Suunto-blogg

Photo by Emma Simpson on Unsplash Walking, like breathing, is so ordinary we take it for granted. Yet, it offers so much. Learning to appreciate walking can give us a new lease on life. We slow down, enjoy the moment and scenery, improve our health, take stock of our lives, and even increase our creativity. What’s not to like? In this series of articles we will be exploring walking and all the reasons walking is so awesome. We’ll be looking at the benefits of walking regularly, walking technique and posture, how to walk mindfully, and we’ll be challenging you to walk more, including taking on a long distance trail.    Walking can be much more than just about getting from A to B. For many people, it’s a way of life. It can become a way to come back to what really matters.    The oldest form of exercise? Our human ancestors, scientists say, began walking on two legs somewhere between three to six million years ago. Some theorize this happened because standing meant they could see further afield, allowing them to detect potential threats and food sources. Another study suggests bipedalism evolved because it’s more energy efficient than walking on all fours. Walking on two legs also freed our hands to use tools. Whatever the reasons, humans have been walking for a very long time. We walked out of Africa, across Europe, Central Asia, into North America and down south. As a species, we are almost coded to explore and conquer new territory on foot. It’s what we do. Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash The best antidote Walking is an excellent antidote to the busyness and constant connectivity of modern life. In our attention economy, where multiple devices and channels compete for our attention, knowing how to slow down and focus is an increasingly important skill. Walking is the perfect way to cultivate this skill. It can be the time of the day we take to consciously slow down and pay attention. Rather than having our attention scattered, walking gathers it into a more singular focus. We all need to switch off. We all need to slow down. Walking for the sake of walking is a great way to do this. The benefits of walking regularly According to the Better Health Channel, Harvard Medical School, and others the benefits of walking include: Increased cardiovascular and pulmonary (heart and lung) fitness Reduced risk of heart disease and stroke Improved management of conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, joint and muscular pain or stiffness, and diabetes Stronger bones and improved balance Increased muscle strength and endurance Reduced body fat It counteracts the effects of weight-promoting genes It helps tame a sweet tooth It reduces the risk of developing breast cancer It eases joint pain It boosts immune function. Building the walking habit Building a habit takes time and consistency. It’s best to start by making the habit easily doable. To begin with, choose a distance to walk each day that you know you can manage.   Forget about the 10,000 steps hype – a study found that number came from a marketing campaign rather than scientific research – and instead choose a distance, time or step count that is achievable and encourages you to move. Maybe walking 30 minutes a day works or taking 5000 steps is more realistic for you. You don’t need to do it all at once; you can break it down into chunks, for example walking 15 minutes bites. Once you’ve decided, adjust your activity goals accordingly in your Suunto 3. Remember, every little bit counts, so look for opportunities to take extra steps. Stand up, and pace while your are on the phone, for example, or choose stairs instead of taking an escalator or elevator, have micro exercise breaks throughout your working day, and try having walking meetings. There are many opportunities to walk more – use your imagination! In the next article we’ll discuss walking technique – stay tuned! Lead image: Photo by Fabien Bazanegue on Unsplash

One of the awesome things about visiting new cities is getting off the beaten tourist paths and finding hidden corners. An early morning run through an unknown city is one of the best ways to find these gems. There is so much beauty in the world when we have fresh eyes. So next time you travel to new destination, lace up your runners and get out and explore. For inspiration, here are routes in seven of our favorite cities.   