I Got to Play the Game “Create Your Own Running Adventure” in a Foreign Country

My run in London

It was equally thrilling and frightening to run in another country by myself, and I had originally bagged the idea altogether, especially when I was considering only packing a carry-on. But when I saw that our first hotel in London seemed to be adjacent to a park, I ultimately couldn’t resist bringing a couple of running outfits. 

I’d rather arrive prepared than have regrets. 

Essential to my kit? Bike shorts, a sports bra, a singlet, Goodr sunglasses, my current Hoka Cliftons, and my Spibelt. 

What I didn’t bring? My handheld water bottle and a hat. I just didn’t think I’d have room to pack everything. I would simply have to rely on my sunglasses, a headband, and carrying my regular water bottle. 

I needed some time to get acquainted with the neighborhood. I checked out how busy it was in the early morning hours, I looked down side streets while we were out and about in the evenings, and I asked our tour guides about the relative safety of the area. I was assured that the area was safe. 

When we first arrived at the hotel, it was clear that I’d underestimated the green area the map indicated. Shepherd’s Bush Green, which I’d planned to make the center of my running experience, was more like a postage stamp of grass in the midst of an urban jungle. It couldn’t have been more than a quarter of a mile around. And the UK seems to embrace the natural state of things, so the edges of the park were startlingly unkempt, although full of beautiful wildflowers. 

It turns out there was only one morning that I felt like I had time to venture out, as most of our mornings began early, and days included lots of walking. I averaged about 15,000 steps per day during the trip, which I’m sure made up for the abundance of good vegan food I consumed!

Monday morning was my run day. On our morning designated to sleep in, I got up an hour before my roommate and set out for a 5k run. I had a general idea of running around the green, then toward and around the mall that was close to our hotel, and taking advantage of some seemingly quiet residential streets nearby. 

I ran past two tube stations which were so crowded that I had to walk, it was trash day in the neighborhood, so there was much dodging of full garbage bags, and there were very few runners out. The runners I encountered didn’t wave like in America. They were all business!

Perhaps I just looked like a dumb American, but I didn’t exactly care. I was running in London!

I wish I’d had a running partner on this trip because that would have made the experience more enjoyable, but I did have fun exploring on my own. I wish I’d had the time or courage to have jumped on the tube and run by the Thames or in highly recommended Hyde Park. I definitely would have been more adventurous with some company, though!

Some issues I had? Since I kept my phone on airplane mode the entire trip, I don’t think my Garmin was as quick to connect to the satellite. I had been running for about 15 minutes before my watch synced, so I missed much of the documentation of my activity. By the time, I know I ran at least a 5k, but I’ll never know for sure. 

I have no regrets about running, though, and generally felt safe on my adventure. I’m glad I didn’t let anxiety and self-doubt keep me from going, and I will forever have a run logged in London in my app!

Not only that, but my pink and blue Hokas perfectly matched the bright blue dress I wore later that day! My running shoes were the perfect accessory. 

Now if I could just get into the London marathon…

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Do you run when on vacation, even in a foreign country? I’d love to hear about your adventures!

As always, I hope you all are safe and healthy.