Friends: I apologize for the formatting mess-up in this post. 

Tuesday, 10/08: 71 degrees, cloudy. Great conditions. Air somewhat improved,
 but still 120's right now. Runable, but hoping for more improvement. Went 
out to run a few, but seems there was an endless recess period today. Kids
 from all grades, all directions, were flying around and milling about 
everywhere. I waited outside a while by the back canal--nice, peaceful, wooded spot, but eventually walked back in.

Heading out immediately after my 4th period Global Scholars class to get ina quick workout before the teacher's bus departs at 16:28.


Monday, 10/07: Dang it. 38 AQI in early morning. 50 when I left the apartment about 06:52. By afternoon, it was 140’s. By evening, 150+. I still went to

 InterSport. We still had 5 of us at the training session. But after one 
800m interval with mask on, I opted to delay my marathon Yassos workout until t
tomorrow, or Wednesday. I really wanted to do it, but decided to run a few 
easy miles instead. Great temperature. I just hate when the air here goes 
bad.

Sunday, 10/06: Ideal weather–about 78 for high, 50% humidity–and air–38

AQI dropping to 35--Guilin, such a wonderful woman as she is, accompanied 
me by bike as I ran a relaxed half marathon along the East Bund. 
I had to do it.


And so glad I got in the mileage. After all, Saturday was a full recovery 
day, then Monday the air went bad...worst we've had since summer break.

We ate at the all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet afterwards. Needless to say,
far different than American counterparts. This one has at least six 
different kinds of tofu, several types of fried rice, and plenty of fruits, 
vegetables and is still far less expensive than even the very cheap American
 buffets. About $7 USD for two people.



Saturday, 10/05: Pretty much the first thing that happens upon exiting

Immigration and re-entering the People's Republic of China? A fairly 
attractive, tall Chinese woman walks by my girlfriend and I, audibly 
passing gas. Another group of Chinese folks nearby laughs, seemingly at 
the clearly exposed sound.

We are home.

Wednesday, 10/09: Glory to G--d. Morning began with 170 AQI . Terrible. By 
13:00 or so, it was in the 50's. Amazing change. Usually air doesn't 
improve so dramatically unless there are huge gusts of wind, which there 
were not. I HAD to capitalize so I bothered Leigh in his office yet again--
my new habit this year--and changed into running gear. I put in 14k before 
my Running ECA kids arrived at the track. I ran through two shorter PE 
periods occurring among various school divisions and grades, then into 
my own running class.
We warmed up, did some stretching and drills, then 6 x stride outs together.
 Finally, 20+   more minutes of free running. I ended up with about 
20km. Most ever in one day on our school track. About 67 laps.

Then I headed to the gym and met with the trainer for an hour of various

planks (9+ sets total), balancing acts and walking lunges.

Began the morning frustrated by bad air quality. As it turns out, it was a

 Great day of training.

Thursday, 10/10:  10 x 800m Yassos

So nice to get it done in school and not have to stay after.

Beautiful day, but very warm during workout. About 85. Solid training.


Friday, 10/11: Had to make a huge money transfer to American bank account

due to my tenant in Bronx not paying rent. I'm not going to dwell on him. 
Will continue to compartmentalize.

Always an interesting experience to have bank employees with hammer & sickle
 pins on lapel assisting me in money transfer to an adversary--the United States.

Employees were very helpful. But it took twice as long as usual, in part
 because I had to go to a different branch since our neighborhood branch is 
being renovated.

I was the last customer. Metal security gates were down mid-way into the 90 
minutes or so I spent in the chair there. By the time I left, even the 
security guard had already changed into their street clothing, just waiting 
for my transfer ordeal to be completed.

Went to Carrefour afterwards, then to Beer Plus for vegan pizza. Best 
cashew parm anywhere.


Saturday, 10/12: Relaxed day. Tried on my new Nike ZoomFly’s. Felt fast.

Ready for a solid workout tomorrow.


Sunday, 10/13: Not Gonna Eat Chocolate Anymore–sleeve of woman’s jacket


Always fascinated by Chinese clothing choices.

Gorgeous day, albeit very warm, on the East Bund. Journey to the East half 
marathon and 10k. Got up to 81 degrees today, around 78-80 during the 
race; more of a marathon pacing workout. However, if I'd been 
able to hang with Vincent & Pedro on the second loop of the course, I
 would have. We all worked together in first loop--4:05 pace for 10.6 km--
but in second loop, I stayed ahead of my projected marathon pace (4:08), 
while they dipped down into 3:50's. I averaged 4:07 for second loop.


Strong run overall. Great workout. Guilin surprised me on bike as I ran
 back to InterSport. She came loaded with Pocari Sweat sports drinks and a 
tub of pomelo and pear fruits. I changed my shoes at store and ate fruit 
and refueled. My girl then accompanied me as I completed another 10.2km.


Monday, 10/14: Still stunned by Kipchoge’s run. I showed a video segment of

 his finish to two of my classes today. Spent some time discussing how fast 
his pace was. Focused on Kipchoge's philosophy of No Limits.

Eliud is a terrific exemplar for coaching-teaching.




Tuesday, 10/15: How can I be this relaxed while working as a middle school 
teacher?

Well, blue skies, 33 AQI (Air Quality Index), no first period today, a 
great breakfast made by a colleague's wife--straight to us Breakfast Club 
cult devotees--my new Sri Lankan lemon-lime black tea and having time 
enough to read some of The Washington Post & The New York Times...all of 
this will brighten my day.

I get to run this afternoon. Will teach 2 x 80 minute periods--lunch in 
between--then I have 2 full hours free. Running Time!



Wednesday, 10/16: Best School Day EVER!

So quiet, I'm the only teacher or student in the middle school. I think the
 secretary is upstairs. Maybe one other teacher in G building, a good
 distance away. Now I'm thanking my lucky stars for having this 5th grade 
PE class one day a week for 37 minutes.

Because of this, I was excluded from the field trips today--each grade in 
a different location. Field trips can be fun and I like visiting new
 places, but I've been to Tianping in Suzhou where sixth grade is today. 
And, most importantly at this stage in my marathon training, I really need 
the time for today's track workout.

Perfect timing