Kenyans and Ultramarathons

Piece from The Guardian about the absence of one of the world's marathon powerhouses from the "ultra" form of the sport: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/the-running-blog/2018/feb/27/why-dont-kenyans-run-ultramarathons

Afternoon Run

Nagase Shrine was established 1000 years ago by order of the Japanese emperor of the day, and perhaps to commemorate that event the keyaki (Japanese elm) beside the torii was planted, as it is estimated to be the same age. Despite having run past any number of times, it wasn't until today that I stopped to read the informative plaques.   

More Running Connections

The title refers to an earlier post.  This is a first-hand account of the relentless bombing, humanitarian catastrophe, and increasingly desperate efforts by the White Helmets to save lives in eastern Ghouta.

The Union of Medical Care and Relief Agencies:  http://www.uossm.us/
unicef: https://www.unicef.org/
World Food Programme: http://www1.wfp.org/

Winter Running Scenes in Kamo City, Niigata

Extra heavy snowfall this winter in Niigata, Japan, apparently due to La Nina.  Running in these conditions is not unpleasant provided the snow has been compacted by passing vehicles. 

Abebe Bikila

Abebe Bikila, two-time Olympic champion in the marathon, first at the Rome Olympics in 1960, when Bikila completed the course barefoot in world- record time (2:15:16), becoming the first African to win Olympic gold. Four years later in Tokyo, Bikila successfully defended his Olympic crown, setting a new world record in the process at 2:12:11.  (By the by, in the 54 years since Bikila's performance, the world record has fallen by less than 10 minutes despite the myriad advances made in all areas contributing to athletic performance.)  Sadly, Bikila was involved in a career-ending car accident in 1969; four years later he was to die of accident-related complications.

Photo: Wikipedia

Born to Run and the Running Connection

I suspect Christopher McDougall's Born to Run has inspired more than a few non-runners to hit the pavement or the trail for the first time, just as I imagine his book has enhanced the running experience of many who already had mileage on their legs when they read the first page.  I know it has mine.

Among the insights and observations in the book I find most stimulating are those relating to the notion that running aids us in connecting with others (and our environment). On this theme McDougall writes of the humanitarian work performed by one of America's top female ultra-marathoners (Jenn Shelton?). Furthermore, characterizing the philosophy of legendary ultra-marathoner Scott Jurek, McDougall writes, "The reason we race isn't so much to beat each other, he understood, as to be with each other."  And not just those with whom we are running or whom we encounter during the run, but those not physically present as well.

In an earlier post I included a link to Back On My Feet, an organization in the US promoting running among homeless individuals and providing housing and other assistance to those in need.  The following links will help you connect with aid agencies desperately trying to help some of the world's most vulnerable, particularly the residents of the Eastern Ghouta enclave outside Damascus, Syria, innocent civilians caught in a conflict that continues to claim the lives of so many throughout the country.

The Union of Medical Care and Relief Agencies:  http://www.uossm.us/
unicef: https://www.unicef.org/
World Food Programme: http://www1.wfp.org/



     

Not about Running: Indigenous Place Names, USA

Am reading Dee Brown's Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, which is not exactly for bedtime, but I'd require this classic of all students in the US were it up to me. As for indigenous place names, this is interesting. 

Running, Companionship, and Caring for Others

Another article from Outside Online about running.  Perhaps you'll be inspired to join a chapter of Back on My Feet or start your own.

Eliud Kipchoge Interview

Marathon Man extraordinaire Eliud Kipchoge shares some of his secrets to success.

Marathon Man: The Start

A blog about running- related matters.

Sometimes not, though.

For starters, a poem for company on lonely winter runs.

"Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening"

Whose woods these are I think I know.   

His house is in the village though;   

He will not see me stopping here   

To watch his woods fill up with snow.   

My little horse must think it queer   

To stop without a farmhouse near   

Between the woods and frozen lake   

The darkest evening of the year.   

He gives his harness bells a shake   

To ask if there is some mistake.   

The only other sound’s the sweep   

Of easy wind and downy flake.   

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,   

But I have promises to keep,   

And miles to go before I sleep,   

And miles to go before I sleep.

- Robert Frost