2012/01/06
Kansai Scene Article on the Rokko Trail
My article on the all-mountain Rokko trail was (finally) published in the January issue of Kansai Scene. Check it here.
Jogging Haiku 43: First New Year Jog
First jog of the year
After over-indulgence,
Come on little heart.
(9km, at an easy and sustained pace)
Happy New Years!
I'm not going to make any resolutions, especially about running. When you want something, just do it. None of the big changes in my life were the result of a New Year resolutions. I think that if you really want to do something, you don't need to wait to the start of a new year to get on with it.
For the last few days I wanted to go out for a jog, but always found excuses not to: woke up too late, too cold, etc. But after exchanging emails and reading the blog (in French only) of a real runner, I decided last night to set my alarm for 7am. Of course getting out of the warmth of my futon was a little difficult, but as always once on the road, it felt nice to be jogging, even if I only went once in over a month, after the Sanjurokumine race.
It wasn't that cold actually, certainly less than in Canada where my new jogging internet friend has to train. And the sky was very beautiful, fantastic winter morning skies. I was wearing some new clothes I got in a New Year 'surprise' bag (not much of a surprise, the contents were advertised in a flyer!) on January 1st after lining up for 45 minutes or so and waiting for the people who grabbed the bags without looking and then returned them (numbers were limited). I got an Under Armor bag, which contained tights, two 'compression undershirts, a hoodie and a beanie for ¥10,000. This morning I wore the beanie [quite useful considering my (lack of) mane], the thin undershirt (which will probably change shape in the future considering my belly) and tights, in addition to a fleece. The shirt felt nice, and it seems to have helped with posture a little, the tights were OK, and I didn't feel the beanie, which is good. At regular price, I don't know if any of the items would have been worth it, but with the special, they certainly were.
Now, I previously said I wouldn't take any resolutions, and I won't, but I would like to run more this year, and to this end, I may do the unthinkable and join more races. There's a nice 36k trail one coming up in April and I think I'll try to enter it. If I start training again now, judging from my performance last month I think I could do it relatively easily and enjoy it. The race is located southeast of Osaka, going over the Kongo mountain, and its main challenge is that there is only one aid station to fill up with water along the course, so participants need to carry more water than usual. This is an important issue for me as I tend to drink and sweat quite a bit while exercising. And if that goes well, I may even be tempted in trying a 50k, but we'll see then.
Happy trails, folks.
After over-indulgence,
Come on little heart.
(9km, at an easy and sustained pace)
Happy New Years!
I'm not going to make any resolutions, especially about running. When you want something, just do it. None of the big changes in my life were the result of a New Year resolutions. I think that if you really want to do something, you don't need to wait to the start of a new year to get on with it.
For the last few days I wanted to go out for a jog, but always found excuses not to: woke up too late, too cold, etc. But after exchanging emails and reading the blog (in French only) of a real runner, I decided last night to set my alarm for 7am. Of course getting out of the warmth of my futon was a little difficult, but as always once on the road, it felt nice to be jogging, even if I only went once in over a month, after the Sanjurokumine race.
It wasn't that cold actually, certainly less than in Canada where my new jogging internet friend has to train. And the sky was very beautiful, fantastic winter morning skies. I was wearing some new clothes I got in a New Year 'surprise' bag (not much of a surprise, the contents were advertised in a flyer!) on January 1st after lining up for 45 minutes or so and waiting for the people who grabbed the bags without looking and then returned them (numbers were limited). I got an Under Armor bag, which contained tights, two 'compression undershirts, a hoodie and a beanie for ¥10,000. This morning I wore the beanie [quite useful considering my (lack of) mane], the thin undershirt (which will probably change shape in the future considering my belly) and tights, in addition to a fleece. The shirt felt nice, and it seems to have helped with posture a little, the tights were OK, and I didn't feel the beanie, which is good. At regular price, I don't know if any of the items would have been worth it, but with the special, they certainly were.
Now, I previously said I wouldn't take any resolutions, and I won't, but I would like to run more this year, and to this end, I may do the unthinkable and join more races. There's a nice 36k trail one coming up in April and I think I'll try to enter it. If I start training again now, judging from my performance last month I think I could do it relatively easily and enjoy it. The race is located southeast of Osaka, going over the Kongo mountain, and its main challenge is that there is only one aid station to fill up with water along the course, so participants need to carry more water than usual. This is an important issue for me as I tend to drink and sweat quite a bit while exercising. And if that goes well, I may even be tempted in trying a 50k, but we'll see then.
