Melbourne running! Tracks and tips with Chip Mooney.

"I find running lets me think things through with no other distractions, or just zone out completely for a while and leave any stress and worries back at home. The running community in Melbourne is super supportive and brings together people from all sorts of places."

Anyone else struggle to get going when they don't have a good route? Here's some to get you feeling inspired, pavement and trails, loops and tracks. We talked to Chip Mooney, a talented photographer and Melbourne local about tips on finding our stride and loving the journey.

The Tan This classic Melbourne route takes you on a scenic journey around the city’s botanical gardens. Be prepared to be joined by many other runners, this one is popular. 3.8 kilometres

Albert Park Lake Enjoy views of green lawns, colourful sailboats and the city skyline as you run this beautiful flat and scenic track. 4.7 kilometres

The Capital City Trail This one is popular too, especially for people doing marathon training due to its length and accessibility. It contains sections of other smaller popular running spots too, like the Yarra River loops, Yarra Bend Park, Merri Creek Trail etc. Around 30km total, start and finish wherever you like. Learn more here

Solar System Trail Starting at the sun sculpture at the south end of St Kilda Beach, jog on down to pluto at Sandrige Beach passing Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars. All the planets are accurately spaced out on a one-to-a-billion-kilometre scale. The flat terrain and views of the water await you. 5.9 kilometres

Darebin Creek Trail This one is a little less frequented to the others. Connected to other popular trails without hitting roads, it is an out and back trail 56.8km total but you can just do parts. You can find plenty of water taps along the way, a good range of different landscapes and sections following Darebin Creek from the north in Epping, downstream to the South until it reaches the Main Yarra trail in Kew. No road crossings are a bonus too. Learn more here

Dandenong Ranges National Park You’ll find miles and miles of tracks to choose from through the Dandenong Ranges. Run through the native flora and fauna, look up at the huge trees and breathe in that fresh, crisp air. A unique destination that will push your limits. Learn more here

Princes Park Located in Carlton, Princes Park offers a part-gravel, part-asphalt loop that follows the perimeter of the lush sports field-filled park. If you need a bit more, you can extend your run by crossing to Royal Parade and Royal Park and following the multiple trails around Melbourne Zoo. 3.2 kilometres

Yarra Bend Park If you want to swap the pavement for some soil, head to Yarra Bend Park for a trail run. There are several tracks to explore depending on how far you want to run. Take in the native Australian wildlife and head up to the top of the hills to take in the city skyline. Learn more here

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into running? Find what makes it fun. For some people that's training to get faster, and knocking down PB's, for others it might be an easy way of catching up with friends, or meeting new people at a run crew. Keep it easy, keep it consistent, keep it fun.

What helps you keep your pace? Keeping the pace easy in the first place. I try not to get too worried about running too quickly all the time, which makes it easier to get back out there the following day and do it all again. If a run or workout calls for faster running, making sure I'm well fed, hydrated and rested are the main things to help hit those targets.

How do you stay motivated to get your soles on the pavement? Motivation comes in a lot of forms for me. Setting a goal and telling someone about it is probably the best way I've found to motivate myself. Pick a fun-run or race, get a buddy to join and get to it. Buying some new shoes or kit always helps spark the motivation to get back out there too. If you're going to put in the work, you might as well look good while you're doing it.

Do you feel mental benefits from running? What and why? Going out for a 30-40 minute run is a decent break from anything that might be stressing you out. I find running lets me think things through with no other distractions, or just zone out completely for a while and leave any stress and worries back at home for future me. By the time I've finished a run, and I start getting on with my day, I've got more clarity and energy, and it definitely helps my mental wellbeing for the rest of the day too.

Running as a crew or alone? What do you like about each? Both have their advantages, for sure. I enjoy being able to spend time to myself on a solo run, and going at my own pace. No phone, no screens, just a small camera to take photos of nice views along the way. I spent a long time running on my own before I built up the courage to join along with a run crew, and wish I'd done it sooner. The running community in Melbourne is super supportive and brings together people from all sorts of places.

Photos by Chip @chipmooney

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