Six of one and half a dozen of the other

With so much untouched beauty in the countryside of Taiwan, it’s refreshingly easy to find a route to run. There’s a definite interest in ground pounding here; sports shops are littered everywhere with any make and model of shoe you may be attached to. They’re also almost as common as the 7-11s; cheap for supplies of liquids and carbs before heading off. A population of only 23 million ensures that even in Taipei there’s very little jostling amongst crowds; especially when compared to the Sardine Tin that is Hong Kong.

I’ve borrowed a Giant mountain bike (a major Taiwanese manufacturer), from my hotel for the afternoon and my plan is to head East toward the beach; find somewhere to lock it up and depart along the seaside. A convenient bicycle track has been laid along what appears to be a large portion of the coast in Hualien, Taiwan. Kilometre markers signify a potential cycling race and mean I don’t have to glance at my watch so often. That’s good as the frequent seemingly wild canines dispute their territory furiously and require sprint bursts, until they’re satisfied of your departure. It doesn’t particularly bother me as I’m used to it from the rest of S.E. Asia, and in addition I get to add fartleks to my run.

The scenery on this windy, drizzly and somewhat humid day is still impressive even in this light; although at times I do wonder why the beaches resemble something from a beach landing scene in a WWII film. Gigantic rocks in the shape of jackstones are ever-present along much of the coastline, which is generally shingle and rocky in parts. Clearly man made, it doesn’t detract from the enjoyment of running with the salty sea air filling my lungs as I set in to my regular triplet breathing rhythm. Around 3k and I’m warmed up, having pushed through the usual bodily reflex trying to stop me punishing my muscles. It’s a strange symbiotic relationship; as much resistance as my muscles and nerve endings provide it’s always the same end result – euphoria and a sense of achievement.

The weather is perfect for me and reminds me of something my surrogate P.T. once said to me after I refused to head out in the rain; “If that’s your attitude, you’ll never go running”. The light drizzle is perfect to keep my temperature down and with average humidity ensuring that salty coolant is expedited quicker than on UK shores, I’m glad to have brought a 600ml bottle of water to sip as each K passes. I’ve always found it a little tricky to drink whilst running, with the best option I can find being as follows: Breath in deeply, hold breath and swig, swallow and breath out. Your heart rate will increase slightly, but it ensures the breathing pattern is uninterrupted mid-flow.

To the half way point and my route is blocked by a pack of dogs intent on standing their ground, so it’s either back the way I came, or along a highway. Choosing the latter and now heading North, the wind is firmly against me; although I do say it’s six of one and half a dozen of the other. I’m cooled and any sweat is blown away from my eyes; something less to worry about, even if the jogging is harder going and the volume on my iPod needs to be increased to eardrum piercing levels.

Returning I’m one kilometre short of my targeted 15, but it’s a great run nonetheless especially when given the locals had all shown admiration by nodding, waving and smiling as I passed. What a friendly place this is indeed.

Hualien 14K

Taipei 11K