On a recent visit to Charleston, W.Va., I had enough time to get a nice run in while the sun was still high in the sky. There’s no better way to explore a new city than by running through its downtown and along its riverbanks.
I left the hotel at the same time as another runner. We mutually nodded to one another, giving approval to each other’s desire to end the day sweating. He headed west; I went east.
As I was making my way back, so was he. As we stood outside of the hotel stretching, I asked him what route he took. He told me he ran a short route over to the capitol and back a few times. He did a few laps and stayed close to where he was, in other words.
And me? I hit the sidewalk and ran until I felt like making a left. Then I turned up another street, passing the courthouse and some really old buildings and running under a few bridges. I ended up on a nice greenway, watching people play with their dogs, walking hand in hand, riding bikes and skateboards.
The temperature and the breeze and the sun and the water were perfect. Charleston seems to be one of the best cities for urban running, and one of the best places to run near the water.
I had no plan and wanted to see what I could find. I came back not only having a great run, but also having taken in a lot of this fair city.
Whenever we’re willing to dream beyond the boundaries, we’ll be surprised what we can gain. When we’re willing to challenge the status quo and question our own limitations, we’ll grow like never before.
Sam Davidson is executive director of CoolPeopleCare, Inc. He blogs at Sam Davidson.
Sam Davidson is an entrepreneur, speaker and writer who has co-founded four companies, including Batch and Cool People Care.
