Running while backpacking long term

I backpacked round Asia and Australia/New Zealand in 2018 and ran some of the time I was away. I would not recommend running in Thailand, I found the dogs very aggressive there, you might be alright on beaches in very touristy areas though as the Soi dogs there are used to seeing Westerners. Bali was the same as Thailand, the touristy beaches were fine to run on but you'd be taking your life in your hands if you get off the beaten track.

I ran a bit in Vietnam and that was fine but crazy hot and humid, you can generally find areas where the locals exercise and you can get a ride on a scooter there for pennies and easily book on your phone. Indonesia was the same though not quite as bad weather wise. I didn't run outside in Laos or Cambodia and I wouldn't recommend it, neither was set up for it, I ran on a treadmill a couple of times.

Japan was great, decent weather and easy to run there, super safe. Australia and New Zealand were both obviously fine and have parkrun which is nice. Singapore and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia were both fine to run, but very busy and crowded so you have to walk to a park, you can't run on the streets. Lots of people jogging in the parks there and again Singapore had parkrun.

You'll be fine anywhere in Europe, I run whenever I go away and never have any problems. Just do some research before hand, just google running routes in the local area and check the strava heat map.

The biggest problem is the increase in washing you have to do! Especially in Asia, even if you just go for a short run everything will be drenched in sweat and you obviously can't carry a lot backpacking. I took like 2 running tops and bought a couple of vests when I was out there.

On the last point, I was running a fair bit while backpacking in hostels. Because of a lack of washing machines and the time it takes to wash stuff, I would shower with my running clothes after every run and just had 2-3 singlets and shorts.

It's possible to run while backpacking, but don't expect to get any fitter if you are a serious runner. You'll lose sessions due to unexpected reasons or long travel times, your diet will be all over the place, late nights etc. etc.

You might check out some of the silver-lined/anti-microbial running clothes. They are much less stinky, you can wear a pair of running shorts for a week and they won't smell. It is a nice option when you're away from facilities.

I wouldn't bother with running on your trip.

Just enjoy traveling and get back into running when you are back.

I have done that a lot of times.

I backpacked India, SEA, China and Japan for 3.5months total between Jan-April '16. Mostly swerved running in India due to the sheer volume of traffic and poor road conditions. Managed every other day in SEA. Went back to Vietnam the following summer when coming back from Oz/NZ and found running in the humidity/air conditions very tough regardless of the time of day.

As previously mentioned, recycling kit is your biggest challenge. Giving it a quick rinse and dry in the heat is your best way of keeping on top of it until you get access to laundry facilities.

So currently backpacking in SE Asia, if you are in a touristy part just find a nice hotel that is big (so they won't recognize you) and use their treadmill. Typical if you look like a foreigner they'll treat you nice and won't question you. Just make sure to have a valid room number and probably don't show up with your backpack. I did this while staying at a hostel in Bangkok and got some good running in. Now in India I have found a good place to run near where I am staying

Best to run in the early morning unless you are in Europe. Fewer people, less traffic and cooler if somewhere hot. Although in Asia people tend to get up early so you need to be very early to beat the crowds

Have spent extended time in both Italy and Hungary. Hungary is a pretty rough country.. I wouldn't recommend running around it much. Southern Italy has a lot of stray dogs.. luckily they just kind of ignore you.

Once and Future wrote:I would not recommend running in Thailand, I found the dogs very aggressive there, you might be alright on beaches in very touristy areas though as the Soi dogs there are used to seeing Westerners. Bali was the same as Thailand, the touristy beaches were fine to run on but you'd be taking your life in your hands if you get off the beaten track.

I didn't run outside in Laos or Cambodia and I wouldn't recommend it, neither was set up for it, I ran on a treadmill a couple of times.

This person has no idea what they are talking about. I lived and worked in Asia for 12 years and still travel there quite often. I was primarily in Bangkok but have visited and ran in all of these countries. Yes, soi dogs can be aggressive but they are also very afraid of people that confront them. Just bend down like you are going to throw a rock at them they will run off. Why, because the locals will throw a rock at them. In Bangkok you can run at Lumpini, Queen Sirikit, Rama IX, or Chatuchak parks. There are a couple of others but these are the biggest ones in Bangkok. I did get bit by a dog once in 1993 in Bangkok. It wasn't by a soi dog, it was some guys dog that was on a leash! The guy buggered off before I could confront him and strangle him with the leash!

Ran in both Laos and Cambodia and no problems there. In Vientiane and Luang Prabang no problems. It's pretty much like Thailand but a lot less people. I ran in Xieng Khouang province as well. Stay on the roads and paths. Don't venture off the paths as their is still unexploded ordnance (UXO) courtesy of the US Air Force.

Bali is Great for running as well as mountain biking. I was up in Ubud as well as Nusa Dua. Never a problem and I ran all over the place in Ubud and the surrounding countryside.

wow so badass you backpackers

Humidity and heat is not an issue, you just might jog slower at first but you will get used to it and that will become an advantage.
You don't need spare clothes, just a singlet and a tight. Handwashing with a soap bar right after your shower doesn't take more than 2mn.
I enjoy synthetic clothes with polygiene or merino blends for backpacking but it doesn't make sense for running.
It could be nice to check casual running groups to meet people and discover nice training places when you're in cities , whether in Europe or Asia. I'd recommend Mikkeller Running Club instead of Adidas/Nike to avoid hobby morans.