Spoiled in Vyazma, one of the oldest cities in Russia, about 230K from Moscow. We stayed there after last night’s run in a spotless, off the beaten track, lovely lodge. These types of getaways are springing up more and more as Russians are traveling. The increase in tourism is greatly benefitting the economies. We explored Vyazma a bit this morning to exchange some money for Russian rubles and pick up some groceries, returning to the lodge for a delicious multi course dinner which included salmon and potato pancakes.

My run began at a memorial for the Russian soldiers lost in World War II. It was a very straight 10.2 miles starting at 9pm on a main artery into Moscow. I find different ways to move through the miles when there is little to look at, clocking the time, counting the mileage posts or signs, or simply composing something in my head. We now have a continuing police escort, two Russian officials in an old fashioned Soviet era vehicle, kind of like a black and white Yugo. They are enjoying this event and make me feel very safe on their roadways. Our driver Sergei is very awed by the GPS and loves watching the directional red triangle move into position and comparing our arrival points with the photos to be exactly sure he stops the van in the right place.

The people we have engaged with thus far are considerably more relaxed than how I remember them from my earlier trips here. They have been extremely helpful and honest. Many are interested in what we’re doing and so our guides have been kept busy explaining our cause and the run.
The Green Team is on our way to Moscow for the turn eastward towards Siberia………….hoping to take in a bit of sightseeing via metro before running again tomorrow night.