Three
SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 • KAUAI, HAWAII
Athens in Midsummer — Running 26.2 Miles for the First Time
Yesterday was the last day of August. During this month (thirty-one days), I ran a total of 217
miles.
June 156 miles (36 miles per week)July 186 miles (43 miles per week)August 217 miles (50 miles per week)My goal is the New York City Marathon on November 6. I’ve had to make some adjustments to
prepare for it; so far, so good. I started a set running schedule five months ahead of time, increasing,
in stages, the distance I run.
The weather in Kauai in August is wonderful, and I wasn’t rained out even once. When it did rain, it
was a pleasant shower that cooled down my overheated body. Weather on the north shore of Kauai is
generally good in the summer, but it’s rare to have such nice weather continue for so long. Thanks to
this, I was able to run as much as I wanted. I feel in good shape, so even though I’m gradually
increasing the distance I run, my body hasn’t complained. These three months I’ve been able to run pain-
free, with no injuries, and without feeling overly tired.
The summer heat didn’t wear me down, either. I don’t do anything in particular to keep my energy
level up during the summer. I guess the only thing I do specifically is try not to drink so many cold
drinks. And eat more fruits and vegetables. When it comes to food, Hawaii is the ideal place for me to
live in the summer because I can easily get lots of fresh fruits—mangoes, papayas, avocados—
literally right across the street. I’m not eating these, though, simply to stave off the summer blahs, but
because my body just naturally craves them. Being active every day makes it easier to hear that inner
voice.
One other way I keep healthy is by taking a nap. I really nap a lot. Usually I get sleepy right after
lunch, plop down on the sofa, and doze off. Thirty minutes later I come wide awake. As soon as I wake
up, my body isn’t sluggish and my mind is totally clear. This is what they call in southern Europe a
siesta. I think I learned this custom when I lived in Italy, but maybe I’m misremembering, since I’ve