running
 

I live in the U.S. I will be in Europe this summer and want to continue running while I am there. I will be traveling to several countries, including Germany, Italy, France, Spain, and possibly others in that part of Europe. Are there any special clothes that I need to wear when I run there? I don't want to look like an American tourist. Please give me any other advice you might have regarding running in Europe. Thanks!!

Wear what you want. No one cares what you look like.

I enjoy running early in the morning as the sun is rising, when the streets are not crowded with people.

zoecat's right. Running has become extremely popular in Europe. Don't worry about "fitting in.' Whatever you wear to run in the US will be just fine to wear for running in Europe.

I have run in Spain and Italy and if running is popular there (comparing with America) than that's news to me. I never saw more than 2-3 other runners in Barcelona and maybe 1 in Italy. The Italians said that if they see runners they automatically think "American"..not in a bad way though..just that we are a bit obsessed. But who cares? It is one of the most amazing ways to see a place...you notice so many different things, it's quiet and the city is just waking up if you go in the early am. I love it and will continue to run in every city I visit.

Jen, perhaps I'm comparing it to when I used to run in the 80s and 90s and NObody ran in Europe! On my last few trips, I've noticed a lot more runners in the cities in Itay as well as in Paris and London. Enough that I wouldn't think twice about it when I'd see a runner. My point to the OP remains: I wouldn't worry about standing out or fitting in...nobody's going to mind.

Totally agree Lucie!

Clothes do not matter. Yet, I'd say that most people I know would not run in the historic city center of Munich (also because only a very small percentage actually lives there) but rather jog to the nearest park or do so along the river to run on unpaved paths. Which is a bit more comfortable than running on concrete or cobblestones.

Cowboy...we visited Munich last year. I don't even want to drive in Munich again...much less run!! lol Traffic is crazy there!! Thank you to everyone for the advice. I appreciate it!