Work it Out Wednesday: Running in Hoboken

by Lisa Bruno
(images courtesy of Work it Out Fitness Studios)

The sun is shining, birds are chirping and your sneakers are staring at you.

You know you should go outside and hit the pavement, but excuses are running through your head: it’s too hot out, it’s too cold out, my sneakers are old, my sneakers are new and not broken in, and where the heck am I going to go?

Well, wonder no more on where to go. If there is one thing we are pretty darn good at, it’s working out and knowing how and where to do it.

Hoboken is typically known around the area as a great place to eat, drink and socialize. But it is also filled with a lot more green spaces, paths and nearby parks that make “working out with nature,” very feasible. Not to mention, it makes indulging in some good food and drink even better, after you had a nice sweat sesh!

So here it is, our top three routes to run in and around Hoboken. We put these together to appease every running appetite. Whether you are just getting back in the swing of things or have been at it for awhile,there is something for you.

Route 1: Haven’t run since high school gym class, circa 1999?

3-miles – 20-25-minute run

While yes, this isn’t the most inventive run we could propose, it is also the lowest entry without many barriers. It is a flat course, no cars, no stop signs, just you and the sidewalk, and probably a lot of great people watching.

Route 2: You Actually Own Running Sneakers and Dabble With Running Once in Awhile
5-miles – 35 – 50-minute run

Route 3: Hoboken, Jersey City, Edgewater – Your Feet Have Crossed Borders
7-miles and up – 1-hour + minute run

Each of these routes were tested by our Work it Out feet, but also tracked on USA Track and Field website. It’s a great tool if you want to get adventurous and test your own route.

Just in case you need a little help keeping up the good work, here are a few tips to staying on track (pun intended).

Let the beats will motivate you. Create a playlist using Spotify filled with your favorite music or a brand new album you’ve been waiting to listen to. You’ll be amazed at what your body can accomplish when your mind is not focused on the fact you are running! Side note: Spotify now has something called “Running” which matched your tempo to the music it plays for you. Check it out.

Dress the part. Half the battle is putting your darn workout clothes on. If you gravitate towards working out at night, before you leave work – change into your workout clothes. We promise, it’ll help. First off, you won’t go to happy hour in your spandex (and if you do, well that’s your problem!). Second, it is one less reason to spend too much time at home before heading out and letting those excuses creep back in. If you workout in the morning, set your clothes out the night before, it is one less thing to think about when you rise, “bright eyed and bushy tailed.”

The buddy system. You wouldn’t go to Happy Hour alone would you? So why run all by yourself? Grab your best friend, start chatting about your day and you’ll pass time and rack up miles. There are many things in life that are better in pairs and running is one of them.

Now you have one less excuse to tell yourself. Lace up your sneakers and Work it Out.

Lisa Bruno is the co-founder and director of business development at Work it Out Fitness Studios in Hoboken. Bruno is an avid fitness and nutrition enthusiast (and has been since a very young age). She holds a bachelor’s degree in Food & Nutrition and is currently pursuing her certification as a Registered Dietitian.