Vikingess Voyages: Running in Tokyo with RunKeeper!

I recently started working out using an iPhone application called RunKeeper, a smart device that uses GPS to track you while you're out running. With this application you can get detailed feedback about your run; you see how fast you've been running, the route you've used and a lot of other details. I used to dislike running quite a lot (I'm more into dancing and martial arts), but thanks to this application (and my boyfriend, who enjoys running a lot more than I do..) I've started to at least get the motivation to go running once a week. It's not that much, but still a lot more than nothing I suppose.

Running is also a nice way to rediscover your city! Or in my case, since I'm still quite new to Tokyo, a way to discover new areas of the city. Tokyo is certainly a massive concrete jungle, but the metropolis also boosts of some wonderful parks, temples and shrines that are within reach if you decide to go out for a jog. My favorites so far includes the Ueno Koen park and the Imperial Palace, but there are of course many other options out there as well.

Having a break by the Imperial Palace with my boyfriend.

The Imperial Palace is a popular place among joggers in Tokyo

Ueno Koen is the place I visit most often, both because it is closer to home but also because there are so much to see both during daytime and during the night. The Bentendo temple is pretty nice to look at during the day, but absolutely marvelous during night when its light is reflected in the pond (no wonder why so many couples come here to hang out in the evening).

I then use RunKeeper to keep track on how fast I'm running. Once in a while the application provides me with audio feedback on how far I've been running and my pace. This makes it easier to keep on running even during the latter part of the run when my motivation is low. I've included some screenshots of the application below: