Jogging Haiku 42: First Post-Race Training

Busy diggers work
Lazy canines bark and walk,
Kazuma awake.

I went for a first run since last week's race. On top of wanting some exercise, I also wanted to check the condition of my body. Using the baby stroller did annoy my shoulder a little, but not to the point of hurting. My right knee ligaments and tendons (I think) were a little strained, but nothing so bad. In other words, no hard runs for me for a while, but gentle training like this morning seems fine. At a park I also tried some bico de papagaio and one-hand cartwheels using my healthy shoulder, and it was fine.

Kaz was pretty quiet the whole time, which surprised me a little. It was a little cold, and I made sure he was well covered, but I was a little concerned. When I had to stop at street lights, I checked his hands and they weren't cold, so I guess he was fine. Hopefully he'll continue to enjoy these outings.

4:19:03

I'm really happy with this time. While CU did it in just over 3 hours and Jelly My Belly in 4:12, I cut off more than 20 minutes from my previous best time. My shoulder felt fine, but I had periodic spasms in my calves climbing up from about the 19th kilometer. Slimie Limie thought my body might have been compensating for my shoulder, while a friend of CU mentioned it might have been a sodium issue. I think I just took too easy in the last three weeks of training (it is recommended to slack off, maybe I over-slacked).

In any case, I'm very satisfied with my time, even if I secretly hoped to break the 4:15 barrier. I had some nice conversations along the course, saw a family (non runners) with a baby carrier bag I've been eyeing and they told me it was great, and I helped an older gentleman get up after a fall about a hundred meters from the finish. I couldn't ask for more.

Training's Over

White Powder: Finished
Me: 4:19:??
Jelly: 4:12:??
CU: 3:00:??
Otsukare.

Jogging Haiku 41: Last Training

Crisp, cool humid air
After the day's long showers,
My shoulder test passed.

I jogged my last run before the Sanjurokumine race. For those who didn't know, I dislocated my shoulder doing capoeira last Sunday. I needed to go for a last run to see how it would feel. The shoulder itself felt fine, but the brace, although tolerable on the 6-7k run I did, would turn very uncomfortable on a longer run, because of the edges. So I think I'll run without it.

Of course, due to this injury, my expectations are nil as far as time is concerned. Finishing might be all I can manage. And if I can reach my original goal of finishing in 4:30:00 or less, I'll be thrilled. As the Japanase like to say to encourage people: fight-o!

Bad Luck

Last Sunday was my capoeira group's Batizado & Troca do Cordas, an event where I earned my yellow cord in a good demonstration of my skills, according to my teachers. Sadly, in the open game after, I dislocated my shoulder. Yes, it hurt, of course. But at least it wasn't my legs.

Now, I'm faced with a difficult decision, to join or not the Sanjurokumine race this coming Sunday. I bought a light support yesterday and it seems to be helping. Also, the pain has been subsidizing and although I felt a little hesitant riding my bicycle this morning, it was OK. Running 30km in the mountains is a little different, however. I guess what I'll do is go for a short run tomorrow evening and judge if it is possible or not. I really want to join, even if I can't finish. I didn't do all that training to just let a stupid dislocated shoulder stop me.

As the Japanese like to cheer: FIGHT-O!

Jogging 40: Last Long Training

Hazy orange glow
Chased away by drab grey clouds,
Race against the rain.

(20-25k with steep hills)

Friday morning I went for my last long training before the Kyoto Mountain race. Except for a few drops, the rain didn't start until evening, so I guess I won the race! Wanting to cover a good distance I decided to go from Suma to Shin Kobe on the all-Rokko mountain trail. It didn't get any easier, especially since I was pushing harder than last time, the distance being shorter. It was good training for climbs and descent, but since the Kyoto race is 'easier' to run on, perhaps I should have chosen something closer to the race. Oh well, I'm sure doing something tougher will be useful in the end.

Maybe because of my stronger pace, some of the hills seemed tougher, especially in the beginning. Mt. Kikusui and the climb to Futatabi weren't that hard, even if I had to stop once or twice to catch my breath. Actually, it was the first few hills that seemed tougher, even if I passed a number of hikers of all adult ages. From Futatabi to Shin Kobe, I met a number of students on school outings and groups of disabled people enjoying the beautiful scenery.

By the end of my course, I was starting to have a headache and it stayed with me pretty much all day, followed b a bit of fever. I think it was from dehydration since I drank a lot during throughout the day after and barely went to the washroom. I'll have to be careful the next times.

