Diagnosis

So, what should I do now that I have an excuse not to run for a while? I eagerly began my gym training today. I don’t know yet what the best plan is, but I’m hatching plans left and right. One footed biking? Rowing? (But no machine in my gym) I need cardio. Can’t use…

6th Time’s a Charm, Right?

In the dark of night, they were coming for me. I didn’t know how close they were, but in that sixth attempt, I wanted it badly. I went out in the driver’s seat, as my tenth grade student runner Tony had done in last month’s race. Typically, I don’t lead from the gun. I build….

Heat Exhaustion (I think)

It ain’t comfortable these days, with distended abdomen. Frequent bathroom trips. It’s pretty disgusting. I don’t care if I’m slathered in poop tomorrow, I’m running. Dammit. 3 forced days off the roads. But were those 67 kilometers in 67 hours worth it? Even in around 90-100 heat index, with high humidity? Without a doubt…

Back In Time in Burma

Dead flat, white beaches Sun soaked goldenrods Hillside Buddhist temples Temples everywhere; all shapes, sizes, colors… Red, white, real gold plating many Women with waist length hair, traditional yellowish-white face paint make up adorning Sound of small waves rippling out from beneath countless boats traversing the 1,350 mile long Irrawaddy River–the Aye Yarwaddy here A…

Fried Rice

First time I’ve had 炒饭–fried rice–cooked before me. At Teppanyaki, 水城South Road, Shanghai. Beautiful weather. Great air quality. Safe streets. As Shania Twain says, come on over…

Lunch Box

She is so thoughtful. She knew I needed this and had it sent to my school without my knowing. Did she choose this lunch bag for me, too? Came with the box. Thank you, girlfriend!

Vegan “McDonald’s” in Shanghai

Not officially McDonald’s per se but it’s a great step forward. McDonald’s style double deckers. Vegan burger joint. Exit turnstiles toward Exit 1 at People’s Square Metro station (人民广场).Go right into mall (do not exit train station). Walk a minute or less and it’s on your right.

What’s the Dead Sea Really Like?

How salty is it, really? Ever drunk vodka straight? The saltiness is so extreme, it’s like that in your mouth. I felt like, one accidental gulp of water would OD me with salt. Know how in most oceans-seas-lakes, you run your hand along the bottom and come up with sand, or plants, or mud? Here’s…

So Small

Up the stone path, at first it’s like a large hill. Like the ones we ran in Suzhou. Towering trees overhead. Gray headstones grow from terraced slopes. The three of us hike through this ancient graveyard. Green moss covers some headstones. A crudely made white ceremonial headdress hangs from a post over another grave. One…

It’s A Day in China

Looks like I’ve been run over by a truck, but I’m okay. It’s just my first traditional Chinese massage. After wearing my paper diaper for a second week in a row (but not thong-like or pink this time),I made the mistake of asking the masseuse to go deeper this time. Well, I’ve had tight hamstrings….