RUNNING IN SINGAPORE If its your first time in Singapore, you will be pleasantly surprised at just how diverse the city’s running opportunities are. The city hosted more than 100 running events in 2015, from road marathons, trail races and vertical marathons to fun runs, with distances ranging from 5 km to 100 km. This tiny island-city also has plenty of parks and running trails that literally wrap around and connect the island together.Despite its small size, it has one of the most active populations in mass participation running events. Trails and paths along on the water and in the forest are well maintained, well-lit and safe, you’ll love running here, regardless of your route. Read the article and see the routes >   RUNNING IN STOCKHOLM This Nordic capital is a pretty fascinating place to visit, and to run. Made up of more than a dozen rugged islands, this city by the sea is both accessible and wild; a splendid combination for those of us wanting to explore her streets and shores by running! Amongst the meandering canals and shorelines, and urban forests, we’ve found some rather memorable runs that will give you a taste of this historic city, which has one of the oldest, and best-maintained city centres in Europe. Read the article and see the routes >   RUNNING IN BARCELONA One of the most memorable and hospitable cities to run in, Barcelona’s streets, parks and trails are as welcoming as her inhabitants. While Barcelona is the largest city on the Mediterranean Sea, it is also an intimate and intricate place with subtle beauty that seems to mix perfectly with its more audacious architecture. To see Gaudi’s masterpiece, the fantastical Sagrada Família in person is one thing, but to gain a sense of the city by running amongst her streets and people is something that won’t fail to leave a lasting impression. Read the article and see the routes >   RUNNING IN PARIS The City of Light could also be known as a runner’s delight! It is a feast for the senses, it’s true, but there’s also a special view of Paris known only by those who run her cobbled streets and pristine parks in the early morning, or twilight hours. We’ve added some rich detail to each of these routes, not only about the route, but the character the surroundings. After all it’s not just about where you run, but also what makes it truly memorable. Read the article and see the routes >   RUNNING IN HELSINKI We know the desire to run does not stop when you travel, in fact many times its the opposite. Running is one of the best ways to explore a new city! One of the challenges to fully enjoying this potential is not knowing where to go. Big cities have lots of sights and routes, but how to find the right one? We’ve got you covered! Here at Suunto, we’ve put together a collection of routes that showcase some of the best parts of Helsinki (our home town!). Through winding parks in the heart of the city, to historic sites and architecture, these routes hit all the high notes. Read the article and see the routes >   RUNNING IN NEW YORK CITY It can be daunting to figure what to do and where to go when visiting New York City, especially on a tight schedule, this includes fitting in a run. We understand and have done the scouting and compiled your go-to route guide to running in the city on a timeline. This list is focused on Manhattan, though the final route does make a brief and memorable stop in Brooklyn. Read the article and see the routes >   RUNNING IN LONDON Keeping up you’re running routine while travelling can be challenging, but when it is the right route at the right time, it rewarding in many ways. Whether it be an invigorating break from a hectic schedule, or a way to explore a new city, knowing where to go is everything. This couldn’t be more than in a mega-city like London. The options are endless, but at the same time daunting; but don’t worry we’ve got you covered. Read the article and see the routes > Discover new routes with heatmaps. Heatmaps show the tracks frequently used by the Suunto App community all over the globe, based on millions of moves. You can plan your own route with the help of rich, topographic maps, transfer it to your compatible Suunto watch and start exploring. With Suunto 5 and Suunto 9 watches, you can add these routes directly to your device and track your progress.

If its your first time in Singapore, you will be pleasantly surprised at just how diverse the city’s running opportunities are. The city sometimes hosts more than 100 running events each year, from road marathons, trail races and vertical marathons to fun runs, with distances ranging from 5 km to 100 km. This tiny island-city also has plenty of parks and running trails that literally wrap around and connect the island together. Despite its small size, it has one of the most active populations in mass participation running events. Trails and paths along on the water and in the forest are well maintained, well-lit and safe. You’ll love running here, regardless of your route! The routes we put together in Singapore are a feast for the senses. The shortest run, a flat and scenic walk/run route will treat you to the best views and entertainment in under 5 km. The locals route is nearby, but with a couple nuances that will inspire you to spend more time in this unique city-state. Finally, a long run in the forest, that you could also call a jungle, full of wildness and wildlife.   