As many of you know, Ryan and I are big into running, and are used to going about four times per week. Since arriving here, we have been busy learning the ropes at the guesthouse, adjusting to the heat, and settling in. Today was our first chance to try out running in Haiti.
If you have seen our video, you know that traffic here is crazy, and even walking without getting knocked off the road into the water/sewage-filled trench is a challenge. So we decided to stay in our little “gated” neighborhood for our first run. It was quite an adventure. The roads are all rocks and stones – big and small – and you feel like you’re on a rugged trail where you have to watch every step so as not to twist your ankle.
There are dogs everywhere, many barking like crazy as you go by. Most of them were inside the gate of their house, but there are many strays walking around as well. We forgot our pepper spray today, but will for sure bring it next time. We went to turn down one dead-end road and a rooster was staring at us, so we decided to go another way. There are many more roosters crowing everywhere to add to the sound-track.
There are lots of avocado, mango, coconut, and banana trees around, which hang over the road and often drop their fruit unexpectedly. Luckily we were not hit today.
Since “going running” is not a common thing here, the Haitian people just kind of look at you like you’re crazy. We just smiled and said “Bonjour.” (It also didn’t help that my shoe laces are neon yellow, and Ryan’s are neon orange.)
Thankfully our GPS watch actually worked here! So we only ended up going 2 miles, circling the neighborhood many times, but it was a good start. Since we still don’t quite know how to get around yet, everything still kind of looks the same, and we didn’t really know where we were during the run. When we hit 2 miles, we had just passed our house, but didn’t even know it until we looked more closely. 😀
This was for sure a run for our record books.
**** Update ****
Here is the route and run statistics.
7 responses to “Running in Haiti”
Good for you two – getting out for an adventurous run! Wow – brings back memories of Guatemala, though the conditions are not nearly so extensive and severe! We wish you a HAPPY 6th ANNIVERSARY!! Been thinking of you often…I told Halaina today that the people in Haiti don’t have easy access to clean water, or many other things we use every day. We were reading for our Family Devotions in Deuteronomy about how God would give the people of Israel houses filled with good things, wells they wouldn’t have to dig, vineyards and olive trees, etc. She thought she would like to send some “good things” to the people in Haiti, like a bottle of clean water and some olives wrapped in a pretty box, so they could have olive oil. 🙂 Is there anything you can think of at this point that could be sent that would be helpful to anyone you have met? If you get any ideas, let us know! God bless you both as you walk this fine journey, serving HIM!
Ryan & Melissa,
Happy Anniversary. We were thinking of you and viewing the Blog with Bill and Marg. It’s great to hear you were able to have some time to view the stars and to take a run again.
The weather in MN really cooled down the past several days. It inspired us to work outside around the house. The mosquitoes also enjoyed us being outside.
Thanks for taking time to keep us updated on the Blog. It helps us feel like you are not so far away.
DAD
As I read this post, it was difficult to not think of you two as contenders on the old American Gladiators show–right down to the neon shoelaces. I hope you find a better running solution in the coming weeks and months!
Oh man! I miss the old American Gladiators! Lol… what a great memory 🙂 Just gotta laugh at that now.
You guys are so funny, but its awesome! You just remind me of when I went back home to Nigeria to visit and I went roller blading. The looks I received and the external environment was unbearable. I did ignore it all, but I’m sure that more than 100 people that day thought I was crazy!! I think the outdoor exercise culture in America needs to be brought to these countries. I mean …well…they’ve endured enough hardship , so I won’t blame them for not wanting to sweat and exercise in that way. I could see them thinking of it as an extra work they shouldn’t be doing 🙂
Great stories guys. I enjoy reading your updates!!
That’s a great story! So glad you posted it!
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