I travelled to Tanzania a few weeks ago, and as I usually do, I shared my run on social media. As many of you know – running in new places is such a soul-enriching experience for me. I love taking it all in on the run – the sights, the sounds, the smells. Most people find my running experiences interesting and exciting, but I’ve had family and friends politely tell me to “be careful” and warn me of the “thugs out there” which I do appreciate. But a recent comment from a stranger left me feeling slightly, can I say the word – offended! In their words: “You are extremely reckless for running in foreign places.” Maybe it was the use of the word “reckless” that rubbed me the wrong way as by nature I’m very careful. But after mulling over the comment, I decided to look at it from their point of view – their intention was probably never to cause offense, and they were just providing constructive feedback? Maybe they have experienced something traumatic in a foreign place and just wanted to warn me of the possible dangers? In any case, I thought it would be useful to share the things I consider when running in new places.
Four Things I Consider When Running in Foreign Places
1/ I Always Gather Information. Unfortunately, as a woman, whether I’m running in familiar territory or in a new place, safety is always something I think about. So, without fail, I always gather information on places I’m travelling to. When I travelled to Ghana the first time, I was fortunate to have a friend in Accra who I asked about the weather, terrain, landscape, running norms, appropriate wear, and of course safety when running solo. She was thorough in her response, and on safety, she said this was something I needn’t worry about. When I arrived at the hotel, I again enquired about safety, and was relieved to be told the same. On my trip to Johannesburg where I was staying in the Airport Area, I was told by hotel staff as well as South African friends, that it would not be advisable to run in the area, so I stuck to the treadmill.
2/ I Keep Things Simple. When you’re at home, it’s easier to plan your routes as you have a clear picture of the area. But planning or even visualising a route becomes a lot more difficult when you’ve never visited a place! So, my first rule of thumb is keeping things simple. My first run in a new place is always an out-and-back, but as the days go on, I become more adventurous.
I’ve also found the following useful:
- Asking hotel staff and my local colleagues about running routes. Even if they don’t run, they usually have some idea about areas to explore as well as safety considerations.
- I sometimes use Google Maps to design my route from the hotel.
- I always make sure I know the name and address of the hotel, and usually have my mobile phone on me, in case I need to call the hotel or a colleague for help.
- I’m very observant about signs, landmarks and turns.
3/ I Carefully Consider the Risks. When I first asked about running in Dar es Salaam, the responses were lukewarm – nothing like the positive responses I’d received in Ghana, but there wasn’t an outright “no” like for Johannesburg. On my first visit, I stayed within the confines of the hotel. But on my most recent visit, I reassessed the situation. The main concern expressed by others was “pickpocketing”. I figured if I just ran with my watch, stuck to the main road, didn’t use a waist bag for my phone, and didn’t take any photos, that I would be okay. I also told myself, I would turn back if I felt the least bit uncomfortable. Well, this turned out to be the BEST RUN EVER! I was struck by how many other runners there were on the road, and I felt safe.
4/ I Never Throw All Caution To The Wind. Even with my great love for exploring new places, I never fully let my guard down. And as such, I apply all the rules I use when I’m at home – I don’t run down alleys or in secluded areas; I never run when it’s dark. I listen carefully to what people say – like in the case of Dar es Salaam, the main point was pickpocketing, so I considered options to minimise the risks. I try to be very vigilant when running and I always listen to my gut.
Sadly, there are some stories of people, particularly women, getting attacked while running – be it in a familiar or a foreign place. Each time I hear of an incident, I feel sick and angry. This makes me quite hesitant to state with authority that it is safe to run outside. But when people ask me whether I find it safe to run outside, I always say, “I’m comfortable running outside on my own – I do X-Y-Z to try and stay safe” but I always stress the importance of doing what makes YOU comfortable. What I’ve outlined above is what makes me comfortable when I run in “foreign” places. Is it adventurous? I think so. Is it brave? Not as brave as I think people think it is! Does it come with risks? Of course. But is it “extremely reckless”? I don’t think so… but let me know in the comments, what you think! I promise, I won’t take offense!
I’m joining Kooky Runner and Zenaida on their link up, Tuesday Topics. Be sure to check out their blogs.
The Gaborone Runner 
I think it’s exciting to run on different places.
I also think you do it safely.
Can’t wait to hear about your future racing adventures
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I find it really exciting too and something I love! I have a few good races coming up (and hopefully more travel!) so you’ll definitely hear all about them!
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No, I don’t think you’re reckless, it is such an amazing way to explore a new city. Your nightly do your research, ask the locals… I don’t run solo, except in bright daylight, which means that my runs have to happen in a group, because I run long before sunrise.
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It’s so amazing to get a feel of a new place! Yes, I only ever run solo when it’s in daylight and I’m lucky that I get to do that – otherwise, I would definitely use a group for security.
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I really get bothered when random strangers throw their opinions at me like that person did to you. No, I don’t think you’re ‘reckless’ and it sounds like you do a lot of homework before you run in a new place. You shouldn’t have to defend yourself. People need to my their own business! Keep on running, Shiastho!
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Right?! If the person knew me or even read my blog, they’d know I’m not “reckless” – but I thought it was a good opportunity to share more information on how I do it, in case there is someone out there who wants to try but is nervous to do it. Hopefully, this helps them.
