Before I get to the running reflection part - I am writing this post from Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. I have spent an hour or so at the Yerevan museum this evening and can see that Armenia's struggle for identity represents a paradox. Armenia is country that has struggled for it's own identity for many hundreds of years where it has experienced famine, war and genocide. In fact the Armenian national flag, the tricolor, represents the following:
Red - to represent the blood that has been shed by Armenians in their search for independence over the centuries
Blue - The colour of the Armenian sky that Armenians long to live peacefully under
Yellow - To represent the workers of Armenia who strive to make it a safe and wealthy place
Given this visible national struggle for identity, as an outsider I find it odd that the Armenian people who have collectively fought for their own identity for centuries are allowing their government or town planners to destroy so much of old Yerevan. There are beautiful old townhouses here with unique ornate markings that are being knocked down to be replaced by shopping centers, modern homes or hotels. It is heartbreaking.
There are some pictures of old Yerevan here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DH3SiX6zQnY
With regards to running, Yerevan doesn't appear to be a joggers home. I have seen no one jogging through the streets here. There are sports shops, but they are 'fashion' shops rather than a place for the amateur athlete to buy equipment. It is sobering to consider that perhaps people here are too busy scratching out a living rather than spending their excess cash on frivolous activities like running, cycling or any other sport.
I was hoping - but not looking forward to - running on the hotel treadmill here to keep my eye in before the MK marathon next week. Unfortunately (or fortunately as treadmills are clearly the devils work - to run you have to be outside in the fresh air!) the gym here is being refurbished. Judging by the Armenian attitude to construction of one person doing the work while 6 people watch and drink coffee, the hotel gym may be out of action for some time. I have had to keep my training regime going by walking around, visiting museums and drinking Kilikia beer. Clearly, the life of a first time marathon runner in Armenia is a tough and lonely one.
Red - to represent the blood that has been shed by Armenians in their search for independence over the centuries
Blue - The colour of the Armenian sky that Armenians long to live peacefully under
Yellow - To represent the workers of Armenia who strive to make it a safe and wealthy place
Given this visible national struggle for identity, as an outsider I find it odd that the Armenian people who have collectively fought for their own identity for centuries are allowing their government or town planners to destroy so much of old Yerevan. There are beautiful old townhouses here with unique ornate markings that are being knocked down to be replaced by shopping centers, modern homes or hotels. It is heartbreaking.
There are some pictures of old Yerevan here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DH3SiX6zQnY
With regards to running, Yerevan doesn't appear to be a joggers home. I have seen no one jogging through the streets here. There are sports shops, but they are 'fashion' shops rather than a place for the amateur athlete to buy equipment. It is sobering to consider that perhaps people here are too busy scratching out a living rather than spending their excess cash on frivolous activities like running, cycling or any other sport.
I was hoping - but not looking forward to - running on the hotel treadmill here to keep my eye in before the MK marathon next week. Unfortunately (or fortunately as treadmills are clearly the devils work - to run you have to be outside in the fresh air!) the gym here is being refurbished. Judging by the Armenian attitude to construction of one person doing the work while 6 people watch and drink coffee, the hotel gym may be out of action for some time. I have had to keep my training regime going by walking around, visiting museums and drinking Kilikia beer. Clearly, the life of a first time marathon runner in Armenia is a tough and lonely one.
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