Running in a Foreign Country – Part 2

It’s Friday so I’m linking up with Running on Happy & Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five 2.0 linkup! Join in! Don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other bloggers.

Since I just returned from my trip to France (where I did do some running), my topic for today is again:  Five Tips for Running in a Foreign Country

1. Bring a running belt.

At home, I could get away with running naked (just clothes LOL) or with just my phone in my pocket.  In a foreign country, I wanted to make sure I had metro tix, ID, money and a credit card.  Even with my pockets, I was glad that I had my running belt with me.

2. Don’t depend on weather forecasts. Bring clothes for ALL running temperatures.

At home, you can just change your clothes if it is warmer or colder than predicted.  And yes, in a foreign country, you can buy what you need but you’d be surprised how hard it is to find running clothes.  So yes, I brought tanks, short and long sleeved tops, a jacket, DIY arm warmers, gloves, skirts and capris.  The weather varied. It was cooler in Paris than in Sanguinet (which is located south of Paris) but when I returned to Paris, there was a heat wave!!

the weather the first day was cool but it didn’t stay that way for long

7 days later

3.Schedule your runs.

This is the same as if you are at home.  If you don’t schedule your runs, they may never happen. However, when in a foreign country, there are so many other things to do besides running. It is soooo tempting to skip your run.  So you need to make running a priority and pick a time to get it done. This may just involve getting up earlier than you would like to. I guarantee that you will never regret your run. And besides, while running you will get to see some interesting sites in the city that you are visiting.

so excited to run along this lake

4.Don’t forget to have rest days.

Again, if you run everyday at home, you may be wanting to run everyday while in a foreign country. But you will find that you don’t need to because you will likely be more tired (hello jetlag) and you’ll be surprised at how many steps you’ll get in while visiting this new city without taking a single running step.

boat ride + wine = 🙂

5.Make sure you are safe.

At home, you know where you can run safely and where you should not run at all or should not run alone.  But in a foreign country, don’t assume that you can run anywhere.  Don’t assume that it is safe where you want to run. So ask around and do your research and find out which places are safe to run.  And depending on what country you are in, you may have to change how you normally dress when you run.  I would recommend dressing modestly, just in case. (maybe not just in your running bra and short shorts.)

proudly showing off my recent race shirt

Happy Running! Have you eve run in a foreign country? If so, any other tips that you can add?