First of all, let's brush up on the basics of running: if you're an amateur, we bet you've already heard of jogging sessions, where you have to adopt a rather slow pace (you should be able to hold a conversation) so as to build up your endurance and push your body to maintain the effort for longer. These sessions are run at a pace known as"basic endurance".
At a more intense level, there are short split sessions, which allow you to run at your maximum speed for very short periods, generally ranging from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. For example, many runners train on split sessions by repeating the 30-30 rhythm (30 seconds hard, 30 seconds rest) 10, 15, 20 or 30 times. Sometimes, short splits need to be done on hills, to strengthen your muscles and prepare your body for the different gradients: these are the dreaded hill sessions!
There are also long split sessions, most often used to prepare you to maintain a certain pace during a 10 km race, a half-marathon or a marathon. In these sessions, you're asked either to run at a certain pace (e.g. 5:30 per kilometer) over several kilometers, or to maintain an effort over several minutes (e.g. 8 minutes at 5:30 per kilometer).
For each of these sessions - fundamental endurance, hill workouts, short splits or long splits - it's strategic to know where to do them correctly, to maximize your chances of finishing your race on target! So we've come up with a selection of places to go, depending on your sports programme for the day.
Jogging is the "all-purpose" session that you can do wherever you like: if you live near a park or not far from the Quais de Seine, it's perfect! We also recommend :
The most beautiful parks, gardens and squares in Paris and the Ile-de-France region to stroll in
Paris is full of beautiful parks and gardens, green spaces that invite you to relax, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Discover quickly the most beautiful spots of greenery in the capital and in Ile-de-France! [Read more]
The most beautiful locations for a run in Paris
If you like running, here are a few locations in Paris enabling you to run a few miles in peace and in great places to enjoy the beauty of at the same time! [Read more]
There's nothing better than an athletics stadium for running laps at top speed when you're doing a split session. And that's just as well, because many of them are open to the public!
This time, it's the gradient that counts, and that's what we're looking for: you'll find it in Montmartre with its famous staircases, in the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont or in the Parc de la Butte du Chapeau Rouge, perfect for this kind of session!
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Paris's largest charming mountain park
The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, in the 19th arrondissement of Paris, is one of the largest green spaces in Paris. For a jog, a picnic or a walk in the countryside, this large green setting is a must. [Read more]
Parc de la Butte-du-Chapeau-Rouge: a little-known green spot in the 19th arrondissement
Looking for an undiscovered spot to relax on the grass? Not far from the famous Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, a verdant garden awaits you in the 19th arrondissement. Parc de la Butte-du-Chapeau-Rouge. [Read more]
This time, especially if you're preparing for a road race, we'd advise you to opt for the flat: it's easier when you have to keep up a fairly fast pace, and above all, you don't have to run 15 laps of the stadium when you have to keep up a pace of 4 kilometers. We recommend choosing a fairly flat park for this type of session, such as the quays of the Seine or the banks of the Canal de l'Ourcq!
Parc Monceau, the romantic park in Paris
Parc Monceau, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful flower gardens in Paris, nestling between the 8th and 17th arrondissements, is a romantic haven of peace where ruins, artists' sculptures and lush vegetation stand side by side. We take you on a tour to discover its history and special features. [Read more]
Martin Luther King Park, a natural hamlet in the heart of the 17th arrondissement
More commonly known as the "Parc des Batignolles", in reference to the neighborhood in which it is located, the Martin Luther Ling park offers a nice break in a particularly green environment, time for a stroll, a jog or a picnic.... [Read more]
Paris's Bois de Vincennes, a green haven of peace to the east of the capital
The Bois de Vincennes in Paris is the perfect place to go green! Accessible by metro, this verdant haven of peace is the perfect place to stroll, picnic, do sport and enjoy nature at the same time. [Read more]
Paris's Bois de Boulogne: one of the capital's green lungs
Along with the Bois de Vincennes, the Bois de Boulogne is one of the two largest green spaces accessible by metro. Situated to the west of the capital, it's a sublime place to live, offering sublime green landscapes and a beautiful botanical heritage. [Read more]
So get your sneakers on and let's go for a run in the capital!
