Every once in a while, I get in a running slump. It’s rare because I normally have no problem motivating myself to go for a run no matter how cold or rainy it might be. However, once I stop running for an extended amount of time, like more than a couple of weeks, I have difficulty getting myself motivated again to get out and run. A couple of weeks ago, I decided to walk up to Piazzale Michelangiolo. I seldom walk up to the piazzale because I generally run up there a few times a week. Unfortunately, since I hadn’t gone up for a while due to my latest running hiatus, I had been missing the view of Florence.
I headed up the incline after walking through the Porta di San Niccolò on that sunny afternoon. I initially walked to the Giardino delle Rose because I never miss an opportunity to walk through it. I enjoy spending time there, admiring the trees and roses as well as taking in the lovely views of Florence.
After exiting the giardino, I continued up the scalinata (flight of steps) up to viale Michelangelo. While walking along viale, I spotted a few daffodils in bloom as well as some crocuses that were pointing up at the sky. Since I had more time to wander around than usual, I explored the area a bit more and took a few photos from different spots. I took the photo for this blog post from a small parking area on Viale Poggi. I never noticed the view of the Duomo through the trees before because I only saw cars and trucks parked in that spot.
The next morning when I woke up, I was so inspired to go back to the Piazzale Michelangiolo to take in the view of Florence that I put on my running gear and dashed out of my apartment to run along the Arno and then up Viale Michelangelo. Even though it was a bit overcast, I was eager to see Florence from above and embrace her. I walked to a couple of different spots to admire her and take photos, but had to run back home down the viale before I cooled off too much.
Ever since that first run after my hiatus, I have been consistently running up to the piazzale a few times a week. I am always invigorated after my runs because my body loves to exercise and my heart loves to take in all the beauty along the way.
I’m so happy that I followed my inspiration on that one sunny afternoon to walk up to the piazzale. It motivated me to get back out and run regularly again, which allows me to admire Florence in the morning and take photos that I then share.
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