Exercise is good for you. It's not controversial. No one will debate me. This column is already over.

Just kidding.?

August is National Wellness Month.

Of course, we know running¡ªcall it jogging, aerobics or plain old working out¡ªis a great way to maintain good health.

But no matter what speed, it's not always fun, and that's when it becomes?a chore, something you add to the procrastination?list and begin to consider an activity you have to do rather than get or want to do.

As I age and the various realities of life take hold, I find myself taking fewer things for granted. Seeing people my age pass away from preventable illness has certainly been a wake-up call.

Regardless of your current situation, it's important to always remember that health is wealth (as cheesy as it sounds). Finances, career roadblocks, and troubled relationships are all things that come secondary to your wellness.

You can't make sustainable repairs on a rocky foundation. Let travel be the elixir?to your creaky ground floor.

Elevating the Runner's High

No matter your pace, a run that challenges you on any level is guaranteed?to make your day better. Doing it in a new setting or place you've always wanted to see will only add to the buzz.

View of Bimini, Bahamas from running track aboard Valiant Lady. (Photo Credit: Patrick Clarke)

Science tells us that moving your body and breaking a sweat over a long enough period releases endorphins that boost your mood and reduce pain. You might be remarkably sore the next day, but it's a nagging pain you'll be proud of and willing to sign up for again and again as opposed to a post-30 hangover.

If you're lucky, you can experience the elusive runner's high in your neighborhood each day, but taking your state of bliss to the next level may require travel.

I'm not saying that you need to register for the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii. It's not always about the distance or setting, of course. Often, it's?the people you're doing it with and the memories you're making along the way that make it worthwhile.

Start small, sign up for a 5K (3.1 miles) in your hometown and walk it if you want.

Running (although walking is perfectly fine) events have never been more prevalent. Each day, in destinations around the world, you can find options ranging from major events raising funds for important causes or laidback locals who just want to hold each other accountable and are more than willing to show a visitor their city the way it was meant to be seen.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin viewed from South Shore Park. (photo by Patrick Clarke)

When You Travel, It'll Always Be Fun

I've been fortunate to run all over, from the hills of Southern California to the plains of the Dakotas, riverfront trails along Lake Michigan, over iconic landmarks like the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and even in international waters¡ªshout out to the running track aboard Virgin Voyages' Valiant Lady¡ªbut there's always something new to experience.

Moving also means you won't have your phone in your face and thus you'll be taking in your surroundings. It's quite honestly the least touristy thing you can do.

It can be daunting in the beginning. Beyond the physical challenges, you'll be forced to spend a lot of time in your head (though music and podcasts can help). However, ultimately, you'll find that these experiences can quickly equip you with discipline and invaluable tools.

Suddenly, that lengthy?layover with a dying phone isn't so bad and that longer-than-expected walk to that bucket-list site isn't so hard.

Besting yourself en route to personal records (PRs) can certainly be motivation but signing up for that next run, whether it be a 5K or a full marathon) and planning the travel it requires is where the real juice is at.

If you've got 30 minutes or three hours, you can't go wrong embracing this healthy hobby and letting travel be your coach.

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