Tag: Running

This week’s long run

Yesterday was blistering hot, so I ran this morning instead. A lot of rowers were out on the Yarkon.


At the Daniel Center for rowing, stopped for a moment to admire the sky.


The sun was out in full strength, which made for some pretty dramatic lighting, with all the clouds.


Ducks and rowers (this was taken on my way back).


This cheeky little egret was waiting by a group of pretty terrible fishermen. They would toss it all their small fry, which is much more convenient than having to go fish for them itself. 


Monthly antique market at the port.


My cat, totally unimpressed that I ran 9K this morning. 

This week’s long run

Started out way too early in the afternoon. Despite hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and water, this was a tough one — but I’m glad I ran it. Bathing season is now in full swing in Tel Aviv, and the holiday weekend meant that the beaches were packed.


Dog beach, where dogs are allowed to romp in the sand and water. In the background you can see the seperate beach, humming with people. 


Getting things ready for the traithlon on Saturday meant that running in the Tel Aviv port was a bit of a challenge.


Everything ready for tomorrow’s triathlon.


The sea scouts were out and about, rowing and sailing on the Yarkon.


Gratuitous photo of the sailing boats against the Tel Aviv skyline. 


Rose-ringed parakeet (called drara parrot here) on a Eucalyptus tree. Both are invasive species, but the parakeets, though delightful to see and hear, have done much more damage to the local birds.



Hopoe, digging away for insects.


Tel Aviv’s beaches have been decorated for the pride parade, and there was a DJ that played some pretty decent dance music also out for the occasion.


10K run, done and done. Glad that I did it, though for next week’s run, I’ll probably start either early in the morning or later in the evening. 

Busy, full day ahead

But at least I got my run in. Felt as if I was running with weights tied to my legs for most of the way, because I haven’t fully recovered from Sunday’s speed workout, but I made it, and I’m glad that I ran. 

Staring at the blank page…

Starting to write is like starting to run. Your brain starts playing tricks on you from step one. 

“I’m too tired to run”.

“It’s too hot today — it’s dangerous to run outside”.

“My feet hurt, my head hurts, my throat hurts — let’s not go out today”.

“10k? That’s too much. Let’s run less. You can’t possibly do it”.

Sound familiar?

I sat down to write yesterday, and it was difficult, very difficult to start. My mind started wandering, suggesting that I read my twitter feed, or the NYT, or do anything, just anything but write. It’s like that almost every time I sit down and write, and the only way I found to overcome it is to map out reasonable daily goals and force myself to start anyway. Usually when I start writing I can push myself well enough to the finish, sometimes even a bit farther. The same thing happens when I run — the first 2-3k are a pain, but then I get into the rhythm, and start enjoying myself. 

There’s never been a run that I’ve regretted.

There’s never been a writing session that I’ve regretted.

I just need to remember that when the tiny little coward in my brain decided to protest. 

Every. Single. Time.

Gordon Pool, Tel Aviv

View from Atarim square during evening run. Best run in a while – felt inspired by today’s wonderful London Marathon.

Good days and bad days

I had a super productive day today.

I managed to write double my daily word quota (I wrote 1,067 words today), figure out a problem I had with one of my characters (what is his motivation in a certain scene), complete my basic touch typing training, run my Friday errands, and go for an actual run.

Earlier this week things weren’t so great. I was stuck with one of my characters (what is his motivation in a certain scene?), and I had a very demanding week at work, which translated to me really, really struggling to complete my word quota on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Some days are better, some days are worse — it all evens out in the long run. I just need to remember during the rough patches that I am are running a marathon, not a sprint, and I will be alright.