The following is a journal entry from almost 14 years ago. Although the detail of the run is specific to 20 year old Linh in Providence, I think the message is evergreen. Almost 34 year old Linh in Colorado can use this, too!

Providence, RI

Dec 4, 2010

No one wakes up at 9a.m. on a Saturday morning. That’s a truth. But when you are woke up by dazzling morning sun (that can burn your naked eyes) on a chilly, 1-degree Celsius day; you know that you need to get yourself off bed, and go out.

Or at least that’s what I decided to do. Putting on the warmest outfit, I started my “journey to catch the sun before it goes away” from my house, having no idea where to go. Whatever, I just need to get out.

So first I ran from 111 Brown Street, took a turn at Waterman and hit east. It became a little hot after a while so I decided to stop at East Side Market place to get a bag to carry my jacket, mittens, and fur hat inside. I ended up spending almost an hour in the market, thinking about consumerism, obesity, consumer’s dilemma, and how we are all captured in this “buying more is buying less world”

When I got out, the sun was directly on top of my head, and it was so warm and bright that I almost regretted the 1 hour of wandering indoor. The Eastside guard made my day though. He offered helping me put the trolley back in place, smilingly saying: “happy holiday, my dear” in such a heartwarming voice.  “Happy holiday to you too!” – I smiled back.

Then I ran along Butler Avenue, deciding to take a longer way home. It always mesmerizes me to look at all these wooden, brightly-colored (white, yellow, or light blue) typically RI houses, that stand so peacefully amidst Providence quietness. I took a turn at Orchard Avenue and passed by some really lovely condos and churches that I’ve never seen before. Christmas is just around the corner – most of the houses were decorated with wreath, reindeers, and rosemary plants. Then I heard an almost magical, holiday-spirited, crystal clear sound. Completely drawn by that sound, I decided to follow it to know where it came from. Wind chimes that was, I figured.

Then I continued walking and running, until hitting Ives Street. I knew if I kept walking along Ives, I would be able see Providence River. Then after some turns, somehow I hit the I95 highway. Stubbornly, I decided to keep going forward, despite knowing that there was no more walkable local street. I walked on the bumpy side full of grass and hay (that was not designed for walking), passing by Radinson hotel and the 3 PVD chimneys on the left, wishing if only I could cross the highway to India Point Park on the other side, until I could walk no more.

Then I had to walk back, hitting Gano street again, then Wickenden. The flashback of that cold early morning running hastily up that very street singing “Already gone” in tears came all over me. Then, I stopped at Coffee exchange (best place in PVD for original coffee) to get myself a ground-chocolate Cappuccino. Completely energized by the strong-flavor addiction, I continued running up Benefit, until hitting George Street, then Prospect then Main campus. I felt surprised at myself for being able to actually visualize the entire detour in my “mental” map. Then starting there, I ran ferociously uphill. Amazingly enough; the more I ran and the faster I breathed, the less tired I felt.  I couldn’t help but running faster and faster.  Each step was fuller and fuller with energy. I hit Cushing Street, took a right and finally saw my beloved 111 Brown Street house. Even when already in the room, my feet just couldn’t stop moving.

I used Google Maps just now no calculate the exact distance that I ran. 5.4 miles, almost 9km. It was one of the best running decisions I’ve ever made.

Good work-out? Yes. But there’s something more to it. Sometimes, we just need to run, and run without any clear destination in mind. Aimlessly yet mindfully, I ran exactly a circle around campus, catching the sun, breathing the air, passing so many beautiful houses, enjoying the quietness. And yes, enjoy the pure pleasantness of living.