And when I got back, my registration had come it. I have bib number 2238. Having it completed it in around 4 hours and not having much muscle pain 24 hours later (but stairs are no fun and I live in a 3-story house...), I feel confident I can finish the Kyoto race in 4:30, my objective this year. It'd be nice if I could finish it even faster but I'm not going to make any projections here.

Jogging Haiku 39: Charity

Jog for charity
With my favorite cause of all,
Let's go Kazuma!

(16km, with the baby car)

Today I ran with my son for the Japanese International Food for the Hungry charity group. I had for them a few years back, when they had a different name. Sponsors (and you are not too late...) had the option to give me a fix amount or to donate for every lap around the outer moat of Osaka Castle (3.5km). As everyone gave me a fixed amount and I didn't feel like doing laps around the same course, I decided to jog from my place to the castle and do a symbolic lap around the designated course. To the starting point, the path I took was about 12.5km.

As I crossed the Juso bridge, Kazumax got pretty excited and he remained so until I got to a bakery nearby. After buying some bread there I stopped by my friend Fif's place, he who had given Kaz a present a few weeks after his birth. After a few minutes, off we were towards the Oh river. We went along it until near Osaka castle, passing a number of walkers who had joined some sort of event. After crossing a pedestrian bridge, we were in the castle's park, and a few minutes before getting to the starting point, Kaz got a little fussy. Thanks to a Passe-Partout song he remained calm until we got there. Of course, once there, got excited with everyone talking to him. After talking with a few people, off we were for our lap. Quickly he got fussy again, but luckily the balloon the group had given us kept him entertained. Here are the pictures from the day.

Jogging Haiku 38: Base de Plein Air

Around the barrier
Half trail into the forest,
What fence, officer?

(12-14km, last 3k sprinting)

It was nice to run on roads and paths I walked and rode growing up. Some paths were not were I remembered them, while others were very muddy, and all were beautiful in their fall coats. Great run all around.

Jogging Haiku 37: Mt. Pinacle

Flocks of birds waking
Deer fleeing my intrusion,
Fall call of nature.

(Abt 11km, climbing up Mt. Pinacle)

Away from town at a chalet next to Lyster Lake, I woke up one morning, jogged around the lake to the start of the trail up to the top of Mt. Pinacle. It was pretty muddy, but not impassable. The climb was not so long, and from the top, the view was outstanding. I wish I had my camera with me. It took me a while to find my way down the other side, and when I did, I picked up the pace til the end. All in all, a great outing, with much wildlife encounters.

Jogging Haiku 36: Back in Montreal

Jogging new old streets
Red, oranges and yellows
In an autumn dance

(short 30min jog)

I did something I looked forward to, jogging back home. I basically never ran here in Montreal, since I picked up the activity in Japan. Staying at my moms, I'm running new streets as I don't really know the area, but they feel old because of the architecture and especially because of the feeling of nostalgia I get, especially smelling the odor of old leaves in fall. Looking forward to the next runs, which will be at a chalet in the Eastern Townships. Trailrunning here I come!

Jogging Haiku 35: Forgot

Completely forgot
To think about a haiku
Next time I promise.

(16km in two legs, pun intended)

I jogged from my home to the KFMH3 run in Suita, a distance of about 10km. I mostly followed the Kanzaki river, making the trail pretty trafficless, something I always appreciate. It was pretty hot then, and a small cold notwithstanding, I could keep up my medium pace the whole time.

I made a small navigational mistake, which resulted in, perhaps, a slightly shorter trail, and the discovery of the last few hundred meters of the KFMH3 trail. I got to the station and only the hare and another member were there. The run was quite nice, going through parks, passing a Greek Orthodox church (!) and through some temples and shrines, including the one where Peking Dog had his Shichi-Go-San, a rite-of-passage ceremony when children are 3, 5 and 7 years old. There were numerous hills, but after the Suma-Takarazuka trail, they seemed like anthills to me. By the end of the course, Dances with Sheep's GPS indicated a trail of about 6km. All in all, it was great day of jogging, looking forward to jogging back home in Canada next week! I don't know if I'll have time to run before leaving.

Jogging Haiku 34: Flat Tire

A walk to the shop
For some bicycle repairs,
Half moon guiding me.

(6km, easy-medium pace, with some capoeira)

When I went out Tuesday morning to pick some pictures at Costco, I noticed that my front-wheel tire had a flat. After dinner, I walked about 3km to the bicycle store and then decided to run back home. I took a longer route, jogging along the Kanzaki river. That part of the trail was pretty dark, but the moonlight help me navigate the trail amidst tall grass.

