Running tips

I'm realy enjoying this running lark at the moment. I've conditioned myself into going for a run every day now, be it in the morning or evening, clocking in between 3 - 7km each time. The results have been fantastic. My weight has come down to 67kg from 70kg and now I'm working on my speed. A good tip I received from another runner is to do hill sprints. This entails including a few hill sprints into the usual running course, which is quite easy around Nakameguro, and the result is better speed generation. The first few times is a killer, but my legs do feel stronger now, and it feels like I have more energy. All jolly good, what!

Takao san

We went on a short hike, Jay's first, up the nearest mountain called Takao san recently. As it was during Golden Week, it was pretty crowded, but the weather was perfect and the ascent easy. The clean crisp air reinvigorated my senses and brought wonder to Jay's. The sheer abundance of multi-hued green must have had a strong impact on him.

Jay at play, and then sleeping like dad

Green eye, blue eye

Walking along a familiar riverbank this morning, I noticed a cat licking some grass. It had been raining during the night and although it had stopped some hours previously, the dew still clung to the grass, offering the thirsty cat some fresh beverage refreshment. As I approached, it looked up at me, as if it knew me, as if saying, "Alright there, Tom. This rain water is delicious. You should try some." I then noticed something unusual. His left eye was emerald green and his right eye ocean blue. He blinked at me twice, then bent down to continue enjoying his morning brew.

Just me and Jay...oh, duck

It's Sunday, the rain is petering out and Miyu has been given a day pass to Shimokitazawa to trawl the shops there with her friend Chihiro for kool clothes. That means me and the little man have a whole day together. After writing this, we're going to head on down to Mori Art Museum in Roppongi to take in the Turner Prize Retrospective. It'll be interesting to see Jay's reaction to Damien Hirst's work! It's been a while since I took in any modern art, so really looking forward to it, although now I'm thinking if I'll be able to take the push chair in there or if I'll have to carry Jay around? Hmm, will check out their HP.

Fever

Jeez, Jay's come down with a fever around 40 degrees C, which is mighty high and a big worry. He's all lethargic and grumpy, as you would be if you were burning a hole in the floor like the human torch! He still manages a smile though, and even tries to crawl towards me when he catches sight of me as I enter the bedroom, only to fall like a crumpled bag, his muscles like jelly. Times like these I wish I could absorb his pain like a human sponge, but instead, I'll just patiently mop his brow and sing him lullabies in my off kilter voice and hope it speeds his recovery.

Snake

Cycling along the Meguro River this morning, and I came across a huge snake! I didn't think they had them in Tokyo, but there it was, slithering along the path in front of me, chased by an old man who was shouting at it excitedly. It was about 1 metre in length, and silver brown in hue. It escaped into the hedges, and I tracked it for a while, spotting it periodically glinting in the shrubbery. Some people believe snakes symbolize money and wealth, so here's hoping!

Boys Day 2008

We ventured up the mountain to British Hills for Boys Day this year, and what a strange place it is. During the Bubble Years, a rich businessman, who loved all things British, decided to build a mini-village with replica manor house, pub, cottages and gardens on top of a mountain in Fukushima. He imported all the stone from Britain, as well as antique furniture, fittings and books (for the library). It's actually pretty realistic, in a souless kinda way, and the pub lunch of chicken and chips was the worst food I've ever had in Japan (so they got that one right!) Jay loved it though. He had a great time crawling around the big empty library.