To follow these routes with your Suunto watch or mobile device, please follow these instructions: 1. Press download GPX.2. Go to Suunto app and press + button in app map and press 'import route'.3. Find the route, press it. The app opens the route, press 'Done'.4. You can modify name and details. The route is saved. Keep the 'Use in Watch' toggle on to have the route in watch. Note: If you are not reading this on a device with Suunto app installed, download the route file and save it in a location you can access on your mobile device. Then follow the guidance above.   A SCENIC WALK/RUN (4,1 KM) Download the GPX file here. Description: If you only have one day to spare, this is the route to collect wonder in short amount of time. You’ll enjoy great views of some of the most iconic landmarks in Singapore. Starting off at the Old Clifford pier, you will move along the coastline and catch the old Fullerton hotel to your left and further down, the sight of the majestic Merlion awaits you. Continuing on, the journey brings you across Sir Stamford Raffles Statue (Founder of Singapore) the Esplanade and Youth Olympic Park. You will then cross the visually stunning Helix Bridge which connects you to Marina Bay Sands and the Art Science Museum. We recommend running this route in the evening to catch a light and wondrous light show at the Marina Bay Sands. If you need a drink to quench your thirst, or just want to lie back and take in the majestic view of the city, you can grab a traditional Vietnamese coffee at Trung Nguyen or a pint of beer at Bazin. Start point note: The easiest way is to take the MRT (Train) and exit at Raffles Place Station. Take exit J and old Clifford Pier is less than 150 m away. Finish point note: The free light show at Marina Bay Sands happens daily at 8pm and there is also a water show at 9.30 pm, so do plan your run accordingly. Run extensions and alternatives: You can extend the route after crossing the Helix bridge by turning left when you see the Art Science Museum, which you will continue on to view Garden by the Bay and Marina Barrage. Stop at Satay by the Bay where they serve one of the best satays for the money in Singapore.     GARDENS BY THE BAY, THE LOCALS' GO-TO ROUTE (8.4 KM) Download the GPX file here. Description: When the work (or play) is done for the day and you want to let it out a little, this is the route for you in Central Singapore. Gardens by the Bay is a newly created nature park built on reclaimed land in 2012. The park was designed to be the nation’s premier outdoor recreation space. This route is popular with local running groups throughout the week, and has nice smooth, flat terrain, if some fartleks or tempo work is in your plans. Public facilities and drinking fountains are available throughout the run, so you can travel light, even if you want to make your run longer or more intense. Start at Marina Barrage and run along Marina Bay, through the park over the winding Helix Bridge. Take in the iconic Marina Bay Sands and you’ll feel like you have experienced the heart of Singapore in a mere 5 km! One of the most fascinating parts of the park are its ‘supertrees’ which reach up to 50 metres. These amalgams of exotic plants work as engines for the gardens and host a light and music show in the evenings. Start point note: Starting point is right at the foot of NTUC building, a 3 mins walking distance from Raffles City (MRT train: exit J) Finish point note: The route is a loop and finishes where you began. Run extensions and alternatives: Runners who wish to extend their running distance can proceed on after crossing the bridge to Gardens by the bay east. If you want to do a full 10 km loop, you will need to make a u-turn once at the bottom of the expressway flyover.     FOREST ADVENTURE RUN (13,3 KM) Download the GPX file here. Description: You’re running in the wild on this one! Frequented by seasoned ultra distance marathoners, MacRitchie reservoir is a great training ground for trail runners and for people who want to escape from Singapore’s urban jungle. The route is a 13 km loop, circling around the reservoir. Some parts of the route are amongst by deep forest and it is recommended to do this route in the morning or early afternoon with the light. Along the route, You may come across macaques can along the trail path, waiting for runners to offer food to them, but this is highly discouraged as they may become aggressive and potentially dangerous. There are two ranger stations within the reserve along the route, equipped with restrooms and drinking fountains, but it is highly recommended that you prepare your own hydration as they are quite far apart. Start point note: If you are located centrally, bus 855 and 961 will drop you off at the MacRitchie Reservoir main entrance. Finish point note: You can drop over to Vava bistro for their great brunches with a great panoramic view of the reservoir. Discover new routes with heatmaps. Heatmaps show the tracks frequently used by the Suunto App community all over the globe, based on millions of moves. You can plan your own route with the help of rich, topographic maps, transfer it to your compatible Suunto watch and start exploring. With Suunto 5 and Suunto 9 watches, you can add these routes directly to your device and track your progress. Main image: © RunSociety SEE ALSO MUST-RUN ROUTES IN BARCELONA, HELSINKI, LONDON, NEW YORK CITY, PARIS AND STOCKHOLM