Unlike some other riverside, there are only 1 or 2 homeless people living there, and most importantly for my safety, they don't keep dogs, so I felt completely safe there. In Japan, most homeless were regular people who lost their jobs (they thought they had them for life) and then couldn't face the public humiliation of not working and continued living the 'high' life until the loans grew insurmountable; many of them are now hiding from organized crime to whom they borrowed the money. I think they certainly are the hardest working homeless people in the industrialized world, rarely begging, most of them going around town to gather scrap metal and cardboard to sell to recyclers.

Jogging Haiku 33: Early in The Morning

Float in assembly
Sun rays falling down oblique,
Perfect autumn run.

(12km, good pace)

Having woken up early, I decided to have my day's run early, since when I run back from work, it is sometimes hard to get a good night sleep, my body still alive with adrenaline. I started off at a good pace and kept it up for the whole run, taking a regular route with two detours. The day was perfect, with morning sunny and cool conditions. Along the way, I passed some people on morning walks and jogs, others on their way to work, and most interestingly some assembling a float for a local shrine festival. It's at times like these that running is best.

Jogging Haiku 32: Undokai

October begins
Relay-practicing students,
It's Sports Day season.

(6km, average pace, with some capoeira at the end)

Sports Festivals are a common trait at Japanese school. They are traditionally held at the end of September, beginning of October, although in recent years some schools hold them in May because the temperatures at this time of year can still be very hot.

I actually attended my first one on Sunday at my niece's elementary school. She and her friends seemed to have had a great time, and I guess that's the most important. I look forward to Kazuma's a few years down the line.

Jogging Haiku 31: Pasta Power

Off with a high pace
Adventure starts out the door,
Hash trail discovered.

(6km, strong pace)

I decided to go for a post-dinner run tonight, notwithstanding the fact that I cooked pasta gratin for dinner (very good, better than my first attempt). As I didn't want to waste any time since I'd be showering with my son and in the evening infant moods can swing wildly, I decided to go off at a good pace. I took a trail that I thought wouldn't be too long even if it was my first time doing it. Measuring on mapmyrun.com gave me about 6km, so I wasn't off the mark with my estimate. As I was running I figured that some strong pace training will help me on the Sanjurokumine trail in December, especially in the last few kilometers. The last hill starts off not very steep, and I figure that if I can jog it instead of walking it like the last two times, it could really make a difference in my time. I hope to get my personal best, 4:30:00 at the max (my previous best is 4:39:40 or something, although I did a few pictures both times).

And this trail, at 6k, should be perfect for a future KFMH3 trail. Hashers, be warned!

Jogging Haiku 30: Gestation

Along the river
Out for a first baby stroll,
Happy nine months, Kaz!

(6km, with baby stroller)

Today Kaz is 9 months old and as it is the earliest recommended age to take babies out on my brand of jogging baby stroller, I took no delay and used it. Actually I think he would have been fine before, but like the proverbial 30min (or is it 60?) wait after a meal before going swimming, I decided to play it safe. The is fine, and Kaz didn't seem to dislike it at all. Ok, well, he didn't cry. But he was pretty silent, perhaps because he was sleepy. In any case, good first outing, looking forward to the next.

Jogging Haiku 29: Heaven and Hell

Sunrise to sunset
A day spent mountain jogging,
Mostly heavenly.

(56km If you don't want to read the account, you can also check this photo gallery)

Well, I did it. I have never felt so happy seeing the black sandbags at the end of the trail to Takarazuka as this time. Then again, it was the first time I did the All-Mountain Rokko trail in its entirety.

I left home around 5:30 to catch my train. The sky was a pre-sunrise deep blue without a single cloud, and the temperatures were cool. Somewhere around Nishinomiya or Ashiya the sun rose, illuminating the buildings with a golden hue. It was going to be a beautiful day. I arrived at JR Suma, changed to Hanshin and one station later, here I was, at Sumaurakouen station, the start of the trail. A few other hikers were there two, and after a quick snap, off I was.

On the first climb I met a couple of gentlemen who were doing the same course, but on two days, resting at the Maya lodge. I will include this in my Kansai Scene article as an option I think, although I wouldn't want to stop overnight personally; it's as much a matter of ego (do it in one day, chump, you're under 40!), as a matter that after doing the worst part, legs will be sore the next day. But if I can still hike as much as them where I'm in my 60's, I'll be happy. Good on them to be still as genki.

