We wear many "hats" in our lives. For some people, their work defines them. You dont have to guess what defines me.

If you've ever been prevented from doing something you love doing, you know the depression that comes along with it. I am a very different person when I run. I think it was Bill Bowerman who once said that a distance runner is an artist. It is true for me. I find that I can express myself the best during those few hours every morning. I feel like if I push through bad patches during a run, I can do anything, and if *that* can be accomplished, then anything can. I have always believed that. Right now, I'm not so sure. I am more confused than ever. I think I'm waiting for some sort of bell to ring, like it makes a silver lining on a cloud. Dang it! I dont know!

13 miles @ 3am.

I have been running ridiculously early (or late) again. I used to put in miles at midnight or in the middle of night a few years ago but I avoid doing it now that I live at home - it makes everyone very uncomfortable and leads to alot of arguments. Anyway, I left at 1.30am. It seems so silly to sneak out of the house for a run. It is just so nice and quiet and all I hear is the sound of crickets. The humidity here means everything is still.

My thoughts at times like these always turn to winter - by far my favorite season. I have been told that winter signifies death and that to like it I must be fascinated by death. I dont think thats it. Winter is also a time for renewal, a necessary time for things to die down before new life in the spring. Perhaps I like solitude and the fact that no one leaves home in the winter - and theres nothing nicer than running with an undulating road ahead of you and nothing and no one to be seen miles and miles ahead.

I dont know why I bring this up since its far from cold here. I miss seasons!
Just under 12 miles (actually,I clipped it at 19kms)this am in 1.40.
600m strides - I look so ridiculous doing these but they have been getting easier.
25 laps in the pool.

Sick miles.

I have sicker than a dog the past few days. I have also had to take 2 days off. Either of these things on their own is ok, but put them together and you get a very grumpy runner. I cant remember the last time I took 2 days off. I have what I call 'restless leg syndrome' and there is NO way I wouldnt have run this morning - for my sanity mostly. The bad thing is that you are so raring to go and run, that you overestimate how strong you are. I went too far and too long and feel great. So great in fact that I will log in 3-4 slow ones at some point this afternoon/evening, depending upon the availability of showers.

11 slow miles at 2am. I walked 10 minutes after my run so I wouldnt cramp up.
20 freezing laps in the pool.
3-4 this pm (not logged in yet)

Porridge is the best recovery food.period.

Grrr....

Often I run/walk/travel by my old school - a popular International School in Paterson Road. This morning, I saw a student who's name I swear is Shanique (no offense, its like the unclassiest name!) who was wearing pyjamas (to school!!!) with the innocuous '69' sprawled on her bottom. Being the smartass I am, I asked her what it meant and why she wrote on her pants. My exact words were "is this a project for Algebra". I hope I embarrassed her enough - no one should be doing that!!!

Anyway, I think runners are part-time coke (not the drink) addicts. When we dont get our "fix" we get pissy and annoyed as attested to my little rant above.

I am not running today I dont think. I did put in 12 miles yesterday though.