tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-247869442024-03-07T06:46:00.734+01:00Running with dogsby Alexander AnichkinAlexander Anichkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08716415983965000292noreply@blogger.comBlogger195125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24786944.post-72011639567793236212021-10-27T10:25:00.009+02:002021-10-31T13:25:02.730+01:00Through the billowing mist of October<p> </p><p>24:55 — 4.8 km (3 miles)</p><p>A brisk walk with Simon Jones through the billowing morning mist.</p><p>And a few brilliant ceps!</p><p>Belka had a whale of a time running around and sniffing out the trails left by the creatures of the night. </p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUk3WM2BIfU7Xh6WVQBKBPy3H9pJMffwq9838ChDrgUuXv60d-8nE-wBbF5v1LUIYABUJVLJe5NsCj1PPbaiWvn9n_3lYqAocRNy7lsuxiD5azkosoKI1W-Sk5MrjdvJ4qcLBqQ/s1017/Screen+Shot+2021-10-31+at+12.57.30.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="1017" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUk3WM2BIfU7Xh6WVQBKBPy3H9pJMffwq9838ChDrgUuXv60d-8nE-wBbF5v1LUIYABUJVLJe5NsCj1PPbaiWvn9n_3lYqAocRNy7lsuxiD5azkosoKI1W-Sk5MrjdvJ4qcLBqQ/w640-h398/Screen+Shot+2021-10-31+at+12.57.30.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /></div>Alexander Anichkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08716415983965000292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24786944.post-56846984908443354262019-01-21T13:15:00.000+01:002019-01-28T14:42:42.318+01:00First snowdrops.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
22:52 — 4.8 km (3 miles)<br />
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Every year in our parts around the end Christmas, at Epiphany, first snowdrops come out.<br />
These are at Le Pont d'Egrenne, South Manche.<br />
Someone told me worryingly that they'd come out too early because of global warming.<br />
But I've been checking for about fifteen years and every year it's about the same, mid-January.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Snowdrops 2019</b></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Snowdrops 2019, ©A.Anichkin<br /></b></td></tr>
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Alexander Anichkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08716415983965000292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24786944.post-66183228951977790752019-01-02T08:17:00.000+01:002019-01-03T08:29:32.842+01:00Who runs who? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">23.22 min - 4.8 km</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Guardian ran <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/dec/15/running-with-the-dog-good-fix?CMP=share_btn_link">an advertorial by Zoe Williams</a> on taking up running with a dog. While having lots of product placings and links to commercial sites, it has has a list of common problems when running with a dog — and a few helpful solutions. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The piece opens with a convincing brief explanation of why joining forces with your pet makes such good sense. </span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Milo Royds devised <a href="https://www.milosdogrunning.co.uk/">dog running</a> as a concept for the dog, not the human. They just don’t get enough exercise walking along a path on a lead, however many hours they spend that way. I, conversely, started doing this for me: I don’t have enough air in the day to go running myself and walk Romeo. So running together should be a good fix; I just need to iron out a couple of things.</span></span></div>
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Alexander Anichkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08716415983965000292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24786944.post-67146555363737880892018-12-27T14:00:00.000+01:002018-12-28T08:37:31.261+01:00Cave canem.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Cave canem.</b><br /><i>Mosaic in Pompeii,<br />photo by <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pompeii_-_Cave_Canem_(4786638740).jpg">Greg Willis</a>, 2002</i></td></tr>
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22:49 min - 4.8 km (3 miles), cold biting on my cheeks<br />
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Grieving for Strelka.<br />
<br />
Among other moving episodes, we remembered how beautiful he was barking and galloping to the gates with his mane waving.<br />
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Which in turn brought to memory the old sign that was on the gates of one of the family houses — 'Cave Canem'.<br />
<br />
'Beware of the Dog'. And we wondered if anyone has or would have one in Latin these days. </div>
Alexander Anichkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08716415983965000292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24786944.post-23790697781118013692018-12-24T18:35:00.001+01:002018-12-24T18:35:22.635+01:00Strelka<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
(35 min digging)<br />
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Today, said final goodbyes to the best cutest kindest dog in the world.<br />
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And the best running companion. (The vet said, 'that's why he had such a long - and healthy - life'.)<br />
