Rough Russian Runners (RRR, myself included)

One of the greatest perks of living in Russia (along with the opportunity to buy as many matryoshkas as you want) is the opportunity to interact with nature and enjoy green zones without having to go too far from home. I’m lucky enough to live 5 minutes driving from a fascinating spruce–pine forest. Of course, I take advantage of this natural (in any sense of the word) privilege every time I can and use the forest paradise for my evening running.

For those who think that Russians’ most popular activities are running (to the closest shop to buy some vodka) and wrestling (if you bought too much of it) I can assure you, now sports continue to gain great popularity among Russians. At least, I’m not alone in the forest.

Unfortunately, my forest (that’s how I call it after my second jogging) gets more and more crowded with dog owners, so it is preferable to watch your step once in a while (for a reason you can figure out on your own). Photo is missing, just trust my words.

Our local government takes care of us, so the old overgrown trees are cut down to prevent them from falling on our heads during severe storms and thunderstorms. There is a superstitious belief in Russia that a fallen tree should lie in the road for 33 days and 33 nights before being removed. So I take those small leaps of faith every 3 minutes. Obstacles don’t frighten tough Russian runners.

 

We grow special types of trees such as Square Trees. It’s just more convenient to build a square wood house.

The landscape is pretty hilly. Given our unstable economic conditions in Russia, we get used to constant ups and downs. Moreover, nothing can burn as many calories as hill running.

Okay, this is artificial one, but there are a lot of real high hills there. My hips sore leg muscles don’t lie.

Even if during your daily run you can’t stop thinking about food, there is an amazing dessert right under your feet. Given that a list of Permitted After Workout food only includes water, water with lemon, and warm water with lemon, I prefer to eat some wild strawberries to not think of this list at all.

 

How to not get lost in the forest when it grows dark? Some runners just number the trees to find their way home.

P.S. I wanted to take a photo of a bear, but since I’m an amateur runner, I couldn’t catch up with him.