I always carry my phone with me when I run. There are several reasons for this. It tracks how far I run. I can also look at the map to figure out which route I want to take. If I need to call Paul to pick me up because I’ve injured myself or need water, then I am able. Sometimes I listen to music. [Read more…] about Prettiest #viewsfrommyrun
Activities
Where to Run in Dalat
Where to Run
Xuan Huong Lake Loop
Distance: 4.88 miles/ 7.6 km
Terrain: The area around the lake is flat, but outside of that area, Dalat is quite hilly.
You’ll notice there is a large park adjacent to the lake. I don’t have a route made for that, but if you’re up for some hill training, that would be a great spot.
What to Wear
The climate is pretty warm year round, so you can get away with shorts and a t-shirt most of the time. The rainy season is May-October.
Dangers
- Luckily, traffic isn’t too much of an issue, aside from the areas outside the lake. Be aware of cars and scooters when crossing streets.
- There is one small section, just before reaching the lake that is in a pretty secluded park that had homeless people living in it. Just be aware of your surroundings, as always.
Tips
- It is refreshing to have a quiet run in a Vietnamese city where you don’t have to worry too much about cars and scooters during the entirety of your run.
- Bring your phone or a camera, as there are some nice photo ops around the lake.
- If you are training for a race, Dalat is a perfect spot to do interval training on hills.
Where to Run in Dili
Things to Know
Running is surprisingly popular in Dili. Part of this is because there are a lot of ex-pats there, and part is because it is a sport that doesn’t require a lot of equipment, and thus is relatively cheap (at least this is my guess). I saw lots of ex-pats running. However, I did not see many women running on their own. The women I saw were either in pairs or with men.
The only places that seemed suitable for running were along the ocean. There was usually a sidewalk, and it was in usually in decent condition.
Where to Run
The Harbor Route
Distance: 2.89 miles/ 4.65km
Terrain: Flat. Mostly on sidewalk, but a small area along the road. Sidewalk is in good condition.
This route takes you past some statues and pretty government buildings, all while Atauro is visible out in the ocean.
Christ the Redeemer Route
Distance: 7.16 mile/11.12 km (if done as an out and back)
Terrain: Flat, aside from the large hill leading up to Christ the Redeemer, which has stairs. A large portion of the route is along the road, not on a sidewalk.
Google Maps hates this route. I couldn’t get either Google maps or MapMyRun to create this course. The idea is to start at the green point, run to the red point, then turn around and run back to the green point.
I didn’t run this route, but walked a good portion of it. There were a lot of ex-pats running this route. It could be nice to run to the statue, then walk to one of the beachside bars for a drink, before taking a taxi back to your hotel.
What to Wear
Dili is really hot, but is also located in a conservative Catholic country. That being said, there are lots of foreigners working there. My advise is to wear a short sleeved shirt that covers the shoulders, and shorts or 3/4 length pants. And sunscreen of course.
Dangers
- I literally saw one woman, other than me, running solo while I was in Dili. This is not to say that other women do not run alone, I just didn’t observe it.
- I got chased by a group of boys who pinched my behind. I didn’t feel unsafe, and they seemed like pre-teens who were trying to entertain themselves. Nevertheless, it was a bit unsettling, and explained why the majority of women ran with others.
- This is someplace I absolutely would not run at night.
Tips
- Consider running with a partner
- Run during daylight hours, preferably dawn or dusk, as it gets quite hot.
Where to Run in Hoi An
Where to Run
Big beach loop
Distance: 7.45 miles/12 km
Terrain: A few small hills and dips, but relatively flat. There are only sidewalks along part of the route. There will be times that you run along the side of a pretty busy road.
The route is quite scenic, and the view changes frequently from busy town to rice paddies to beach to river, then back to busy town. It is also nice to bike this route.
What to Wear
Shorts and a short sleeved running shirt will suffice. Bright colors may be helpful, given the traffic considerations.
Socks that wick away moisture to prevent rubbing and chaffing are ideal.
Dangers
- Dry season in February to May, though it is pretty warm year round. Take the normal hot weather running precautions.
- Traffic. Some of the route is along a busy road with no sidewalk, however there is a small shoulder on which it is possible to run.
Tips
- It’s a long route, so consider bringing some water with you.
- Since you’re running to the beach, it’s possible to have a mid run swim, but the swells can be high. Also, this would meaning running the second half of the route with sand and salt water on your skin, which can lead to chaffing.
Tips for Running while Traveling
Whether you’re taking a short business trip, or backpacking Europe for the summer, there is no reason you can’t continue running while traveling. Yes, it can be more complicated than stepping out your front door and jogging familiar routes. But, with a modicum of planning, and an iota of willpower, you can see the world on two feet, while keeping up your cardiovascular conditioning.
Mauritius Marathon Race Report
Making dumb decisions
As I mentioned before, I have a silly desire to run marathons on all continents. For Africa, I settled on Mauritius, purely for the fact that the timing worked out with a planned trip home, meaning I didn’t have to take additional vacation days. [Read more…] about Mauritius Marathon Race Report