Over the course of a 13-hour plane flight from Osaka to Detriot and the 1.5 hour ride from Detroit to Greensboro, I’ve had plenty of time to reflect on everything I learned in the last few weeks. It would be pretty daunting to try to cover it all, so I’ll condense it down to the most important parts. My Top Five Lessons from Two Weeks in Osaka:
5) The Japanese bring the concept of order to a new level.
That applies to everything from conversations and introductions to riding an escalator. For instance, the language itself is divided between words to use in formal vs. informal relationships settings. Ohayou = Good morning, informal. Ohayou Gozimas = Good morning, formal.
Escalators provide the astounding sight of person after person neatly filing to the far right side of every stair - leaving free the path on the left for that late-rising American who needs to race up the escalator to make her next appointment on time.
4) Team USA and the Japanese Public Transportation System were similarly unbeatable
From Alyson Felix, Tyson Gay, and Jeremy Wariner winning golds in the sprints to Bernard Lagat’s double and the 1-2 finish of Reese Hoffa and Adam Nelson in the men’s shot put, it was a joy to watch every aspect of the week’s competition. Similarly, as far as I’m concerned, the Japanese public transportation system has no rival from any other network around the world. It is absolutely impeccable; spotlessly clean, unquestionably punctual, and easy to understand - even for a foreigner!
3) I will never look at trees in the same way again.
I’ve always thought that the drive through the mountains of West Virginia was beautiful. However, yesterday, as I made my way North along I-77, it struck me more deeply than ever that we Americans are so lucky to live in such a rich and abundant place. I’m sure that countless citizens of Osaka will never in their lives have the chance to take in the sight of green forests that stretch as far as the eye can see. In its place, they are left with an infinite number of concrete city blocks. This thought saddens me and makes me much more appreciative of the natural gifts that are so freely available to us here.
2) Quality medical care is a treasure
The USATF medical team was truly fantastic. Especially now, as I learn that the world of post-parent, post-college medical insurance is a treacherous and expensive place, I have a limitless gratitude for the quality care and attention that we were able to receive throughout the weeks in Osaka.
1) Racing is empowering, and fun.
For a long time, I have felt that racing has taught me more about myself than almost any other part of my life. In this case, I will never forget the feeling of simple and complete joy that came from standing on the track before the race, at the center of a stadium filled with light and sound and people. Once the race started, that joy did not diminish; it was amazing to find myself within the first group for the first half of the race. Though that day I wasn’t strong enough to finish near my best place or time, when I left the track, I took away a new confidence that I really belonged here and that I want more chances to compete at this level.
So for now, I’m enjoying reading American newspapers, magazines in English, and asking for directions without resorting to miming, hand gestures, or nodding my head incessantly. Ohayou-Gozimas!!!
