Particularly for those averse to running on the beach, the roads in Jamaica are the preferred choice. There are many distractions unique to the Caribbean along the rural roads. The palm trees, the blue-green ocean, warm breezes, the blooming flowers and trees - its a beautiful backdrop for a running experience. Cars speeding by on the wrong side of the road, horns constantly honking, occasional grazing goats and cattle - a dizzying display of tropic life best enjoyed while running. There is usually little or no shoulder along the roads so runners run on the edge of a generally uneven pavement until the next speeding car approaches.

The city roads contain a mind-boggling assortment of human activity. A lot of people and tourists crowd the streets all day long. Students with different color uniforms depending on their school always seem to be coming or going. In addition to the shops and businesses you expect in any town, there are others catering to the tourists. Local crafts, t-shirts, Blue Mountain coffee vendors are everywhere you might consider running.

An adventuresome, traveling runner with a little more time might strap on some water and take off on a less traveled road. The local people take pride in their island and are genuinely concerned about whether you are enjoying your vacation. Stay on the roads or resort property unless you can get permission to run on their property.

Some may consider running in these conditions tough while others define "tough" with the terms windchill, sub-zero, snow and ice. Either way, Jamaican running is its own reward.