Run to Sai Kung

Yesterday I tried another run into the New Territories.  This time I went through Hung Hom, To Kwa Wan, Prince Edward Rd. E., up Clear Way Bay Road, down Hiram’s Highway and ended in Sai Kung Town.  The run up Clear Water Bay Road was, of course, hard but doable.  I lost my way a bit at the junction of New Clear Water Bay Road and (old) Clear Water Bay Road near the top, and wasted quite a bit of time trying to find my way. 


The total distance was about 20 kilometers (12 miles).  My legs were cramping towards the end.  So I had to walk most of the last 3-4 kilometers, but still managed to get to Sai Kung Town in less than 3 hours.  So it wasn’t too bad.  Next time I hope to do better.  Long distance running is at least partly a matter of mind over body.   The mind won - but decided in the end not to push the body too much. 


I didn’t look back much on the way up Clear Water Bay Road, concentrating on just keeping myself going.  It was interesting to pass by the prison right alongside Clear Water Bay Road on the flat stretch.  Just a few meters separate the busy traffic from those who have lost their freedom because of their problems with the law.  Sometimes a wrong decision, perhaps made when anger causes one to lose one’s head, can have serious and irreversible consequences.  There is a lesson for me there. 


Coming down from the mountain and on the way to Sai Kung, the views of the water were spectacular.  I had expected it, but the sheer number of people enjoying a stroll, getting on a boat, feasting on sea food, or simply lounging around still came as a surprise. 

Getting back to Kowloon was the problem.  I feel sorry for the people in the minibus and the MTR who were within smelling distance from this old guy soaked in sweat.