Fanning Flames of Controversy

At BLAZE, we are all about sparking inspiration among our fellow active travelers, but this is one flame we are anxious to put out.

Smoking. You don't need us to lecture you about the dangers of this habit. It kills smokers, it kills non-smokers, and it feeds and industry that doesn't give a sh*t about anyone in either group (which, as you will note, collectively includes everybody in the world).

In recent years, smoking bans have spread across the most unlikely continent. Signs reading "Zone Non Fumeur " are now commonplace in cities like Paris, where previously one couldn't even conceive of Parisians putting out (cigarettes). Health awareness and anti-smoking campaigns have also made their way further east. Countries like Croatia, Estonia, and even Turkey have eliminated or severely limited the ability for inhalers to light up in their restaurants.

Has this smoking ban worked to deter smoking? In BLAZE's experience, the definite answer is yes and no. When going on an summer evening run through downtown Zagreb, you'll have to dodge cigarette-sucking cafe patrons crowding the streets, but at least when the weather's bad you can count on finding an indoor smoke-free atmosphere. Greece, on the other hand, has recently been termed a "failure" when it comes to putting out cigarettes' flames. And in other countries, like Russia, the idea of restricting one of the people's most popular past-times is broadly considered a Western invention designed to bring the Bear of the federation down.

Conclusions thus far? Health and fitness cultures and understandings are as varied as there are counties and peoples in the world. As we launch our line of travel guides in 2010, we will be further investigating international approaches to issues like smoking, eating, health, fitness, and, of course, running. Stay tuned for further reports!