It was pitched dark when I stepped out of the house this morning. The fog was so dense it almost blanketed even the street lights. I wished I had my old Asics Gel Kayano with its reflective strips. I had deliberately put on my cap, just to increase my visibility. The cap was a cream coloured souvenir from the 2002 KLSE Edge Rat Race. The only other item which gave me visibility were my shoes, a white New Balance 7 series. At least the old New Balance 854 was also reflective in some ways. I liked the green fluorescence stripes on the outside edges. I used to have a Nike running shorts with a gleaming swoosh logo, but these days, I run in my pyjamas – a $10 grey Kmart fleecy top and a RM12 Jaya Jusco fleecy track pants. Much easier to run in them than put on cold gear fresh out of the wardrobe. So I ran in scenes reminiscing the set on Hounds of Baskerville. I half expected some howling dogs to come after me every time I turned into a dark corner. The palpable relief at the sight of some street lamp peeking through was actually not good either as the excitement or relief somehow generated more heat and the steamy breath further fogs up my glasses. Not only was my visibility a concern, my sight was also affected. It was only some 40 minutes into my run when sunrise made its way through the darkness. I had by then removed my glasses for wiping easily half a dozen times already. I suddenly remembered using, when I was in school, an Amway glasses cleaner which reduced fogging. Noodle soup was more manageable with Amway! When I hit the showers, I was surprised to see my clothes soaking wet. It must have been a laborious run – it was a good workout, poor conditions notwithstanding. It was worth it as somehow I am now energised to face the day’s work ahead. I wished my wife and kiddo both liked this, as I’m sure it would also give them a similar boost to the start of the day. Just for the record, the usual 8.5km route took me 2 minutes plus longer than usual. It must have been the many slowing down sessions to give the glasses a wipe. I wonder if I can pick something up to ease that, as the months ahead would not, I’m sure, be any easier.
Ante 