Rhino Run

Trail running is getting more and more popular in East London.  I guess the town's only so big, you're bound to run into the bushes if you run for long enough.  Then you discover its fun.

We went out for the Rhino Run at Inkwenkwezi this weekend.  It was a 15km, past some of the park landmarks... a pity most of us spent most of the time starring at the gravel road.  Housemate Nic wisely dialed back the pace and enjoyed the sarroundings when he realised the hills weren't going to stop coming.

I was chasing a German in a trisuit.  Not something I can be accused of often.  I had to reset my expectations for defeating him when he ploughed through the first water hazard.  Like one of those old war tanks, in spandex.  I took a more calculated leap after a quick scout.

The German got away up the next hill.

If you're up for a challenge, definitely recommended for next year - bring a camel pack if you have one.

License renewal

Time flies.  I discovered that I missed my car license date.  Again.  It hurt me... seems like just last week I was writing blogs about my adventure into the licensing department at the bottom of Oxford Street.  I swore I wouldn't forget next time around.  Vexed by admin again.

Fortunately, the situation is not so grave, because I was able to renew it at the Post Office.  It's about a thousand times less painful than the day trip required when you venture down town.  The eNatis system crashed about 3 seconds after I renewed my bosses license, and 7 seconds before I tried to renew mine.  Well played eNatis, well played.

A lady had been standing in the queue for about 15 minutes, and then tried to pay for her renewal with a debit card. Moooohahahahahahaha.

Rookie.

Cath and I had a good visit to Port Elizabeth this weekend.  For a long time I've held a grudge against PE, much like against Australians (no offence cousins)... an underlying fear that Australia is actually a nicer place.  I'm not convinced about the Aussies, but was impressed to see some more of PE.

Playlist

I recently discovered the Nike+ Running App.  I've tried hard not to become the guy 'who has an app for that'... but every now and then you discover a winner.

In order to track your run and route - you need to lug your phone along for the ride.  With this has come the opportunity to listen to music while jogging.  I know right... its 2012, where have you been?

That's all good and well, but choosing a playlist is an unappreciated task.  I started Run 1 with a Switchfoot set.  It was great to hit the first km with a face melting guitar solo, but less spectacular in the bowels of Vincent Heights, a few km's in.  Combined with an American constantly telling me how slowly I was running, it lead to a rash increase in pace, mild panic and zero enjoyment.

I was left to consider my more laid back music collection.  It didn't take long, turns out I don't own much.  I hesitated on the solitary Coldplay album... 26 years of avoiding the world's most depressing, sleep inducing band... and I caved on a R50 copy of Viva la Vida.  But listening to Coldpay at 5 in the morning is like smoking at a petrol station - you'll wake up at 8:30 curled up in a gutter, reaching for your bed side lamp.

This morning I risked some Harbourlight.  Success.  An easier tempo, meaningful lyrics and some music to air guitar to down McJanet Drive.