Find great (safe) running routes outside the airport to spice up airport exercise!
During airport layovers, obviously I love to exercise and talk about this a lot. My book The Complete Guide to Airport Exercise goes into all kinds of details on how to make the airport your gym. But one thing I think most people miss is that running during layovers can very easily include running OUTSIDE the airport. Now granted, this doesn’t work in every case, but it’s worked for me more times than not. Once I solve the issue of what to do with my bags (airport lounges often have lockers, airports often have luggage storage lockers for a fee, or leaving my bags with a friend/loved one, etc are all good options), then it really comes down planning. So, I do a little research online before heading to an airport where I know I will have a 2.5+ hour layover. The research can help but really it takes some firsthand reconnaissance to determine where there may be feasible, safe areas to run. This can be done by asking more often I just go out and explore (or keep an eye out from my airplane seat when I fly into the airport). I’ve had great running experiences in LAX, where there are literal sidewalks leading directly out of the terminal to outside the airport that go on forever….or Kuala Lumpur which have soft running trails through old field plantations (with tons of shade and lots of real estate to get some serious mileage in) or Ft. Lauderdale where with a little creative jogging plan, I’d easily find my way to a nearby sidewalk and would often run to my favorite pancake place, right outside of the airport. The list goes on and on–I have literally done this all over the world, many dozens of times. What it means? I get to have some awesome cardio time, burning a ton of calories which makes my flight feel healthier and gets me in a better place to arrive at my final destination. I feel like I’ve taken back time that would otherwise have been wasted. And I get some additional sunlight and fresh air (usually it’s fresh!). All it takes is packing a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and wearing proper running clothes onto the plane (even under your jeans if you prefer). With a hygiene kit handy, I always clean up in an airport bathroom or airport shower and am ready and fresh for my flight. For some who have never tried this, it may seem like “too much”. But it’s actually pretty simple and changes the whole travel experience. Some helpful hints: stay in safe areas, follow local laws, bring your ID with you, and be willing to be flexible.