Keeping to the left Down Under

As I travel quite a bit for work and for pleasure, I've learned that the best way to stay in shape while traveling abroad is to tie on my running shoes and head out the door. Whether it's a big city or closer to nature, it's a great way to see your host city in a different light.   

Coogee Beach

On a recent trip to Sydney, Australia, I discovered the Coastal Walk which winds itself along the Eastern Beaches of Sydney for miles.  I was staying in Coogee Beach (always opting for beach hotels above the city center may have something to do with feeling landlocked in Minnesota), which is a laid back, smaller alternative to staying in the more famous Bondi Beach, and just a few miles south. Those few miles however, when taken by the Coastal Walk, provide one of the breathtaking runs/walks a traveller or local could wish for. 

But before you set out for your stroll/run, be advised that Aussies not only drive on the left, they also walk/run on the left as well... This takes some getting used to, and you'll get more than a few funny looks until you do.

Coogee Beach nippers

On any given day in the summertime, you may have the opportunity to watch a surf lifesaver school in session at many of Sydney's beaches.  Aussies call these young surf lifesavers in training "nippers", and it is serious business.   Look for the yellow surfboards & kids in matching rashies (rash guards) & caps.

Another tip as you set out for your walk, even in the morning hours, is to apply sunscreen...even on the legs...trust me on this one.

OK, so head up the hill to the north of Coogee and you'll wind your way around towards Gordon's Bay, a little hidden gem of a bay, and where the running trail becomes a boardwalk, with lots of stairs & steep trails (blame your loss of breath on the amazing views!)

Gordon's Bay

As you've noticed, this is not your typical beach front run...this is a far cry from L.A's Strand...there are no bikes or rollerbladers to watch out for (they'd be passing on the right, if there were...), only a few swimmers heading down to the ocean pools in their thongs (when did Americans start calling them flip-flops anyway?) 

Frangipani

Take in the coastal heath and sweet scent of Frangipani while keeping hydrated with the filtered water stops along the way.  

Oh, and leave your ipod at home... the sound of the crashing surf is inspiring enough... plus, how else are you going to perfect your Aussie accent but by keeping your ears open?

Clovelly Ocean Pool/Inlet

Clovelly Beach/Ocean Pool is a great place to swim if you need to cool off.  The ocean waves make their way through a little channel that is bordered by a cement beach on either side with ladders to help swimmers get out of the water and comes with a few lifeguards in case you get a little freaked out.  At the end of the inlet is a small beach for the little ones. 

Waverly cemetery

As you continue, you'll soon come across a beautiful cliff top cemetery in Waverly with a relatively new boardwalk at the edge of it that makes navigating the cliffs a bit easier.  After that comes along Bronte Beach (where surf lifesaving was INVENTED back in the early 1900's) and further up the walk, Tamarama Beach before FINALLY reaching Bondi! 

A must-see in Bondi is the Bondi Icebergs Ocean Pool & Surf Club.  This is by far the nicest ocean pool (in my opinion) of the eastern beaches, and the fact that there is a bar/restaurant overlooking the pool as well as the famous beach is, simply put..."a beautiful thing" 

Bondi Icebergs on a cloudy but warm day

You just may have to go home and change first...