#thisiswhywerun

Starlings Cafe 22/04/17

Running Reward 25/03/17

(And why I do this!)

First of all, you need to know how I get around. Well, lucky as I am, being an airline pilot gives me the opportunity to visit a wide range of places. Often more than once and often with enough spare time to go exploring and thus to exercise. Glamorous, yeah maybe, but don't worry. The reality can be far from it.

I started running abroad to cope with the effects of fatigue, or jetlag, sometimes waking up at the weirdest time of day (or night) or not being able to sleep. So don't be surprised if look tired, I am.

Not to be mistaken. I have been running for several years by now, well before I started flying. I grew up in the outskirts of Amsterdam, with a lot of nature in the vicinity, offering a very welcoming environment due to its flat, diverse surroundings. Forests, farmland, enough parks and of course the beach, still one of my favourites.

So why did I decide to start sharing my experiences? Mostly because of the diversity of my runs. Secondly, because I've heard a lot of people say that they think running is boring and I want to prove them wrong. On indoor running however, I would have to agree with them. There's a world of difference between that and being outdoors. I personally prefer running in fresh air instead of in a crowded, odour-filled and air-conditioned box (often opened at limited times). My advice if you want to start running: go outside!