I love my running route.  It's not exactly a park--more like a path around a canal lined with cherry trees with parks, fields and apartment buildings along side.  In the springtime I got to enjoy the life of cherry blossoms- each day opening just a but more until they were in full glory.  This is when I first discovered the running path.  Then the leaves came in and the weather got warmer.  Now it's a downright after-shower muggy hot nightmare, even at 6 in the morning.  Without rain but with a nice cloudcover, im still drenched when I get back to my room.    Every morning, while my immediate neighborhood is still quiet, the path is lively with people.  Mostly older folk walking in pairs or groups, dressed in navy or white jogging outfits.  Always long sleeved and long pants - that sheer material that light sooshes when you walk.   Then there are the dog walkers - a lot of salarymen and OL's before work having a smoke and walking pookie - a lot of daschunds, shiba inu and some golden retrievers. A (REAL!) poodle here and there.  

Tuesdays seem to be a rather popular day for runners and speedwalkers.  I must be the most underdressed person there.  Just a pair of running shoes and socks, a t-shirt, and my cotton/spandexy bike shorts.  Im amazed at how much Japanese people go that extra mile to look professional.  so much Nike and Mizunho branding on these long track suits...and again - it amazes me in the HOT weather - so many people are in long sleeves and pants.  I'd be dying!  The speedwalker ladies top it off with large white visor-hats and those with short sleeves often wear UV protection gloves.  

This morning, as the rain started, I could smell the rich concrete odor I love.  As I rounded of the parks, mmmm, pure earth/soil.  Yum..and 10 minutes later, around on the other side of my big circle, I passed the vegetable field.  The cabbage has just been harvested, and the rain had rejuvenated the smell of the cut green.  Wow!  

No need for and Ipod ever.