This Nordic capital is a pretty fascinating place to visit, and to run. Made up of more than a dozen rugged islands, this city by the sea is both accessible and wild; a splendid combination for those of us wanting to explore her streets and shores by running! Amongst the meandering canals and shorelines, and urban forests, we’ve found some rather memorable runs that will give you a taste of this historic city, which has one of the oldest, and best-maintained city centers in Europe. While each of these routes is close to the center, each has a natural connection and explores a different part of the city’s archipelago. The first run gives you quintessential shoreline views, the second route, the local haunt, is a park loop that moves you from the city to the forest in mere steps; and finally, a trail-runners dream, the track on Lidingö was seemingly made for exploring.   To follow these routes with your Suunto watch or mobile device, please follow these instructions: 1. Press download GPX.2. Go to Suunto app and press + button in app map and press 'import route'.3. Find the route, press it. The app opens the route, press 'Done'.4. You can modify name and details. The route is saved. Keep the 'Use in Watch' toggle on to have the route in watch. Note: If you are not reading this on a device with Suunto app installed, download the route file and save it in a location you can access on your mobile device. Then follow the guidance above.   Trails, Cobbles and Castles (6,7 km) Download the GPX file here.   Description: The perfect morning walk or run. Start at the public swimming pool (Eriksdalsbadet) and follow the Södermalm waterfront, cross the canal at the first bridge, and when you arrive on the other side, you’ll be immersed in the beautiful Årsta forest. Here you’ll get a little climb, and earn the best city view from the south. Follow the loop back across the next bridge ahead of you and back to your starting point. Despite the great location, generally the route is never packed, and the track is mostly paved and suitable for walkers and runners. Try to get out here early in morning for a beautiful, crisp start to your day! Starting Point Note: The Public swimming pool is accessible from the train (Skanstull Station) and is walking distance from anywhere in Södermalm. Finishing Point Note: When you are done, you’ll want to re-fuel, and if that includes coffee, you’re in the right place, follow Swedenborgsgatan to #7, there you’ll find a brilliant little cafe called Johan & Nyström, which is home to great coffee and they’re open at 07:00 (M-F) so they’re ready for you even if it’s an early run.   Djurgården (8,9 km) Download the GPX file here.   Translated as ‘animals garden,’ Djurgården is a stunning city park that branches off from the old town in the centre of Stockholm and provides an invigorating 10km loop. Starting at the King’s Garden (Kungsträdgården), run along the harbour via Strandvägen, then right over the bridge and into the park. The route passes by the amusement park, Gröna Lund, and the popular Nordic Museum. There will almost always be some locals on the trails, but never too many. There isn’t too much climb and the trails are broad and well-maintained. Keep to outermost path until Manillavägen where you’ll cross to the other side of the island and make your back to the bridge, then to King’s Garden. Starting/Finishing Point Note: King’s Garden is a brilliant place to finish as its beautiful grounds, and numerous outdoor cafes are a welcome sight after a brisk 10 km.   Lidingö – A run on the wild side (29,9 km) Download the GPX file here. Description: This is the spot for a trail run. Lidingö is an island with a full network of trails for running adventures from 4 km to 30 km. It is only minutes from the center of the city, and is home to the most popular trail running events in Stockholm, including the Lidingöloppet, the world’s largest trail race! The race, which began in 1965 with 644 runners is now more than 24,000 runners strong! The route is full of hills regardless of the distance, including the famous and gruelling ‘Abborbacken hill’ which climbs 46 m in elevation within 550 m. Throughout Lidingö there are stunning views of the city, the sea and the surrounding bays. The final 10km of the full loop is lit, so you can even run this portion at night! Starting Point Note: You can get to Lidingö from Gamla Stan via the #13 train to Ropsten, then take bus 203/204/211 to Lidingövallen (Lidingö City stadium). Alternatives & POIs: For a shorter variation (22 km) you can skip the first 8km and start from Lidingövallen and head eastwards, this includes the final 10 km known as “sista milen.” In the summer, grab a coffee at the charming, Kaptensstugan, at Klubbvägen 2 which is right along the trail (we’ve marked it as a Cafe POI on the route). Finishing Point Note: Based on the full trail (30 km) or the last 10 km, it is the same Lidingöloppet finish. From here you can walk along Grönsvagäden (south towards the nearby Kyrkviken or ‘Church Bay’) to Lidingövallen (Lidingo City stadium - Kyrkvägen 56). Here you can get changed and have a shower after your adventurous run (M-F 10:00-19:00). From here (Lidingövallen) grab a 203/204/211 bus to the Ropsten stop + #13 train back to Gamla Stan / city centre.   