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I always enjoy running in new places because it’s a great way to see a new city. Of course I always take precautions but I don’t think there is anything wrong with running in foreign places. I wish that people would keep their unsolicited advice to themselves!
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Unsolicited is the word! Haha! At least it gave me a great blog idea!
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Definitely not reckless, I do it all the time. You shouldn’t need to defend yourself. You gotta live life!
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That’s what I think too! I doubt the person will even read this blog so wrote this more for others who might be nervous of running in foreign places – maybe they get some tips on how to do it and get to see more of the world around them. Let’s keep at it!
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I always tell people (runners, family, friends, and random strangers) that our own gut instinct is usually spot-on. If something feels suspicious, I honor it. Like you, I’m a huge advocate for out & back routes when in an unfamiliar place…while my gut instinct is pretty trustworthy, my sense of direction isn’t 🙂
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My sense of direction is rubbish! So out-and-back is 100% the key for me too! There’s something about listening to your gut – even if it seems “silly” – as you say, always honour it!
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I can remember a long time ago when we went to Paris there was talk about scammers — I don’t even remember what the scam was, but thankfully it didn’t happen to us. I wasn’t running then, but I walked all over by myself. Same thing most places we went in Europe, actually (because my husband was working).
It’s a sad fact that you can be at the “safest” route in your own home town and become a statistic.
I rarely plan my running routes, even in new places. Sometimes it definitely gets me into trouble — not with attackers, with finding my way back. Except for that one time in Maine, I’ve always made it back. Eventually. Even then I made it out of the woods with help — and I know I would’ve got out on my own, some day!
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I have gained so much from running in new places – and I love that you were able to explore many places on Europe by walking and truly seeing and appreciating what was around you. Yes, you can so easily become a statistic on a route you use most frequently and consider to be safe. So, I think its about getting out there in the safest way possible – otherwise as someone said on my FB page, we would be stuck indoors forever!
Like Kim said above – my sense of direction is absolute rubbish, so I need some level of planning! LOL. But yes, anytime I have been lost, somehow, I’ve found my way back again!
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I agree for the most part. There are some places I won’t run alone here & I’m usually alone.
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Anyone following your four steps on assessing whether it’s safe or not to run in a foreign country would be well prepared to make a good decision and wouldn’t be reckless. Thanks for sharing your tips, Shiastho!
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Thank you, Debbie! Glad the comment was made actually as it gave me the opportunity to write a blog that I hadn’t actually planned but may be useful for someone wanted to try running in a foreign or new place!
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I think it’s exciting to run in new places. Of course, it is smart to take the precautions you take and be prepared. I don’t think it is reckless. Keep on keeping on friend!
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Thank you Deborah! I know you love exploring new places and I always love reading about them! Let’s keep on keeping on indeed!
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“Extremely reckless” is an extreme comment, ha!
I find that often comments like these come from people who are not runners and who don’t know anything about all the precautions we have at our disposal.
Well done for listing them here and for not allowing yourself to be intimidated! As Wendy says, keep on running!
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It is rather extreme, haha! And I also find comments like this come from those who are too intimidated themselves to run outside of their comfort zones. Instead of asking for tips, they go on the attack.
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You are not reckless! I love how you do your homework and are always prepared to run in new places. I know that stranger meant well, but, it was too much to say you are extremely reckless.
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I think some people project their own fears onto others. I think he meant well but, in the process, didn’t take the time to enquire what precautions, if any, I take. Was just too quick to judge!
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Dear Shathiso,
I’m afraid Palapye is notso exotic as Ghana or Tanzania , but if you are coming this way sometime we would be pleased to see you and we definitely have a new place to go running
I’m one of a group of neighbours working on re-opening some of the old trails through the western end of the Tswapong Hills. In the days before motor cars everyone walked, and these footpaths were the main way to get through the hill forests from village to village. It’s a labour of love – the tracks are on tribal land and will always be free to use.
Anyway, we have an 8km nature trail for school parties and families named the Porcupine Loop Self Guiding Nature Trail which was finished last year. It is already in use and has been reasonably popular.
The Modutela to Old Palapye track will be finished by the end of this month. It’s about 25 kms and all that remains is to put up the signage. It connects two campsites – ours at Segaigai Farm and Aqua Nature campsite at Mhapha Lands next to Old Palapye, so there are picnic and camping facilities at both ends. No-one has run it yet. Would you like to be the first ?
There is plenty for children to do here at Segaigai Farm if 25 km is too long for them. We have tame porcupines and other animals; a frog listening post; animal tracking in the hills; a games area with swingball, petanque, morabaraba and beach volleyball, and our neighbour Roger offers horse riding.
The plan is eventually to create a circuit, using the old 19th Century wagon trail from old Palapye to Palapye Road for the return leg, but that’s a job for next year.
There’s nothing about the Modutela to Old Palapye track on our website yet but the Porcupine Loop is there at https://segaigaifarm.com/the-tswapong-trails/.
Kind regards,
Graeme Bremner
Segaigai Farm
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First of all, thank you so much for sharing all this information! I have been lucky to run in “exotic” places but nothing quite beats running at home and discovering new places right here in Botswana. The trails you have created sounds amazing. I saw your email and will respond to that asap. I’m not much of a trail runner but would love to try these trails out!
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