The first hill was finished rather quickly, which led me to the second hill, which starts with a looooonnnngggg flight of stairs. Soon after I passed a hiker, took a shot from the top, and then arrived in the Suma alps, one of the most scenic place on course. Throughout the course, memories of my Trailwalker training with Yuriko, Akemi and Carsten flooded back in my mind. As nice as the alps are, they're nicer when shared with good friends.

When I was almost at the bottom of the hill, three trail runners gained on me. By their looks (flat stomachs) I deduced they were much quicker than I. We stayed together for a kilometer or two, and then lost them when we started climbing the next hill. By their pace, I would guess they finished the course in 8 or 9 hours. At the top of the hill, there is a nice Inari shrine, complete with fox deities and red torii gates. The Higashiyama Sanjurokumine race finishes at the Head Inari shrine, so passing one was special for me. After a few more snaps, off I was. The following few kilometers are all on asphalt in a Kobe suburb (or is it in Kobe city, I'm unsure). While a little less interesting, it does have one of the only convenient store on trail, and I picked two rice balls, two bottles of water and one box of almond chocolate, my favorite snack while outdoors.

And I needed the energy for the next mountain, Kikusui. It is the steepest climb, with some high steps and rocks to navigate. I passed an older lady who told me gambatte (hang in there), and I replied the same. It's amazing to see all the retirees on trail in Japan, where few young people enjoy the outdoors. I guess with fewer cars around, people stay fit longer. But still, my hat off to those genki golden-agers.

I finally reached the top, and in somewhat better shape than I expected. It was still tough, but with no one to complain to, I focused on the job at hand. I ate some food at the top, gave my legs a little break, and off I was again. After the downhill, where I passed another man attempting the whole trail, and a suspension bridge across a road, it was time for another long climb, to Futatabi. I felt pretty good climbing, even I was starting to feel a little tired. Soyjoy bars and energy drinks gave me a boost, and I reached the top not long after.

That part of the trail reminded me of Chris Lynch, with whom I had hiked this part of the trail when he crossed the Japan archipelago on foot a few years ago. Not far after the summit there is a temple with a statue of Kobo Daishi, the famous monk who hiked all over Japan, creating multiple pilgrimage routes that are still popular nowadays. I got some water at a machine nearby, ate a Soyjoy bar, and off I was on the last major, and I do mean major, climb of the trail.

The climb to Mt. Maya is long and at times arduous. What makes it even demoralizing are the number of descents along the way. Of course going down feels good on the legs, giving the climbing muscle a break. But every time you go down, it means you have to go up again. But in general, my progress was pretty good, with only one of two crazy runners passing me. I was quite elated when I reached the top, even more so when I looked at the time, 12:30! As an objective I wanted to be there by 14:00 to make sure I'd be doing most of the remaining course in daylight (I had a flashlight just in case). To see the time really gave me a confidence boost. I took the time to eat my last rice ball, some choco almonds and a cola jelly (what? no caffeine?).

After this feeding, off on trail I was again. The trail to the peak of Mt. Rokko is not so difficult. It goes mostly up, but usually it isn't very steep. On top of that, there are many distracting sights, like golf course, hotels, day trippers, mouton restaurants and more, as well as a small convenient store where beer tempted me, but a tangerine ice bar made it's way to my stomach. I finally reached the peak, took some pictures, had a last Soyjoy, and back to trail I went.

By then, my feet were starting to hurt a fair bit. I tried tying my shoes with different levels of tightness, but nothing would do, I would just have to endure. Some of the climbs, short as they were, really took the breath out of me at times. Yet, I was surprised to be able to job on all gentle descents and flats. Having never run for so long, I was a little amazed at myself. At some point, a man came rushing in the opposite direction, and he was FAST! But he was even faster some time later when he came down behind me! I think I might have seen him earlier in the day, so I figure that he did the whole course, then decided he needed to run some more, so he backtracked! I doubt I'll ever be as energetic as he, but it gave a boost to try to push a little harder. Later, as I was taking some pictures of conifers, another trail runner passed me, although more slowly than the first.

As I don't remember the trail so well, numerous times I thought I was really near the end, yet other little uphills kept coming. My toes especially were bothering me, and progress was at times difficult. But finally I saw the black sandbags, indicating I was near the end of the mountain trail. I passed a group of hikers who were pretty surprised to see me jogging (shuffling would be more appropriate). I stopped by the nearby temple, gave thanks for keeping me safe, and off I was for the worst part of the trail, the descent on asphalt to Takarazuka station. The roads are often quite steep, and with my painful toes, I couldn't jog. It did hurt like hell. But the slope became gentler, and I jogged the last bit, feeling quite fresh even if I'd jogged and hiked over 55km already. I arrived at the station at 17:00, much to my delight. For a first time, I feel it's a decent time, even if that wasn't very important to me.

I got a beer at the department store, sadly my choice of microbrew ended up being a little disappointing. When I got home, I started the laundry and went for a dip at the local onsen. I mostly alternated between the hot and cold outdoor baths. After, I had dinner at a local izakaya, where I had some good salmon sashimi, some cold tofu and grilled chicken: the tsukune was excellent! Of course I washed it down with some beer; after all, I need some carbs too!

Surprisingly, I woke up Saturday with very little muscle ache. I guess I could have pushed harder. But as a benefit, it meant that after my photography class - where we did a bit of walking - I could go to a capoeira workshop. Then, we went to dinner, and after I walked from Bentencho to Shinsaibashi for about an hour to meet a friend whose bar was celebrating its first year anniversary. I got home around 4:00am... And then today I rode my bicycle to join a capoeira Batizado. I mostly took pictures, but I did play a little bit. Where do I find all this energy is a mystery to me...

Jogging Haiku 28: Last Sweat

Dean's coach once told him:
"It's supposed to hurt like hell",
Rokko, here I come.

(7km, slow pace, with rain in the beginning)

I did my last jog before attempting the All-Rokko Mountain trail next Friday. I have the whole day (weekend actually), as the wife and kid are away, so the timing is perfect. I had planned to do it the following week, but with their trip, the timing was just too good. Also, a typhoon is passing these days and the conditions should be very similar to my run from Ashiya to Takarazuka. I decided to do it this year because Kansai Scene has given me the green light to do a piece on the trail (meaning I'll be carrying my D40 + 18-55mm).

The whole trail is about 56km, the longest I've ever attempted alone. I have done two Japan Oxfam Trailwalkers (100k) before, but in very friendly teams of 4. This time, it will be only me and the mountains, and I sort have a time limit, I'd like to finish it before sunset (although I will be carrying a headlamp in case it does take me longer).

I've been meaning to do the whole trail for a long time. During my first Trailwalker training, our team also completed it, but once at the top of Mt. Rokko, we had to take a different route down since one of our members had plans in the evening and it was faster for him to go another way. But in the end, we basically did the same distance.

This time I will do it alone, and I look forward to the challenge. I expect to hurt quite a bit on the day (more the following days, though!), but pain is an integral part of long distance running. Perhaps some of the mantras that will help me through it are the Dalai Lama's remark that "Pain is inevitable, but suffering isn't", and Dean Karnazes' junior high school track coach, Jack McTavish, saying "It's supposed to hurt like hell".

Well, bring it on!

Jogging Haiku 27: Revenge

Humid moonlit night
Got the best of me today,
Shoutengai retreat.

(7km, slow first 2/3, average last 1/3)

In my last post I was commenting on the hot dry weather with joy, already looking forward to the fall temperatures. Well, here in Osaka summer isn't finished and today the humidity was back with a vengeance. I was planning to take my regular 13k course back home from w*rk but not long after the 4k mark I realized that my condition (i.e. dehydrated after a very wet house-warming party with the KFMH3) would not allow me to run the whole way. Perhaps I could have pushed harder, but instead decided to shorten my route, going to a train station in between.

Doing so, I took some roads I'd never been on before (no big discoveries) and ran the last kilometer and a half or so in the Tenmabashi shoutengai, the typical Japanese covered shopping arcades. As the pavement there had been warmed by the sun during the day and some shops' air-conditioning was spilling outdoor, the temperature there was much nice and I felt much better, so I increased the tempo a little. It was fun at times dodging passerbys, girls promoting their bars, cyclists and (some heavily) inebriated people.

Jogging Haiku 26: Hot Hot Hot

Distant cumuli
Afternoon sun beating down,
Some days are hotter.

(6km, relatively slow pace, hot and dry)

As my legs were still a little sore from the big run last Wednesday, I knew I didn't want to run too much, but felt I did have to go out to loosen my muscle. And that's exactly what happened. At first my legs were pretty stiff and a slow pace but all but an option. But after two kilometers or so, they loosened up and it felt nice to jog at relatively slow pace.

It was quite hot in the middle of the day with no clouds above me, but since the came down a notch or four since the passing of the typhoon, it was far from unbearable. I'm actually looking forward to the start of the real fall!

Jogging Haiku 25: Run to The Hills (addendum)

Mist of butterflies
Crossing overflowing streams,
Ah, back on true trail.

