You can stroll and get lost for days in Paris. That’s exactly what Matt and I have been doing – strolling around and seeing the sights. Running is a bit different.
It’s pretty easy to get lost. That’s part of the charm with strolling but not so much with running. The sidewalks are crowded and there are numerous traffic lights. Start. Stop. Start. Stop. I had hopes of running along the Seine but we are staying about 1.5 miles from it which makes for a lengthy start-stop-start-stop journey. You don’t even see many runners. We saw a few yesterday at the Jardins des Tuileries – perhaps they were celebrating National Running Day?
So today, while Matt is at the French Open with his nephew, I found the nearest park and headed out to get my sweat on. It finally stopped raining and blue skies appeared out of nowhere.
I didn’t just walk out the door and run. There was some preparation involved.
Survival kit – phone, address of the apartment, keys, directions to the park (in case my phone didn’t work), and some money in case I desperately get lost and need a taxi home. All contained in a baggie just in case it rained again.
ready, set, go
Within a few minutes I was at Square Saint-Lambert, a small park close to the apartment. It had a gravel “track” so I decided to do 10 fast-ish loops to get the most out of my very short run.
I spy the Eiffel Tower
Even though I only covered 3 miles (?), it was good enough to break a sweat and get a small dose of endorphins. And allowed for more baguettes to be consumed.
When you visit a new city do you prefer to stroll and see where it takes you or do you plan out a firm itinerary? We do both. We have a game plan for each day but it includes plenty of strolling time. We love to visit little neighborhoods and see how the locals live.
Gahhhhhhh I am so jealous 🙂 I want to see the Eiffel Tower some day!
I’s love to be able to completely explore when I am in a new place but I am always scared of being lost. I usually end up doing some sort of out and back that I think I can remember!
When I’m on a new location and I want to go for a run, I typically try to do an out and back. It limits your ability to explore, but if you are in a foregin land, it may be best. If not, take a credit card, map and do your best.
Love your photos.
Oh my god I’m so jealous of your running with the Eiffel Tower in sight. Have you had amazing wine and cheese? I like to plan out an itinerary because I’m type A but if I feel safe I love going for a run with no agenda and just seeing what I find!
so pretty!! I like to do both – wandering aimlessly is awesome, but having a map to make sure you get to certain places (and avoid others) is also key. Glad you’re having such an amazing time!
Both for sure!! I do love the idea of running in different cities and ESPECIALLY different countries. How many runners can say they have run around the Eiffel Tower!? Awesome!
Sounds like fun! Most of my new city travels in the past were before I took up running….and the ones since have actually been trips to run races, so I haven’t had the pleasure yet of finding a place to run just for fun. I look forward to it on my next trip!
I’m not seeing any pictures of desserts on here. Please post at least one macaroon or nutella/banana crepe. 🙂 Jealous you have great weather in Paris! It was a bit cooler/dreary for us, but Paris is still beautiful anytime of the year!
I like to have a rough plan of things I want to see, but don’t have to have anything super firm or set in stone. Looks like a fun trip!
How fun!!
i love wandering around new places for hours with david…but yes if you can find those running spots ahh what fun
I’m like you, I like to have a rough idea of what to see and do, but leave things flexible. And, yes – I can’t stand running on sidewalks with all the lights….I try to make it into interval training…but it’s still not quite the same 🙂
Staying in St. Martin (French side) 2 years ago made me want to go to France. We had so much good wine and bread and cheese and crepes/pastries there.
I guess if we find ourselves in a new city for a day we plan 1 or 2 destinations and then do some wandering around those areas.