I’m starting a new weekend habit and I’m loving it; driving out to Sports City at 7:00 in the morning to enjoy a refreshing run on their brilliant forest track (well it’s not quite a forest, but what do you call dunoms of pine trees?)
I had always heard about that track, but it was thanks to Mariam that I finally gave it a shot, to realize that it’s what I was always hoping to find in Amman – a place where I can run outdoors, without having to dodge trees, zigzag between the asphalt and the pavement, and put up with car honks and occasional verbal harassment!
I know that the Hussein Park is another good place to run or walk early in the morning before it gets too crowded, but given the choice, I’d rather not run on asphalt!
So, back to Sports City… what is so refreshing is to find out that not all Jordanians sleep in on Friday morning and then get out of bed straight to the Falafel queue at Abu Jbara in their pajamas ;) it just brings a smile on your face to see all these people, young and old, men and women, couples, families… you name it… coming in before 8:00 am on Friday for some fun exercise. What’s also cool about it is that, unlike most gyms where people are of similar social and economic backgrounds, you see a lot of diversity.
I had always heard about that track, but it was thanks to Mariam that I finally gave it a shot, to realize that it’s what I was always hoping to find in Amman – a place where I can run outdoors, without having to dodge trees, zigzag between the asphalt and the pavement, and put up with car honks and occasional verbal harassment!
I know that the Hussein Park is another good place to run or walk early in the morning before it gets too crowded, but given the choice, I’d rather not run on asphalt!
So, back to Sports City… what is so refreshing is to find out that not all Jordanians sleep in on Friday morning and then get out of bed straight to the Falafel queue at Abu Jbara in their pajamas ;) it just brings a smile on your face to see all these people, young and old, men and women, couples, families… you name it… coming in before 8:00 am on Friday for some fun exercise. What’s also cool about it is that, unlike most gyms where people are of similar social and economic backgrounds, you see a lot of diversity.
This is reclaiming public space, and Amman needs more of that.
6 comments:
We will be moving to Amman. Thanks for the info! My wife is a runner. Have you heard of any cycling clubs (on or off road)?
Yes Bob, check out http://www.cycling-jordan.com/, they organize cycling trips every weekend. I think there are other cycling clubs but I don't have their exact info.
Hope you enjoy Amman. Drop me a line if you need any info I might be of help with.
wow. I've been trying to find a running spot for about a month. I will definitely check this out. Any ideas about where to find a pedometer? I am thinking of signing up for the Dead Sea Marathon and I need one to train properly..
Kate
Hi lina any idea the length of the track?
Murad
I am traveling to Amman tomorrow night and will be there for 4 days. I really want to run while I am there as I am training for the New York Marathon. Where is this place located to run? We stay at the Intercontinental Hotel.
actually i have been looking for a place were i can run and walk as much as i want ..feeling free and comfortable to breath fresh air away from buildings...but today my friend told my that u are having smth like a cycling activity every tuesday!!
so what is it all abt?? any more details plz :)??
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