running though, yet would still put it off when traveling, thinking "Oh I'll get back to it when I return home." On the flip side, when I was super dedicated to a training cycle, I would refuse to make travel plans. Restricting that thrill and adventure to stay focused on my running goals. That obviously left me feeling slightly empty, longing for more. So I decided, enough with that. I'm going to marry the two.

Because when you think about it, running and traveling have a lot of commonalities. Pushing your limits. Trying new things. Finding a balance. Meeting new people. Indulging in food. Early mornings to beat crowds. Midday naps... The more connections I began to make between the two, the more I've come to realize that perhaps the two really are the perfect pair. Once I started incorporating running into my travel, or travel into my running, a whole new world of possibilities within each realm opened up. I began easily building communities of like-minded people, getting away from tourist traps, and racing in incredibly beautiful places. I started discovering more and more places off the beaten path and falling in love with the local cross-training activites wherever I was. My travel experiences themselves became more authentic and my running less mundane. I now even use running as a way to continually explore my own city locally, making being near home even feel like an adventure. At last, I feel that I have struck a balance between my opposing joys and I hope this blog, The Runner’s Passport, will guide you along your journey to do the same.