"Every single Wednesday, I dread getting out of bed. And every single Wednesday, I walk home smiling. "
I hear my alarm go off, and my first thought is: „There is absolutely no way I'm doing this.“
It's freezing outside, it's way too early, and my bed has never felt more comfortable. However, I know how good I will feel afterwards.
I quickly text my friend Leni that I'm awake and send her a ridiculous sticker, brush my hair, brush my teeth, and somehow I'm already tying my running shoes. The night before, I had already laid out my running outfit because I knew my morning self would need as little decision-making as possible. The final touch: my pink bandana around my neck.
Stepping outside into the cold air makes me question every life decision that brought me here. But by now it's too late to turn back.
One of my favourite things about being up this early is seeing Innsbruck before everyone else does. It feels like the street lights are still on just for me. By the time I pass the Golden Roof, I already spot a few girls running in the same direction. They're all wearing something pink. A pink cap. Pink socks. A pink scrunchie. And somehow that tiny detail already makes me smile.
As I get closer to Marktplatz, I see my friend Leni turning the corner cheerfully.
Honestly, she's the type of friend everyone deserves.
She says yes before you finish asking, and is about one Instagram post away from a new hobby.
Standing there together, still half asleep, I remember how grateful I am for friends who actually show up.
Leni looks at me and says, "Just imagine we're not freezing in Innsbruck. Imagine we're in Ibiza in June, waiting for the DJ to start playing" And somehow... Life immediately feels better.
Whatever doubts I had while getting out of bed completely disappear the second the whole group starts moving.
The pace is perfect. Fast enough to feel like you're exercising. Slow enough to spend the whole run catching up with your friend without being out of breath.
By the time Leni and I caught each other up on all the things that happened since literally yesterday (haha), we arrive at La Pausa. Waiting for us is a free espresso macchiato. With pink milk!!! The cutest!
There's just something about collectively choosing to run at 7:30 in the morning when it's cold outside that makes everyone instant friends. Trauma bonding, if you ask me.
We all sip our coffee, laugh a little more, exchange Instagram handles, and slowly make our way home.
Every single Wednesday, I dread getting out of bed. And every single Wednesday, I walk home smiling. Because before 9 a.m.
I've already moved my body, laughed until my stomach hurt, spent time with one of my favourite people, met new girls, and drank a pink coffee. Life doesn't get any better than this.
