Cardio and strength training are two key ways to get in shape and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Running is one of the best cardio exercises that can not only improve your physiological health but can also relieve stress, increase productivity, and boost stimulants that trigger feelings of pleasure and reward. The effects of just 10 to 20 minutes of running each day can last much longer than the time spent outside or in the gym. After a run, calories continue to burn for up to 14 hours after activity has stopped. The production of endorphins and endocannabinoids during a run induces feelings of euphoria and continues to inspire these feelings of confidence and elation after your workout is done. Running has also been shown to regulate blood pressure, maintain stronger joints, and improve insulin sensitivity. If you are new to running or want to tap into that runner’s high that joggers brag about, here are some meetups for runners, places to run, and upcoming races in Carlsbad that you won’t want to miss.

The San Diego North County Running Meetup

One of the greatest things about running is that everyone runs at a different pace. There is not one standard distance or stride that anyone has to meet when getting out for a jog. The San Diego North County Running Meetup is the perfect spot for runners that want to find other local runners with similar goals. Whether its running for fun or for exercise, the meetup gives members the opportunity to find a group that wants the same. The meetup participates in various long and short distance runs, with track workouts and trail runs on the schedule every week. Recent runs have included a Ladies Run Along Carlsbad Coast. Join the meetup today to stay up-to-date on runs happening near you.

Run North County

Run North County is another great resource for runners in Carlsbad. The group is a community forum for runners and walkers of all kinds. Weekly runs, volunteer opportunities, and recommended gear are all featured on their website. The group hosts a Sunday morning Coastal Run along the Carlsbad Coast. Runners can socialize and have fun while jogging or walking alongside the Pacific Ocean. The group leaves from Magee Park at 7:30 a.m. each Sunday.

Batiquitos Lagoon and Carlsbad Boulevard

The Batiquitos Lagoon Trail is a 3.1 mile out and back trail that has views, flowers, and wildlife. Running along the lagoon is a relaxing and scenic option that far surpasses the lull and dread of a treadmill. Similarly, Carlsbad’s coastline has a beach walk that is a flat terrain perfect for runners. You can start your jog at the Carlsbad Village. From Pine Street and Carlsbad Boulevard, the beach walk extends down to Tamarack or Cannon Road for a good 3 mile trek.

Tip Top Run and Leprechaun Bash

If you want to put your skills to the test or like the motivation of a race to pick up your pace, the Tip Top Run and Leprechaun Bash is right around the corner. On Saturday, March 16 there will be both a 5k run/walk and a 10k run/walk at the Agua Hedionda Discovery Center. Proceeds from the race will go towards maintenance and awareness of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. After the race, runners can take part in the Leprechaun Bash with live music, games, and food. Register today to reserve your spot at the starting line.

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The Surf Ride Adventure Lounge not only brings the retailer’s curated collection of top beachwear brands to Carlsbad, this one-stop surf shop provides everything from private surf lessons, to guided group surf excursions and even coastal helicopter tours.

Guests — and locals alike — can rent surf boards and book one-on-one or group surf lessons with pro instructors. You can even capture your surf lesson with a complimentary GoPro camera rental and take-home video keepsake that Surf Ride will download for you. If you’re new to GoPro, don’t worry. They’re GoPro experts and will even give you editing tips!

For guests and locals looking to up the ante on adventure this summer, at the Surf Ride Adventure Lounge you can also book a breathtaking tour of the North County coast with Waverider Helicopter Tours. Cape Rey will even shuttle you to and from the helipad.

Of course Surf Ride’s longstanding relationships in the surf industry also means Adventure Lounge shoppers get premium access to a curated mix of the best retail brands, including Hurley, Carlsbad-based RAEN, Volcom, and many more, alongside an assortment of Surf Ride custom products. From sunglasses, hats and beach bags, to the latest surf apparel — the new Carlsbad Surf Ride has all the beach essentials covered.

Surf Ride Adventure Lounge — located at Cape Rey Carlsbad, a Hilton Resort, 1 Ponto Road Carlsbad, CA 92011 — is open seven days a week. All Surf Ride instructors are CPR and First Aid Certified. Lessons are available for ages 7 and up. Please check www.caperey.com/adventurelounge for updates.

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