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The Christmas dog —<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Strelka on the left (2006)</b></td></tr>
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Alexander Anichkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08716415983965000292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24786944.post-84060935720388235722018-12-22T14:59:00.000+01:002018-12-28T08:28:55.333+01:00Strelka dying and we can't do anything for him<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
22:30 min — 4.8 km (3 miles)<br />
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Strelka is dying.<br />
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Alexander Anichkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08716415983965000292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24786944.post-16859848635376402102018-12-19T20:06:00.000+01:002018-12-19T20:06:22.171+01:00Gilets jaunes.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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21:33 min - 3 miles (4.8 km)<br />
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I was running today in my old bright yellow vest, a leftover from when I was raising funds for the good people at Help the Aged charity.<br />
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A few French cars passed — and honked in greeting. I was puzzled at first but then realized what was happening. Apparently, they took my vest as a sign of solidarity with the ever-strong 'yellow jackets' — gilets jaunes movement against Macron's oppressive fiscal policy.<br />
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Surely something must be done fast about global warming, but not at the expense of those who keep the countryside going.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Running with Strelka and Nala, Vassily the Cat in best supporting role.<br />The gilet jaune here is from the Marie Curie Cancer Care (I raised £2,000 for them).<br /><i>Photo from 2011.</i></b></td></tr>
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Alexander Anichkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08716415983965000292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24786944.post-67192766751357165592018-12-18T17:52:00.000+01:002019-08-13T09:42:09.142+02:00Nirvana.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
4.8 k, (3 miles) - 23.05 min<br />
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Just managed to fit a run in between the morning and afternoon going-outs.<br />
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I haven't even run a week since resuming regular running routine but that 'walking on air' feeling, it was already with me. The nirvana of running and being yourself and not yourself, being here and elsewhere.<br />
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Even despite the occasional lunging and stopping of the young Belka.<br />
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It feels a bit like this, okay, it's not Nirvana, it's Take Five, but still —<br />
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Alexander Anichkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08716415983965000292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24786944.post-44684680569743860962018-12-17T18:40:00.001+01:002018-12-17T18:46:52.114+01:00Slow approach of runner<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
4.8 km (3 miles) - 23.08 min<br />
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I am slowly returning to running after a long break.<br />
What a joy!<br />
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And meet my new running buddy — Belka, an unusual Retriver-New Foundland cross. At her tender 17 months she weighs 30 kilos and is full of bouncing energy.<br />
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She has trouble learning 'heel' but clearly enjoys running. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLfThWZD7VCtHzEHr7yRLGD229Dj4iO3dvnfdR0Zf75rJqoof0TMkT_4fg8Y9W9Y6UNXNAA9LjN9tGcQ_zpKVwS2I6bRG_ilLYFLW2mKEByQNI8VNXCCOV_ZqxyKzKlSSIQD33w/s1600/IMG_2039.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeLfThWZD7VCtHzEHr7yRLGD229Dj4iO3dvnfdR0Zf75rJqoof0TMkT_4fg8Y9W9Y6UNXNAA9LjN9tGcQ_zpKVwS2I6bRG_ilLYFLW2mKEByQNI8VNXCCOV_ZqxyKzKlSSIQD33w/s640/IMG_2039.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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'Slow approach of runner' is a paraphrase of the title of Konstantin Paustovsky's book 'Slow Approach of Thunder'.</div>