Happy trails, folks.
2012/01/04
How Not To Be Cold: Canadian State Secrets Revealed
"It is cold."
"I am cold."
There is a fundamental difference between these two sentences, and I would bet that every language in the world can explicitly express the difference. The first one isn't a matter of choice, unless you are Bill Gates and have the money to travel anywhere, anywhen (I know it's not a word, but it should be). The second is, for most people [especially the few (Hi, mom!) that actually read this], more a matter of choice. It depends on what you wear. Contrary to hot weather, when even if you remove all your clothes you'll still be hot, cold weather offers you the opportunity to protect yourself from its unpleasantness (even Canadians don't like to BE cold).
Interestingly enough, here in Japan I've often been the coldest inside a building, which makes you wonder why in a country with 4 seasons (and five temperatures: cold, cool, warm, hot and the-pop-corn-popped-in-the-jar hot, as opposed to Canada's hot, warm, cool, cold and the-tip-my-nose-fell-off cold) it took them so long to come up with the idea of building insulation, when comic books for grown-ups (and I'm not necessarily taking about the gross ones) have been around for so long. But I digress.
Yes, there are cold temperatures, and here are a few serious rules about how to deal with it. Telling non-Canucks about it makes me a traitor and subject to be court-martialed; think of me as the Bradley Manning of cold weather. So without further ado, here are the basics of "How not to be cold", applicable when doing sports OR not.
First and foremost, you have to make the choice between function and style. For some this is the easiest step; for others the hardest. Last winter I saw a young woman wearing mini-shorts (midly NSFW), a blouse and open jacket complain about the cold... No matter wether you bought it at Uniqlo or at Chanel, down jackets will keep you warm, with the side effect of making you look like Bibendum or Stay Puft Marshmallow Man: they were ugly when they came out, and no matter how talented the designer, they are still ugly today. BUT, they do keep you warm, if you wear them properly.
Second step is to keep your extremities covered: head, hands and feet. We lose most of our body heat from the head. Natural since the brain is the body's biggest energy consumer. Considering how little hair I have, this is much of a concern for me, but even lucky people with more gracious manes need to think about it. Warm gloves and footwear will also go the distance, especially when immobile. Sandals and high heel shoes dot fit in this category.
The final step, found in "The Perfect Canadian Compendium" given to children upon entering elementary school and all new citizens, is the 3-layer system. It is very basic, and it works wonderfully. When putting on clothes which you actually want to keep you warm, dress accordingly. First layer, which could be the most important, wear anything that wicks away moisture, i.e. NOT COTTON. Cotton is great in hot temperatures as when it gets wet (perspiration, rain, etc.), it cools down. This is NOT good when it's cold. In the past I have worn ice hockey jerseys [Canadiens represent! (represented would be more appropriate)], but recently when doing sports I usually opt for inexpensive 'dry' sport t-shirts, both 'warm' and 'cool' seemingly working equally well.
The second layer should preferably also wick away moisture, but mostly keep you warm. Think wool, fleece, down inner jackets, and so on, which do get cool when wet. The final layer should stop the wind and water (frozen or otherwise) from coming in, and preferably 'breathe' out moisture (think Gore-Tex, no bloody Texans here, and other fabrics work good too).
Use this system and you'll rarely be cold (although remember that to be 100% effective, it should be like this all over your body, not just your trunk). For instance today was pretty cold and quite windy in Osaka, so much so that I saw some flurries while riding my bicycle (nothing like this, though). And during my two 40-minute commute, except for a few moments at the beginning when the wind was cooling my feet faster than they were warming from the exercise, I was never cold (had a beanie under my helmet, snowboard gloves on my hands). This, even if I committed the crime of wearing cotton as my first layer.
Would Lady Gaga have called the fashion police had she spotted me? Perhaps, but only if she was indoors, because otherwise her fingers would have trembled too much to even dial 119 (this is Japan). But I really couldn't care less. I was warm and off to meet sensible people.
And cold weather isn't all that bad, isn't it? First, it allows a way to deal with it and still enjoy fun activities. Second, it makes some of the good things in life even better, like kotatsu tables, Japanese pot-au-feu, warmed sake and snuggling.
2011/12/15
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.
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.
2011/12/11
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.
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.
2011/12/08
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!
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!
2011/12/06
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!
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!
2011/11/18
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.
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.
2011/11/03
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.
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.
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