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Turn Left Onto Spicewood

Sunday, 28 January 2007 07:31

There are moments that defy description. Words may not adequately describe them, and they could be fleeting at best - but you definitely know you're there when it's taking place.

This morning, I got to revisit one that I'd forgotten from years past - and again, although fleeting, was truly incredible.

There is a left hand turn at about mile 4 in the 3M half marathon course (which I've now run for the past 4 consecutive years). You're heading down Mesa, then you turn left onto Spicewood Springs. If it's a crisp, clear January morning (which it has tended to be over the past few years), you might arrive there around 7:30 am or so - just after the sun has started to rise. To this point, you've been in relative shade (and probably a little chilly). As the road starts to descend, your pace quickens, taking advantage of gravity as your legs unwind underneath you. Then - that turn - and this blazing sunlight just over the tree tops in the median. The sun's rays are warm and almost blinding - sunglasses barely help to protect you from the glare. It is a moment of beauty, one that reminds you of how great it is to be out running on a Sunday morning. It's almost as if the temperature rises while you face the sun, dropping down to the fifth mile marker.

The Meaning

Saturday, 27 January 2007 19:00

The phrase "Rhubarb Diaries" has had a rather intriguing evolution over time. In many ways, it started off as an off-hand commentary (that frankly, made no initial sense to me), but became something that is synonymous with "me".

How did this all come about?

I've been a writer-in-disguise (and musician, and photographer, and ...) for many years. The creative element has always existed in my world - maintaining a fine balance with the left brain, "scientific method" persona of my education and profession. Many of my friends - even those I have known for many years - really have no inkling that that person exists. Of course, I find this rather humorous (and fascinating). I guess it must be that sort of "quiet musician/artist and his work" thing.

At one point, I decided it was time to start sharing more of this creative element with the world. This website (and the book that will evolve within it) is a piece of that puzzle.

The first piece of writing I really shared with anyone was the report of my experiences training for Ironman. The feedback was phenomenal. I then had a discussion with a close friend of mine, John, when I was home in August 2005.

I need to preface this by saying that John has always had a dry sense of humor - which I have always appreciated!

Here is how the conversation goes ...

John: Thanks for sending me that race report. You're a really good writer.

Allan: Thanks! It's going to be the basis for my book someday.

John: Great! A book? That's great. You should call it "The Rhubarb Diaries".

Allan: (thinking "what the hell?") Ummm I don't think I understand.

John: Well, it's kinda like the "Motorcycle Diaries".

Allan: (now thinking that he needs to see "The Motorcycle Diaries", but assumes that John has some clue as to what he is talking about) Ok ... now what about the rhubarb part?

John: Remember when you won the rhubarb at that running race you did here a few years ago?

Allan: (thinking back to a long lost moment) Oh yeah ... funny you'd remembered that! (Yes, I won rhubarb at a running event - only in Brockville, Ontario does a slow 5K get you 3rd place in your age group and a rhubarb plant for your work - or lack thereof I suppose)

... and therein lies the basis for what you read (and see, and hear) on this site.

Now I best get down to watching that movie ...

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