Alexander Anichkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08716415983965000292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24786944.post-38402219449893738322018-02-13T18:00:00.000+01:002018-12-17T18:20:20.115+01:00Leroy. 2011-2018<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Leroy</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Put Leroy to sleep and buried him in the garden today.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Twice abandoned and at one point just chained to a post at a house that the owners had left — the English owners! — Leroy was adopted by us 11 years ago. Leroy wasn't the name we'd given him but this was his when he came to live with us. </span></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: inherit;">We found his documents. He was born in February 2001 and given the name of Kaya. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">People stopped in the street to pat him and say how beautiful and well-behaved he was. He would sit and gladly shake paws.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">He was the father of six puppies that we raised and then found homes for. He and I ran hundreds of miles together. Until he could run no more.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Now, at 17, in dog years it's 119, we say the last goodbye to Leroy.</span></span></div>
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Alexander Anichkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08716415983965000292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24786944.post-39568531446714710622014-04-19T12:36:00.000+02:002014-04-19T12:36:21.479+02:00Dogs made it!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="s1">today's run (19 April 2014): 3,2 km - 20 min. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Dogs made it! Limping Golden Strelka and Leroy, who is 83 in dog years. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">I haven't been taking them on longish runs for a some time but they are always so eager to go with me that I am now trying to train them up again.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7oAU97EeCIKvj3NCKLKI1F_XQC_sDYi3lSkDApiCsupGCsuPTAEwvJn2lDH3qw6nAAnNuuCQNR9pEqLQXo9sPodb2ko1SpjVT1FcJsrgAzsRLwsMEMxCFfEfKQrblQLLCX5hDg/s1600/Strelka+mug+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7oAU97EeCIKvj3NCKLKI1F_XQC_sDYi3lSkDApiCsupGCsuPTAEwvJn2lDH3qw6nAAnNuuCQNR9pEqLQXo9sPodb2ko1SpjVT1FcJsrgAzsRLwsMEMxCFfEfKQrblQLLCX5hDg/s1600/Strelka+mug+for+blog.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Strelka</b></td></tr>
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Alexander Anichkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08716415983965000292noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24786944.post-23457017437672815322013-08-17T11:48:00.003+02:002013-08-17T11:48:54.039+02:00The Lone Ranger.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5l064sXrj48kZe4VVO7jEqq0wccJjDqDjYESZE6bHmouWfgal0Dyf38A3h9ssO1YUjWmj7oBOUOcTnFctSOXwhvuI-KDLkmgzHegWBNX1xQkC3onMx6cyHrLRRC8LOEewDCryA/s1600/Lone_ranger_silver_1965.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5l064sXrj48kZe4VVO7jEqq0wccJjDqDjYESZE6bHmouWfgal0Dyf38A3h9ssO1YUjWmj7oBOUOcTnFctSOXwhvuI-KDLkmgzHegWBNX1xQkC3onMx6cyHrLRRC8LOEewDCryA/s320/Lone_ranger_silver_1965.jpeg" width="264" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Lone Ranger (Clayton Moore) and Silver.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Today's run (15 August): 9.65km - 58.18 min, 22ºC, light rain, very humid.<br />
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<span class="s1">Definitely getting cooler. A nice quiet run.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">The other day I watched </span>with my children <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lone_Ranger_(2013_film)">The Lone Ranger</a>, a new version with Johnny Depp as Tonto the Indian. I used to watch the old TV-series with Clayton Moore in the 60s and was looking forward to the new version.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The stunts are wonderful, if reminiscent of the best of Indiana Jones and some sequences from the Bridge of the River Kwai. Otherwise it's a fairly lame flick. Even the cameo appearance of Helena Bonham Carter doesn't save it. </div>
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<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1">What I did get out of it is the earworm Lone Ranger theme, in fact, the William Tell Overture by Rossini: para-ram, pam-pam; para-ram, pam-pam; para-rah, pam-pam-pam! A perfect running music.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Here is the grand finale played the Milwaukee symphony orchestra -</span></div>
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<span class="s1"><object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube.com/v/YIbYCOiETx0?version=3&hl=en_US"></param>
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<embed src="//www.youtube.com/v/YIbYCOiETx0?version=3&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i>Photo of the Lone Ranger from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lone_ranger_silver_1965.JPG">here</a>.</i></span></div>
