First Few Hours

International travel always brings numerous and wonderful opportunities. Sometimes our travel schedule creates situations such that I have to run between connecting flights, or as soon as arrive at our destination in order to preserve The Streak of daily exercise. It’s no hassle for me as I love running in the first few hours in a new place. The new environment generally gives off many signals we have arrived somewhere different than our own, the types of vehicles on the road, the smells in the air, the landscape and the climate.

My first run in Quito, Ecuador, only a few hours after we landed, fit the bill. Our guide told me about a park close to our hotel. In the few minutes before I reached the park, I had taken note of crowded public transportation and the mass of people out preparing for the run-off Presidential election to take place later in the day. Police and election personnel blocked streets near voting stations. Meanwhile vendors set up shop anticipating a good day of business with long lines. Voting is mandatory in Ecuador.

The park itself proved a new experience. At 6:00am 20 or more adult men were playing pick-up games of basketball. Carolina Park has something for most, fields for a wide variety of sports, open green space, art, refreshment stands, walking paths, playscapes, water features, and a big blue running track.  Yes, blue.  Inside the blue track were the typical track and field accoutrements along with oversize tires for cross-fit style workouts. I’ve never visited a park like this one anywhere. It’s a great asset to the area.

The run prepared me for the many other distinctly Ecuadorian encounters we had on our city tour and visit to the Middle of the World Museum.

Don’t Wait. Run

Tom