A Runner's Nightmare

...This morning I was yelled and honked at vehemently by an angry Busanian as I waited patiently in a left turn lane. I thought I’d never hear myself say, “Thank goodness I can’t speak Korean.” The culture here is much like that of New York or LA. Rush hours being particularly ‘edgy’ and impatience on the road, common. Many of the Busanians opt to ride the subway and various other transit alternatives such as buses, taxi’s and bicycles. The reduction in stress levels of those individuals is noticeable.  

Being of different nationality in Korea is extremely obvious. We stand out. I understand better now that America is largely a multi cultural crock-pot. For foreigners arriving to America, this must make transitioning easier. Depending on where you’ve landed, I’m sure there are varying degrees of noticeability.

I am finding a few welcoming Koreans who desire to converse and/or smile kindly, but mostly, they are a very busy people who are just as uncomfortable at speaking our language as we are at theirs. Our obvious differences create barriers that require an adventurous approach. Not many people have advanced themselves to this level of adventurism. I, myself, didn’t know how lacking I was until arriving to Busan.

For example, running. I have been a runner for many years. But, having NEVER ran on a treadmill, a city like Busan poses several issues. You see, I have run in the rain, the snow, the sleet, the fog… even in the wee hours of the morning darkness when angry wolves and possums hungrily await behind every lurking corner… however, NO possiblility of animal attack or freezing stinging rain in the USA EVER prepared me for running in Korea.

Here’s why:

"Wait. No woods?! Where’s the secluded pathways???" "City streets?! People?! Huh?!" "Fear has taken over!" "Help! I am a prisoner of my own Korean luxury apartment."

Thoughts in my mind begin to race…

“How do I run on a city street?” “I KNOW there’s an exercise center on the 2^nd floor.”

“I am used to running on s-e-c-l-u-d-e-d wooded pathways… I don’t WANT to run on a treadmill with buttons in Korean.” "I DON'T even want to run on a treadmill in ENGLISH."

“Treadmills are for YMCA members.” “I PRIDE myself in NOT being a member of a fitness center” “I am an outdoors exerciser.” "It's FREE."

“What IF I fall off in FRONT of them? Then, they will laugh at our American stupidness.”

“I know, I will just run around this ginormous apartment. OR better, yet! I will go online and locate a used (American language) treadmill on ebay and have it shipped to me here in Korea. That way I don’t ever have to leave the apartment AGAIN.”

What the @#%! is THIS all about?!?!?!

I am not a wimp. I will DARE to adventure into the unknown and WHATEVER Korean misfortune shall befall me - - - - I WILL SURVIVE.

(stay tuned… headlines to read: American girl caught running in Korean city dead from FEAR and the after effects of an angry yelling Busanian driver)