Exercise is good for you, but in a place like Beijing, it can feel like breathing deeply is the last thing you want to do. The rule I tend to go by is, “If you can see the air, try not to breathe it deeply.” I was excited to be able to see into the distance this morning because it meant I could finally start my Couch-to-5K program.
I’ve never been a runner. I have looked at running as something other people do and that I absolutely hated in gym class at school, but a friend of mine told me how great it felt the first time she actually accomplished a run, and it stuck in my head. I’ve been doing a lot of Jillian Michaels workouts lately (and I love them), but I wanted something to get me outside, at least on the days when it isn’t gross. So today, I went out for a run.
There are a couple things that you have to deal with when running in Beijing. The one I was most worried about was looking like a stupid foreigner (which you’d think I’d be used to by now). The holiday means that there are fewer people to stare, but it is true that joggers are pretty rare in China, especially in the city. I was pleasantly surprised at how little I felt like fool, though. Sometimes, you just have to get out there. Besides, the people I passed where also doing odd exercises or singing patriotic songs in a small choir in the park, so looking a bit odd is highly relative anyway, right?
The other thing that’s going against me right now is the weather. Even when it’s sunny, it’s quite cold. The wind can be especially bitter, and running in the cold can lead to injuries if you aren’t careful. Before I set out, I made sure to check out some winter running tips, and as a result, I donned many layers and warmed up an extra ten minutes bfeore starting the program’s five-minute warm up. I might need a warmer hat, but overall, fleece and sweatshirt laying worked just fine. If you want some fancier running clothes, though, head to your local Decathlon.
I’m just starting to run in Beijing, so I’m probably missing some big things that make it great (and not so great) to run here. If you have experience in this area, please share in the comments. And if you’d like to join in on training for a 5K (not that I’m going to do an actual 5K in conjunction with anything, at least not yet), check out the C25K app for iPhones and Android phones.
What are the hardest and best things for you when you run in Beijing? If you don’t run, what do you do to stay in shape here?
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