Editor’s note: Two-time U.S. Olympian Nick Symmonds will compete in the track and field world championships, which begin August 10 in Moscow. Symmonds is writing for Runner’s World before and throughout the meet.
It was the applause, not the perfect landing, that startled me awake yesterday as our Boeing 777 touched down at Moscow International Airport. I always chuckle when people rejoice after landing. Do they not know that statistically they’re safer up in the air than down on the ground? I always keep this in mind when I fly, and did so particularly on this trip, as it was my first time on one of the not always reputable Russian airlines. The Aeroflot plane, however, set the tone for this trip perfectly.
I had prepared for the worst, but found myself pleasantly surprised to be on an exceptionally clean and updated plane. As we waited to pass through customs, my coaches remarked that they wish all U.S. domestic flights could be as comfortable as the four-hour journey we had just taken from London to Moscow. Our first impressions were further enhanced by the friendly IAAF staff who picked us up at baggage claim.
As we boarded the van that would take us to our hotels, I turned to my traveling companions and warned them to keep their expectations low as we drove through town. I had been to Moscow for a weekend in 2006 and recalled a dirty, unwelcoming, concrete jungle.
As if to further slap me upside the head, instead of the Soviet-style housing projects I had remembered, we were greeted with one of the most stunning sunsets I've ever seen. The summer sun was glowing a brilliant orange as it set behind a vibrant green forest.
We eventually did get into the bustling city that I recalled from my first summer in Europe, and my pessimistic mind again prepared for the worst. The 200+ federations represented at this year's World Championships are situated at various hotels throughout the city. It was going to be a roll of the dice as to which one Team USA was placed in. My fears were put to rest when I stepped out of the van at to find a beautiful hotel situated on the banks of the Moskva River. Reflected off the slow-moving water were the shimmering lights of another hotel and the glowing neon lights of downtown Moscow.
In the fantastically large lobby of our hotel, I came to realize that Team USA wasn’t alone here. Other federations sharing this space include Australia, Great Britain, Canada, France, and The Netherlands. I took some time to catch up with old friends before heading up to the reception desk to check in.
As is usually the case, I expected to be given a key to a double room. I had requested to share a room with my good friend, Olympic silver medalist Leo Manzano, but was beside myself with joy when I found that I had been given a single for my 12-day visit. Nothing personal, Leo: While I enjoy the company of my teammate, I’m able to have improved focus and rest when I can come and go from my room as I please.
Also, as a 29-year-old bachelor, the logistics of setting up any extracurricular activities are much simpler when you have a room to yourself.
Alas, that part of the story will have to wait for another blog. As I wrote in my first column, I’m here to take care of business, and my priority right now is rest. Today I have the day off from running to do just that. It will be spent leisurely exploring my new neighborhood, taking in free meals, and conversing with my friends on Team USA. The idea is that in 24 hours, my legs will be fully rested and feel strong as I float along in my Friday workout, the day before the opening round of the 800 meters.
The recipe for that session is a tightly guarded secret that I will happily share with you in tomorrow's column.
