Most people consider moving to be a stressful experience. Packing up your life and starting over in a new place is never easy. In some cases, the reason behind the move is positive – a promotion, a growing family, etc. – while other times, moving has less upbeat connotations.

Regardless of the factors contributing to your nomadic ways, moving can also put a crimp in your exercise routine.

Over the years, it’s likely that you got comfortable with the options in your neighborhood. Maybe you knew the best trails, steepest hills (either to tackle, or avoid!) and least expensive gyms.

But after the moving company unloads your furniture and you begin to settle into your new home, there are a few things to keep in mind to maintain a running schedule and stay your fittest!

Take it easy.

Moving is stressful. It really is. Make sure you’re getting enough rest and taking care of your body. Don’t jump into intense marathon training the day after a 12 hour drive across country. Listen to your body and plan workouts around how you feel. Don’t be ashamed to slowly build back up to your usual mileage.

Seek out running clubs.

The best way to learn the greatest new routes is to follow those who know the terrain. Join a running club or meet up with a running buddy to make your transition to a new community seamless. Spend a few months getting to know different loops and destinations and pretty soon you’ll have a number of runs to choose from depending on the weather, your mood, or your schedule. Running aside, you may just make some new friends!

Let yourself get lost.

One of the best ways to get to know a new city is simply to get lost. Run the roads until you’re utterly turned around and then wind your way back towards familiar sights. Soon, those twists and turns won’t feel so foreign and you’ll know the area better than anyone else in your family.

If you’ve recently moved to a new city, or even just moved within the same zip code, you might benefit from the tips above. To minimize stress and make resuming your running routine a breeze, choose a moving service that’s professional, experienced, and affordable. Also, make sure you don’t pack your FiveFingers in a box where you wont be able to find them for weeks. Either wear them, or bring them in an overnight bag so you have easy access as soon as you’re all settled in to your new home.