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?
No related posts.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Hello Good day, I was just going through different websites n found yours, found it really interesting full of knowledge.. i feel interested in the coffee business , can i ask few questions related to coffee in china, since you have a in depth research on coffee in china, can you let me know what are the major importers of coffee in china, big n medium sized and retailers and what coffee is usually highly consumable in there like, espresso beans arabica or what cappuccino etc.
if you find comfortable replying me i would highly appreciate this great favor
regards
Adnan
Hi Kara,
First off, congrats on beginning your 5K training! YOU CAN DO IT! I was always the one that said, “I am NOT a runner” until a friend told me I could do it. Next thing I knew I was running 5 Ks, 10 Ks and even a half marathon! If I can do it, you can too!
So imagine how I felt when I found out I was moving to Beijing, and would be running in some of the most polluted air in the world! Well, we got here in Aug and I continued to run outside (my favorite running spot is RiTan Park) until recently. I just couldn’t do the cold (I am a California girl) and bad air. So we joined the City Wall Marriott fitness center. Mainly for the indoor pool for the kids, but so that I can continue to run without any set backs. I totally understand that this is not always in the budget or it may be hard to find a suitable gym close by. But that has really helped me continue on without making excuses about 9 degree weather! Please keep us posted about your progress!
Jen
I bike everywhere, which is my substitute for any kind of regular exercise routine. On days when its smoggy, I try to keep my heart rate to a minimum, but when you’re late for work (which I usually am), you’ve just got to work those pedals. I was a runner back in the states, did a marathon actually, but haven’t really considered it here. Too many obstacles/stoplights/pedestrians. Give me some rolling hills in the country (I grew up in Missouri) and I’ll go for a jog.
Running tip: make sure you buy decent running shoes. Running on pavement all the time can kill you knees, and there’s not a whole lot of alternatives here. Check the arch of your foot to see how much it collapses when you walk/run. You may need to purchase shoes with some arch support if you have excessive pronation (oooo, fancy running terms). Believe me, though, your knees will thank you later.
Kara,
Are you planning on running an actual 5K event here in Beijing? If so, I will totally join you! Wouldn’t it be fun to have a “The Middle Kingdom” team?
Just a thought, it is good motivation:)
Jen