Autumn in Westerpark

Temperatures in the low single digits, days that aren’t just gray but also dark and gloomy, and sunsets that come all too soon at 4:30 in the afternoon. Winter is coming? Nope, it looks like winter is here.

And just when I started running, too. I started a couch to 10k running program with the hope that it would be kinder to my body than the HIIT (high-intensity interval training) workouts I loved before I got pregnant. I only managed it twice a week, and my current level of fitness requires a lot more walking and jogging than actual running, but I was really starting to get into it.

I found pushing my body into motion in the crisp autumn air to be calming and therapeutic. Clearing my mind with exercise became even more important last week, to break the cycle of frustration, outrage, helplessness and sorrow that arose from being glued to the news of Typhoon Yolanda’s aftermath.

Whenever I would reach a saturation point, I would unplug, get moving, recharge. And one unusually sunny morning, I took the camera with me to document the last of these fleeting autumn colors.

Amsterdam Westerpark autumn sunshine

Amsterdam Westerpark autumn leaves turning

These gorgeous yellows won’t last for long, and I want to hug them to myself for just a little while longer. The elm tree outside our window is already bare.

Amsterdam Westerpark autumn red and yellow leaves

Amsterdam Westerpark autumn yellow leaves

I just need to hang on for a few more weeks until we go home for our annual dose of sunshine.

Amsterdam Westerpark autumn trees

Till then, I need to find things to embrace about winter, and say my farewells to fall. Goodbye, autumn! You were short, but you tried your best to blaze bright and beautiful when you could. See you next year.

Lovely comments:

  1. so awesome! autumn here is not as nice today as its raining cats and dogs =P

    I heart sunny autumn!

  2. Judith says:

    Bravo on the running! I wonder how you managed to bring your camera, because all I can handle during my runs is my phone. Love the fall colors! And although I’m not particularly looking forward to snow, it must be quite an experience to run around a nice white winter wonderland ;)

    • Deepa says:

      Bravo to YOU! You have really kept at it, it’s very inspiring. The Sony is pretty small, about the size of my palm. It’s very solid but not heavy. I run in a hoodie with two side pockets and cargo sweatpants, so I always have lots of pockets. The ones from Uniqlo have very deep pockets!

  3. I’m so happy Marlon got you the Sony RX100 sweety!!! Ang ganda ng photos grabe!!! Love it!

  4. Iggy says:

    what a pretty view naman on your jogs!