Discover new routes with heatmaps. Heatmaps show the tracks frequently used by the Suunto App community all over the globe, based on millions of moves. You can plan your own route with the help of rich, topographic maps, transfer it to your compatible Suunto watch and start exploring. With Suunto 5 and Suunto 9 watches, you can add these routes directly to your device and track your progress.   Main image: Tony Moran/Shutterstock.com   SEE ALSO MUST-RUN ROUTES IN BARCELONA, HELSINKI, LONDON, NEW YORK CITY AND PARIS      

One of the most memorable and hospitable cities to run in, Barcelona’s streets, parks and trails are as welcoming as her inhabitants. While Barcelona is the largest city on the Mediterranean Sea, it is also an intimate and intricate place with subtle beauty that seems to mix perfectly with its more audacious architecture. To see Gaudi’s masterpiece, the fantastical Sagrada Família in person is one thing, but to gain a sense of the city by running amongst her streets and people is something that won’t fail to leave a lasting impression. We’ve found you three unforgettable runs in Barcelona; a short, wondrous route, a path that will want to make you want to become a local, and finally a trail with some climb, some wildness and some views! These runs are experiences of discovery, now all you have to do is choose one!   To follow these routes with your Suunto watch or mobile device, please follow these instructions: 1. Press download GPX.2. Go to Suunto app and press + button in app map and press 'import route'.3. Find the route, press it. The app opens the route, press 'Done'.4. You can modify name and details. The route is saved. Keep the 'Use in Watch' toggle on to have the route in watch. Note: If you are not reading this on a device with Suunto app installed, download the route file and save it in a location you can access on your mobile device. Then follow the guidance above.   VISUAL WONDERS (5,0 KM) Download the GPX file here.   Description: Up for some visual wonders? We hope so! You are now in the heart of the city. Follow Passeig de Gracia from the Metro station, warm up slow as you’ll begin to be spoiled with sights. Turn right on Av. Diagonal until Carrer de Provença, follow this until you see the Sagrada Família. We understand if you just want to take a few moments (or hours) here, the surrounding parks provide a brilliant perspective to Gaudi’s masterpiece. You can loop around behind it and back along Carrer de Mallorca. Left towards the sea at Passeig de Sant Joan, and straight to the Arc de Triomf. Boom! You’re done! (Hopefully you didn’t miss La Pedrera, Casa Batlló, Casa de les Puntxes!) Starting Point Note: This route is easily accessed by Metro as it starts at the Passeig de Gracia station. Begin northwest (away from the sea). Finishing Point Note: Your end point is the Arc de Triomf, sublime. Your après-run is well-situated, continue past the arc to the Parc de la Ciutadella. Its beautiful grounds and fountains are the perfect place to relax, do some stretching, and wonder amongst the sculptures and monuments. Also, if you happen to be into comics, a block before the end of the route, along the Passeig Sant Joan @ Carrer Ali Bei, you’ll find a number of shops dedicated only to comics. Grab a coffee and enjoy!   BARCELONA BEACH RUN (9,0 KM) Download the GPX file here. Description: This is truly the local’s route, Barcelona Beach is one of best you’ll see in a city anywhere in the world. This track is well-lit, safe and runnable throughout the year. It can get busy (because it's beautiful) with non-runners in the afternoon, especially in summer so get out there early in the morning to have your path, and your view of the Mediterranean Sea, clear. The route is an out and back, running parallel to the shoreline, the track is smooth, flat and fast. With an invigorating breeze off the sea, you might be inclined to do some impromptu tempo work. The turn-around is at El Parc del Forum, the city’s most popular spot for outdoor concerts and events. As you’re headed back, run a little past your starting point and you’ll find that this straight-forward run has a sweet ending. You’ll see a main-stay of the beach’s skyline, “the Sail” as the locals call it (W Hotel Barcelona). You are now in one of the most fascinating parts of the city, La Barceloneta, a neighbourhood which was first inhabited by solely by fisherman, is today full of renewed energy and home to countless restaurants and charming little bars. Starting Point Note: Taking the Metro to Cuitadella/Vila Olimpica station will place you within a block of the track (Av. del Litoral) which runs along Barcelona Beach (Passeig Maritim del Port Olimpic). You can begin your route anywhere along this path, but we’ve started near Parc del Port Olimpic, so head left as you walk from the Metro station. Finishing Point Note/Alternative: On the route we’ve shown you how to return to the start after a short visit of La Barceloneta, another option is to end here, as it is home to all sorts of activities, entertainment and fun you can find rentals for SUP, and the best paella in town, head to Kaiku (Placa del Mar 1, open for lunch and dinner), then stroll back to the start/finish.   