Trifter

 For those who hold running close to their heart I was concerned that when I came to Shanghai almost a month ago now I would have nowhere to run in safety. Therefore I’d like to give you a bit of now insider knowledge once you’ve thrown your trainers on in this fast paced city. 

One of the most important factors even if it is just so you feel safe. While Shanghai is so cosmopolitan you will be lucky to get any natural views at all, however the skyscrapers, local people and local shops are definately interesting enough if you’re a new comer to this way of life. This is coming from someone who previously couldn’t even consider running without an ipod for fear of bordem.My Ipod sadly passed away just before I came, and I still have not been tempted, even by the fakes, to replace it. If however you want a grab one of the few bites of nature left in this urbanatomy I would recommend Century Park: Beautiful, large, and full of locals doing strange exercises in the early hours of the morning. Be prepared to be stared at in daylight, stumble across old women in Thai Chi classes, various stretches, and a favourite – running backwards. A great exercise of for the legs and bum and gets out any evil spirits that may have nested in you over night.

Otherwise Shanghai is great as it is mainly built into large blocks that take about 20 minutes to go around, so you can chose any number of blocks and laps without getting lost. This means you can just run from your doorstep, however on the downside you will be constantly zigzagging out of the way of pedestrians, builders, bicycles and motor bikes alike. 

Always personal for every runner. Personally I suggest you run in the evenings for a number of reasons. The first being that you are not as visible, but that’s supposed too be a bad thing? Oh no, not when you tired of being stared at, pointed at even stopped whilst walking so someone can get a better look. With darker hair I find can pass most people before the figure out I’m not oriental at night. Shanghai is, unlike Britain, one of those cities that comes alive at night, perhaps due to the heat. Many shops only close around ten or eleven pm and the streets remain buzzing so you also see many runners sprinting or crawling out of the woodworks.

In the daytime it may seem like running is a non-existent trend but don’t be fooled, the locals feel the heat as much as you do. My final reason at run at night is based on what I’ve heard through others, but apparently the smog and pollution is not a dense at night. I’m still looking into why… 

As a young foreign woman this is one of the main factors that prevents me going running. When I stayed in Tanzania it was just impossible going out alone fully clothed wasn’t recommended, let alone jogging, in running clothes, early morning or at dusk.It was awful. However One of the aspect that I love about Shanghai is the safety. Those dodgey back streets I wouldn’t even venture down at home are much safer here. I started of scared i.e. I didn’t leave my apartment alone on the first day, then curious. I am working as a journalist and have needed to get out there, find people and places and my own feet in Shanghai I have never once felt in danger even when lost, in a dirty street, with a man urinating, after 8 hours of travelling around for research. 

If you are still not happy running alone or want someone to show you the ropes there are many running clubs Chinese and expat. Visit www.smartshanghai.com for listings. One example is the Hash House Harriers self-titled the drinking club with a running problem, they meet once a week in different locations so get on www.shanghai-hhh.com and get going! Any more motivation needed? The Toray Shanghai marathon is awaiting you and 18,000 others at the end of November