The Best Runs While You're Supposed to Be Working (Sort Of)

Let's be honest—one of the hidden perks of work travel is discovering amazing running routes in new cities. Sure, you're there for meetings and presentations, but the real adventure? Lacing up your shoes at dawn and exploring a place the way it was meant to be seen: on foot, at your own pace, with nobody from the office watching.

Here are my top three bridge runs from recent work trips. Yes, they're all bridges. No, I don't have a bridge obsession. (Okay, maybe a little.)

1. Charleston Cooper River Bridge - The Crown Jewel

This one tops my list, hands down. Everything about this run just worked. The length was perfect—long enough to feel accomplished, short enough that I could actually finish the whole thing. The views? Absolutely gorgeous. And the traffic was minimal, at least when I went.

But here's what really made it special: the height. I felt like I was on top of the world up there.

Oh, and it rained. Like, really rained. I got completely soaked. And you know what? It was perfect. Sometimes the best runs are the ones where you stop caring about staying dry and just embrace the chaos.

Best for: Runners who like feeling like they're flying and don't mind a surprise shower.

Charleston Cooper River Bridge

2. Seattle SR520 - The Home Team Advantage

Full disclosure: I live in Seattle, so I might be a tiny bit biased here. But hear me out—if you're visiting Seattle and want a great run, this bridge is calling your name.

It's incredibly scenic with a solid mix of views and a well-maintained track for running or walking. The length is respectable if you want to go the full distance. And here's the bonus: if you're not a fan of heights (I see you, fellow acrophobes), this one won't make your palms sweat. The elevation is pretty chill.

Best for: Visitors to Seattle who want scenic without the vertigo, and locals who forgot how lucky we are to have this.

SR520 Bridge and Trail Runway

3. San Francisco Bay Bridge - Running Through the Clouds

Here's the thing about the Bay Bridge: the day I went, it was so foggy I literally couldn't see anything. Like, nothing. I was basically running blind.

And people tell me this is... normal?

Apparently, this bridge finds you among the clouds more often than not. Which is actually why it gets top marks from me. There's something surreal and kind of magical about running into literal clouds. You feel like you're in another dimension.

Fair warning: there's plenty of traffic (you'll hear it even if you can't see it in the fog), and the height is significant. I haven't covered the full distance yet—it's a long bridge, and doing the whole thing out and back is a serious commitment.

Best for: Runners who like their exercise with a side of mystical fog experience and don't mind sharing space with traffic.

San Francisco Bay Bridge

The Work Trip Running Philosophy

The beauty of these runs? They turn work trips from "ugh, another hotel" into "hey, I discovered something amazing today." You see a city differently.

So next time you're traveling for work, pack those running shoes. The best routes are out there waiting, probably suspended over water, possibly shrouded in fog, definitely worth waking up early for.

Happy running! 🏃‍♂️