When in Perú, do as the Peruvians do...

So, I decided to join two of the girls from the Institute for a little run on Saturday...what I found out, after I had agreed to it, was that this run was an 8K that started at 7 at night - "Corriendo Bajo La Luna 2008". Well, I probably need the exercise anyway and how often do I get this experience? So, I took a few micros and met them over at this little park called Parque San Miguel for our "little"run. By the time all of us got there, it was time for the race to start and the Peruvian national anthem was being played. We ran in, got our numbers, grabbed t-shirts, took off all the winter clothing (and put the clothing along with wallets, keys, and cell phones into the bag I was carrying and continued to carry all through the race...), and literally took off running. No stretching, no warm-up - just absolutely cold. I think my knees will probably hate me for that...haha. I managed to keep up with all the girls and run (these girls don't jog), despite the fact that I've had three weeks here without running or any sort of formal exercise. (I do however do sit-ups and squats in the room where I work when no one is looking...shhh) I guess I should count my blessings though that these girls were not Kenyan men whom I had decided to go running with at 5am in the mornings. (I have made this mistake...) I also ran without using my arms because I was holding a bag onto my back the entire time, trying to keep it from flopping around. I count it as a success...most definitely. Best thing about running with Peruvian women - they have little short legs like me and can't run in large strides! Yay - short people!! After the race, they had a huge gym full of racers and families of racers dancing cumbia, salsa, and merengue...so yeah, I did that too - do as the Peruvians do, I always say. Nothing like adding a little bit more exercise to top off the evening!!

Ready for round 2! Who is with me?