Run #10: This is China

So, I didn't fall behind in blogging - I just stopped running.  As the pollution mounted and mixed with the damp cold of Shanghai winter, my sinuses clogged up and sent me straight to the couch.  After several early nights, yummy doses of NyQuil, and days of minimal activity I can finally breathe again and get back on the road.

Today I was due for another long run, but I couldn't be bothered to map out an interesting course.  I finally got around to make a new playlist of running songs, which took some time, so I opted for the no-brainer long block route again.  Despite a generally mundane path a few observations struck me as reminders that yes, This Is China:

You know you're in China when...
...the dogs on the sidewalk are bundled up more than you are.
...based on smell alone you cannot discern whether a store front is a pet store or a restaurant.
...the newly paved sidewalk complete with fresh landscaping didn't exist two weeks ago.
...the car with the "Baby on Board" sticker nearly runs you down.

As with any experience in China there are pleasant quirks too, like this garden path along the busy street and this bizarre welcome statue of two triumphant women - you just never know what you'll see next.

The Fine Print

Date:  2/2/13  Time:  8:30 am    Location:  Shanghai, PRC

Time: 1:01:12    Distance:  5.7 mi    Pace:  10:43 

Music:  Running mix on shuffle with everything from Chuck Berry to Katy Perry