CITY RUNS: LIVERPOOL

It's been a while since I've featured an English city in my City Runs series, I think the previous one was down in Brighton in the Summer. Let me tell you, when I visited Liverpool in January I would have done anything for the weather to be like the heat wave I enjoyed in my Brighton City Run. Liverpool was FREEZING. Despite the absolutely Baltic weather, I've got my suggestions for you!

For those of you who are new to my “City Runs” series, I visit different cities at home and abroad, giving some recommendations for the best places to run and keep fit. Hopefully this will inspire you to get you outside and give you a great active experience in that city, should you ever choose to visit.

The Run
Although the day that I visited was so cold, it was lovely and bright and sunny. The perfect place to capture the essence of the city while enjoying the sun is down by the waterfront. You can start by running past the famous Royal Liver Building and then down past the brilliant statue of The Beatles (stop to take some super tourist-y photos with them, it's gotta be done). One of the best aspects to this run was that it was virtually empty, perfect to get lost in your headphones rather than stuck behind busy crowds or other runners. 

Keep heading down the river and you'll end up at the Tate Liverpool and head into the Royal Albert Dock, it has an abundance of places to stop off for a break after your run! This is probably the most simple run that I have recommended to you guys for a while, I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that you're not running up a mountain this time. 

Alternative Run
I spoke earlier about capturing the essence of the city by heading down to the docks, however you can arguably do that by heading to one place...Stanley park. Football is life in Liverpool and dividing the city in half is whether you're a red or a blue! By going for a run through Stanley park you're able to see two sides of the same coin, Anfield and Goodison at the same time. I was lucky enough to be there to see my team play...in RED. 

Liverpool's City Runs on paper may not be anywhere near as exciting as previous ones that I've featured, however whichever you chose to embark upon, it is most probably one of the most "doable" that I've recommended and anyone could give this a go regardless of age or ability!

What To Wear 
If you're going to brave the cold weather like I did then you need to wrap up! What you can't see are the thermal leggings and top that I've got on, I also had an Adidas Entrada 14 training top underneath my Underarmour 1/4 zip fleece. On my bottom half a pair of classic Adidas training pants. Thermal Gloves and my most prized possession in winter...my thermal snood completes to winter proof outfit. I'm pretty sure the snood is made for skiing but I have no idea because my Mum got it for me years ago on QVC. Fashion icon, I know. 

On my feet I wore my laceless Adidas Ultraboost trainers, yes I do sleep in them. If I'm running or walking you'll find me in a pair of these, you should know that by now. 

Other Essentials
Music
Seeing as I was in Liverpool for the football, I actually decided to listen to all the build up surrounding the football on my run so I listened to TalkSport! Proper football nerd behaviour isn't it. Here's an even nerdier playlist if you fancy some music. Mind you, probably only best to try this if you're a fellow Liverpool fan. 

Apps
Spotify – All my song recommendations can be streamed using Spotify and downloaded to use offline if you don’t want to use your data. Spotify is my go to music service for every City Run.

City Mapper - An awesome app that will help you get from A to B, particularly helpful with public transport should you need it. 
 
Apple health – Tracking distance and steps, Apple gives you your days adventures compiled into an easy to understand visual display allowing you to track your progress from run to run.

Google Maps – With Google maps I found it so easy to get around the city. I don’t need to give you a big explanation on it as I’m sure you know how it works. If you don’t have it, get it. I always find it smoother and easier to use that Apple’s own Maps app.

I've wanted to visit Liverpool for years due to my love for the football club so this felt like the perfect opportunity to squeeze in a run while in the city for the day. Although the run I've recommended is a simple one, I feel like it allows you to get a real feel for the city in a short space of time in a nice relaxed way.

Wrap up warm  and get moving. (Or spend the whole day moaning about how cold you are like I did)

​Disclaimer: Although part of this blog post is a paid collaboration, all views, opinions and experiences are my own.