Sarahritchie17 I’m going to keep this one short because I’m on vacay! St. Petersburg, FL will always hold a special place in my heart, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s a great vacation spot too!
I don’t know about you, but when I’m traveling, it is difficult to make myself work out. Going for a short run at least once during the trip is my go-to. That way, I can say I still did something and didn’t take ALL the days off. However, this time, I’m in the process of training for a half-marathon, so I really had to force myself to get up and do the stupid running.
This post, I figured I’d share my favorite places to run in St. Pete, in case you ever find yourself there (and you definitely should!)
Short Runs
For a nice short run along the water, start at North Straub Park on Beach Drive NE. Follow the sidewalk towards Vinoy and North Shore Park, and it will continue along the water. If you’re looking for a 3 mile run, turn around at the 1.5 mile mark at the stop sign for the Snell Isle Blvd bridge. For a little bit more, head across the bridge towards the Vinoy Golf Club. I learned this run through Fit2Run, a local running store. They offer a group run for free on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 PM. But whether you’re with people or on your own, it’s a nice, scenic, and safe route, and I’ve always seen others running, walking their dogs, taking a stroll, rollerblading, and skateboarding. If you’re looking for speed training, there’s a nice short loop at the south end of Vinoy Park. Bonus: If you run on Saturday morning in the winter months, finish your run at the Rowdies (soccer) stadium and enjoy the Saturday morning market 9 AM-2 PM.
South point of Vinoy park 
3 mile run 
Here’s the 1.5 mile turn-around for a 3 mile run. 
This guy was jump-roping on this painted pier, and it just seemed like an awesome picture. 
Long Runs
For my longer runs, I love Pinellas Trail. This bike/running/walking path goes from downtown St. Petersburg westward towards the beaches and then North to Tarpon Springs. It’s over 30 miles in one direction, though I’ve never made it that far. I’ve used it as a bike path, and I’ve also used it for runs 6 miles or more. I love trails that go so far one way because once you’re out there, you’re forced to double your distance to get back. It helps me with the mental stamina of a longer run. I like to start at 7th St. South and 1st Ave South. All the road crossings as far as I’ve been from there are signaled and most of the roads it runs across don’t have much traffic anyways. The buildings at the beginning are covered in murals which makes the route scenic. Bonus: Sprint the tunnel at the beginning of the run (about a mile in).
7 mile run 
I hope that if you’re ever vacationing in St. Petersburg or find yourself moving there one day (Yes, please!), these recommendations will help you keep moving while you enjoy the area.
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Cheers!
Sarah