EL TIBIDABO (13,2 KM) Download the GPX file here. Description: Now you’re in for a treat. While the other routes were in the heart of the city, this one will make you earn the best views of the city! This route climbs to the top of el Tibidabo (512 m), starting from a famous trail called "Carretera de les Aigues" – this is also the name of the train station (FGC not Metro) that will bring you to the starting point from the city centre in only 15 minutes. The path starts as gravel and some pavement, and eases you into the run with the first 3–4 km relatively flat. Then you climb. The part of the trail that goes up and and down the mountain is in a loop. Syncing this route and tracking your progress on your Suunto GPS watch is important as the twists and turns are significant. At the top you’ll find one of the oldest amusement parks in the world, with a classic old ferris wheel and carousel, as well as the beautiful Sacred Heart church. The best views of the city and the sea are from here, whether you’re on of the rides or not. If your quads want to stop here, its possible to have a meal a catch a bus back down, then grab a train back to the centre. Run during the week for the smallest crowds on the trails and at the top! Starting Point Note: Take an FGC (schedules at fgc.cat) train from the centre (Catalunya Station) to the Carretera de les Aigues stop. The trail begins immediately from there heading east (or left as you face the sea). It is generally safe to run at all hours, but if you’re going out early in the morning or later in the evening, bring a headlamp with you as it will be dark on the trails. Finishing Point Note: Your finish is at Av. Tibidabo (@Paaseig de la Bonanova). The train can take you right back to Catalunya Station. Discover new routes with heatmaps. Heatmaps show the tracks frequently used by the Suunto App community all over the globe, based on millions of moves. You can plan your own route with the help of rich, topographic maps, transfer it to your compatible Suunto watch and start exploring. With Suunto 5 and Suunto 9 watches, you can add these routes directly to your device and track your progress.   Main image: © Senai Aksoi/Shutterstock.com SEE ALSO MUST-RUN ROUTES IN HELSINKI, LONDON, NEW YORK CITY, PARIS AND STOCKHOLM        

Paris. The City of Light could also be known as a runner’s delight! It is a feast for the senses, it’s true, but there’s also a special view of Paris known only by those who run her cobbled streets and pristine parks in the early morning, or twilight hours. We’ve added some rich detail to each of these routes, not only about the route, but the character of the surroundings. After all, it’s not just about where you run, but also what makes it truly memorable. In Paris, all runs are scenic, so we’ll just take that as a given; but each of these, beginning with a short, walkable route, to a local's run that will show you a perspective of Paris will make you believe you were made to run here. To finish, we’ve included a little adventure off the beaten track. Each run has a distinctive personality and quirks, full with their own highlights and history, you won’t want to miss adding any of them on your must-run list. To follow these routes with your Suunto watch or mobile device, please follow these instructions: 1. Press download GPX.2. Go to Suunto app and press + button in app map and press 'import route'.3. Find the route, press it. The app opens the route, press 'Done'.4. You can modify name and details. The route is saved. Keep the 'Use in Watch' toggle on to have the route in watch. Note: If you are not reading this on a device with Suunto app installed, download the route file and save it in a location you can access on your mobile device. Then follow the guidance above.   