I've not been running since 24th May 2012 till today, the 28th of June 2012. Truth is, I was away travelling overseas in Europe, and then it was a trip to Thailand. Somehow or rather, I find it difficult to maintain a running schedule in the midst of travelling to different places. I know there are some who would relish being able to run and explore when they are in different cities of the world.
So, this afternoon would be a sweet time to put on my shoes and go for a relaxed run.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
No Turning Back
Having transitioned rather well to minimalist shoes for running, I, out of curiosity and variety, donned my usual running shoe, the Response, and went for a run. It was disastrous! To cut the long story short, I ended up with muscle pains and strains.
I think I'll use my Response for walking around and retire it permanently from running purposes.
Having had this minor episode, I can understand this much - that my running style had adapted more to running in a minimalist shoe (it's running heaven once the transition is made well). So putting on a thickly padded shoe and running in them feels foreign and disjointed in running flow and rhythm.
I think I'll use my Response for walking around and retire it permanently from running purposes.
Having had this minor episode, I can understand this much - that my running style had adapted more to running in a minimalist shoe (it's running heaven once the transition is made well). So putting on a thickly padded shoe and running in them feels foreign and disjointed in running flow and rhythm.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
My NB Minimus
And yes, for those who are into running shoes, this is a women's model. But it fits me to a tee, and it's the only one available in size 6. Yes, I've got small feet. As a matter of fact, all my past running shoes were size 7.
Since my teenage years, I've worn down and worn out lots of running flats. My first pair ever was Adidas Boston, back in the 1980s. Those were the years of fame for the Boston marathon. Bill Rodgers the name that stuck out! My next pair was the Adidas Adistar, a delight to race in. Clocked fast times in them. My university years were a bit toned down, Adidas New York and Adidas TRX.
My years upon graduation were mile-less years. The running just stopped. It was only when I hit my 40th birthday, I spent time reflecting and thinking of what I want to do with the rest of my years left. I thought about my vocation - pastoring, about my family, and about reigniting my passion for running.
Then when I went out to buy a pair of Adidas Vanquish which served me faithfully for 3 years or so. Then I alternated with an Adidas Adizero Tempo. This was a great shoe!
The day I went to buy a Nike Free 7.0, I felt like a turncoat! Man! But, it was a comfy shoe to run in, and this serves me till now, even when the rubber treads have peeled off.
It's a long story of training and racing ... the short of it, is I bought into minimalism as a way of life. Blame Steve Jobs for some of that influence! But I got the point, and I saw the light!
That's how I gunned for Minimus. How's does it perform on the road, though it a trail shoe? All I can say, is beside the tap, tap sounds on the road, it gives a smooth ride. My knee problems are gone with this transition. But I've got to watch for the calf muscles!
Till the next time, happy running!
Sunday, April 15, 2012
A "Long" Run
I was out for a 40 minutes run by a highway. Not very long if you compared it to the ultra marathoners. Well, I guess how "long" a run is depends on your level of fitness and stamina!
I had my Nike Free 7.0 on, that trusty pair of running flats. The black rubberized soles had long peeled off, but other than that the shoes still performing well. Gets the job done. That's what I like!
It's a bright sunny kind of Sunday afternoon. Not many cars on the road. That kinds of add a reflective edge to the run. Plus much less carbon monoxide to inhale! So, that's good by my book.
It's the kind of workout where I'm just happy to keep a steady rhythm and keep chugging away. No intervals, no fartlek. Just give me steady and I'm happy. And so it was that kind of a run.
I had my Nike Free 7.0 on, that trusty pair of running flats. The black rubberized soles had long peeled off, but other than that the shoes still performing well. Gets the job done. That's what I like!
It's a bright sunny kind of Sunday afternoon. Not many cars on the road. That kinds of add a reflective edge to the run. Plus much less carbon monoxide to inhale! So, that's good by my book.
It's the kind of workout where I'm just happy to keep a steady rhythm and keep chugging away. No intervals, no fartlek. Just give me steady and I'm happy. And so it was that kind of a run.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Olympic Games 1984 & 2012
Exciting! I can't wait for the London Games to begin.
