Late Monday night I headed to LAX for my flight to Beijing. The flight is 12.5 hours! It took off at 12:40am and landed around 5:30am. That is a good little transition because I tried to sleep a lot of the flight and then it was morning when I arrived. I probably slept for about 7 hours (tossing and turning the whole time). But that’s great for killing a good chunk of the flight. I was really worried I was going to freak out from boredom. Thank you melatonin.
This is a huge plane with 9 seats across and it’s completely full.
Since it’s such a long flight and international, they served a meal. I figured because of the timing it would be breakfast, but it was lunch? dinner? All I know is they also offered beer and wine for free. But it was like 6am or something to my body so I passed.
I overheard the flight attendant on the other side offering people ‘chicken or beef’ for their meal choices. So, I knew I’d get chicken. But, when the attendant on my side got to me she offered ‘fish or beef’.
I asked “Is there chicken?”.
“No.”
“Okay, fish please.”
And it was chicken. Ha! First language barrier of the trip. I expect there to be a lot of those.
Running in China
First when I first planned this trip I figured I’d do a race right before it so this would be a rest week for me. I just ran a marathon on Sunday so I really should be taking off a few days anyway.
I did some research and asked a few blog friends and readers about running in China and there are a few points to consider.
1. The air quality. DC Rainmaker has a post on the air quality index in China. This is something you have to check before going outside for exercise.
2. COLD. It’s cold. Right now it’s in the teens here. That is crazy for this SoCal girl. Like, super crazy.
3. Tour schedule. I am on a trip with a tour group and have to keep to the schedule. We are going to be leaving early for sightseeing most days and I won’t have time.
4. Rest. I usually take off a week or so from running when we go on a vacation like this. If I can run, I do. If I can’t, I don’t. It’s good to let your body rest and recover and I did A LOT of running the end of last year.
So, I’m just going with the flow and will see if it happens or not.
Now I’m off to put on all the clothes I packed and explore! See you in a bit!
While I love running in new cities to explore, when I went to China last summer I chose not to run outside (and I hate the treadmill, so basically I chose to run very little at all!). Another consideration to add to your list is traffic .. the bikers and cars have very little concept of personal space and you may be putting yourself in danger even if you’re on the sidewalks :). Have a blast!
Enjoy China! You could do some short runs on the treadmill in the hotel fitness center, if they have one.
So awesome you’re in China!! I definitely think you should just rest and enjoy though a sightseeing run could be fun! If time permits of course!
We fly from oklahoma to indonesia every summer. Our flight time is 3 hrs to Houston, 11 hrs to Moscow, deplane for 1 hr, 11 to Singapore, then about 4 hrs to Medan. The back to back flights kill us every time!
Have so much fun! I’m not sure about Asia, but when I lived in Spain, my friend and I would run on the streets on the way to a park (on the sidewalk not in the streets haha) and people would look at us like we were INSANE
In addition to everything you mentioned, I was in China a few years ago and was treated like an absolute alien when I went running through Beijing. An older lady even followed me by bike.
I love that you bought a Groupon to China and just went! Can’t wait to see all the pics from your trip 🙂
Have so much fun!!! Can’t wait to hear all about it!
have so much fun!! It looks incredible!
Ahh I am so jealous what an amazing trip have a blast and take lots of pictures!
Have fun! It’s nice to be able to take a break from running sometimes and refresh your body and mind.
On our flight to New York through the night last year we were offered two cooked meals! Again, I just expected something like a croissant and juice!
So jealous! You’re more Chinese than me!
Which airline did you fly? So excited for this trip! Have fun!
Have fun! Where have you visited? Who else is on this trip with you?
1. I wouldn’t care what time it was, serve me the booze.
2. Did you ever watch the movie Airplane? Everyone who ordered the fish got sick.
3. Enjoy your trip and obviously take a lot of pics for yourself and all of us who wish we were on the same trip with you.
4. Try a bunch of new foods.
That is SO awesome! Hope you have a safe and fabulous trip! Can’t wait to read all about it!
Have fun on your tour!
Have a great time! What a great experience!
This was so cool to read!
Have a blast! I had a roommate who spent a summer teaching in China and she ran into the food confusion CONSTANTLY. When she asked what was being served for lunch in the cafeteria, people would reply, “It’s beef or fish!” … except there was only one dish being served and fish and beef are nothing alike!
Wow what an amazing experience! I sure hope you get a chance to run in China, seeing as it’s kind of a once in a lifetime opportunity and since running is such a big part of your life. Have a blast and keep sharing. Thanks for all the inspiration!
Have a great time! Don’t forget to do your runner’s pose on the Great Wall 😀
Are you there all alone??
Have an amazing trip! Can’t wait to read all about your adventures!
What an awesome vacation!!! Enjoy your trip!! Can’t wait to read all about it!!
Teens eh? haha… with windchill hear in Ohio, It’s felt like -35!! Enjoy the cold! 😉
I know I don’t have to tell you to take lots of pics! 😉
Wow, what an adventure! I can’t wait to see what fun things you do (and eat)!
Air quality is really an issue for exercising outdoors in China? That is not something I would have ever expected. Enjoy your trip!
This is going to be an amazing trip! I hope you enjoy every minute and enjoy your rest 🙂 Look forward to seeing all your beautiful pictures!
Is that singapore airlines?
No China Air
It’s so exciting you’re going to China! I’ve lived in Beijing for the past 5 months, and I do not recommend you to run outside! Even though the pollution situation is quite good on some days, you’ll still just end up with a head ache and a sore throat, at least that is my experience!
How exciting! I went to Beijing a few years ago and this brings back memories. The jet lag was pretty brutal for me for the first few days. I’d be falling asleep at 7pm and wide awake in bed at 2am! If your hotel has a treadmill that might be your best bet to get in a little running.
I frequently fly from Orlando to Italy to visit family. Not quiet as long as your flight, but I feel your pain. I get bored and antsy so I MUST take something to help me sleep as soon as the meal is served.
I am excited to see all your happenings while in China! Have a blast!