Running in a foreign country
I am about to go on vacation again, but this time, I am definitely packing my running shoes.
Before a trip to Paris last month, I did a web search to see if I could find some good running routes.
I didn't (I did a bad search) and instead found a blog post ranting about how no one runs in Paris, and when the author tried, people were mean to her. I know, it makes no sense that I'd be swayed by one blog post, yet, I was. I left my running shoes at home. (photo of Paris Marathon passing my hotel)
Turns out, my hotel was next to the the Jardin des Tuileries, and there were people running all over the city, and especially in the park, while I was there. Now, it was the weekend of the Paris Marathon, but research upon my return confirmed that running is a popular activity in Paris. When we finally checked with the concierge at the hotel we were staying in, I found out that Runners World had actually created a running map of Paris, which he gave us a copy of. I was so sad, I almost bought a pair of running shoes my last day there.
For this vacation, I'm heading to Greece and Istanbul. When I casually mentioned to a friend who's been to Istanbul that I planned to run while there, she looked at me like I was crazy, and told me that no one runs there.
This time, Google results gave me a different story. According to a running magazine article I found, plenty of people do run, there are some well-established running routes, and Istanbul also has a marathon. I did read though, that I might want to run in pants instead of shorts.
But even before I did a web search, I'd decided to pack my gear no matter what I found. Even though running shoes take up a lot of room in my luggage, I think I'd rather have them with me and never unpack them, than not have them when I want them (the weather in Paris was so beautiful!).
I had such an amazing time running in Argentina last year. I can't imagine not taking the opportunity to run in a foreign land if it's an option.
Anyone else have a running abroad story? Do you regularly pack your running shoes on vacation?
Comments
I packed my running shoes on a trip to London last year, and ran 14 miles through Kensington Gardens and around Buckingham Palace. It was a great experience, and a fun way to see the city. I'm going to Spain this weekend and will be running there too.
Posted by: sarah | May 25, 2011 5:13 PM
You and I were in Paris at the same time! I did run while I was there, and I did the (free!!) 5k that was part of the Paris Marathon weekend. I have a recap on my blog: http://www.990square.com/2011/04/the-paris-breakfast-run/
Posted by: Beth | May 25, 2011 5:30 PM
Beth, what a coincidence! I really wish I could have done the Breakfast Run, but I arrived too late. Love your blog post about it, though! Looks like it was lots of fun!
Posted by: anica | May 25, 2011 6:53 PM
This is incredibly timely! I am going for a vacation in Europe as well and I mentioned to a runner friend yesterday that I wasn't going to bring any of my running stuff because of the whole laundry situation. They looked at me like I was crazy and said to just wash all my clothes in the sink! Not sure why I didn't think of that. I am trying to take a VERY small suitcase though, so I hope my running shoes will have room to fit!
Posted by: Nakiya | May 26, 2011 9:37 AM
This is incredibly timely! I am going for a vacation in Europe as well and I mentioned to a runner friend yesterday that I wasn't going to bring any of my running stuff because of the whole laundry situation. They looked at me like I was crazy and said to just wash all my clothes in the sink! Not sure why I didn't think of that. I am trying to take a VERY small suitcase though, so I hope my running shoes will have room to fit!
Nakiya, where are you headed? I just ordered some little sheets of laundry soap (found them on amazon.com) that I figured I could use for sink washing of clothes. I also plan to wear my running shoes on the plane to save room in my luggage, I think. -anica
Posted by: Nakiya | May 26, 2011 9:38 AM
I have always run in Paris, starting in 1985, usually in the Luxembourg Gardens, where you will see many runners. I have even been applauded and used to get lots of thumbs-up back in the old days before runners in Paris became so common. I ran in Istanbul also (I run everywhere) but I did run in Bermuda shorts. Again I got thumbs-up. I even ran in Syria, where there were other runners (all male) but it was fine. You name the place, I have run there.
Wow, Nancy, that's awesome! Do you have any tips for running in Istanbul? Or any tips for packing/planning for running abroad? - anica
Posted by: Nancy | May 26, 2011 9:55 AM
I always wear my running shoes on the plane (no matter where I'm flying) mostly because I'm paranoid about my luggage getting lost! Air Canada lost my friend's luggage coming home from Paris, and it's still not back!
Posted by: Beth | May 26, 2011 12:01 PM
Munich, Prague, Vienna and Salzburg!!!!
I've never heard of these laundry soap things - I'm looking them up immediately!!!
Sounds like a great trip! Have fun. Here's a link to the ones I am going to try, though there appear to be other varieties. http://bsun.md/lytoDj
Posted by: Nakiya | May 26, 2011 2:05 PM
Thank you!
Posted by: Nakiya | May 26, 2011 3:24 PM
Anica, please report back on how well the laundry sheets worked. I may want to try them for a cruise in August.
Posted by: Hal Laurent | May 27, 2011 2:30 PM
I ran while i was studying abroad in Australia. i loved it, it was a great way to learn my neighborhood and also get that closer, intimate look at how the locals did everything - including a pickup game of cricket!
Posted by: Lindsey | June 8, 2011 2:23 PM