The Buzzing Forest Park

It is a beautiful day on September 28, 2020, at 6pm the temperature is in the mid 70 degrees range. This is a perfect time to go for an enjoyable 3 mile run. The scenery is a bit relaxing once getting through some bumps and curves. I start by running from the front of the apartment building towards Forest Park. Running is one of the biggest stress relievers, this helps especially during the time of Corona. While I begin my run, my senses are heighten. Observing everything in my sight.

As I begin my journey, the first half of mile is from the front of the building to the entrance of the park. Leaving the building you become flustered with hearing all the buses as they approach the last stop; passengers rushing for the train. Cars rushing to their destination and  the car honking one after the other. As I detour down the side street to the park, I glance and begin to admire the million-dollar houses with white picket fences. Along with luxurious cars with ‘MD’ car license plates parked in driveway. At this point, I’m approaching the entrance of Forest Park.

Half of a mile in my run, I can feel the salt of my sweat on my face. I’m on a steady pace, entering the park little kids running around with their mask. As I approach the steps, a father helping his son going up the stairs, and two elderly women coming down the stairs.  At this point I made the decision to go up the steep grassy hill to avoid a collusion. Passing the basketball court, teenage kids playing, and I was struck with a strong odor of marijuana. Still continuously running, it’s harder to breathe. Passing the portable restroom and renovation of the restroom, I hold my breath for dear life of the repulsing smell the feces and urine. Now, passing the portable restroom, on my left I notice the toddlers wresting together on the jungle gym with their parents standing on the side. On my right, I see the open field with green grass, still nicely cut. The older kids were playing, chasing their parents, and another kid practicing volleyball with her father. I realize I have to go through a bit of a crowd , dodging little kids riding on their scooters/bikes left and right. This is basically the mile point of my run, trying to avoid being tumbled down.

 One and a half miles with more scenery to enjoy. In the distance I could be the red hand for crossing a busy intersection, so I slow down my pace to I will be able to get the walk sign as I approach the intersection. After crossing the intersection, I see all the tall trees and some people running in the same direction with some going the opposite side. Also, adult is zooming pass me in both direction with their bikes. I also observed a few groups laugh together and couples holding hands. At this point I am at the light post with a yellow sign which means I complete 1.5 miles. I set my apple watch to start tracking my 1.5 back home. Now, I’m enjoying the same scenery back to my apartment building.

As I finish my run, I look back at my apple watch to close out my running for today. The total time was 30 minutes which I’m disappointed in, but It is time to run up the six felt of stair to my apartment.