Into Autumn

Time for a quick update I think. Running is going well with the new chi running style. I haven't had any problems so far with the thin shoes which is a real surprise as I used to think that they were essential to keeping me running with good form and absorbing shock. I am definitely using my calf muscles more, but I'm not getting the tightness I was when I first started, although they do start to get tired more quickly than they used to. I haven't had any knee problems so far (touch wood).

The actual disciplines - keep body in a straight line, lift the pelvis, relax legs, lean forward, etc. are quite hard to keep doing consistently. Sometimes it seems to "click" and I can feel the forward lean while my legs almost move of their own accord, but it's very hard to do for any length of time. It's enjoyable though, and it's given me a renewed interest in running. I might see if I can find a coach for a couple of sessions in the new year maybe.

The loft extension is well underway and so far we're on schedule with no major problems. The guys have worked hard when they've been here, and from what I've seen so far (e.g. the way the side wall has been built up to match the existing brickwork) it's been done to an excellent standard. Hopefully they'll be done sometime in mid-October.

What else - thinking about maybe going away again later in the year, but we've left it a bit late now. Maybe I'll take some days off and we'll think again next year. I'm going back to Pune in November, but that's for work rather than any kind of break (although this time I'm going to stay an extra night and hopefully see a bit more of the local area).

We have a senior manager coming into our office tomorrow, so there are going to be lots of presentations, of which I'm giving one. I've got slides and I've run through it today, so I'm not too nervous, but I hope it goes well. Then on Tuesday I'm starting Tai Chi again at the Buddhist Centre, so I'm looking forward to that. Busy week anyway...