Running in Ushuaia

South Americans don't usually run outside for exercise, but I did

I first started running in 2016, as a way to process during a particularly difficult season: a breakup came within a few months of my mom’s cancer diagnosis, just before I started a grad program while also working full time. I signed up for a half marathon and ran it with my brother. Then I signed up for another half marathon. And another. As part of making my thirtieth a year to remember, I ran the Chicago marathon. By the time I took my trip to Ushuaia, running was a regular part of my life and something I depended on to feel healthy, especially during stressful times.

But, from what I understand, people in most parts of the world don’t run outside for fun. If people have enough leisure and money to need exercise for its own sake, they go to the gym. If you’re running outside—and not as part of a soccer game—what are you doing? Particularly if you’re a woman in workout clothes, you can attract unwanted attention.

So I was nervous about what it would be like to go running during the six weeks I lived in Ushuaia. I also knew I needed to try it.

Here’s my account of how it went.

Ready to run in my trusty Brooks and my favorite running pants on a gravel path/ side of the road in Ushuaia