A couple of years back, I found myself alone on a business trip, in Washington DC, and wanted to go out for a run. My goal was to see as many of the famous monuments as I could. There was only one problem. I had no idea where they were or how to get to them. That’s when I remembered I had access to a tool that would solve my problem. It’s called the RunGo app. I exited the lobby of my hotel, walked to the corner, and fired up the app.

I had just enough time to run a few miles and instantly found a route called “Tidal Basin – Reflection Pool – National Monument”. And best of all, it started just a block from where I was standing. I was in fat city!

What I LOVE about this free app is that not only can you see a map of where you need to go, once you get started, you also get turn-by-turn directions, just like a car’s GPS. As you approach a turn, the app will say, for example, “In 200 feet, turn right”. You absolutely cannot get lost. And if you also want to listen to music while the app is running, you can do that too. (Check out my free Spotify running playlists, or search for me on Apple Music.)

Why This is Important Now

I just realized that now that we’re social distancing and running alone due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we could probably use some suggestions for new running routes in our local area. Many of us are used to meeting up with friends and letting someone else lead the way. But if you were born with absolutely no sense of direction (like me), this app could be a real life saver for you, in a few different ways.

Find a Route Near You to Run

So, if you are getting bored with your regular running routes, here’s how you can find new ones.

1. Open the RunGo app on your phone.
2. On the home screen, look at the list of “Most Popular Routes Nearby”.
3. Tap on one of them, head to the start location, tap START RUN and you’re off!

Or, if you don’t see anything in the popular routes nearby, you can do a search. For example, if you live where I live in Jupiter, FL, you could type in the word “Jupiter” in the search tool and routes with that word or location in it will come up.

Create a Route and Help out Your Neighbors

If you’re really ambitious and want to help out fellow runners you can create your own routes. Maybe you have a favorite loop that you like to do. You can run the loop, save it as a route, and publish it for others to be able to access. Here’s how to do it:

1. From the home screen tap “Run”. This will start the timer and the GPS will start tracking your movements.
2. Run your route. When you’re done, tap on SAVE TO LOGBOOK.
3. Once you save your run to your personal log, you can PUBLISH IT AS A ROUTE. Here you can give it a name and description. You can even add a photo.

Then, when nearby folks use the app and look for routes, they can find and run your route safely and comfortably, without getting lost. You’d be doing a great service to your fellow runners.

I encourage you to give the app a try–remember, it’s completely free to use all of the features listed above.

Hey, with social distancing, nobody said we had to stay at home to run. You can keep yourself safe from the coronavirus if you drive to a new location, park, and go for a run (on your own).

Stay safe, and keep running to the beat!

Jeanette

A.K.A. Jupiter Running Girl

About the Author: Jeanette Beninati

Jeanette Beninati, AKA Jupiter Running Girl, is a lifelong runner. She earned her coaching certification from the United Endurance Sports Coaching Academy. She’s an elementary school teacher and educator by trade, a health and fitness enthusiast, and has completed several ultra marathons. More posts by Jeanette Beninati