Run #21: Dark Run

Yes, I really woke up at 4:15 in the morning for a long run.  I don't think I've managed to do that since September 2005 when I got up insanely early, ran 15 miles, worked half a day, and then drove to Chicago and partied until 4:00 am.  Ahhh, to be 24 again.

Back to 2013 and reality.  This morning I was smart enough to check the weather to dress appropriately, prepared enough to have fully downloaded a new podcast episode, dedicated enough to lay out my water bottles, Gu and gear, but not savvy enough to check the air quality.  Imagine my shock when after an hour into the run I checked the air quality and saw this:

Really? Seriously??  Borderline hazardous???  I think my lungs would've been happier if I just stood on the street corner and bummed a cigarette off the lonely street cleaner.

Anyway, the run really wasn't too bad, especially with completely traffic-free roads.  This allowed me to stand in the middle of the street and snap this lovely picture of the yellow haze of smog.  It also allowed me to finally understand what all the yelling is about.  Several friends have often complained of obnoxious verbal exchanges that wake them up in the middle of the night.  I witnessed one and now understand - it's the street cleaners!  Who knows what on earth they were fighting about: territory disputes, substandard performance, jilted love?  All I know is that anyone trying to sleep within half a mile of that racket would certainly be in for a rude awakening.

The Fine Print

Date:  3/8/13  Time:  4:30 am    Location:  Shanghai, PRC

Time: 1:35:18    Distance:  8.6 mi    Pace: 11:05

Music: Phedippidations Podcast and Running Mix