Between the lines

Cornwall Park, Auckland

"For every runner who tours the world running marathons, there are thousands who run to hear the leaves and listen to the rain, and look to the day when it is suddenly as easy as a bird in flight."  George Sheehan 

This coming Sunday - May 8th, 2016 - I'm aiming at running my 47th half marathon, the Sri Chinmoy Half Marathon at Auckland Domain. I've recorded my half marathons and one marathon on a spreadsheet.  My first was in 1983.

I don't run to put more years into my life;  I run to put more life into my years. (anon.)

Half Marathon no. 47    Sri Chinmoy, Auckland domain, 8 May 2016.          1:57:30

Tuesday, 28 June, 2016:  This morning I ventured out at 5.40am for a morning run.  The sky was inky black.  By the time I got home the sky was starting to gain colour. There was heavy dark-grey cloud to the north but the clouds over our house had cleared.  I could see the Southern Cross low over our roof.  I imagined it was welcoming me home. As often happens, a few moments after I got in it started raining - heavily.  When I was driving to work an hour later, the street lights were off, the rain had stopped, the streets were glistening and there was a startlingly bright rainbow in the sky.

Wednesday, 29 June, 2016:  I set off at 5.45am into the rain. My heart in hiding stirred for the warmth and dryness of home.  5 km.  Strain in my left achilles heel.  Sore.

Half Marathon no. 48  - I'm searching for no. 48 right now.

Books on running:

1.  Running and Being, Dr. George Sheehan
2.  Why We Run, Robin Harvie
3.  What I talk about when I talk about running, Haruki Murakami
4.  Born to Run, Christopher McDougall
5.  Running in Literature, Roger Robinson
6.  The Running Mind, John Lilliefors
7.  Running with the Kenyans, Adharand Finn
8.  Once a Runner, John L. Parker
9.  The Marathon Monks of Mount Hiei, John Stevens
10. Run gently out there, John Morelock

Wednesday, 8 August 2016

I've still got a sore left achilles heel.  I once told a doctor that my achilles heel was my Achilles heel but he didn't laugh at all.  No doubt he thought I was a smarty.  I ran for an hour last Saturday but I'm not going to run the Sri Chinmoy half marathon this Sunday.

Wednesday, 31 August 2016

I went for a 5 km run last night at 5.45pm.  I'm still a bit sore in the left heel.

"The name Achilles' heel comes from Greek mythology. Achilles' mother, the goddess Thetis, received a prophecy of her son's death. Hearing this, she dipped him into the River Styx to protect his body from harm. However, she kept hold of his heel, meaning that the water did not touch this part of his body and it was therefore vulnerable."

October, 2016

I had two great runs in Mentone, Melbourne, while visiting my brother, Tony.  His instructions - Left into LaTrobe St, Left into Charman Rd, Right onto the path/track.  Table Rock.  Alan Langton Bench.  Return.  It was about 5 km.  I got lost twice but was assisted back on to the right path by cheerful strangers - 'You can't miss it, mate!'.

November 2016

I've just bought a new pair of running shoes.  The young man at Smith's Sport Shoes was really good.  I tried on a pair of Asics (too spongey) and some Mizuno (firm) and a pair of Brooks shoes (in between).  I bought the Mizunos.  I've just done one 5 km run in them.  I like the firm feeling of support, especially for preventing further achilles tendon pain.

February 2017
I've entered the Huntly Half Marathon, March 19th, 2017.  A month away.  Training ok. 

19 March 2017  Huntly Half Marathon (48) 1:58:50
My new shoes were good, not too soft.  The course ran alongside the Waikato River - metallic and glinting in the low sunlight to start with - and in view of the sacred mountain, Taupiri.  It was really hot, especially after 10am.  There was only water, no electrolytes in drinks.  I had cramp coming on in my right leg about 20m from the finish:  I finished without a sprint, and couldn't have gone another 100 metres.  There were few distance markers:  I was grateful to another runner, who indicated that we had two km to go, when I thought we had three.   

9 April 2017  Tauranga Half Marathon (49) 1:56:02
The race started from Fergusson Park at 7.00am when it was still cool.  I did 1:56:02, 6/11 in my age group, 106/225 overall.  I should do a bit better than this I think.  I've joined the First Place Gym in Hamilton to see if I can strengthen my core and legs.  This was a really well-organized race, with lots of encouragement.  'Keep going, mate, a hill is just a flat section in disguise.'

23 April 2017  Orewa Beach Half Marathon (50) 2:00:33
It started off along sand. After about 200 metres my achilles tendon was sore. After 300 metres it started to rain!  Bridget wasn't far behind me.  I got through it, my 50th, and felt more relieved than elated at completing it.  It was well-organized.  Best of all, at the prize-giving ceremony I won a pair of Mizuno running shoes.  I've got them now.  Black ones.

First fifty half marathons

5 June 2017
I can't shake off an achilles tendon soreness.  However, rest, calf raises and balm should help.

6 June 2017

I bought this green sports towel at Soraksan (Mt Sorak) in South Korea in 2005.  I take it with me everywhere.