My first-ever race with a start line, a finish line, and other participants. Well, the first voluntary one—school doesn’t count, they made us do it there (for as long as they could, haha). ParkRun in Kolomenskoye (a historic park and former royal estate in Moscow). Huge thanks to my coach Elena for finally getting me out there, reassuring me with lines like, “No one’s going to laugh at you,” and “Someone will probably run even slower than you.” I got to the start and saw a whole crowd of determined people in leggings, at which point I immediately tried to go back home, but Lena stopped me. And she was right to do it—it turned out not to be scary at all. Everyone was incredibly friendly and nice. Just as predicted: nobody actually cares how you run or how fast you are. They give you tea at the finish. One of the runners was celebrating her birthday, and they brought her a little cake. All in all, running is great! Join us. #kolomenskoye #parkrun