With the support of some of my best friends (and a really cool cape made by Randi’s mom!) I ran my first official 5K. I love the pride I feel when I run. I love encouraging myself to run that last mile. In the end the running is not just about losing weight, it is not just about personal accomplishments. It is about being healthy- it’s about getting old. For me, it was a lifestyle change.
Running in Vietnam is sloppy, it’s tricky, it’s polluted. The sidewalks are wide, but there are entire restaurants that spill onto them. The sidewalks are wide, but children are learning to roller skate on them. The sidewalks are wide, but there are holes and uneven paving stones. The sidewalks are wide, so I can jump and leap over the obstacles. The sidewalks are wide, so children ride their bikes next to me yelling “hello.” The sidewalks are wide- so that means I can run.
So I will run…
It feels so good to run down Phan Chu Trinh and up to the lake. My ponytail swings with my pace and Nicki Minaj and Beyonce yell into my ears. Cab drivers and Xe Oms test my willpower flashing their lights and yelling out to offer rides. “Not today, not today, I think, “I will push on and run.” With each step I feel more pride swelling in me. I’m not the fastest, I’m not the strongest, and I won’t run the farthest, but damn I am proud of myself for sticking to this. When I see healthy older people walking around, I remind myself that’s what I want to be. I want to be old and healthy one day, and I can see already it starts now, not when I’m 60.
Up at the lake there are beautiful light fixtures for Independence Day. My iPod starts playing Odesza. Odesza makes the most beautiful electronic music with soft lyrics, chimes, and hypnotizing beats. The lights are enchanting, beautiful electric chandeliers, ivy, and patterns are suspended brilliantly above my head. I am no longer running- I am gliding around the lake, powered by the music and the soft glow of the lights reflecting on the water.
When I run in Vietnam, it is not pretty, I am sweaty and I am so red, but I am so proud. Friends, if you see me stop running- kick my butt and get me to start again!