Langstreckenlauf

Been traveling, and trying to get a run in anywhere I have the chance.  It hasn't been easy, but I managed to get a couple runs in Cairo last week, and another in Munich over the weekend.  Before that it was PA and WV, which seem so domestic after being overseas.

My favorite by far was an almost 2-hr tour around Munich.  I'm always saying there's no better way to experience a city than to run it.  Walking comes close, as does biking, but they're different and I just enjoy the distance I can cover on the run.  Cycling requires an awareness that can be distracting, but is nevertheless enjoyable.

Started near the Munich Hauptbahnhof, headed north and east and quickly got lost in the Englischer Garten, where locals surf on short boards on a standing wave in the canal.  Sounds bizarre, and it is.  The Isar River is a strange blue, which heightened my sense of Germany's cleanliness, especially after coming from the trash strewn dessert from which Cairo rises.  I didn't feel out of place running along the beautiful paths amid golden rod and dandelion throughout the Garten.  Running through there, where I'd walked the day prior, had the effect of putting a scale on the distance we'd covered.  We'd stridden a long ways!  I fell in love with Munich and left with the sense that I'll return some day.

I don't feel as if I can justifiably write about my experience in Cairo here.  It was mind opening, as I mentioned to Rob yesterday morning on a Rock Creek jaunt.  That's pretty much all I can say without getting into a discussion on world views and cultural perceptions and I'd rather let all that stew a bit longer.  My runs there were on a treadmill, behind glass, overlooking palm trees surrounding a swimming pool.  The absurdity of it all beyond words.

The Rock Creek runs with Rob become more and more regular as the spring rolls along.  We've been averaging twice a week there and looking forward to after my June wedding when I can get out for long weekend runs again.

This morning, headed to the gym for some weight training.  I've been focusing on the basics, and it's paying off.