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My Running Diary: Take in Scenery on Your Run

By Mandi Mellen

Posted on November 14, 2016

Los Angeles is having another heat wave and with the end of daylight savings, it’s been extremely sunny in the mornings. That means it’s been perfect for taking in the scenery while running!

Diary of a Running Chick: November 14th, 2016

I’m guilty of putting myself on running auto-pilot at times, especially if it’s early and I’m tired. But this past week I couldn’t stop myself from taking in the scenery of my runs! The mornings were beautiful and warm, which is what happens when you have a November heat wave. It woke me up to the scenery and how awesome a run can be.

I’ve still been adjusting to such bright mornings post daylight savings and I love it kids! The extra light always comes this time of year and I know it doesn’t last for too long, so I’m soaking it in. Soon I will be running in the dark once again, but right now I’m enjoying it so much! It’s invigorating and my early morning runs feel brand new. It’s also motivated me to hop right out of bed!

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The added sunshine makes it easy to embrace your run scenery, because the easiest way to do so is by simply looking up for a moment. When its dark I know I tend to watch the road ahead, but right now there’s no excuse not to appreciate what’s around you. At the beginning of my runs I always reflect on what I’m thankful for, and personally it’s the beautiful area I get to run around! It makes every run unique. It makes me grateful for being able to get up and run! That’s something I try not to forget and peeping the scenery is a great reminder.

This year has been all about me pushing myself to run more and get out of my comfort zone. I wanted to stay as consistent as I was in previous years, while expanding my horizons. Now that I’m pregnant I know some things will change once my baby is born, but I do not want running to be one of them. I love to run and embracing where I run and the scenery is part of that!

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All year long I’ve been faithfully taking pictures on my morning runs. Sometimes I’ll stop dead in my tracks because the view is just so beautiful. Sometimes I’ll be inspired at the beginning or end of my run. No matter when it is, I have not gone a run without documenting just how beautiful and amazing my surroundings are!

Taking photos every morning has definitely kept me motivated to run daily. It’s also taught me to keep my eyes peeled and appreciate the scenery. I find so many amazing moments on my runs, each one unique and special. If I was just on auto-pilot I would completely miss them. This year I’ve discovered benches I’d never seen before, beautiful trees, flower gardens, and also people who are always on their morning journey!

I can’t help but think of this Ferris Bueller quote: “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” This is the truth! There is a reason why we all run outside. For me, I love the challenge, I love the change, and I love that I experience my neighborhood completely different from if I was driving through it. I also get to know my area better by running it!

Taking in the scenery sits on top of my list of reasons for why I run and love to run. I remind myself of this daily so I can take myself off auto-pilot and enjoy the beautiful sights around me. I challenge you to do the same!

Mandi Mellen is Lead Editor, Staff Writer, and Featured Vlogger at BuzzChomp. She’s an actress, writer, and producer. Get lost in her youtube comedy channel PillowTalk TV. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, or Instagram