Wikimecum:Running in Venice
One student writes...
At WPI, I was a member of the Varsity Rowing team and I wanted to stay in shape while I was in Venice. However, I was concerned that there was not going to be an area for me to work out. There are some gyms on the island, but they are very expensive to join for the two months you will be spending in Venice. Also, you obviously want to save your money for trips, food and souvenirs. Running in the city is difficult and not enjoyable because it is fairly crowded, and the many narrow alleyways will not help, either. Instead, I decided to explore the southeastern park area (Giardini) of Venice to find a good running path and other areas to do other kinds of exercises.
I lived in the San Pietro apartment while I was in Venice, and therefore I could start out on my run begin following the suggested path within a few minutes. If you happen to live on the other part of the island, you have two options for how to get to the park. If you live in Ca' Corte, you have the option of taking the 42 or 52 boat from Fondamente Nove to either the Sant'Elena or Giardini boat stops. You could also head to the Grand Canal and catch the Number 1 boat to the park. If you live in Arco, your best bet would be to head out to the edge of the lagoon and begin your run down the Riva to the park. The pavements near the Grand Canal/lagoon do get crowded on the weekends, but there is usually enough room on the bridges to get through. Running in the park is much less crowded than the rest of the city.
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This map outlines my route around the park following the points A-E. Using the map, you can also invent your own path. Also, the map should help you find out how to get to the park from wherever you are in the city.
Once you get to the park, you can follow the loop that I have outlined. This loop is 2.3 km once around. Therefore, depending on how much time you have, you can do several loops and cover a good amount of distance. Along with the running path, there is a basketball court, a small soccer field, and numerous other structures that can be used for exercises like as pull-ups.
Every fall, there is a marathon in Venice. In 2008, it was held on the first Sunday of my stay in Venice. If this is something you are interested in, and as long as it is happening while you are in the city, you can compete in it. I did not take part in the marathon, but they close off the perimeter of the island for the race.
In the past, the crew team has suffered because people that have gone abroad on IQP come back in poor shape. I did not want that to happen when I went to Venice. I was fortunate enough to find an easily accessible place to run. Don’t lose a game/race in the spring season because you didn’t stay in shape during IQP. Being able to work out made my trip all the much more enjoyable.
See Also
References:
[1] Venice Marathon Information
--Tmcgee722 19:26, 27 December 2008 (UTC)