Like Jenna, I also ventured over to Paris this summer. I went to France for a week-long work trip to Paris and Versailles. Fortunately or unfortunately it was also while I was following the Runner’s World “Summer Running Streak” of running at least 1 mile every day from Memorial Day until the 4^th of July. As soon as I realized the trip was during my running streak I panicked!  How was I going to run every day while away for a week in France?!?  This thought, along with packing running clothes for the trip, was stressing me out but I had set my mind to completing my goal which meant I’d have to find a way to stick with it, even in a foreign country.

On my first morning run I was able to witness the sun rise behind the Palace of Versailles and absorb the quiet, peaceful neighborhoods.  I was able to run unplugged: no iPod, no coworkers, no plans, and no distractions.  It was just me and the city.

The second morning, I was tempted to sleep in but if I didn’t run early before work then there was no way it was happening.  Plus, how could I possibly sleep in when I had a new city to explore!?  As a friend once told me, ”you can sleep when you’re dead.”  With that motto in mind, I continued running the streets and tree-lined path’s outside the Palace of Versailles.

I ran around the tiny side streets and discovered charming hidden houses.

And ran through neighborhoods with secret gardens.

How could you not keep going when there was something new and unexpected around every single corner?

……And then there was Paris!

The streets near my downtown hotel were more congested but I just weaved my way in and out and kept up with the hustle and bustle of the city.  I passed people sipping their coffee at side-walk cafe’s, watched a farmer’s market being set up, ran past monuments, and was able to end my last run at a bakery for a fresh baguette.

In short, I saw so much more of a vibrant city glowing with energy than I ever would have from my hotel pillow. Running ended up being my window to the city.

If it wasn’t for this summer running streak, I know I wouldn’t have woken up early and gone for a daily run.

I wouldn’t have discovered new neighborhoods, or gardens, or trails.

I wouldn’t have been able to see the less traveled streets and to become a part of their daily scene.  Just another runner.

I know there is no way I would have packed a week’s worth of running gear when I really wanted to pack more fashionable work clothes.

If it wasn’t for my daily runs, I wouldn’t have been able to eat all the French cuisines, drink lots of wine, and do it all guilt-free.

And if it wasn’t for the running, I wouldn’t have so many great memories of Paris and Versailles.

I’m so happy I forced my butt out there every day and was able to take in the beauty of France. There’s no doubt in my mind that I’ll be sneaking in a run or two on all my future trips so I’m able to really experience other area’s like I experienced France.

Thanks for reading everyone!  And thank you Jenna!

Au Revoir,

Julie

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