It's seems that all my life, my growing up years, were defined by major sporting events. As long as I could remember, the FIFA World Cup, and the Olympic Games marked the seasons of my life! Perhaps I'm not the only one.
My first conscious impression of the Olympics, helped tremendously with the arrival of color TV, was the Los Angeles Olympics. It was the year of Carl Lewis, and of Joan Benoit.
I will never ever forget John William's composition for LA, the "Olympic Fanfare & Theme". The music stirs up in my mind, bringing bask the sheer delight I had to witness Games history in the making.
Though I watched the Games half a world away, I felt like I wasn't just a spectator but a participator. During the more excitable moments of the Games, a bunch of us kids were yelling our lungs out at the TV set, seeming as if our voices could be heard by the athletes. In those moments, we WERE there! And when our chosen heroes of the track breasted the tape, we cheered as if he or she had saved an entire civilization.
It was magnificent to see Carl in all his athletic glory getting ready for each of his events. It seemed as if there's no other competitors there! How would Carl have known that he would become a hero in the hearts of kids around the world! While I have an embarrassing lack of fast twitch muscles, I was not at all shy to latch on to the inspiration Carl seems to emanate to admirers.
Having acknowledged to myself that my muscle group is heavily weighed towards the slow twitch muscles, I am well acquainted with the masters of distance running - the marathoners. Names like Grete Waitz, Joan Benoit, Rosa Mota, Carlos Lopes, rolls off my head like miles of a long road. Then there's Robert de Castella of Australia, Takeshi and Shigeru Soh of Japan. Also Juma Ikangaa.
For the mid-distances, names like Mary Decker and Zola Budd stood out. Then there's Seb Coe, Steve Cram, Steve Scott!
You might be wondering how in the world, I'd know all these names, in a time and age when there was no internet for the masses.
Easy! I had Runner's World!
I'd save up my lunch money religiously, and once a fortnight or so, I would take a 30 minutes bus ride to town, and head for the very few book stores in my city. There's no Playboy magazines on display, not that I was interested. My eyes were looking for one and only one magazine - RW. That's it!
It was a teenage boy's dream. It was the nearest I would ever get to my running heroes. Devouring every bit of information about their lives, their daily regime, their training and racing tips, wow!
And who could ever forget Mary Lou Retton! I'm no gymnast. Never ever thought of aspiring to be one at all. Nevertheless, she was breath taking in her smiles, her spirited zest, and in all her routines. And she won!
LA84 was like a very good wine. Vintage. I might be biased, but that remains my favorite Summer Olympic Games. All others pale into the far distance. This might have something to do with youthful hopes, dreams and idealism.
As for London 2012, well, we'll just have to wait and see.
It's seems that all my life, my growing up years, were defined by major sporting events. As long as I could remember, the FIFA World Cup, and the Olympic Games marked the seasons of my life! Perhaps I'm not the only one.
My first conscious impression of the Olympics, helped tremendously with the arrival of color TV, was the Los Angeles Olympics. It was the year of Carl Lewis, and of Joan Benoit.
I will never ever forget John William's composition for LA, the "Olympic Fanfare & Theme". The music stirs up in my mind, bringing bask the sheer delight I had to witness Games history in the making.
Though I watched the Games half a world away, I felt like I wasn't just a spectator but a participator. During the more excitable moments of the Games, a bunch of us kids were yelling our lungs out at the TV set, seeming as if our voices could be heard by the athletes. In those moments, we WERE there! And when our chosen heroes of the track breasted the tape, we cheered as if he or she had saved an entire civilization.
It was magnificent to see Carl in all his athletic glory getting ready for each of his events. It seemed as if there's no other competitors there! How would Carl have known that he would become a hero in the hearts of kids around the world! While I have an embarrassing lack of fast twitch muscles, I was not at all shy to latch on to the inspiration Carl seems to emanate to admirers.
