Fire up your fitness with new routes

New year, fresh goals, big motivation. And then suddenly… you’re running the same route again. And again.

It’s easy to assume that when fitness goals fall apart, it’s because of discipline. But more often than not, it’s boredom. Research consistently shows that most New Year’s goals fade within the first few weeks, not because people don’t care, but because the process stops being interesting.

Movement thrives on curiosity. That’s where new routes come in. We’re not talking about doing more miles. Just asking a simple question before you head out the door: What happens if I turn left instead of right today?

A small change in how you plan your route can completely change how a run or walk feels.

⭕️ Loop it

There’s something deeply satisfying about mapping a loop and committing to it. Once you start, you’re in. Halfway through, curiosity kicks in. You want to see what’s on the other side, and bailing doesn’t feel like an option anymore. The route pulls you forward.

If you want a great example near Phoenix, Arizona, this Sonoran loop delivers a smooth, flowing desert run with wide-open views and just enough variation to keep you moving. It’s the kind of route that reminds you why loops are so hard to quit once you’re committed.

🍭 Lollipop (stick + loop)

Part familiarity, part exploration. You head out on familiar ground before branching into the unknown, knowing that once you rejoin your original path, the work is basically done. The sense of accomplishment sneaks up on you early, and somehow the whole effort feels lighter.

This lollipop was designed to explore a stretch of Vermont’s Long Trail without just doing a straight out-and-back. It adds variety, opens up new terrain, and keeps the things feeling fresh without getting complicated. When in doubt, add a loop.

➡️ Point to point

Some days call for finishing somewhere new instead of circling back home. Maybe you time it with public transit, plan a pickup, or just figure it out after. These routes tend to be the most adventurous. You see more, notice more, and finish with a story instead of a loop. They take a little planning, but the payoff is unmatched. Pro tip: the public transit overlay can be really helpful for this!

There is definitely zero public transportation (or really any cell service for that matter) available around this route. You’ll 100% need to coordinate your ride back home.

🌀 The aimless wander

And sometimes, the best route is no route at all. Wander without a plan. Turn toward what looks interesting. Follow the road or trail that catches your eye. With Footpath, you can trust that wherever you end up, you’ll be able to find your way back.

This route looks almost improvised, looping and chaotic, even a little brain-like when zoomed out. It happens to be a marked trail race course, the Bobcat 25K, and anyone who’s raced it knows how quickly it can feel like aimless wandering. That’s when, having Footpath nearby adds confidence, even when the trail signs start to blur.

↔️ Out and back

On busy days, simplicity wins. An out-and-back lets you adjust on the fly. Go further if you feel good. Turn around early if you don’t. No pressure, just forward movement.

Bonus points to anyone that creates an out & back that goes straight uphill for the first half. We see you.

So go ahead, draw a new line. Take the turn you usually skip. See what happens when you change the plan just enough to stay curious. Get mapping with Footpath and tag us in your 2026 adventures!