3 Tips for Distance Runners Who Live in Big Cities

Running isn’t just about how far you go. Where you run makes a huge difference in your training strategies, gear, and splits. While traversing technical trails or sprinting on sand might come to mind when you picture tricky training scenarios, one unique setting deserves more attention: city running.

From crowded sidewalks to daily traffic, long-distance city running can sometimes feel like an obstacle course. Luckily, the right gear and tips can help you navigate those bustling streets and fall in love with running in your city. Here are three tips for running in big cities.

Join a Club

While the busy energy of your beloved city might seem like a drawback when you first start to dabble in distance running, it can actually be a huge perk. Major cities have plenty of thriving, vibrant running clubs for runners of all ages and experience levels.

A running club can help you feel safer as you venture into longer distances, help you meet new people, and introduce you to local tips and tricks for city running. Whether one of your fellow club members gives you advice for finding brands that offer men’s and womens sneakers with wide toe box designs or recommendations for running podcasts, joining a community of runners can help motivate you to navigate those hectic city streets confidently.


 Choose the Right Shoes

While pounding the pavement can feel great in the moment, regularly running on sidewalks and streets can take a toll on your body. Mixing up your routine by running on natural paths, synthetic tracks, or grass can help put less strain on your joints, but these softer surfaces can be few and far between in urban areas.

Fortunately, the right shoes can offer support and stability while promoting good form. Shoes with a low heel to toe drop, including low-drop and zero drop running shoes, can promote a more natural stride and prevent heel striking. This makes them an excellent option for urban distance runners. Choose a style that offers the right amount of cushion and support for your routine, and you can enjoy a comfortable running experience every time.


Time It Right

Even the busiest cities have some moments of relative peacefulness throughout the day. Maybe you’ve noticed that your usually-crowded block is sleepy and serene at the break of dawn or that your favorite park is surprisingly empty on weekday afternoons.

As you map out your routes, keep an eye out for areas and landmarks that could be crowded during certain times of the day. Does your neighborhood farmers market make running through certain streets impossible on Saturdays? Are certain blocks busy with commuter traffic on weekday mornings? Scheduling your runs to avoid rush hour, school pick-up and drop-off times, and other busy times of the day can help you breeze through the city blocks. Whether that means getting up extra early or trying out evening runs, creating your running routine with your surroundings in mind will help you get the most out of every run.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a dedicated runner who recently moved to the big city or a lifelong urbanite learning to love cardio—try out any of these three tips to see if they help you enjoy distance running in your city even more.

About Topo Athletic


Topo Athletic has one mission: to keep you moving with comfortable running shoes you can count on mile after mile. Experience the brand’s roomy toe box, secure midfoot and heel, and low heel to toe drop. Every pair of Topo Athletic shoes embodies a commitment to helping you stay active and stride for more. Their signature wide toe box design allows your toes to splay in their natural position for optimal comfort and performance. Whether you’re running on the road, pumping out miles on the trail, or kicking it around town, they have the wide toe running shoes you need to promote good foot health, better posture, and more comfortable movement. Embrace the journey and explore the extraordinary with the Topo Difference.

Find reliable running shoes for any terrain at https://www.topoathletic.com/

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