The Trails

Running has always been a big part of my life. I began to fall in love with my husband while running high school track and cross country. During my college years I trained for several marathons. On our wedding day, I ran ten miles with my sisters and best friend hours before the ceremony. Almost all of this running and training happened on the "Olentangy Bike Trails" in Columbus Ohio. I don't know how many miles I've logged running there in my lifetime, but it's A LOT--like in the thousands! Whenever I go "home" I am sure to return for a run and it always makes my soul feel better. I'm a pretty nostalgic person--clinging to all sorts of happy memories in my life, times where I felt a sense of security and belonging--probably because of all the moving and "starting over" I've done in the last seven years--so truly, just running on the familiar trails is a spiritual moment for me.

And in the middle of Toulon, I found the closest thing to the Columbus trails that I ever found in all the cities we've lived in. Miles and miles (although they would say kilometers and kilometers) of a paved, flat, bike trail. There's even a water fountain and dirt paths broken into the soil from all the bikers and runners choosing to "off road"--just like in Columbus.

I brought the jogging stroller out of retirement (a stroller that big would never work for everyday use on the crazy, narrow, sidewalks that also double as parking spaces) and strapped Zachary in for a ride. With his blue blanket blowing in the breeze, I knew he would be happy and not fuss, allowing me to fully enjoy the run.

And today I did it. I didn't run super far (I'm very much out of pushing-the-jogger-shape), but it was so therapeutic for me. I felt like I could manage living here for one more day....like this place can slowly become a new home. Because finally I've found something that reminds me of home.

Of course, there are funny moments that will be a reminder of the reality of living in France-first, I planned to run right after dropping Lily off at school. Not a problem, except that I stood out like an Olympic athlete with all the other Mom's dressed in their fancy French clothes smoking cigarettes---hello, it's not a big deal to wear work out clothes in public where I come from. Secondly, there was the issue of saying hello to the people I passed on the trail. This is a GIVEN on the Columbus trails. Runners' courtesy, you always say hello while passing someone. But not in France, apparently. After the third person passed doing everything they could to avoid eye contact, I just started saying "bonjour" first. They could answer if they wanted or they could ignore me. At least I was going to be friendly.

Finding the trails is not a huge deal...I would have loved to meet a new friend...but in a way, I did...because now I can go there during my free time and push Zachary (who was so comfortable and peaceful today he snoozed nearly the entire time) and do something I love and be reminded of home while living so, so far away from it.