Track and Field Blogs - Jenny Barringer

I made it into Osaka today. After 13 hours of flying and who knows how much actual time of traveling, Heather (CU's assistant coach traveling with me) and I headed out for a 6 mile run. The hotel here is huge and I'm staying on the 38th floor. The view is amazing, overlooking the water and parts of the city, but my ears pop in the elevator ever time I take it, so there are trade-offs :).

I ran on a bike bath just outside the hotel. I saw quite a few guys out there while I was running, so I'm sure you're reading about it on other blogs. It was so funny because even though we're halfway across the world Heather and I were commenting on the bike path seeming similar in some ways to Boulder. It is so safe, dozens of people are out walking their dogs and it's just a nice relaxing break from the long long day of traveling. I was surprised how well the run went despite the travel and the insane humidity.

Tonight the whole team also enjoyed a banquet put on by our hosts. When I got there I grabbed a plate of food and soon after made a new friend, Shogo. He's 20 and a trainer here in Osaka and wanted to practice his English. We chatted for a while and he taught me a few words in Japanese.

Everyone is so kind here. For example, I ruined my room key on my run and when I went down to get a new one (in my sweaty nasty running clothes no less) I got immediate attention and they even roped off an elevator for my immediate use when I went back to the room. At the banquet the students enjoyed handing out gifts and as we left they shook all of our hands and sometimes snuck in a hug haha. I have never felt so welcome in a place before. I've been here for 6 hours and I'm already so impressed with their hospitality and warm hearts.

Welp, I'm off to bed. So so tired, as you can imagine. Rise and shine is early tomorrow morning for a long run.

P.S. It's 10:20pm here, but I'll leave the post on Colorado time.... kind of interesting :)