Ok, I know this is supposed to be a blog about running and for the most part it is..there are times however that while I run I think, it's dangerous I know, but it happens. I thought today about the Steubenville, Ohio rape case verdict. I think it's a horrible situation, but for me is a representation of what's wrong with our country, and just how broke we are. Beyond that there are now two females in custody for sending death threats to the young lady at the center if this case. I find myself asking if this small Ohio community is embarrassed and shocked at the behavior of its children, or angry that its football team may not be as good next season. I can not help but wonder if these two young men will be treated ad heroes a year from now when their sentences have ended. i can tell you this, fir the young woman, her life will be forever changed and difficult if she chooses to remain in Stubenville or is forced out. I viewed a video of a former vice presidential candidate who was standing before a group, holding a "big gulp" , talking about her "rack". I feel that politicians if they are elected or otherwise should be representations of our country. Jimmy Carter comes to mind, the man is an example of what is good about our nation (like him or not), Sara Palin is nothing more than a clown, rise above your Saturday Night Live persona and make a contribution. I always thought she was certifiable...now I know it. Wayne LaPierre, can someone please tell this guy to stop...the NRA has a wonderful opportunity to engage in some really logical and cooperative dialogue, instead he is, in my opinion, a circus act, who is nothing more than a quote generator. I don't agree with the assault weapon ban, mostly because it did not work when president Clinton passed it in 1994. It did not decrease gun crime, background checks should be done nationwide. However it will still do nothing, as criminals and crazies will still find a way to gain access to a weapon. We have to have something better than " the only thing that can stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun" (unless that "good guy" with a gun happens to be a disgruntled police officer with military weapons training) . I know there has to be a member of the NRA that can offer something better than that, unless the NRA is really in the back pocket of the gun manufacturers. We have a new pope, yeah, I can only hope that he can fix the church...maybe he can borrow from LaPierre..." The only thing that can stop a bad priest with a bible is a good priest with a bible."
Ok, onto the running Since March of 2010, when we arrived in Penang, I have run, either in races or training, in Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, and now China. We decided on our trip to Beijing, to see Brenna participate in a performing arts carnival at an international school in the city. The pollution was pretty bad and for most of the time Roxanne and I were on out own, we were up before 5am to get to some of the sites as early as possible. The last day we were there I was finally able to get out for a run. Although the haze was pretty bad, it was 40*F, and I could not pass up the chance to see if the cooler weather would help my speed and breathing. We were staying at The Peninsula Hotel, which was only a few blocks from The Forbidden City and Tienanmen Square, and there was a great 6 mile route around the City and in front of Tienanmen. So off I went first down Dong'anmen Street which ran in front of the hotel...
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| The Peninsula Hotel |
Then my run took me down to Wangfujing Street which is closed to traffic in the area I was so only pedestrians and electric and push bikes. It was great in the morning as it was mostly empty, except for some walkers and some of the locals doing their morning dance exercise.Very few runners, actually none...
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| Wangfujing Street, Beijing |
Next was a turn west towards the Forbidden City.
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| Jingshan Qian Street Side of the Forbidden City |
along the way there are at least 3 checkpoints where the local constabulary are checking papers and making sure that no one has anything the should not. Initially I would stop, eventually they would just wave me on. I was also hoping to run in front of the Forbidden City, no such luck with that though, way to crowded with tours, so i would turn when the wall of people got to be too much. I was also hoping to run in front of or within Tienanmen Square, however it was closed off during The People's Conference. So I just ran around the side of the City. On my way back on my route I decided to go back into one of the local streets, this one down Beichizi Street, right next to the Forbidden City. It was not that crowded in the morning and made a great addition to my route.
Aside form this street, my way back was the same. the cooler weather was so nice to run in and being able to maintain low 8's per mile and no stopping to catch my breath made for a really nice 6+ mile run. I did spend some time afterwards coughing, but it was great! Check another off the list, I have run in China, and I will be back in May to try and tackle the wall.
Until then Loyal reader, Run Happy!
