Running the British Isles — miles with a view

It’s been a little more than a month since I returned from visiting the British Isles. While touring Ireland, Scotland, and England, I managed to keep my running streak alive. At least two miles a day, each day, for nearly three weeks of amazing locations. Running helped me adjust to the time change in the first several days, as I found a morning-run rhythm. Thankfully my wife lets me run and explore when we are traveling, which led to one of the best trips I’ve ever taken.

After taking a redeye flight from New York City to Dublin, my first run in the British Isles came in the evening. I felt like I was a sleep running zombie. But the scenery around Dublin allowed me to get my miles in. From there, we flew to Edinburgh, where my runcation truly started.

Scotland provided beautiful weather and plenty of hills. Coming from the heat in Louisiana, Scotland’s 60 degrees and cloudy skies gave me an immediate boost.

To anyone considering making a trip to Edinburgh — go. The city is amazing, with historic sites and stunning views everywhere you go. It’s also a great place to run, with Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill serving up incredible vistas of the city.

From Edinburgh, we traveled north (with me driving on the left side of the road and right side of the car). Inverness provided  cool temperatures and views of the River Ness (and one of the countless castles we passed).

Then came mountain running on Isle of Skye and then Ben Nevis, which is near Fort William and is the highest point in the British Isles. Something about running through the Scottish peaks woke my soul. I went from just running to keep my streak alive to running for the pure joy.

After hiking up to the Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye (a towering rock formation that has made an appearance in several movies), the outlook was so incredible that I felt an urge to run back down the mountain. I had already done my run for the day, so I wasn’t dressed for a workout. I had on jeans, a T-Shirt, a light jacket, and classic Sauconys (not true running shoes).

That downhill mile turned into one of my favorite runs in recent memory. At times I felt slightly out of control because of the steep decline, but I kept my foot turnover high and embraced the slope. I finished soaking wet with sweat and incredibly happy.

Then came Ben Nevis, where I ran/power hiked 3.5 miles uphill before running back down. The viewpoints were fantastic until I climbed into the clouds. Then the fog and mist turned the trail into an otherworldly fantasy complete with a rushing waterfall and too many switchbacks to count. I don’t know if it was my genealogy that ties back to Scotland, or my love of mountains and scenic views, but Scotland felt like home to me. I love to travel, and I’ve seen some amazing sights. But Scotland quickly became one of my favorite places. The people were so friendly, and I can’t wait to return one day.

From Scotland, we flew to London. There, I experienced a completely different running scene. We stayed at a hotel in Chelsea, which was a perfect starting point for running tours of the city. My favorite spots are included in the London Marathon route — the Birdcage Walk along the southern edge of St. James’s Part, the Mall after rounding past Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, the Embankment, and on and on.

Running gives a better understanding and feel for new places. I was able to experience London as a local, before all of the tourists started clogging the sidewalks. I saw people walking to work and coming in and out of the tube stops. People walking their dogs gave me a wave. London is truly incredible, and my running shoes helped give me a deeper experience of the city.

We stayed in London four days, and on one morning, Rachel and I took a quick trip by train out to Oxford. There, I ran a mile on the Roger Bannister track. Sixty four years after Bannister broke the 4-minute mile barrier for the first time in history, I ducked under 6 minutes for my mile. I hadn’t planned on pushing that hard (Again I wasn’t wearing running clothes or shoes, but at least I was in shorts).

Something about being in that historic spot motivated me to pick up my pace more and more. What began as an easier lap around the track turned into a close-to-all-out final 400 meters. A quick-paced mile on the Bannister track gave me an endorphin rush and motivation that I will carry over into my fall training.

From London, we headed back to Ireland (where I returned to opposite side driving….I didn’t try that in London). My wife is the best trip planner I know. Finishing with Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher and Ring of Kerry gave us the perfect ending to our journey.

Mountains and sights from the jagged edges of the island provided another perfect running setting.

I will never forget my first trek across the British Isles. My heart and soul found peace and clarity. Running allowed me to maximize my time there and take in the beauty around me. During my runs I avoided listening to music or podcasts. Instead, I concentrated on each individual moment and meditated on the future.

I’m grateful for each step I take, and I will continue to run in new places at every opportunity I get.