My company just transfered me to downtown Beijing for at least two years. I've heard the running there isn't fantastic and besides the Beijing marathon not much of a racing scene either. Is this all true, or is the racing/running in Beijing not as terrible as people say?
I imagine the level of pollution there would make it similar to high altitude training. You'll probably get significantly faster.
it'll be a faster way to get from point a to b there than driving
I would seriously consider quiting my job if I were you. Two years of that pollution could do irreversible harm to your health. If the pay is really good and you envision yourself in the company long-term maybe you should stick it out?
long time ago wrote:
I would seriously consider quiting my job if I were you.
I with this. No way am I moving to China for two years for any job. Kiss my ass.
I took that into consideration and I'll actually be living about 90 mins outside of Beijing closer to Tianjin. Maybe this is better?
Are you kidding?
WTF job is worth that crap? I make over $250k with my current position and I would leave it in a heartbeat if they tried to move me to Beijing. Do you have a family?
Word to your mother wrote:
long time ago wrote:I would seriously consider quiting my job if I were you.
I with this. No way am I moving to China for two years for any job. Kiss my ass.
Wow, I see the classic American sense of adventure is almost completely dead. Sure there are reasons you might not want to go, especially if you have young children. But seriously, why not go somewhere else, make an impact, and come back smarter, wealthier, and ready to move up.
Stay in shape, yes, but sometimes you need to let go of something like competitive running if you want to make an impact in the big-kid world.
No I'm single and young (24) so I actually thought it would be kinda cool to live in China for a couple of years. Although after hearing the initial responses to my question I'm starting to think twice ha
I'm not from china wrote:
No I'm single and young (24) so I actually thought it would be kinda cool to live in China for a couple of years. Although after hearing the initial responses to my question I'm starting to think twice ha
I would jump on that chance if I were in your position. I personally find visiting other countries to be very interesting, and really want to live over seas for some period in my life. Problem is the longer I'm here, the more crap ties me down and gives me less incentive to do it. You're young and single, probably don't really have any commitments to really tie you to the states. Now would be the time in your life to do it. I would also imagine spending two years there you'd probably pick up a bit of mandarin and an understanding of the country which would probably benefit you later down the road when you're having to look for a job.
Running wise, that situation is going to be what ever you make of it. If it's really that important to you, you'll make the time, and you'll put in the effort to get where you want to be.
I lived in Beijing for two years. The air quality is atrocious. Every morning I would clean the windowsill and the next day it was always filled with soot. Since you are 90 minutes outside the city, things may be better. When I ran I didn't really notice how bad the air was, but I have no idea how you will react to it.
You're 24. You're not world-class runner. You aren't even professional. That makes you a runnng hobbyist.
Get a new hobby.
Whatever.
Go to frigging China.
You may never get another opportunity like this. Going to China will be so much better for you in so many ways than two years of running.
GO!
But don't give up on running. At least stay in shape. Do a marathon in Japan or Korea.
I lived in Korea for 10+ years and I ran a ton of miles. A quick google search shows that the pollution levels are about the same. Don't know about where to run in Beijing, though. I'm sure you could find somewhere to run.
It will be a great move for you, career-wise and life experience wise!
leg speed wrote:Wow, I see the classic American sense of adventure is almost completely dead.
I had more adventure in my six years in the USMC than most will have in a life time.
And yes, outside of Beijing may be better, but it may depend on what's there.
Definitely go! It'll be a great experience... Have fun!
Word to your mother wrote:
leg speed wrote:Wow, I see the classic American sense of adventure is almost completely dead.I had more adventure in my six years in the USMC than most will have in a life time.
Classic Letsrun response - thank you! I'm sure you're a fitness model and have a 140+ IQ as well.
Take up ping pong. And bukkake.
Looks like the marathon scene isn't too bad in China. Definitely not as good as in the US but you can still get some good races in.
Air quality is going to be better at dawn. Run in the a.m.