Backpacking and working out
 

Heya Folks- I have a question that Ive been working on for a few days now, and I cant quite seem to come to a conclusion either way...probably due to me lack of experience at independent travel...but here it is:

This stems from a work trip I had to vegas last year. One morning I got up at 6am and went jogging along the strip. Crazy yes, but I feel like i really got a real feel for the city. ... so that got me thinking. On Monday Im off to Europe for a month, and Im thinking of taking my running gear for that same above reason. I will be in London, Edinburgh, Paris and Rome and I think it would be kinda cool to run those roads early in the mornings....

Now here are my concerns:
1- Itll be too damn cold.
2- Showering and laundry at my hostel. Will this just be too much work?
3- The added weight to my pack (Im flying easyJet alot, so baggage weight is a concern)


I know its probably a pretty boring question, but the thought of running next to the Roman Ruins before the tourist arrive sounds amazing to me... so any thoughts, pro or against would be greatly appreciated!

No I am definitely with you - I've run almost everywhere I've traveled, and plan on doing so when I go to Europe this summer in every place I go to - I am especially exciting about running through Vondelpark in A-dam and English Garden in Munich.

I'm in the military so as much as I am a stickler on personal hygiene, I've learned to compromise to a point. Depending on how much you run and how long you're going to be gone, I say your running clothes can just be febreezed and hung up, and worn only for running (and if febreeze isn't good enough for the funk after time, store it in a grocery bag when you pack and move around so it doesn't funk up your other clothes and then wash when you can). Shower is kind of non-negotiable, but if you really don't have enough time, baby powder = lifesaver. There's such thing as shower powder or some shit but baby powder is cheaper and smells better.

I think there's nothing better than being in a new area and waking up for an early morning run. There are very few people out at the time, and there is nothing more peaceful, to me, than beatin' the street. And you can swing by for a cup of coffee or breakfast when you're done and on the way back to the hostel.

And one thing the military taught me (whether I liked it or not)... it's never too cold to run. :) Burns the lungs a little but that's good training.

I just rain in 8degree F weather and was ok (and I am in NY for a class, so I am NOT used to it), so I think you'll do fine with the cold. Drink hot tea before you go!
We ran when we were in Europe and it was a great way to see the cities. Just don't run on the day you're traveling, otherwise you'll have to cart around sweaty clothes!

I personally wouldn't fancy being outside in Edinburgh when its 6am as I imagine it would be a nippy but give it a whirl and see how it goes.

Heaven bless wicking materials. I love them for how fast they dry and end up wearing them casually when I travel anyway. Running is an awesome way to see where you travel from a different angle. For instance, in Berlin, maybe you rank the Tiergarten much lower on your list of things to do because you've been to Central Park, but if you're running, there's no better way to see something that pretty but expansive then cruising through.

When you run in the cold, wrap one of those ear muff head bands around your nose and mouth. I love doing that because your exhalations will heat up your face and keep your lungs from directly processing so much frigid air. Definitely do it!

I end up walking so dang much in my trips that I don't NEED to run. Honestly, I put in the miles on hikes, trekking around cities, that I think it all equals out in the end. Now, if I was going to be gone for more than a couple weeks, and into the months or year, yeah, I'd take my running shoes and some quick drying stuff. Besides, running shoes don't weigh much at all...just take up room in the pack.

worldwidemike

I walk a lot to normally and tend to loose weight-although that also has to do with the fact that I eat less and better when I back pack.

Dude if you can get up after getting wasted in all those cities... then i'd be awesome to run. But also remember that after you run, you'll have to stand/walk around all day exploring the sites =)

CB