Not 'Run of the Mill' Music

Thanks to my incredible brother, I am listening to some wonderful music from my school and college years...
* Woh bhooli Dastaan lo phir yaad agaae..
* kabhi kisi ko mukammal jahan nahin milta
kahin zameen to kahin aasman nahin milta
jisay bhi dekhiyay woh apnay aap mein goum hai
zuban mili hai magar hum zuban nahin milta
*ek din bik jayega
* tere hamsafar geet hai tere
* seene mein jalan
* tu ne kahin aur mein ne maani, o dilber jani

And of course
* Dark side of the moon
* Simon and Garfunkel's Greatest Hits
* Come September(Billy Vaughn)

Noteworthy Olympic Run

For the first time in Olympic history, a Nigerian has won the gold in the marathon.

According to the BBC, "Sammy Wanjiru won Kenya's first ever gold in the men's marathon, breaking the Olympic record despite the soaring heat in Beijing. Wanjiru, who was among the leading pack which set the fast early pace, pulled away in the final kilometres to win in 2 hours six minutes and 32 seconds."

This got me thinking about the great Irish marathoner Steve Jones, who set a course record in running a spectacular marathon in Chicago in 1985.

Outrun and Out-pun

Trying to outrun the ghosts that are chasing me- not an easy task for the thoughtful.

Purposeful Running-

I have been thinking about running to work from home, a distance of about 18 miles each way. In that context I read an interesting article in the WSJ on people running to work, especially in California.

Going the Distance to 'Save Gas' Extreme Runners Commute by Sneaker, Pushed by Pump Prices -- and a Bit of Fanaticism

Given the right conditions, running is the fun way to commute. I happen to observe and note so many things when I am out running.

Running "Sole"fully

In Chicagoland, the organization SCARCE enables folks to donate their used gym shoes for recycling. It is a great effort and something I personally take advantage of.

Running On Treadmills..not ROT.

The vice president of marketing for a leading fitness equipment manufacturer graciously does a guest lecture in my marketing class whenever I ask him- such people are a rarity these days! Thanks B.

Last time B. was in my class, he talked about the current innovations in treadmills, including integration with anything 'Apple'- like the iPods and iPhones and iTunes. Soon to come would be iShoes. While the integration delivers value and makes running on a treadmill less monotonous, it is not for me. The whole reason for my running is to be outdoors and experience the wind and the other natural elements. For those who 'tread' alone and on a lonely path...

Running past Mediocrity

One great benefit of long distance running is that it gives the runner the time to reflect. I was doing precisely that today, as I passed by a bridge that was reconstructed and the Mayor was performing the opening.
Mediocrity is all around us. The media does a great job of demonstrating it. A good runner know to push the body beyond the normal limits, and doing something useful for society.

Running In Rhythm

It is fairly common to see folks running with their iPods and headsets. I don't run with any of these attachments as I take my running rather seriously. But the music keeps on playing inside my head, and it amazes me that the body synchronizes with the music that I choose to play in my mind. Today I was playing the songs of U2 from the Joshua Tree. They are perfect for a runner.

Childhood Romance

After quite a few years, I finally ran in Denada forest preserve, and logged more than 8 miles. This area has some beautiful running trails. I went to the horse farm at one end of the trail and came back.
Running in this preserve reminds of my grandfather's farm and the great fun I used to have when we visited our grandparents every summer. We would be wandering in the farms and we would get any melon or coconut or other fruits that we wanted. But what I remember the most is the vast expanse of greenery. The current Denada area distinctly has the same quality. Through supporting the local and county government through taxes and having my own prairie, I have contributed to the long term prospects for this preserve.