Each morning, I wake up, tie up my Brooke’s running shoes and explore the city from 6:30 to 8:30! I have found that the pace of my runs often dictates what I pay attention to each time travel by foot! I have found that at a 8 minute mile pace, my view of the city is more big picture while at a 12 minute mile pace I take in more details of the people and buildings around me!

In the mornings the light hits the buildings with a warm glow that emphasizes the pink, yellow and orange color scheme of the city. As I run along the river, I see people exercising, coming home from a long night, biking to work, and going to school! The interesting thing about all of these people is that their heads are up and they are taking in their surroundings. Some people run in jeans and others bike in dresses! Each person looks at me as we pass each other and a lot of times we smile in each others direction! This is so different then my experiences in Seattle!

On my first day in Lyon, I ran in Parc de la Tête d’Or! It is the most magical place that I have ever been! The flowers and peaceful atmosphere is so soft, and every person feels the calm and stimulating power of the golden sun combined with the nature that engages all of your senses! There are little Cafes and a zoo in the center of the park! I don’t think that my experience of the park would not have been as rich if I wasn’t running!

I am slowly exploring the entire city as I run and can’t wait to broaden my perspective of Lyon as I run! The city seems so grand and powerful as well as connected as I run!