Run, Lola, Run aka Running in the Garden of Horses

Today we have a lovely guest post from Dasha (!!), who managed to work in a touristy run while visiting Stuttgart. Obviously Dash isn't in Germany in the photo, just evidence that running is also very handy when terrorizing Tanzanian goats...

So while Monica has been training for her 192,839,280kilometer-uphill races, I am lucky if I motivate myself for a 200 meter trot every other week. However, while I was visiting the lovely German city of Stuttgart, I got dragged out for a run by one of my friends. Now, to be fair, my friend K works on one of the U.S. military bases in Stuttgart and actually has a physical component to his job; therefore, our definition of "running" was a bit different.

I am currently on month 2 of 8 of an around the world trip, and I have to admit that running is one of the best-est ways to see a city. Not only do you cover the territory faster, but many popular running paths are just the exact mixture of passing by some very scenic sites, and being off of the tourist path. Stuttgart is Germany's sixth largest city (at least according to Wikipedia), and has a very nice public park right in the center. The name Stuttgart roughly roughly means "Garden of Horses" from "stout" for horse and "garten" for garden or compound. Interestingly, some hypothesize that the Stuttgart city seal is actually the basis for the Porsche logo; so it seems like the perfect place for a run!
One thing about European cities is that they are just so much more friendly for pedestrians and bikers. Some cities (like London) have bike paths that are adjacent to the roadway, while others (like Stuttgart) have bike pathways adjacent to the sidewalk. Word of wisdom, beware of the later! While running in Stuttgart was very nice because it involved a minimal amount of street jogging, the cyclists can freaking get ya! One thing that is kind of funny slash peculiar is that Germans do not jaywalk. Ever. Now, as any city runner can tell you, jaywalking is an essential part of actually being able to run in a city. So while I am sure we offended German sensibilities with our rampant jay-running, it definitely beat waiting for every street light.

The Stuttgart public park is quite large and very beautiful. Because my legs gave out after the first 35 minutes of our run, I was very thankful that the park also had an extensive kids' playground. While my friend elected to keep running for another few miles, I enjoyed some quality swinging on the swings time! As much as the layout was very pedestrian/biker friendly, I really wish they had stuck some water fountains somewhere in the park; thanks to global warming this summer has been an unseasonably hot one in many parts of Europe, and with temperatures close to 90 by the time we hit the park, I was really wishing for a hydration option (guess I should purchase a hydration belt, right Monica?). On the way back I was re-energized by views of the castle, and (not going to lie) dreams of the beer awaiting me at the end of the run. Nevertheless, I would be lying if I didn't admit that the following days my legs were begging for mercy.

Running across the Bridge of Sighs

Hello from Venice! Just spent the past four days exploring the alleys, canals, and wine bars of this lovely city and of course, had to top off the trip with a run. Exercised both my running and crazy muscles this morning when I went I ventured out of the hotel at 6am to brave the streets. Armed only with my Hoya basketball shirt and slip of paper with my hotel's name, I spent the next 40 minutes sprinting up and down the myriad of stair cases (unexpectedly good hill training for Comrades...) and getting a chance to see the city finally sans touristas. Not only a fantastic run but also managed to avoid being kidnapped and getting trafficked. You think I jest, but seriously my mum was having vivid ightmares about this... Minor details.

Photos of Venetian adventures to come soon!

You are cordially invited...

...to come running with me! Let's be honest, slogging through long runs is infinitely more fun with a friend or 10. Sometimes you really need to dig deep and retreat inwards to gut out a hard run, but more often than not any distraction is a welcome one.

Even if you're not a runner (yet), be warned that I will most likely attempt to harass you into doing a race with me. Just ask my roomie. Christina's been such a good sport, tolerating my spandex taking up every free hook in the bathroom not to mention my uncontrollable irrational post run HUNGER. Now she's let me heckle her into some races. Edling's committed to doing a few 5ks once the weather warms up a bit. Can't wait! Time to get the rest of the NYC Georgetown mafia to trade in their drinking stilettos for sneakers on a Sunday morning. I promise we can still go to AYCD brunch after.

Sadly in the post-college life, I'm separated by more than just a quick subway ride from most of my closest friends. However, planning reunions around races combines the best of both worlds - quality time with my friends and more training/racing opportunities to take my running to the next level. Super excited that Kim will be joining Smithies and I for the 15K in March, and glad she wasn't scared off after our first 15K experience back in December during SNOWPOCALYPSE v1.0.

Speaking of which, a trip to Philly in May for the Broad Street 10 Mile has just been added to the spring racing schedule. Kim, Mike, and I will brave the 30,000 (!!!) other runners to take a scenic, and hopefully fast, tour through Philadelphia's diverse neighborhoods. Kim and I are also flirting with the idea of popping down to DC the day before to join Emily and Kenneth for RunAmuck Mud Run. RunAmuck is "a challenging 5K run with hills, tire obstacles, river crossings, walls, ropes, and MUD." Come on - mud pits and a costume competition? That sounds like SO MUCH FUN! Yes, I am basically a five year old.

Any races you're especially excited about this spring?

Coming up this weekend is the NYRR Al Gordon Classic, a 4 mile race in Prospect Park. Greg, Kristy, and I will be there and hopefully you! My muscles cringe a bit at the thought of climbing those hills again, but after last weekend's 10 miler this should be easy peasy lemon squeezy. Please, please, please go watch In the Loop IMMEDIATELY if you do not get that reference.