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Alexander Anichkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08716415983965000292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24786944.post-58479490773091900622013-08-15T13:27:00.002+02:002013-08-15T13:27:16.760+02:00Our running paths.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnKaZsUapNNOhGnlkiD-uzXUGvBIWG7RPNGoE6Zf-Z1J1IbSx9NwTqC4DQuLuRGrKo3kQZRvtF-pEoHJEQzESw2g4uhfeQnJidhUnbWkBJmpRizfmp8jSSo2LWvuJVqO7PlG9OQ/s1600/Profilrenardroux.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPnKaZsUapNNOhGnlkiD-uzXUGvBIWG7RPNGoE6Zf-Z1J1IbSx9NwTqC4DQuLuRGrKo3kQZRvtF-pEoHJEQzESw2g4uhfeQnJidhUnbWkBJmpRizfmp8jSSo2LWvuJVqO7PlG9OQ/s320/Profilrenardroux.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1">Today's run (15 August 2013) : 9.8 km - 58.12 min, +21ºC, breeze.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Without dogs. But I saw a young fox cub crossing the path right ahead of me. Exciting.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">When running, I generally stick to the same route. For many reasons. Out of habit, or not to worry about getting lost, or to compare the times over the same distance. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">We are of course free to choose our ways. But we don't often change them. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Neither do animals. You may think that they go wherever they want but, in fact, like us, they stick to the same route. Home-nest — to forage grounds — to mating place — home nest. </span></div>
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<i>Photo by <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Profilrenardroux.jpg">Martin Pettitt</a></i></div>
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Alexander Anichkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08716415983965000292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24786944.post-77667174484612857592013-08-14T09:55:00.000+02:002013-08-14T09:55:00.890+02:00Running at 84.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8iwNEJCMcx5kXhSxGiCKQOpeYIQ-gMKVTZn8ybC3DuuEPOVRbuiNsfEQsjNekFosYEnhFZ64wmgwRF0UUtKr36j9wwU5DQOuP7VltMeGXbG4a2BUUJnlk9Zv-j6B3riCVZ9FICQ/s1600/DSC01732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8iwNEJCMcx5kXhSxGiCKQOpeYIQ-gMKVTZn8ybC3DuuEPOVRbuiNsfEQsjNekFosYEnhFZ64wmgwRF0UUtKr36j9wwU5DQOuP7VltMeGXbG4a2BUUJnlk9Zv-j6B3riCVZ9FICQ/s400/DSC01732.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1">Today's run without dogs: 9.6km - 57.48min, +20ºC, light breeze.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">I've looked up Leroy's passport. It turns out he was born in Feb. 2001! So he is now 12. Times seven, means he is 84 in dog years. And he has been doggedly following me all this time. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">I only hope nobody accuses me of animal abuse, he enjoys every run so much and only on the last one slowed down to walking pace.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Strelka is 9 which in dog years is 63.</span></div>
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Alexander Anichkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08716415983965000292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24786944.post-3249165925429774692013-08-11T09:45:00.001+02:002013-08-11T09:45:39.690+02:00Bionic Man. Checking your heart for running.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="s1"><i>Today's run (9 August) without dogs, they still suffer from heat: 9.87 km - 59.41 min, +22ºC, light breeze, cloudy. </i></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUP4Du8pekTlnpcdGf3-jac5z-9Bw3sqHc1WqzbjCzJios60h9gnTbnXndJiLNPgmB0QhC393pjuhk9YtuVEO5CU5NwkoBgzS_NMfLLS71KpI6y4lId-ZntMgLq_-I897AJNqsA/s1600/Stress_test.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfUP4Du8pekTlnpcdGf3-jac5z-9Bw3sqHc1WqzbjCzJios60h9gnTbnXndJiLNPgmB0QhC393pjuhk9YtuVEO5CU5NwkoBgzS_NMfLLS71KpI6y4lId-ZntMgLq_-I897AJNqsA/s320/Stress_test.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Not me but roughly like this.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="s1">It was strange running without the dogs, didn't know where to put my hands. In the end took out the handkerchief and just kept fiddling with it. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="s1">Yesterday had my <i>epreuve fonctionnelle</i> in the Vire Hospital. </span>I was renewing my <i>certificat medicale</i>, a paper from the doctor saying I am fit to run, that is to take part in official races. </div>
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<br /></div>
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As I am over fifty, the doctor suggested I get examined by the cardiologist, and he, in turn, sent me for a more thorough examination at the big hospital. I had to run on a treadmill with a dozen or two sensors glued to parts all beers can reach while chatting to two doctors, a heart specialist and a technician. The heart beat showed in zigzags on the screen and every now and again the machine started beeping desperately. Each time I tensed up but it was only to tell the doctor to take my blood pressure. Which he did, at regular intervals. </div>
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<span class="s1">I am not new to running on the treadmill, but still it was much harder than running on the road. The procedure took about fifteen minutes, plus about half-hour for filling in the papers and waiting. The jolly big doctor, who kept tutting about me smoking and quizzing me about the Russian mafia, when he discovered that I was Russian, i</span>n the end pronounced: 'Impeccable!' and let me off. </div>
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<span class="s1">Ooff! </span></div>
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<span class="s1">And I got a free epilation when the second doctor, pulled off the pads. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Oh, the joys of running!</span></div>
