Run run run run run

Running.

It's a pain. I used to hate it and dread going, and in fact I dreaded it so much that I never went. But then spring semester started and I decided that I had to get all my angsty angry-at-the-world feelings out somehow, so I began. Slowly on a treadmill at first, then gradually starting to enjoy outdoor running until not being able to stand running on a treadmill. There are so many easy ways to go in Madison, and everyone runs outside there so you're not really out of place. London, however... way different. Here are my tips/guidelines for running whilst abroad and especially in a big city like London.

1. Run early in the morning or late(ish) at night. If you go during the day, pretty much any time between 7:30 AM and 8:00 PM, you will be in peoples' ways...and they will not like it. You will get evil glares and people looking at you like you're mad. Plus, people will be in YOUR way, and worrying about dodging in and out of people is not something you want to be concerned with when you have 5+ miles to run. 
2. If you're going to run late at night, run by major tourist attractions. It may seem counter-productive, but most tourists will be done "touring" by 10:00 PM. So, if you're like me and enjoy late night runs, this is perfect! These areas are relatively well lit and filled with security guards/police officers, so you always feel safe. Plus it's good sight seeing and you'll never get bored :) 
3. If you're set on running during the day time, DO NOT RUN ON SIDEWALKS. People (both citizens and tourists alike) will not appreciate it. In big cities there are usually lots of parks, and London especially has park after park after park all chained together, so it's really easy to avoid people "accidentally" tripping you. Running by bodies of water is also good, such as the River Thames in London. 
4. Bring a few "quid" (or "bucks" or "dollars") with you on your run. Also, a tube pass or any other sort of major transportation card. You never know when your'e going to get lost, and just how lost you're going to get...so it's good to have some money and/or transportation card on you just in case. 
5. If you do get lost, be on the look out for maps. Big cities tend to have maps by major tourist attractions with arrows pointing every which way...so if you've listened to my advice thus far, you would have run by touristy places, and therefore will be around maps....and never too lost! 

Welp, that's all I got for now. Here's your daily Peter Picture: 

Oh, and if you want to check out this sweet 3D Flyover Video of my most recent run...here ya go! Just click on the little 3D button in the top right hand corner of the map :) 

http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/108746659#

    

Pip, pip, cheerio!