As a footballer, if you don’t love to run you’re in a bit of strife.
There’s gut running, morning running, beach running, tan running, interval running, lap running and even warm-down running… It doesn’t matter where you are or what you’re doing, they’ll find a way to get you running.
Luckily, I’ve always enjoyed running, starting from back in primary school running cross country or doing athletics at Carey in high school. Away from footy training, running provides me with a great chance to unwind, catch up with a mate, enjoy the morning sun, or more recently spend some time with my girlfriend Chrissy who has also become my go-to running partner around our local area of Hawthorn. I steer clear of running with the Tiger boys because everything is a competition with them and we always end up racing!
I steer clear of running with the Tiger boys because everything is a competition with them and we always end up racing!
I do enjoy a contest but sometimes it’s nice to enjoy the social aspect of running; nothing beats throwing in the headphones, cranking your favourite tunes and zoning out whilst hitting the pavement.
When I heard about the TeamUp 20 Day Challenge I threw my support behind it because it drives an important message to get people moving by providing activities that are both social and healthy.
The TeamUp concept is a great way to find people in your area who want to get moving at the same time as you. This Challenge provides the time-frame to kick-start this new training habit. We are looking for people to get moving for 20 days straight, doing anything from walking to shooting hoops or even going down to your favourite running track and dusting off those joggers.
To help you get started I will also be keeping an eye on the activities posted on the TeamUp app and will join a session in the coming weeks – so make sure you post your activity for your chance to TeamUp with me.
Below I’ve provided a few of my favourite running tracks, both locally and abroad, and would be interested in hearing from others about the ones you love (leave your comments below and I will check them out).
My top three running tracks:
- The Tan – There is nothing better than running The Tan, whether it be challenging yourself to a gruelling time trial lap (my best is 12min 35sec), or enjoying a slower double lap with a mate or other half.
- Yarra River track – The Yarra river is so close to where we live, the bike track that nearly runs the length of the river through the city is one of the best that Melbourne has to offer.
- East River Park in Manhattan – My best mate lives in New York and whenever I visit, I love the run along the East River. The scenery is incredible – Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge. There is also an aths track down near the Lower East Side which is my go-to spot for speed work and a kick of the footy.
I will also be keeping an eye on the activities posted on the TeamUp app and will join a session in the coming weeks.
While I love running, I absolutely love to travel too and make sure I make the most of the off season exploring overseas. I have been lucky enough to do some amazing runs whilst travelling, including some great dirt tracks in the mountains around San Gil in Columbia, beautiful runs along the beaches on Zanzibar on the east coast of Africa and hopping from cobble stone to cobble stone on the streets of Paris. But the one that has eluded me, and is my biggest goal, is the New York Marathon, which I nearly did in 2012 but will definitely do post my footy career.
I’m always on the lookout for great new running tracks, so please post a few in the comments section below and download the TeamUp app. Who knows? I might even join you for a run in the coming weeks!
To stay up to date on the TeamUp 20 Day Challenge, make sure you:
Download the TeamUp app at teamup.com.au
Like the TeamUp Victoria Facebook page
Check aflplayers.com.au
Follow @AFLPlayers
Follow @TeamUpVic
Follow #20DC on all social media