(24-25km according to trail markers in about 3:40)

This morning was my first outing on mountain trails in a long while, and I need to do it in preparation for the Kyoto Sanjurokumine Mountain race in December. I decided to run the trail between Ashiya and Takarazuka, passing by the top of Mt. Rokko. I hadn't been there in some time and the two major changes are the disappearance of the faucet on the trail going up (fail!) and the size of the streams; but this last one is temporary, owing to the typhoon that passed last weekend. It also made many of the paths softer, which was welcomed.

I had forgotten how nice it is to run on trails; critters left and right (I saw numerous insects including swarms of butterflies and a beetle; a mother boar and her two babies; many birds; lizards; and I heard things scurrying in the thicket), fresh air, beautiful vistas, nature's melodies, and so on. I wish I had more occasions to do so!

I'm pretty satisfied with the run. I did it in good time, considering the stage of my training, the technical course and my recent lack of mountain running. I was sort of hoping to finish it in 4 hours, and was happily surprised to see my final time. Either I overestimated the difficulty, or underestimated my condition; in either case, it's all good. What also surprised me was my condition afterwards. I definitely could have gone longer. And in a way I did since I rode my bicycle to and from my day job, adding another 24-5km to my day.

Here are some pictures from the day.

Shot from the Ashiya Rock Garden

Making my up to that summit 2/3 right 

High-flowing streams

Top of Mt. Rokko

Famous Curve 113, indicating the way to Takarazuka

My favorite spot between
Takarazuka and Rokko

Jogging Haiku 24: Rude Awakening, Pleasant Jog

Woken for some box
Puffy white clouds and cool temps,
Go out and run, dude!

(6km at an average speed)

Got woken up by a delivery service coming to bring my baby's training toothbrushes (his bottom teeth came recently). Looking out the window blue skies with small patches of clouds invited me to go out for a jog. As I'm planning a longish trail run tomorrow morning, I just wanted to get my legs moving so I did a short 6km outing, which will be the short course on my KFMH3 trail next Sunday. As I was jogging along a riverside, hundreds of crickets were jumping left and right, and it was rather fun.

Jogging Haiku 23: Go To Jail. Do Not Pass Go

Windy cloudy day
Blue stripes etched across the sky,
Fall typhoon coming

(8.5km, mostly sow pace with strong headwinds)

I jogged to Shin Osaka station this morning to get my bicycle that was impounded yesterday (illegal parking). So with my shower after, I did a reverse triathlon, sort of. The winds while jogging along the Kanzaki river were quite strong, but as I'm still recovering from my strong run on Monday evening, the slow pace was fine with me and legs.

Until an older gent passed me. I told myself it was fine, that I was on a recovery jog, but I guess my ego had a different view and convinced me that near the end of this run, it was time to kick it into high gear a little. He had a good 20 meters head start by then and it didn't take me too long to gain up on and pass him.

That wasn't very nice of me. I'm sure it flattered his ego when he passed and man at least 20 years his cadet, and the courteous thing to do would have been to let him go. It was only afterwards that this thought came to me, even if I am reading Carnegie's 'How to Win Friends'. Although the logical order is reversed, it serves me well that I had my bicycle impounded!

Jogging Haiku 22: Bikini Girls With Machine Guns

Unusually fast
Passing walkers, joggers and cyclists,
What's with the abs cramps?

(15km, at a good pace, except for the last 3km when the cramps hit me)

I don't know if it's the negi toro sushi I had for dinner, that I didn't have any candy at work, my new jogging shoes or all the unspent calories after yesterday's KFMH3 run, but I was running fast tonight. I felt really good, despite this morning's hangover. I jogged quite a bit yesterday (and forgot again about a haiku, sorry), doing about 7km pre-hash from a photo gallery in Ibaraki city to Takatsuki where Slimie Limie hared a shortish 5km trail. The heat was pretty bad yesterday, and perhaps this evening relatively low temps (maybe 28 degrees Celsius) explained my shape tonight. But it felt really good tonight and enjoyed the faster-than-usual pace.

But around the 12km mark (estimated) I developed a small abs pain on the right side. What cause is uncertain, but I did have a visit to the washroom after the run, which could explain it. It was a little disappointing to get it since I wanted to run further, but oh well,  I'll keep my energies for next time!

Speaking of toilets, I have a small photo exhibition starting tomorrow night at the Blarney Stone Shinsaibashi; drop by if you have the chance. All the pictures were taken inside toilets!

Jogging Haiku 21: Walking, Walking, on The Tightrope of Insanity

Insects and critters
Sing much nicer melodies,
Than firecrackers.

