marathonerexposed

8 Week Anniversary in New Zealand

I know I’ve been in New Zealand for a while because… The trees are changing from green to red, gold, yellow. Seasons have changed from my mid-summer arrival, to early-mid fall weather now. Early mornings here on the South Island have been around 33F. My full tube of toothpaste has been depleted: Even though I…

What the F**k is Happening?!

Just received this from boss. If you were here now, in New Zealand, and this was your local neighborhood trail, what would YOU do? I’m in peak marathon condition. I’m consistently running 140+km per week. I’m strong and ready to race. I feel like a prison sentence looms over me like an executioner’s blade.

Peter’s Coming Over for Dinner

Meanwhile, Melissa and her future mother-in-law Karen need to discuss September’s wedding guest list. Ethan changed plans and didn’t come home last weekend, but it’s okay since his mates were also scheduled to arrive and it ended up quieter around here. These are the days of my adoption within a New Zealand family. Originally scheduled…

How is New Zealand Different?

Running down the trail, sulphur fumes permeate my nostrils. Steaming gases rise in the distance. Blackened craters spew acidic steam. Just down the road, a traditional Maori village welcomes foreigners to watch–and learn, for men–the Haka war ritual. Sacred Maori lands are home to Middle Earth, where I ran as close to Mount Doom as…

Mrs. Pierce, My New England Mom

Dear Mrs. Pierce, You & Eric were scheduled to leave my place on Prospect Avenue at least an hour ago. Instead, the sun is setting and I’m waking up while lying on the glossy hardwood floor. Looking up, I see you and Eric on opposite ends of the blue couch, both asleep. In fact, we…

New Zealand Adventure!

I have to use the ! when writing about this place. There’s a reason it’s become the place to be. Here are annotated photos from my first full day in Auckland and running on Waiheke Island. 😭😭😭Her visa application was rejected. So, my beautiful girlfriend is in the Philippines right now. 我是一个人。 This tree is…

Charlie Forever

Dear Son–Charlie, We could not even see you at first. You were curled up in the back of the cage, behind the other really cute cat that everyone wanted. After he was pulled out, your first human Mom and I peered in, seeing you looking so helpless, eyesight obscured by redness. You looked so sick….

Are 11% of Americans Drug Addicts? And Assorted Other Chinese Questions, Part I

What are some questions Chinese people who’ve spent their entire lives–in most cases–in mainland China have for an American? I’ve asked a number of folks in Shanghai, men and women–although most responses below are from women. A sampling, in no certain order [translated from Mandarin by me if not using ” “, sent to me…

Underground Vegan

This vegan spot located on 15th floor of an apartment building near Jing’an Temple, in Shanghai. Opened upon request with promise we’d bring in at least 10 folks. We brought 14. So, off the sidewalk, no signs advertising any restaurant, past apartment building security, up a back entrance…take elevator to 15. Don’t fear the prison-like…

Honeymooning in China

Just learned today from a Chinese colleague about paid honeymoons here in China… First off, women must be at least 20 years old and men 22 to get married. If you are at minimum age, by law you get 3 paid days off to honeymoon. If you are 23 or older you get 10 days….

Shanghai Marathon

Sometimes it’s nice to be on the other side: handing tomatoes and cucumber pieces to marathoners, cheering countless 加油’s (“jia you!”), and supporting our friends and teammates. 加油！