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Alexander Anichkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08716415983965000292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24786944.post-21891958551113308482013-08-07T09:14:00.002+02:002013-08-15T11:14:50.038+02:00Priority to runners (new t-shirt design)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0QROrOASJaYdOJUJG_F8IJQofkdOxee-uvuaGANBxNFkvrl2ecaVNvI2kJ8pjHkyCo5O7pDJ39EWFKFK4uhT96zE8_VyyuSUvr_iEY0aj8btwDaxeCY1r0kqLjIwumjppM35O7A/s1600/custom_chemise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0QROrOASJaYdOJUJG_F8IJQofkdOxee-uvuaGANBxNFkvrl2ecaVNvI2kJ8pjHkyCo5O7pDJ39EWFKFK4uhT96zE8_VyyuSUvr_iEY0aj8btwDaxeCY1r0kqLjIwumjppM35O7A/s320/custom_chemise.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1">Today's run with Strelka and Leroy: 8km - 50.51min, 6.26 min/km, +23ºC.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Ran over the hill and back through the woods, lovely breeze, clouds shielding from the road from blistering sun.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Perhaps still too hot for dogs. They trotted on panting but very pleased with the outing. Bravehearts!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">It’s been nearly too years since France adopted a new law giving priority to pedestrians when crossing roads, on zebras and even away from a marked crossing. The new rule is more or less observed in towns at established crossings but largely ignored elsewhere.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
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<span class="s1">I’ve designed a Priorité Coureurs t-shirt - priority to runners. <a href="http://www.cafepress.fr/cp/customize/product2.aspx?number=885282020">It is on CafePress in men’s version</a>. One t-shirt may be pricey at €32 but ordering two or more will give you a 78% discount. </span></div>
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<span class="s1"><i>Contact me if you want to purchase a women’s t-shirt or one with a differenet, customised design.</i></span></div>
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Alexander Anichkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08716415983965000292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24786944.post-73372161884736786272013-07-05T09:12:00.001+02:002013-07-05T09:12:32.742+02:00Summer Distractions.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="s1">Run with Leroy: 10 km - 62.28 min, breeze, +19ºC, sunny.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Run with Strelka and Leroy: 10.47 km - 69.56. Cool breeze, +19ºC, but feels hot in the sun. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Endless distractions today with people walking dogs and many cars on the lane where there's usually none. Poor Strelka is limping and it's getting too hot for the dogs. As for me, I just enjoy the salty sweat dripping off my face and trickling down my spine. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhNDVsTpaOSejoE9S-5ezQ78nuqe7jal1m7btaNXu3YsMjknRSFwsW-vxzIiU1qMWcA8OTSV81Z2bD5LGk-PNaU9-mNi8l_CUZdfMOH-DT7xLpuTYXc0h-DG58CZ3uDcAXOIG_g/s722/661.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhNDVsTpaOSejoE9S-5ezQ78nuqe7jal1m7btaNXu3YsMjknRSFwsW-vxzIiU1qMWcA8OTSV81Z2bD5LGk-PNaU9-mNi8l_CUZdfMOH-DT7xLpuTYXc0h-DG58CZ3uDcAXOIG_g/s640/661.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="s1">Picture: Alexander Deyneka, <a href="http://www.deineka.info/work-661.php">a study for the ceiling of the Red Army Theatre</a>, 1937. </span></div>
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Alexander Anichkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08716415983965000292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24786944.post-50643484179142622002013-06-27T23:09:00.000+02:002013-06-27T23:09:51.729+02:00Turkish March. More music for running.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="s1">Today's run with Strelka and Leroy: 10.2 km - 62.26 min. We have a very pleasant cool summer here, not hot, not cold, just right, +18ºC today, sunny with a bit of cloud. Put some sunblock on my long nose.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">First time sleeveless vest this year. My 30-year old Nike nylon, so light it feels as though it's not there. Good things never age.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Since my Paris running fb friend <a href="http://www.facebook.com/olga.nikolaeva.44?directed_target_id=0"><span class="s2">Olga Nikolaeva</span></a> has asked what music to take on the run I keep making a mental note of what I was listening to. Today it was Ludwig Van's Turkish March. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Note: I never take iPod or Walkman (I still have one, remember that cassette thingy?) on the run. I want to hear the sounds of nature. Including approaching cars. I just listen to the tune on YouTube and let it play in my head. They call it earworm. But it wears off after a while.</span></div>