(15km, walked the whole way)

For a literal change of pace in order to improve stamina I walked the whole course tonight, a lengthened version of my 13km course back home. Who would have thought that it proved more challenging! OK, so I had a heavier backpack, but still. I was surprised to realize that in many ways, walking for about 3 1/4 hours ( I stopped to take some cellphone shots and at the convenience store) would be harder than running 1 1/4. But it's good I did it, since it showed me some weakness in my current training regimen.

In the last 60-90 minutes, I was basically a zombie, not thinking about much (thus the title of the entry; click on the title if you don't get the reference) except for the beer I am drinking now. As a nice surprise, a souvenir box of crab & cucumber sushi roll waited for me at home. Yumm.

Jogging Haiku 20: Gimli

High schoolers passing
Giving me the right of way,
Onto the finish.

(12km, fast pace with sprint at the end)

As bad as my last outing was, this one was great. Right off the start, perhaps aided by the energizing drink I took before, I went out at a good pace. I took the regular Shirokita river path onto the Yodo river side road. Then, I decided to cross the Midosuji bridge to the other side of the river. There, on the elevated bank path, I entered the zone, remembering my first Sanjurokumine race, during which at some point I felt like Gimli with Aragon and Legolas chasing the orcs.

Of the three characters, I definitely identify myself with Gimli the most. He's a dwark. He's not made for fast running. But on his stout legs he doesn't give up and gives the orcs a run for their money. I'm the same. I'll never win a race (unless I'm the only one entering), but it doesn't deter me to go for it and do my best. As I was sprinting at the end of the course, I also remembered Dean Karnazes's coach who told him that it's supposed to hurt like hell.

Well, I was panting when I finished, but I felt quite satisfied after the last outing counter-performance. Fitting for my 20th haiku.

Jogging Haiku 19: Can't Win'em All

Blue, yellow, red bricks
Laid in dizzying patterns,
8-bit memories.

(5km, did not finish my intended course)

Some days are harder than others, and last Thursday was one them (which explains why I was reticent to write about it). Looking back on it (something I did on tonight's jog, read the next post), I suppose I was just too tired; I hadn't slept enough that week and I had ridden my bicycle in the heat in the morning.

I felt pretty bad after the run, but now I think I still did pretty well. Actually, I didn't want to go jogging that night, tired as I felt, but I still managed to do so for 5k; certainly better than nothing. And having found the energy to go that far and then walk all the way to the train station (cheapest option, not the closest), well, I must have walked another 3k or so. We can't win every battle, but it wasn't a complete loss.

Jogging Haiku 18: Burning

False alarm near home
Tunnel second-hand smoking,
Sizzling temperature.

(9km, tried to go fast, but the heat caught up with me)

Jogging Haiku 17: Reflections

Umeda by night
Floating fantasy fortress,
Yodogawa love.

(13.5km, faster pace than usual with a dash in the last hundred meters)

I ran my original course, going to the Yodogawa in Asahi ward, crossing a pedestrian-and-train bridge, before continuing along the Yodogawa until Juso. As I hadn't run that course for some time, I was anxious that some stray dogs jump me like before, but I had more to fear from kids with firecrackers than anything else. Actually, my sweaty cap worked as an efficient mask to filter the smoke from a group out to outdo last Saturday's Naniwa Fireworks on the same river.

My main goal for running this much is to get in shape to record a personal best time at this year's Sanjurokumine Mtn Race in Kyoto next December, and get into the habit of doing regular sports to be a healthy and example-setting dad when my son will grow up. It also has the advantage that in the last month or so, I lost about 3kg. I'm sure the next 3 will be harder to lose, but it's finer to look at oneself in the mirror when I get out of the shower these days! Actually, I feel better than I've ever felt in my entire adult life I think. Thank you Kazumax for giving me the motivation to exercise more.

Jogging Haiku 16: Stars

Sweaty humid night
Few people out and about,
The stars all for me

(12km, the last 2 1/2km at a faster pace; could have gone longer if needed)

Sleeveless shirts are cool and make one feel sportlike and macho. But a big disadvantage is the lack of surface with which to wipe your sweat! With last night's humidity, it would have been welcomed, but oh well. The end 'sprint' was not planned, just something I thought about doing to increase strenght and stamina. Most of the last part is under the shinkansen track along the JR main line; last night a freight train was going past me in the opposite direction, giving me a feeling of increased speed. It felt good.

