4 miles early this morning in Tianemin Square Beijing China.
I will attempt to recap my experience in China, but words rarely do justice to the magnitude of the experience. To start, everything I thought I knew about China was wrong, it is not dark, bleak, and a place where the people walk lock-step under the thumb of an overbearing governement. No doubt, I am sure there are places where that still exists, but Beijing is a world of brilliance, energy and diversity. I have been to a few places around the world, and the people in China were without a doubt some of the kindest people I have every met. Always happy to offer a greeting, and always willing to share, and a love of laughter. Despite not speaking a word of Manderin, we found it possible to communicate quite effectively and the Chinese found great humor in listening to us butcher their language. China is a country of extremes, exceptional wealth, and poverty on a scale that is unimaginable. Stunning views and pollution that blocks the sky 24 hours a day. Constant traffic and movement, yet a feeling of calm and safety. Not once did we ever feel concerned for our well-being, and we certainly were well of the beaten path, people were just repectful and always kind.
Running in Beijing proved to be a challenge, if you were not out by 5am it was just too hard to get out moving, the traffic made it difficult to navigate. Due to the demanding travel schedule I was hoping to get three days in while away - goal achieved. I did the Tianemen run twice, and it was some of the most peaceful runs I have done. The run this particular morning was to see the flag raising ceremony that takes place every day at sunrise. Sunrise this day was at 4:45. I really thought I would have the place to myself, but was shocked to find about 50,000 if my closest Chinese friends there to watch the ceremony - keep in mind, this happens every day!! The ceremony was pretty amazing, and shows the Chinese are very proud people. Interestingly enough, I was approached by several people to have my photo taken with them, I guess I was somewhat on an anomoly to them. | 