The joy of running races In Paris!

Last Sunday I met with a group of friends to run La Parisienne. A 7 km race that always marks the beginning of the school year. A creative way to get into the right mindset to cope with all ups and downs that we all collectively go through in September.

For many of us September is filled with teachers meetings, work meetings, projects that start, strikes that disturb the natural flow of the city, and many more things that pull our attention in many different directions.

Running races in Paris is a wonderful way to put a brief "pause" on everything else and concentrate on one path: one beginning (i.e. the start of the race) and one clear end (i.e. the finish line!). This is while being surrounded by like-minded people who have a common objective: to have fun while moving. The extra bonus is that you get to experience Paris in a completely different way.

This is a wonderful opportunity to put a smile on your face, to feel awake, alive, and incredibly grateful to be living in Paris.

Last weekend's race was filled with music playing, people cheering and great energy. After the race our group (we were 6) reunited to take a group picture and we all went to our respective families who were eagerly cheering. I think we all closed the day with a sense of accomplishment and feeling energized.

Here is what a couple of my friends shared with me after the race:

" Running La Parisienne was so much fun to be a part of and share with friends. Finishing it inspires me to do more races"!

" I was inspired by the positive atmosphere at the race, surrounded by enthusiastic people. It was fun. My body, mind and soul were content! "

For years I used to say that I didn't like running. I found running much harder than many other forms of exercise. I couldn't understand how people could run and chat at the same time.

Now I am one of those people that love to run and chat. I am a slow runner but a happy one. I still find the training difficult. However, it is worth it!

If you think that you don't like running but the thought of running a race makes you sparkle, please let me know! Follow your intuition. You might realize that the everyday life can be a lot more exciting when you try new things!

Remember that what you eat, what you think and how you move in your daily life can make a big difference in your experience living in Paris or anywhere else in the world.