Having acknowledged to myself that my muscle group is heavily weighed towards the slow twitch muscles, I am well acquainted with the masters of distance running - the marathoners. Names like Grete Waitz, Joan Benoit, Rosa Mota, Carlos Lopes, rolls off my head like miles of a long road. Then there's Robert de Castella of Australia, Takeshi and Shigeru Soh of Japan. Also Juma Ikangaa.
For the mid-distances, names like Mary Decker and Zola Budd stood out. Then there's Seb Coe, Steve Cram, Steve Scott!
You might be wondering how in the world, I'd know all these names, in a time and age when there was no internet for the masses.
Easy! I had Runner's World!
I'd save up my lunch money religiously, and once a fortnight or so, I would take a 30 minutes bus ride to town, and head for the very few book stores in my city. There's no Playboy magazines on display, not that I was interested. My eyes were looking for one and only one magazine - RW. That's it!
It was a teenage boy's dream. It was the nearest I would ever get to my running heroes. Devouring every bit of information about their lives, their daily regime, their training and racing tips, wow!
And who could ever forget Mary Lou Retton! I'm no gymnast. Never ever thought of aspiring to be one at all. Nevertheless, she was breath taking in her smiles, her spirited zest, and in all her routines. And she won!
LA84 was like a very good wine. Vintage. I might be biased, but that remains my favorite Summer Olympic Games. All others pale into the far distance. This might have something to do with youthful hopes, dreams and idealism.
As for London 2012, well, we'll just have to wait and see.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
I Love to Run
I love to run, and it's not just for fun
When the sun's out, golden late in the afternoon
Or when the silver rain drizzles on a run in the park
I feel alive, grateful for my two faithful legs
Packing away the miles, racing against no one but my gut
Running's an honest sport in its very essence
It confronts you for who you are and pushes you that far
If you are willing, you will discover more about yourself
That you can endure amazingly beyond your reserves
I love running, to feel the breeze on my face
An entire body in sync and keeping pace
I feel a divine pleasure when I run
Knowing I'm fearfully and wonderfully made
Bringing me back to the basics of progress with discipline
Framing my life's stresses against a greater backdrop of life in God
Reminds me to run faithfully, to finish the race God outlined for me.
When the sun's out, golden late in the afternoon
Or when the silver rain drizzles on a run in the park
I feel alive, grateful for my two faithful legs
Packing away the miles, racing against no one but my gut
Running's an honest sport in its very essence
It confronts you for who you are and pushes you that far
If you are willing, you will discover more about yourself
That you can endure amazingly beyond your reserves
I love running, to feel the breeze on my face
An entire body in sync and keeping pace
I feel a divine pleasure when I run
Knowing I'm fearfully and wonderfully made
Bringing me back to the basics of progress with discipline
Framing my life's stresses against a greater backdrop of life in God
Reminds me to run faithfully, to finish the race God outlined for me.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Just A Rainy Monday
It's Monday.
And it's a rainy afternoon.
I hear the rumbles of thunder as if it was angry at having to perform its duty. Thunder hates the weather, and I do too.
Why you might ask?
Simple.
It means I can't go for my long run. Of course I could, if you mean running in the heavy rain. But I don't fancy running around, along, and in puddles of water. And the very idea of getting splashed by passing cars is a definite turn off. I don't take to the idea of looking like a bedraggled miserable looking cat!
I've been looking forward to a good long run, after the weekend. So, that's kind of a downer.
No wait. Perhaps there's hope.
The rain's softened up considerably. And it seems that thunder is making his way away from my home. Yep, the rain has slowed down noticeably.
Now the pitter pattering, like some ecstatic man beating a fast stream of rhythm on a Indian tabla, that too has slowed. There's hope.
If all works out well, by the time I've put on my running shoes, the rain would have stopped. Everything outside would look sharper, crisper, and the air would have a faint moist scent about it. Perhaps, I'd be moving along and be greeted suddenly by a beautiful rainbow.
We shall see what turns up.
And it's a rainy afternoon.
I hear the rumbles of thunder as if it was angry at having to perform its duty. Thunder hates the weather, and I do too.
Why you might ask?
Simple.