Jogging Haiku 14 & 15: Summer Vacation Almost Here

Grasses lacerate

Birds, crickets, fish, dragons fly,

Urban oasis

Lovers on a bike

All smiles, singing, saluting,

Summer holiday.

(8.5km, new Toyonaka route, need to find a way to make it longer)

Two haikus today as I had forgotten to do one on Sunday HHH run. With not early morning w*rk this week, it almost feels like a holiday, although I still wake up early in the morning. So while yesterday I took the opportunity to prepare some documents for a photo course I'll offer in September, this morning I went for a jog. Early is best these days as the maximum go into the 30's in the middle of the day.

Jogging Haiku 13: No Rhythm

Roadside spectators
Snapshots of the danjiri,
Flow interrupted.

(5.5km, hard to jog after taking the shots)

A danjiri is the float you see on the picture. Brave men mount it and need to find their footing as it inclined to turn corners and it wobbles down the street.

Sadly I forgot to compose a haiku yesterday on the KFHM3 run in Katsura. Sad indeed as the 10km or so mountainous course was really beautiful, especially the part in the bamboo forest. At least I found a place to take bamboo pictures.

Jogging Haiku 12: Ocean Wind

Neon lights flashes
Evening dresses flutter,
Very friendly street.

(10.5km with a slowish pace but steady pace for most of the run, including on all uphills; kicked into mid gear at the end.)

Juso in Osaka is one of the cities redder district, although not the reddest by a large margin, or so I'm told. The western part of Juso has a long shopping arcade called 'Friendly Street", with shops of all kinds. Parallel to it is a cabaret street nicknamed "Very Friendly Street." It was the quickest way to the Korean shop I wanted to go, honest.

Jogging Haiku 11: July 25

Sulphur lingering
Throngs of yukata-clad teens,
Tenjin Matsuri

The Tenjin festival is one of Japan's top festival. Held in Osaka on July 24-25, it ends with a very popular fireworks display. Planning one's trip to the city to witness and participate isn't wasted efforts.

Jogging Haiku 10: Moved

New start location
An old friend revisited,
Possibilities.

(6km at a good pace)

I moved last Friday. I could find my shoes, but not my cap, which wasn't really necessary. I took a course I ran extensively in 2007 when I trained for the Sasayama Marathon (DNF) to prepare for the inaugural Oxfam Trailwalker Japan (about 25hrs 40min, 3rd mixed team, 17th overall). It was fun to run it again and find that nothing much had changed: saw a bird flying away with a wiggly light green worm; a dragonfly followed my a little; and a sizable fish kept jumping out of the water for some lengthy leaps. Overall it was a good jog.

Along the way, I saw a number of other joggers, even on an early Sunday morning. As they scurried in various directions, it gave me ideas for other courses to use. But that won't stop me from going back to the trails I've been using recently, even if - or because -  it will add 2k or so. The Kyoto Sanjurokumine Mountain Race is 5 months away, and I really want to break the 4:30 mark this year. How competitive of me!

Jogging Haiku 9: El Scorcho

Sun-scorched white markings

Edo, seventies to now,

On and On we trudge.

(KFMH3 run, maybe about 8-10k with many hills, preceded and followed by about 15km of cycling each way)

Jogging Haiku 7 & 8: Homage to Jerry Lee Lewis

I had my haiku done when in the last hundred meters, a sight inspired me to think of a second one, which is the continuation of the first.

Crows gathering high
A glance over my shoulder,
Great ball of fire.

Burning golden ball
On deep blues sketching warm hues,
Rise, silver sister.

(10.5km, around the Sonoda 'island')

Jogging Haiku 6: Dusk

Bats swooping breakfast
A duck's last call of the day,
Veiled moon on the rise.

(3km + 25min of capoeira + 1km)

Jogging Haiku 5: Summer Nights

Teens' dazzling crackers
Drum gods summoning lightning,
Energies unleashed.

(12.5km, regular jog home; fast 2nd half)

Jogging Haiku 4: Summer

Crickets seducing
Morning dew long gone by eight,
Summer heats begun.

(6.75km, regular Toyonaka course)

Jogging Haiku 3: Rain

Lightning through black clouds
Streets reflecting reds and whites
Hopping in puddles.

(12.5km, regular jog home)

Jogging Haiku 2: Owned (13.8km)

Towering wise tree
Clouds teasing from lush mountains
Wishing for their shade.

Jogging Haiku 1: Sweat (12.5km)

I'm not poet, but here's a poem I thought about while jogging this evening.

Jogging straight back home
Crossing over the Yodo
Smelling fresh cut grass.