Der Traum des Laufens (The Dream of Running)

If you don't know already, I am a runner at heart--a stomper of earth and concrete. Ah, the cool air rushing by as it whips around your hair. The sparkle of sunlight as it lights up the path. The rhythm of the thumping work-horse in your chest. All the while euphoria floods and fills behind the stillness of eyes. A run is not just a run, its another moment, another state of being. For some its the dread of their daily bread--but I'd like to disagree for obvious reasons.

Anyway, in the city of Graz there is much to see. The eruption of mountains as you approach horizon, the rushing of the river, and lots of well-groomed dogs. I could swoon your imagination with imagery, but let's the pictures do their work.

I wish I had a camera with me every time I ran--also a disclaimer, some photos are from hikes or bike trips.

I don't think I mentioned this, but I enrolled in a marathon-training sport course. We meet every Wednesday night and go out trotting for about 2 hours or so. I type this as my calves throb from the previous day I ran in the rain for almost 2 hours. I was as soaked as Ryan Gosling's t-shirt in the movie cover of The Notebook. Strangely I have never seen this movie, but the movie cover sticks in my head--good advertising.

A result of my marathon-training course is that I have gain a better understanding of how my body functions:

1) Do not eat within 4 hours of running a long duration--especially meat. Your stomach will cry.
2) If you need to use the bathroom, do yourself a favor and plan ahead of time. Not taking this into account will result in an unpleasant running experience that may lead to crying the whole way.
3) If you are not used to running for two hours your legs will cry.
4) Stretch them legs, hips, and feet good--or cry yourself to sleep.

If you listen to these golden rules & tips--chances are the run will be good and you will be happy.

Despite how awful I might of made my marathon-training course sound, it is something I love doing. The harder the run, the better it is--I like to think. Am I mad? If you were able to love something more, how would you accomplish this? By doing the same thing over and over again? Probably not, but to bring yourself into a deeper love with something or someone, you must endure the pain it takes to get to the next level. When you love something you never get comfortable. There is always a challenge ahead of you. That is the adventure and part of the ride we call life. Whether it be research and the pursuit of knowledge or a relationship, there is always a challenge that must be overcome in order to gain a better understanding. This is what running is for me and why I always take on these challenges. So the harder the run, the better it is. The harder the life, the greater opportunity we have to love--don't miss it.

Well ciao for now! and tune-in next post for the next Austrian Adventure! --oh wait will it be in Austria? find out next time!

Sporting the MSU Track & Field shirt. Miss my teammates!