It means I can't go for my long run. Of course I could, if you mean running in the heavy rain. But I don't fancy running around, along, and in puddles of water. And the very idea of getting splashed by passing cars is a definite turn off. I don't take to the idea of looking like a bedraggled miserable looking cat!
I've been looking forward to a good long run, after the weekend. So, that's kind of a downer.
No wait. Perhaps there's hope.
The rain's softened up considerably. And it seems that thunder is making his way away from my home. Yep, the rain has slowed down noticeably.
Now the pitter pattering, like some ecstatic man beating a fast stream of rhythm on a Indian tabla, that too has slowed. There's hope.
If all works out well, by the time I've put on my running shoes, the rain would have stopped. Everything outside would look sharper, crisper, and the air would have a faint moist scent about it. Perhaps, I'd be moving along and be greeted suddenly by a beautiful rainbow.
We shall see what turns up.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Beginnings
I love running. It's not the thing I live for. I live for Jesus. But I do love running.
My introduction to running was accidental. In my early teens I was crazy about football (UK) or soccer (US). So a bunch of our school mates formed a team. We trained together. Part of the training was jogging. Every time we went for the jog, I ended up way ahead of all others. That was my first heavenly sign!
Shortly after the team broke up, after a handful of defeats by other teams. It's the end of one dream, the start of another. I never stopped the running. I liked the feeling of being free, in control of my limbs, and making my way along roads and quiet paths.
Round about that time, I was also introduced to a world of words, situated at our local town library. While I dig the cartoon section as well as the pre-historic pictorials of dinosaurs, the one favorite section was that on sports. Running to be exact.
I would spend hours seated on the floor at that section, or at the nearby desks when one was available, in awe and inspiration, over pictures of men in shorts and singlets! Runners like Emil Zatopek, Chris Brasher, Henry Rono, Steve Ovett, and my favorite, Sebastian Coe. Pictures and words are potent catalysts for a young mind to dream big dreams, even impossible dreams!
I dreamt, and reckoned that if I can follow their training regimes, I could, one day be as fast as they were around the track. Which child has never thought of going to the Olympics, being in the Olympics? I never bothered to do such a survey, but I did! I lived a dream.
My first pair of running shoe was Adidas Boston. The day my uncle helped purchase that and brought it home all the way from Singapore, I was hooked. Now, with a branded pair of cool looking Adidas runners, I felt as if I have entered an exclusive club. Back then if you wore a pair of branded shoes, you're a few pegs higher in the social order, in the world of a school kid.
I'm on my way!
My introduction to running was accidental. In my early teens I was crazy about football (UK) or soccer (US). So a bunch of our school mates formed a team. We trained together. Part of the training was jogging. Every time we went for the jog, I ended up way ahead of all others. That was my first heavenly sign!
Shortly after the team broke up, after a handful of defeats by other teams. It's the end of one dream, the start of another. I never stopped the running. I liked the feeling of being free, in control of my limbs, and making my way along roads and quiet paths.
Round about that time, I was also introduced to a world of words, situated at our local town library. While I dig the cartoon section as well as the pre-historic pictorials of dinosaurs, the one favorite section was that on sports. Running to be exact.
I would spend hours seated on the floor at that section, or at the nearby desks when one was available, in awe and inspiration, over pictures of men in shorts and singlets! Runners like Emil Zatopek, Chris Brasher, Henry Rono, Steve Ovett, and my favorite, Sebastian Coe. Pictures and words are potent catalysts for a young mind to dream big dreams, even impossible dreams!
I dreamt, and reckoned that if I can follow their training regimes, I could, one day be as fast as they were around the track. Which child has never thought of going to the Olympics, being in the Olympics? I never bothered to do such a survey, but I did! I lived a dream.
My first pair of running shoe was Adidas Boston. The day my uncle helped purchase that and brought it home all the way from Singapore, I was hooked. Now, with a branded pair of cool looking Adidas runners, I felt as if I have entered an exclusive club. Back then if you wore a pair of branded shoes, you're a few pegs higher in the social order, in the world of a school kid.
I'm on my way!
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