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Alexander Anichkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08716415983965000292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24786944.post-14831807369601860672013-06-23T09:23:00.000+02:002013-06-23T09:25:12.932+02:00What music do you take on the run?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="s1">Today's (22 June) run with Leroy and Strelka: 10.37 km - 64.32 min, humid, +19ºC, light breeze. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">The wonderful UK weather forecast for today, 'rainy, cloudy, sunny', applied to Normandy as well. I started out in pouring rain, then it stopped and the road steamed up, then the blistering sun came out and it felt really hot, kah!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">A running buddy in Paris is asking what music to take on the run. I don't take the iPod on the run, there is a lot to listen to, birds singing, cows mooing, and of course the oncoming cars and tractors. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">But I often have a tune in my head, it helps to get into rhythm. Today it was Rawhide, the Blues Brothers version. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">What music do you take on the run?</span><br />
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Alexander Anichkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08716415983965000292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24786944.post-15587801203242419452013-06-14T12:56:00.001+02:002013-06-14T12:56:53.881+02:00Wind from All Directions.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="s1">Today's (13 June) run with Strelka and Leroy: 10.5 km - 64.33 min, +15ºC. Windy, cloudy, then sunny. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Feeling shagged, still soldiered on, if not for myself but for the dogs who were getting restless and wanted a good exercise. It worked, they're lying down breathless and contented.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">The wind today seemed to be coming from all directions, like it happens here. I was passing the giant wind turbines today, the ones on the ridge between Ger and Chaulieu, and noticed that they were all facing in different directions. How bizarre! I wonder what it does to our energy supply.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Oh, and slightly off-topic: eggs' price is down to the 'summer rate' of 21 centimes for one and diesel is down to €1.30 per litre at Carrefour. In winter it was €1.48. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Summer!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Here's a video of the turbines I made earlier:</span></div>
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Alexander Anichkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08716415983965000292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24786944.post-63551527791919535902013-06-03T20:14:00.002+02:002013-06-03T22:28:08.455+02:00The Chaulieu-Sourdeval Run in Normandy.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="s1">Today's run (2 June 2013) with my runing buddies <a href="http://www.facebook.com/checks007?directed_target_id=0"><span class="s2">Francesca Bostock</span></a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/leaharna?directed_target_id=0"><span class="s2">Leaharna Marsden</span></a>: 9.9 km - 57.22 min.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Struggling at 500 m to the finish.</b></td></tr>
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<span class="s1">Leaharna came second in 40 minutes, and Francesca, only after three years of running, has outrun me by nearly a minute! Congratulations! </span><br />
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<span class="s1">Lovely cool day, intermittently cloudy and sunny, +16ºC at the finish. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">It is a small local run organised by the Sourdeval athletic club. The crowd was just over a hundred runners, probably because the club couldn't get it put on the official French athletic federation qualifying roster for 10K. Hence the irregular distance - 9.9K. The participants were mostly local, very fit and motivated members of athletic clubs. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">No matter what, it is a pleasant, mostly descending course. It goes along the <i>chemin vert</i> from the old disused railway station at Chaulieu to a park in Sourdeval. Most of the course is sheltered by overhanging trees. On a sunny day, like it was yesterday, you just can’t help admiring the beauty of the path itself, all dappled and lush green, and the surrounding countryside.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">One drag is that the <i>chemin vert</i> has compacted gravel surface with quite a lot of loose gravel, which hampers the grip. And when it turns to tarmac in places, there are a few potholes to watch out for. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Otherwise, I'd recommend this annual run to whoever happens within a driving distance. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">It was the third time I ran it. True, I wasn’t on top form this time, but I don’t regret I did it again. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">Full technical details and results on the <a href="http://www.normandiecourseapied.com/foulees-sourdevalaises-sourdeval-2013/index.html">Normandie course a pied site.</a></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Francesca finishing (centre) with Leaharna Marsden pacing in support (right) and me only entering the final lap (left).</b><br />
