There really isn’t a running culture in Eastern Europe or Eurasia. And even more rare are female runners. That’s a reason I get a lot of weird stares…like they think I’m robbing a bank or a spy chasing after some villain, but maybe I lost him? (seriously, can I be a spy? Putin, if you are reading this…I’m watching you. and yes. that is a tiger.)
Sometimes I do feel like I’m in some survival training as I try to manage the suicidal sidewalks or lack thereof and instead am confronted with the even more dangerous highways as I feel the impact of the electrons of the cars reaching into my personal forcefield to say hi. Seriously? No one drives on their side of the line anyways, so why do you insist on doing it when a runner is in your lane?
Why do I continue to risk my life for a hobby that only results in shin splints and arthritic knees? I believe my run in Yerevan will summarize it perfectly. I will highlight the truths learned on my journey which is less about the calories burned and more about the adventure literally and mentally. (Although, I admittedly run so I don’t feel guilty for consuming catastrophic quantities of chocolate to celebrate office-Friday)
I went running yesterday to my favorite spot in Yerevan. It was 6 miles, but I could have done more. Here’s why: with every step I discovered more culture of this beautiful country - some good, some great, some humbling, some annoying.
1. Sidewalks - even if you can find them, they are uneven, a mess of holes, or turned into a parking lot...for those lazy people who drive cars and can't even stand to walk 2 blocks to actually park their cars. It's like they forget they have legs or something.
2. Cancer??? I inhaled so much 2nd-hand smoke, I might need a lung transplant. (I have to admit, this is one issue that makes me appreciate America with it’s smoke-free restaurants, I can actually have my cake and eat it too…)
3. People love to hangout. Walking is a hobby here. Just going on a stroll with your baby, your boyfriend, your best friends is a typical everyday activity.
4. GUYS HOLD HANDS!! And they aren’t gay… It’s so cool.
5. And girls and guys can’t keep their hands off each other. PDA can be nauseating. One couple making out in the park is kind of sweet and cute, but…15…seriously? Let’s just have a special park for lovers and they can all gather there and tell me so it’s not included on my route.
6. Guys bring girls flowers. It’s so adorable passing a couple with the girl carrying a(n obnoxiously) large bouquet of roses or a guy just heading out to meet his date unashamedly carrying a colorful collection of flowers. Sometimes I’m tempted to stop running… ;)
(AND when there’s a BIG bouquet…they can’t make out until they’ve found a place for the flowers! WE ALL WIN!!!)
7. It’s not always 'like riding a bicycle'. Most people don’t learn to ride a bike. BUT, it’s a new fad and it’s awesome running by a reasonably smooth surface (remember how rare those are) seeing so many ADULTS trying to ride a bike for their first time.
8. Men will pee anywhere, especially when they are drunk.
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| mouth-watering? |
FACT: bakery fumes are filled with fascinating powers. I could run 100 miles if every mile there was a bakery. AND, in Armenia, you don't find a bakery, a bakery finds you. There are no less than 5 bakeries within a 1-mile radius. (So, once we stop the cigarettes…I think Armenias will be superheroes!)
10. Strength; Not my own. I ran to the genocide memorial. It has a beautiful park, usually away from smokers and a great view over the city. It reminds me that Armenians have sacrificed. They are resilient. And they are building a stronger future. I have so much hope for my friends here that inspire me by their kindness and love.
Dear World,
We study history because otherwise we would forget how stupid people become when they do not remember the past. It’s a circle really.
But, I do believe the only way we’ll end tragic events like genocide is to remember their history, the pain, the loss, the destruction, and especially the lies that enabled them. And then remember the survivors - their strength, endurance, hope, and sacrifice.
I know this isn’t in my usual blog-style. But, I am choosing to remember.
And running through Armenia is a good reminder.
update:
3 days later I started a tour of Southern Armenia for work.
I've been in two small villages with more observations!
I was able to lace up my running shoes (not literally...I'm one of those lazy people who will rarely untie them) in Yeghegnadzor (everytime I try to say it, someone corrects me...I'm pretty sure my mouth was just not meant for this city) HOWEVER, my feet were! I was in heaven!! I found an idyllic country road and got in another 5 miles! It was perfect!!
SO, my list has to continue:
11. Running reminds me that there are many different ways to enjoy life!
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| I ran down and through the valley of Yeghegnadzor! |
I passed by strangers, once I found a real road leading back into town, who just stared as if I was a creature from space. There were maybe two restaurants in town and even the grocery story I visited only sold meat, cheese, and bread. SO, they are enjoying home cooked meals everyday. Probably not going out clubbing, concerts, or even the movies (didn't see one of those in town yet either), but they wake up in heaven every morning!
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| A view from downtown! |
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