I’ve been running regularly again recently, topped 13km a couple of weeks ago, and did 12.5 near enough this morning. The longer runs interspersed with shorter, faster ones before an office day are gradually getting my fitness level back to what it was before I injured my ankle. Milton Keynes Half-Marathon here I come!
Running around Hagen in the morning while it’s still dark, leaving the house at about 5:30, isn’t actually a great deal of fun. I have to watch for potholes, slippery patches where mud has washed over whatever seal still remains, and broken glass from where drunks have had a smashing time. There’s enough street light to dodge the hazards, especially as dawn is just over the horizon, but care is needed; if there’s no moon I sometimes take a torch for a bit more situational awareness.
In these circumstances it’s not the running that’s enjoyable, but the effects of the running. I find that I’m much less fidgety in the office, and therefore considerably more productive with better concentration.
In the same way, packing up the house and selling things we’ve had for years is not enjoyable. It’s a case of gritting the teeth and getting on with it; that final kick that an athlete makes as they sprint for the line.
The piano went yesterday (to a church near the airport where I hope it’ll be made good use of). Our nice PNG hardwood lounge unit will go in a few minutes, probably along with our basketwork coffee table which is something of a one-of-a-kind curiosity. We just don’t have space to bring everything back.
On Thursday we go to Telefomin for a week, our final visit and my last opportunity to go to some communities that I’ve had a lot of interaction with over the years. There’s an element of will power needed as I know it is going to be hard saying goodbyes multiple times. Sneaking quietly away might be an easier option in the short term, rather like staying in bed rather than going for a run, but in the long run it would be counter-productive.
At church this morning an old friend (as in longstanding, he’s not that old) greeted us. The boys may remember Tombo, a friend from the Southern Highlands. Very early in our PNG time he married a young woman, Topa, from Western Province and they had a young daughter, when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of lymphoma and died soon after. Their marriage was unusual for PNG in that it was in church and not a village bride price exchange.
Tombo subsequently remarried and children from that marriage are now becoming grown up, though we don’t know them or his second wife.
Now about 30 minutes since the last paragraph. Lounge shelves, lounge carpet, basketwork coffee table and another shelving unit have gone. In 5 minutes so will the exercise bike. Actually, it’s helpful to get things out of the way so we can see more clearly what’s left.
A bible verse quoted in the sermon this morning was about pressing onwards. How appropriate!
Have a great week.
Running around Hagen in the morning while it’s still dark, leaving the house at about 5:30, isn’t actually a great deal of fun. I have to watch for potholes, slippery patches where mud has washed over whatever seal still remains, and broken glass from where drunks have had a smashing time. There’s enough street light to dodge the hazards, especially as dawn is just over the horizon, but care is needed; if there’s no moon I sometimes take a torch for a bit more situational awareness.
In these circumstances it’s not the running that’s enjoyable, but the effects of the running. I find that I’m much less fidgety in the office, and therefore considerably more productive with better concentration.
In the same way, packing up the house and selling things we’ve had for years is not enjoyable. It’s a case of gritting the teeth and getting on with it; that final kick that an athlete makes as they sprint for the line.
The piano went yesterday (to a church near the airport where I hope it’ll be made good use of). Our nice PNG hardwood lounge unit will go in a few minutes, probably along with our basketwork coffee table which is something of a one-of-a-kind curiosity. We just don’t have space to bring everything back.
***********
On Thursday we go to Telefomin for a week, our final visit and my last opportunity to go to some communities that I’ve had a lot of interaction with over the years. There’s an element of will power needed as I know it is going to be hard saying goodbyes multiple times. Sneaking quietly away might be an easier option in the short term, rather like staying in bed rather than going for a run, but in the long run it would be counter-productive.
***********
At church this morning an old friend (as in longstanding, he’s not that old) greeted us. The boys may remember Tombo, a friend from the Southern Highlands. Very early in our PNG time he married a young woman, Topa, from Western Province and they had a young daughter, when she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of lymphoma and died soon after. Their marriage was unusual for PNG in that it was in church and not a village bride price exchange.
Tombo subsequently remarried and children from that marriage are now becoming grown up, though we don’t know them or his second wife.
***********
Now about 30 minutes since the last paragraph. Lounge shelves, lounge carpet, basketwork coffee table and another shelving unit have gone. In 5 minutes so will the exercise bike. Actually, it’s helpful to get things out of the way so we can see more clearly what’s left.
A bible verse quoted in the sermon this morning was about pressing onwards. How appropriate!
Have a great week.
