Running among the Flags...

Today I am the non political Florida runner...as I have always been, I have offerd the pictures in Black/White, and sepia tones, not as an insult to the Malaysian people. I did not want to have this post be about politics. I am a political retard, i don't understand how most politicians sleep at night, and how some people can say and do the things they do and still look at themselves in the mirror. Anyway, this is a blog about running and that is something that I have finally put aside pride and worry and just gone back to doing. I am getting used to running 9+ min miles, and accepting the fact that for me long distances in heat like this is not going to be pleasant. So, now to explain the title of my post...It was election time here in Malaysia, I have waited till the dust has settled and all has been decided before writing this blog as I did not want it to seem political (besides no one cares about my opinion on politics anyway). The political machine here seems less driven by TV advertisements talking about how the opponent sucks and more about "direct marketing"...There are hundreds if not thousands of flags of all shapes sizes and colors, placed on every square inch of space that can be found, there are blue flags, there are white flags, some have "balanced scales", some have "rockets". There are banners, there are posters and they are EVERYWHERE! It is fascinating, astounding and at times downright annoying. Especially when running on the road in traffic is not something I do often, as i feel like i have a target on my back...i actually had some big fat guy in a tiny car try to hit me on the sidewalk...really...and the motorbikes drive on the sidewalk as well...as a matter of fact the side-WALK seems to be for every activity but walking, but that is another blog post. Anyway, my point about the sidewalks is that for the most part, that is where the flags are. I was thankful to have the botanical garden and the Straits Quay neighborhood as a welcome respite from the influence of the flapping flags. As always our experience here offers something new...being here for this election and political process has offered those experiences  As a political dullard though...i will always remember the flags and the feeling of them caressing my sweaty legs as i waited on the corner for the traffic to pass...it was like a polyester hug, and who cant appreciate a hug...Loyal reader, thanks for sticking with me, and as always, RUN HAPPY

A Floridian runner in New Zealand.

Roxanne and I sit next to each other in the office at home, this often leads to long debates that are often one sided (Roxanne did not grow up with 3/4 of the Long Island debate team). It also leads to discussions on "where are we going next?" The last discussion involved Brenna's 3 week term break, where to go, what to do...so we started looking at a few of the places we wanted to go to but have not been yet, Japan, Vietnam, New Zealand, The Australian Outback...Now as far as my running, it had not been going well...it was oppressively hot as of late and my training has gone down a great deal. Needless to say I was looking forward to a break (although I often leave room in any travel bag for running clothes and shoes).
We finalized our decision and the winner was New Zealand. Knowing it was fall there and the weather was gorgeous was a big help, for me anyway. So we spent many hours debating over what to do and how best to use the time we had. We decided to begin our journey in Chrirstchurch, Then onto Franz Joseph, Queenstown, Te Anau, Dunedin, and then back to Christchurch for the flight home. So as Roxanne planned hotels and our itinerary I was looking at running routes in each town...its what I do. Every place we stopped offered excellent opportunities to run, and some of the most picturesque running tracts I have ever run.

Christchurch:

 Christchurch was eerie, to be honest. We stayed in the center of the city in the only operating hotel, surrounded by buildings in different states of repair and empty lots. streets were still closed and you could really get a sense of just how widespread and overwhelming the destruction was from the 2011 earthquake. It is however a beautiful city and has some beautiful routes to run, walk and cycle on. Since I was so close and could run to it, I decided on the Botanical Garden route, which brought me past Hagley Park and Christ's College. The cool weather was a welcome change and the route was so nice for running, tree lined gravel paths, wide sidewalks, in good condition. There were always other people out running, biking, or otherwise, just outside. It was a nice easy 6+ miles, no stopping or slowing, and my legs felt great...can I just say, I LOVE the Brooks Green silence...so sorry to see it go. Christchurh was just a stopover we were off to Franz Joseph withing 24 hours or so.

Franz Joseph:

Franz Joseph was THE greatest place that I have ever run. The day we arrived it was raining so I could not get out...the next day it cleared up and I could finally get in 6 miles. We stayed just outside the national park, and the run through town opened up to these epic vies of the mountains and the glacier itself...Then the road gave way to a gravel walking path through the wooded area that emptied out to the parking lot. Our time here was limited and we had to get to Queenstown.

 Queenstown:

I had mapped a run in Queenstown, Once we got there I found a better one. This was again a combination of well maintained sidewalks, gravel and dirt pathways, and from time to time grassy trail. From our hotel, High up on a hill (which both sucked and was great) I could run down along the Esplanande, then through Queenstown Gardens. the trail through the gardens and subsequent neighborhood, offered some awesome views of the Queenstown scenery. This was the longest we would have in any one spot so i took full advantage and got in two good days of 6+ mile runs in beautiful weather...once you see the pics you will know why. Then it was on to Te Anau.

Te Anau:

This was another longer stay and I was happy because i was again treated to a really nice track. It was again a well maintained sidewalk esplanade, and then a basic grassy/gravel trail track along the water and through the outlying neighborhoods. These Neighborhoods were more like a few homes surrounded by lots and lots of land. the views did not disappoint and the weather was perfect. Allowing for more mileage  this time, it was another two runs, but at 7+ miles. Excellent! The greatest thing about this run as with  ALL of them here in New Zealand...Its sooooo quiet...no annoying traffic noise...NONE!

Christchurch:
So this was the last stop before we went back to Penang...I ran the same route and thought the whole time...How am I going to deal with that heat and humidity when we get back?? Its been so nice to train at 8 min miles (Penang is 9:34/mile) I loved New Zealand...I think overall the best run for scenery was Franz Joseph. the best overall run was Queenstown. I could live there easily! Queenstown had an active community, great restaurants, fantastic organic markets, and a mean temperature of around 60 degrees Fahrenheit for a high, and 40 for a low...this is a runners city! We had a fantastic time in New Zealand and this experience was fantastic. loyal reader I ran happy...I hope you do also. thanks for reading.