{"id":47079,"date":"2025-10-01T10:04:47","date_gmt":"2025-10-01T10:04:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aerlingus.com\/hub\/?p=47079"},"modified":"2025-10-01T10:08:34","modified_gmt":"2025-10-01T10:08:34","slug":"where-seans-running-next-winter-miles-2026-goals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aerlingus.com\/hub\/where-seans-running-next-winter-miles-2026-goals\/","title":{"rendered":"Where Sean’s Running Next: Winter Miles & 2026 Goals"},"content":{"rendered":"
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When Aer Lingus Cabin Crew member Sean Hill<\/strong> isn\u2019t up in the skies, he\u2019s most likely lacing up his runners. A dedicated marathoner, content creator<\/a>, and all-round fitness enthusiast, Sean has a unique way of blending his work with his passion: he clocks up miles across Aer Lingus destinations worldwide.<\/h3>\n

As winter settles in, many of us shy away from training, but not Sean. With marathons on the horizon and a zest for exploring new routes, he proves that running isn\u2019t just exercise – it\u2019s a way to connect with cities, people, and even yourself.<\/p>\n

We caught up with Sean to chat about his winter routine, 2025\u201326 goals, and why running is the best excuse to book your next city break.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"Sean on the Budapest Runway, Hungary<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Travel and running go hand-in-hand for Sean: new destinations mean new energy on every run.<\/h3>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t
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Winter Training: Layered Up and Miles Ahead<\/h2>\n

“When winter hits that\u2019s when I know I\u2019m deep into marathon training – so higher miles and less speed, along with a lot more clothes (which I hate!). I\u2019m the type of runner who loves to wear as little as possible\u201d Sean jokes.<\/p>\n

While some runners head indoors, Sean keeps taking his runs global. \u201cMy favourite is LA – simply because there\u2019s nothing winter about it! But for an actual good winter run, I really enjoy Toronto.\u201d<\/p>\n

The darker months can be a challenge, but Sean leans on the post-run reward: \u201cIt\u2019s definitely a lot harder to get out in the dark and cold, but there\u2019s something much more fulfilling about finishing a session in the cold. I think I just know the effect it has on my mental health – and that will always push me out on a run.\u201d<\/p>\n

His winter toolkit includes practical staples: \u201cI love wearing a snood, especially one that can nearly become a balaclava – it keeps all the heat in. You can actually sweat more in the winter as we wrap up, so I make sure to replenish sodium and potassium with electrolytes. And of course, ice baths and saunas hit different in winter!\u201d<\/p>\n

Saunas and ice baths aren\u2019t just for athletes – they\u2019re also part of everyday culture in Norway. With our new Aer Lingus route to Troms\u00f8<\/strong><\/a>, you can explore some of the best sauna and fjord experiences in the world while also clocking winter miles in breathtaking Arctic scenery.<\/p>\n

\"\"Toronto, Canada<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Big Goals on the Horizon<\/h2>\n

Looking ahead, Sean has a busy race calendar: \u201cFor the rest of 2025, my focus is on marathons. I\u2019ll be completing the Cape Town<\/a>, Dublin<\/a>, and Barbados<\/a> marathons – <\/strong>and I\u2019m aiming for a PB in Cape Town! Then for 2026, I\u2019d love to focus on shorter distances like 1500m and 5000m to see how much I can push myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Barbados marathon has extra meaning for Aer Lingus travellers: it\u2019s one of our direct routes from Manchester to Barbados<\/strong><\/a>, operating October to April – perfect timing for winter sun and a race abroad.<\/p>\n

\"\"Barbados<\/p>\n

When it comes to destinations, Sean has his eye on Aer Lingus favourites: \u201cIt\u2019s been a while since I\u2019ve done a run in LA<\/strong><\/a>, so that\u2019s on the list. Canc\u00fan<\/strong> <\/a>is a new one I\u2019m keen to try, plus Miami<\/strong> <\/a>and maybe Las Vegas<\/strong><\/a> if I\u2019m lucky enough to get any!\u201d<\/p>\n

And how does he balance cabin crew life with training? \u201cI say a prayer to the roster gods – which never seem to be on my side! But it always works out. I just book a race I really want to do, and when the time comes, I know I\u2019ll be able to change things around if needed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t

Running the World, One Route at a Time<\/h2>\n

Sean credits Aer Lingus with giving him the chance to run in places he never dreamed of. \u201cThe joy from running in new destinations makes it so enjoyable. Running in the same place can definitely get very repetitive, so for me to be running in a different spot nearly every day is what keeps me enjoying not only running but my job to the max.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Isla Mujeres, Canc\u00fan<\/p>\n

One run that stands out took place in Minneapolis<\/strong><\/a>: \u201cI was coming back from an injury and nervously set out for a long run. I crossed a beautiful bridge on a summer\u2019s morning, followed an open train track with abandoned trains for about 14km, and felt completely free. The sun was shining, no one was around, and I was pain-free. It was unforgettable.\u201d<\/p>\n

Even better? You can follow in Sean\u2019s footsteps: Aer Lingus flies direct from Dublin to Minneapolis<\/strong><\/a>, opening the gateway to lakeside trails and big-city routes.<\/p>\n

For those inspired to run abroad, Sean has a few scenic suggestions:<\/p>\n