Day #147 - Copenhagen, Denmark

Sunday, August 8th

So last night I signed up for the Iceland - Reyjavik Marathon on August 21st. I haven't run over 13 miles in a couple months. Today I needed to get some confidence by going long.

I slept in longer than I had planned. It wasn't going to matter as far as heat goes, it was raining when I awoke. I headed out to the 4 long rectangular lakes (actually 5 lakes - the first one is separated by a road). The temperature was perfect - so the rain didn't bother me. I actually enjoyed it. I ran 3 loops around the lake - each taking about 45 minutes or so. I wanted to run without stopping for the first 13 miles. I then walked another 5-7 miles. It hurt - but I made it through. I won't be breaking any records in Iceland - but I think I can do it.

After running, completely drenched from head to toe, I headed to church (which started at 6:30pm). I've missed the last couple weeks because of travel, but I wanted to get there today. It was on the other side of town. I was cold and wet, so I stopped in and grabbed a large coffee for the walk. Denmark is pretty expensive when it comes to food and drink. I had ducked into a Burger King for the coffee - 15 Danish Frank for a small cup ($3). Sodas are 28 Danish Frank ($5). The lady in front of me ordered three meals, 2 for her kids and herself. Cost = 260 Danish Frank ($50). Should a hamburger, fries and a drink cost $15 at Burger King? Anyway, I walked the few miles to the church. I couldn't get in. It was crazy. I could hear the music inside but couldn't find the door. Maybe I was out of it from the run (I don't doubt this). But, I circled the place 5 times, checked every door, and even went through some alley ways. Not successful. It was in a little remote part of town, maybe they lock the doors after the mass starts. Hopefully the thought counts. I had good intentions - I just wasn't able to make it happen.

On the way back, I stopped by a 7-11 and got some groceries for the night. It's strange - there are 7-11 stores all over Copenhagen. I don't think I've seen a single one of these in my 140+ days in Europe. Here - they are everywhere. They don't have any Super Big Gulp cups however.

I'm currently vegetating in my room. All good. I moved hotels yesteray - this is my second place in Copenhagen (much better). I'm actually staying in the Tivoli Hotel. It's about a 15 minute walk from the amusement park. They give you free tickets to the park for 1 day with your stay. I had planned to go this evening, but with the rain, I'll do it tomorrow.

Tomorrow I head to the island west of Zealand - the island of Funen. Let's see what the birthplace of Hans Christian Anderson has to offer.