Running

WITH a little thought and preparation, you can keep up a running program during your tropical holiday. Heat is and humidity are your main concerns. Your runs may take you off the beaten track to less visited places, along magical beaches at dawn or dusk, or through rice paddies, villages, and tropical forrest.

Inland areas such as Ubud are noticeably cooler than sea level, and around the highlands, at locations such as Kintamani, it gets downright chilly. Runners not used to Tropical climates just will not be able to run normally for some time, but will gradually be able to increase speed and distance after a couple of weeks.

Go up-land for cooler running if you can. Ubud makes a good base and a map available shows some nice trails and secondary roads. You expect the roads through the mountains would be even cooler, if you don't mind hills. The slopes on the north side of the island are very steep. Southern slopes are much more gentle.

Tips for Runner:
Climate and Weather. Heat and humidity are the big problems for runners in Bali, except in the mountains where its much cooler. Temperatures vary only a little during the year. Generally the minimum is 22-26°C to a maximum of 32-35°C. The humidity varies more (45%-70%), but its always humid! You may want to check out a month by month weather chart and the current weather forecast for more information.

Heat and humidity-adaptation. From all the literature you cannot expect to perform normally shortly on moving from a temperate climate to the tropics. Opinions seem to vary, but it may take some weeks to be able to run a normal hard program. You will be able to run slowly immediately, but both speed and distance are likely to be curtailed. Pushing your limits in this situation will lead to weakness, overtraining and some long walks back to the hotel.

Traffic. Around the popular tourist locations such as Kuta, Sanur and Denpasar crazy traffic and pedestrian density makes street running difficult. Fumes from badly-tuned engines do not help. Luckily, its possible to explore a beach or a country road nearby. Footpaths and road shoulders are strewn with hazards such as pot-holes, loose concrete, storm-water channels, dogs and others. All you can do is watch your step!

Things to Bring. Here is a checklist of things to take to make your running easier: shorts, t-shirt, walking shoes, camera, hat, water bottle, sunblock, coolit or similar to provide something damp, sports drink in powder form if covering long distances, electrolyte supplement if running for long periods. Also have a local massage-some of the Balinese masseuses can provide an excellent leg massage.

Hydration is critical. You will have to cary water but warungs (small local shops) in villages sell bottled water and softdrinks, so you can top up on the way. Some are open from dawn. They also sell biscuits and sticky rice sweeets for your carbohydrate requirements. Never drink from streams.

Hazards. Bali may have over one million dogs. You can't go anywhere without seeing dogs. The good news is Balinese dogs are well trained not to attack or bite. They will growl and bark or even follow you. If you wave your arms and yell, that menacing group of dogs will back off. Alone dog is not a problem. A small pack is more likely to act agressively. You always picked up a few stones just in case.
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