Thursday, November 6

Night Swimming

“Night swimming deserves a quiet night
The photograph on the dashboard, taken years ago,
Turned around backwards so the windshield shows
Every streetlight reveals the picture in reverse
Still, it's so much clearer
I forgot my shirt at the water's edge
The moon is low tonight”

This week has found me particularly busy at work. Notwithstanding the clocks moving backwards, I’ve been leaving the office with the sun having set and the streetlamps already on.

Tuesday evening was warm and humid, and as I ran home along Richmond toward Mount Tolmie, I couldn’t help but notice my shadow growing longer as I passed underneath the lights. I always feel so much faster running when it’s dark out. It was then that it dawned on me that it has been months since I’ve been out running under the stars, mornings aside, and I was loving it.

Nights Swimming, one of my favourite R.E.M. songs, came to mind and I ran home playing with the lyrics concocting my own version of “Night Running”. I had the song set. And if it weren’t for today you’d be reading it now. But with 35mm-45mm being forecast, I think I’m safe in saying I ran home under 44mm of the predicted downpour.

Night swimming it is.

“You, I thought I knew you
You, I cannot judge
You, I thought you knew me,
This one laughing quietly underneath my breath
Night swimming”

Training:
Monday: day off
Tuesday: 48:32 with 4x3’ tempo (1’)
Wednesday: 50:44 easy
Thursday: 1:02:57 steady

3 comments:

Cliff said...

not sure how much snow u get from the west coast. But i love running in the snow at night. There is certain peace which i don't find in summer.

Mike said...

The evenings are finally getting pleasant down here in Tucson, so I look forward to some runs like yours.

I love that song too. Running can slow the world down for a few minutes .

Grellan said...

I thought you were getting an early start on your 2009 triathlon training.