Running

In addition to being a health benefit, another motivation for running is the change of perspective. Although I have been in Raleigh for the majority of my life, driving everywhere and driving through the same roads many times over, I always see something new when I run the same path instead. The experience of "new" sights didn't really become evident until I started living downtown.

There are a few roadway characteristics native to all downtown urban areas: the roads become more narrow, the drivers seemingly become more aggressive (crazy would also apply here), a confusing-simple grid-like design, one way traffic flows, and abrupt pedestrian crossings. Oh and naturally, with increased population density comes increased "car density". So, with all these factors keeping all of your flight-or-fight senses occupied, it's no surprise that certain visual details are missed completely.

Substituting legs for wheels and eyes for rear-view mirrors, I've discovered a whole new downtown; I feel like some sort of explorer or adventurer when I go running. Apparently there is a public library downtown, which will be shut down in a few months due to lack of patronage (Hmmm, I wonder why?). I've discovered new food venues and being on-location is definitely much better than Google or Yelp. When I come across a cute puppy, I can actually pet it for a few seconds instead of stare at it from my car with my foot gently depressing on the brakes to slow the car and therefore prolonging my visual candy. Further, the landscape just changes with the simple act of standing instead of sitting driving by in the car.

So, one weekend, free yourself from the constraints of a car and use those legs.