Run, walk & chill (4,9 km) Download the GPX file here. Who is it for Tourist run/walk jammed to the rim with spectacular sights and culture. Description Beginning at the Boulevard de la Bastille, you’ll enjoy having space to run and probably have a chance to see some local Parisians playing the famous French sport of Pétanque. As you follow the boulevard towards the right, you’ll see notice a beautiful harbour, Port de l’Arsenal. You’ll arrive at the Seine at Quai de la Rapée metro station, cross here by the bridge and you’ll be in front the entrance of Jardin des Plantes, one of the most beautiful public gardens in Paris. Its worth a lap, if you like gorgeous things. A special tip: on the right side of the garden, there is a zoo hidden to the crowd. It’s definitely worth a peak. Once you’ve finished your lap(s), leave by the main entrance and proceed left. Crossing the street, you’ll be back at the banks of the Seine. This is one of the best spots to experience Paris in the summer, always packed people and full of atmosphere. You’ll run into (not literally, hopefully) Parisians dancing, enjoying some Aperitif, and playing music. Cross the next bridge you see and the Boulevard Henri IV will bring you back straight to Bastille. Starting Point Note If you are taking the Metro, the station is “Place de la Bastille.” If you are staying in Le Marais, you can use the 5 minute walk east along Rue de Rivoli/Rue Saint-Antoine as a warm up. Finishing Point Note For an enjoyable recovery, stop at the Café de la Presse, and have a coffee on the terrace. Its located perfectly at you start/finish point: 36 Boulevard de la Bastille. If you’re walking back West, Places des Vosges is mere blocks away (the oldest planned square in the city, and one of the most beautiful). Alternatives/extensions When you’re leaving the Jardin des Plantes, keep running to the left until the 4th bridge. You’ll arrive on the Île de la Cité, and at the Notre Dame de Paris. It is always busy around here, so be prepared. Then follow Rue de la Cité and Port Notre Dame until you see Hotel de Ville, Paris City Hall. Run straight to the Port de l’Arsenal and finish strong back to the Bastille. Canal Saint-Martin (8,7 km) Download the GPX file here. Who is it for Runner’s looking for the go-to route from those ‘in-the-know.’ Description Easy run, Tempo or Fartlek- whatever you’re up for will work here. The are wide lanes, few turns, and no cars; its all you (and your legs. Follow the Canal Saint-Martin and Canal de l’Ourcq until the Parc de la Villette. Then come back by the other side. You’ll see runners passing, and pushing intervals. The best time to run here is on Sundays as the road is fully closed to cars. The atmosphere is very cool all along the route. While it’s the best path along through the 10th, 11th and 19th arrondissements, its generally only locals you’ll see running here. Starting Point note The Metro Station Republique is a couple blocks southwest from you starting point, which is the northern tip of Le Marais and easily accessible from/to many parts of the city. Finish Point note As a happy ending, stop for brunch at American Bistro, located at 75 rue de la Folie Mericourt in Oberkampf. It’s very close from the finish line run and it’s delicious. Extensions/Alternatives If your legs are still up to it, after the Canal, you can turn right when you pass by Rue Louis Blanc, then follow Avenue Mathurin Moreau until Parc des Buttes Chaumont. You won’t be disappointed as the park is just stunning, full of unexpected wonder. It’s a big park with a good amount of runners and… a lot of hills. You’ll definitely earn your time here; the good news is, it’s great training for that upcoming race! Bois de Boulogne (16,3 km) Download the GPX file here. Who is it for Runners wanting quiet and green. Description This urban-trail run takes you to the Bois de Boulogne, the most popular location for Parisians runners getting in their long training runs. This is also the end of Paris Marathon so lot of runners prepare for the big race here. Sunday mornings are pretty cool as locals and visitors are running with dream marathon finishes in their mind. From the Arc de Triomphe, take Avenue Foch for one kilometre (west). The path veers to the right and arrives at one of the entrances to the ‘forest.’ Following that direction, you’ll come across a pair of small lakes. A common loop is to circle these lakes, building tempo, but you can also go further in the woods. On your way back, we recommend you run back along Avenue Foch, past the Arc de Triomphe and down the Promenade des Champs-Élysées. Starting Point Note Arc de Triomphe, the Metro station is “Charles de Gaulle Étoile” and trains in every direction connect here (1,2,6). Finishing Point Note Finally stop at Place de la Concorde, you are now in the beautiful heart of Paris; just steps from the Jardin des Tuileries and Musée du Louvre. Metro stations “Louvre-Rivoli” and “Palais-Royale-Musée du Louvre” to take you where you need to go (should you even want to leave!). Discover new routes with heatmaps. Heatmaps show the tracks frequently used by the Suunto App community all over the globe, based on millions of moves. You can plan your own route with the help of rich, topographic maps, transfer it to your compatible Suunto watch and start exploring. With Suunto 5 and Suunto 9 watches, you can add these routes directly to your device and track your progress. See also must-run routes in Barcelona, Helsinki, London, New York City and Stockholm