I started running a little after 6 a.m., when Shenzhen was still half asleep. From Nanshan, I headed south along familiar city roads toward the coastal area, letting a 16.33 km morning run gently set the rhythm for the day.
The route ran almost straight north to south, cutting through the quiet early-morning city and gradually opening up toward the coastline. Traffic was minimal, the air was cool, and the rhythm of footsteps echoed against empty sidewalks.
As the city thinned out, the scenery changed. The sky softened, the water lay completely still, and a thin crescent moon lingered above the horizon. The reflection of trees and sky on the bay made everything feel slower and calmer — a rare contrast to Shenzhen’s usual pace.
It was a steady, controlled effort. The pace stayed comfortably under 5 minutes per kilometer—fast enough to feel strong, but relaxed enough to remain sustainable throughout.
- Distance: 16.33 km
- Time: 01:20:48
- Average Pace: 4'57"/km
- Fastest Pace: 4'49"/km
- Calories Burned: 898 kcal
Long runs like this are less about speed and more about mindset. No music, no rush — just breathing, cadence, and a quiet conversation with the road.
Sixteen kilometers later, legs felt solid, mind felt clear, and the day hadn’t even properly begun yet. Sometimes, the best way to get ahead of a busy day is to start it before the city wakes up.