The Game

It's 9:15 AM.

My roommate Johanna and I have been talking about finding a gym (and going to it) for more than a week, but we couldn't find anything that was a good price for it's value. She finally bought a yoga mat and went running yesterday outside, then did exercises with her mat. I was thus, encouraged, to go running and do the same. I do love yoga.

This morning I woke up at 7 AM ( I think my body can no longer sleep for more than 7 hours a night because it is so excited about living) and by 8:15 I still hadn't fallen back asleep, so eventually I got up and put on running stuff.

8:45 I was out the door (took a good long stretch since I've been sick) and as soon as I hit the street I started making up a game. I had no idea where I wanted to go, so I just started out in the first direction I saw. After this, everything would be decided by fate.

The Rules

1. I am like a particle moving in those laws of physics: I keep going in the same direction at the same velocity, unless if outside forces make me change. Thus, if I get to a stoplight I have to turn in order to keep moving.
2. If I get toa crossing without lights and the car stops for me, I keep running and flash him a peace sign. If they don't stop, I have to turn in the easiest available direction and frown at them.
3. If it gets too boring, I j-walk. After looking both ways.

now for the fun rules:

4. Eveytime I pass a chuch I have to stop in front of it and do 5 push-ups. At the second, I have to do 10, third 15, and so on. Once I get home, I have to do the total with another 5.
5. Everytime someone passes me and catches me mouthing the words to a song, I have to flash them a big smile. No one smiled back today, but hopefully people will be more happy tomorrow morning (it was pretty early for the Viennese....there's  a reason all of the breakfast places are FULL exactly when the clock strikes 11 AM)
6. Most importantly, always be ready for adventure. This is a city full of people and adventure, always be on the lookout.

* rule 7. When running by really pretty places and I get happy, I have to stop and spin around, and then try to run straight ahead again really dizzy. (added, 12.3.11)
*rule 8. Whenever I pass those cylindrical things with concert posters on them along the sides of the walkways, I have to lap it at least once. More if I'm feeling crazy. (added today, 13.3.11)

I feel better now about the HUGE ice cream I ate yesterday after riding the subway without buying a ticket (a much better use of a few euros....).

if you have more ideas for fun rules, comment! (mostly the goal is for me to not think about how much my body is protesting to the exercise)
-lab