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<i>Photos by ©Jonathan Bostock. Published with permission.</i></div>
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Alexander Anichkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08716415983965000292noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24786944.post-53140497815491561382013-05-31T21:51:00.001+02:002013-05-31T21:51:11.564+02:00Dalmatian Plantation.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="s1">Dalmatian Run today with Leroy and Strelka: 8 km - 48.22min, +16ºC, sunny, now wind, very pleasant. It's a shorter run today in preparation for the Sunday Sourdeval 10K road race with Francesca Bostock and Leaharna Marsden.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">We were passing the gates of a large farm, a plantation really. The farmer has had a nice Border Colly who helped him with rounding up the cows. But today there was a timid looking Dalmatian at the gates. I haven't seen him before. Maybe someone visiting? The farmer has a grown up daughter living in town. Hers? </span></div>
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<span class="s1">'Dalmatian plantation?' I thought to myself while stopping the dogs from going after the Dalmatian. They were just wanting to sniff but still, we had a run to finish.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">And lo and behold, in the next field there was a new herd of young 'Dalmatian' cows! I took a photo of one for who the grass is obviously greener on the other side of the hedge.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">And in case you forgot the Dalmatian Plantation here it is:</span></div>
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Alexander Anichkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08716415983965000292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24786944.post-30743777220537574382013-05-30T21:04:00.000+02:002013-05-30T21:04:23.667+02:00A Dog Test.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="s1">(yesterday's) run with Strelka and Leroy: 10.25 km - 63.11 min.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Quiet, cool and sunny. Bluebells everywhere.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Try this <a href="http://www.queendom.com/tests/quiz/answers.htm">test on how well you know your dog</a>. I only scored 12 out of 15. But I am still not sure that if the dog runs up to you and rolls over it means ‘Hey, Boss, what’s up?’ rather than ‘Pet me now’ as I thought.</span></div>
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Alexander Anichkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08716415983965000292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24786944.post-79308579804231359032013-05-22T10:12:00.000+02:002013-05-22T10:12:03.797+02:00The Oklahoma Tornado Dog. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="s1">(20 May, Monday)</span></div>
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<span class="s1">With Leroy and Strelka: </span>10.4 km - 62.38 min. +12ºC, light drizzle, so light, it stays suspended in the air. Towards the end I couldn't tell if it were sweat or rain dripping down my forehead. </div>
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My sympathy goes to the victims of tornado in America. With millions all over the world I watched with horror the devastation brought on by the giant twister in Oklahoma. And like many I am in awe at the Americans' resilience and can-do attitude, the spirit of community and mutual help that Oklahomans have shown. And like everybody else I was thrilled with the story of the little dog found in debris just as the old lady, his master, was being interviewed.</div>
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Alexander Anichkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08716415983965000292noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24786944.post-61502574062686340842013-05-09T13:35:00.000+02:002013-05-12T13:49:13.104+02:00La Victoire and Ascension.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="s1">8 May 8 km - 48.54 min.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">9 May 10.13km - 61.24min., +16ºC.</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Both days cool, cloudy, with a light breeze, very pleasant. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">It's been raining a bit, and everything has </span>suddenly turned fresh green.</div>
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<span class="s1">The Eighth is La Victoire - VE Day and the ninth is Ascension, both public holidays in France. The roads are empty and it’s very quiet. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">There was only one farmer planting maize as we ran. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">I've taken this photo of a weather-beaten road side crucifix as the Sun was looking down on Jesus. Madonna is hiding in a glass-covered niche beneath his figure. See more photos on my <a href="http://normandy-photo.blogspot.fr/">Photos of Normandy blog</a>. </span></div>
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Alexander Anichkinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08716415983965000292noreply@blogger.com0