A New Day!

This week I start a new goal, study Chinese and go for a run Monday through Friday no matter the weather or pollution. I have been procrastinating long enough and making plenty of (why I can't run in Shanghai) excuses. NO MORE!

This morning (Tuesday, March 10th) I got up at 6:15 AM, made coffee and studied Chinese with Mike and Copper. Copper didn't feel like participating and was sleeping, so his Chinese won't get any better, really a shame don't you think? Mike and I on the other hand practiced memorizing Chinese words like; things (dongxi), buy (mai), also (hai), eat (chi), and meal (fan) as well as the words for some places like restaurant (fandian), and hospital (yiyuan).

Then at 7AM / 34 degree (F) weather we head out the door, it's so cold and windy out that I can hear Mike chattering his teeth and muttering something about it being cold but I generally try not to think about that as I start to run. Positive thoughts! We leave our compound gates, pass the busy fish market and we are off! Copper is pretty excited and doesn't let the cold frigid air ruffle his feathers at all. He is my inspiration! 

Copper Posing For The Camera

We are now jogging through city traffic whilst scooters are whizzing by. We enjoy a smog-free morning and some sunshine peeking through the tall buildings giving us just enough warmth to sustain us as we get started. I occasionally toss Copper a treat or two to distract him from the noise of the honking cars along the way. 

Copper With Scooters In The Distance

We make it to our halfway point, Mike runs to work and I head back home. On the way back I find a lovely rare green area that is perfect for Copper to get a little run in off leash. I really enjoy the road I found to run Copper on. It's perfect for our Monday through Friday runs, even if it does rain every day. The roads are big enough for scooters and there's a nice pedestrian sidewalk. The things I used to take for granted in the States, wow. 

Copper Looking At The Nice Greenery

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Fields in Shanghai

The "fields" I find in Shanghai

Okay when I say fields that is a loose term. 
It has been really cold and grey for many weeks here and Saturday the sun came out in the afternoon, filled with inspiration and determination I decided it was a great time to take Copper out and get a run in. We live on the outskirts of Shanghai because there are a little fewer people and I can walk Copper easier. I found this place near our apartment perfect for Copper to get a little fun in. I ran towards the "outer ring circle" of Shanghai and to my surprise found a lot more space for Copper. 

I stumble upon what looks to be a corporate building and the surrounding area is full of this funny little statue. The statue is in many different poses, so I decide Copper would be a great subject for some interesting photos. I think they get along, what about you?