If you have chosen running, jogging, walking, or bicycling as one of your exercises to do while losing weight then you will need to plan ahead. You need to know where you are going. You will most likely have a goal in mind. What is your goal? Is your goal one mile, three miles, five miles? Some people gauge their route the old-fashioned way by driving their car along the area and obtaining the distance that way. Not anymore though. There is a wonderful website that will let you create any distance route and they will let you know how far it is before you even start out on it.
http://www.walkjogrun.net/ will allow you to plan out your route, save it and print it out. You can even start or participate in a group. WalkJogRun is also on Facebook with details on various events and groups in the area. They also feature deals on running shoes and other accessories.
I just investigated how far my street is up and back down and I think that I would have to go up and down about 5 times to reach one mile, but that is okay. I would rather run up and down the street several times and feel safe rather than go all alone on the next street over and get more distance. It really does not matter. A mile is a mile no matter which way you travel.
Remember, if you are going to jog early in the morning or late in the evening do not go alone. There is safety in numbers. The likelihood of being harassed or abducted is far greater when an individual is alone rather than having a traveling partner. Be safe and make sure that you take a friend with you.
Also, make sure that you are wearing light colored or reflective clothing for additional safety. Always remember to be safe while you are out there getting healthy.
Angel Lynn writes in weight loss, single parenting, and health.