I only had a few days in Sydney, but since our hotel did not have a gym my only option was to go running in Sydney every morning—such a hardship!
No, this view never got old.
Running In Sydney
We arrived in Sydney on Sunday afternoon, and took a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Beach for dinner—I’ll share more about that when we meet for coffee on Friday. 😉 Our walk from the hotel to the harbor served as a reconnaissance mission for my running route—I got a vague idea of where I wanted to run in the morning—and how hilly it would be. It was a steep downhill to the harbor, which meant an inevitable climb on the way back.
Monday morning I ran down to the harbour and around the Sydney Opera House.
There were lots of runners out, including a fellow Peloton fan, who let me snap a picture of my “Peloton in the wild” sighting—she said she’s from San Fransisco.
I followed her through the gates behind her which belong to the Royal Botanical Garden of Sydney. I stayed on the path along the water and then cut through the Botanical Garden at the Fleet Steps to head back to my hotel Starbucks—I wasn’t sure of the distance if I stayed along the water for the full loop around the point.
This view of the Sydney skyline reminded me of Chicago.
I took this entrance to the Royal Botanical Garden to get back towards my hotel.
I stopped to enjoy the scenery—and wildlife.
My conference venue was on the 29th floor with a great birds-eye view of the Royal Botanical Garden. I could see that I had run almost to the end of the point, and that running the full loop would not add that much distance/time.
Tuesday and Wednesday I did the full loop, in opposite directions for variety.
It was just shy of 4 miles.
Guess what is located at my stopping point?
I caught this view of the Opera House from the Royal Botanical Garden.
And came across this amazing pool on the other side of the point.
It was quite busy with lap swimmers.
Another interesting sight along my route was Il Porcellino
outside Sydney Hospital.
Continuing on towards Starbucks I ran through Hyde Park and saw the Archibald Memorial Fountain.
It commemorates relations between Australia and France in World War I
Tuesday morning I ran further on across the street to see the Pool of Reflection in front of the Anzac Memorial which is a tribute members of the Australian Imperial Forces who lost their lives in World War I.
After my run on Wednesday, we checked out of our hotel and started the long journey home—you can read a bit about that in my jet lagged runfessions. While my time in Sydney was short, I enjoyed all the sight-seeing along my running routes.
A huge thank you to Deborah and Kim for hosting the Weekly Run Down link up.
How do you plan a running route in a new place?
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Oh, getting a bird’s-eye view of your running route really helps! It looks absolutely beautiful!
I usually have a look at Strava routes before heading out in a new place. Or, just follow other runners, ha!
You packed a lot into those Sydney mornings, I would have done the same. Did you rub Il Porcellino’s nose??
I didn’t have any coins, so I thought it would be cheating!
What a beautiful city for running! You’re so lucky you were able to go there. Thanks for sharing it with us!
It really was a lovely route!
How wonderful to add Sydney to your running adventures! Running through the botanical gardens sounds delightful!
I think I remember seening an Il Porcellino in Rome or Florence, correct? I wonder if any others have been erected anywhere else in the world.
So glad to see you made the most of your time in Sydney and were able to fit in a lot of sightseeing and running!
It looks like the perfect time of day to explore the town! You saw so much. I have started to use the Strava routes since I have the membership. I haven’t had many opportunities to try it out, but it was helpful in a few situations.
I used a running website in Melbourne. Strava would have been a good idea!
I’m so jealous of your Sydney travels and running! So many beautiful sights! I would be totally “just running” for fitness while there as well 😉
This looks amazing! Did you put a coin in the fountain and rub the nose of the boar?
I would NOT be sad if my hotel didn’t have a gym. Oh darn, I have to run every day? Dream come true.
Especially in nice weather — I was happy for the gym when it was rainy in Melbourne!
What a great trip full of scenic runs… the best way to see a place IMO.
Google is my best friend and I always ask the hotel concierge for ideas.
Your runs look so amazing – that nice weather is inviting! I love running around new places. I always like having a hotel gym, but being able to run outside where I am is a great way to see the sites AND get in a workout!
What an amazing opportunity to get to run the streets of Sydney like that! Those views would stick with me forever!