Terry Henderson: See How We Run

See How We Run

By Terry Henderson

TF Henderson $49.95

Reviewed by Barbara Harris


Terry Henderson is a serial jogger. The Melbourne businessman runs every day and describes the gratification he gets from pounding the pavements or parks as being in "a state of mobile meditation."

"My mind switches into an effortless, high-powered thinking mode - a kind of turbo drive on auto pilot," he says.

Although he sold his management consultancy business five years ago, Henderson still travels widely as a speaker on business logistics. And as a racehorse owner who won the 1995 Melbourne Cup with New Zealand-bred Doriemus, he's a frequent visitor here.

Wherever he goes, he runs. One day on a run in Christchurch it dawned on him it was time to spread the word on the joys of his obsession.

The result is See How We Run, a lavishly photographed hardback of a jogger's journey through 12 cities - Sydney, Melbourne, New York, Paris, Vancouver, Rome, Cape Town, San Francisco, London, Hong Kong, Chicago and Auckland.

Fortunately for readers who want to follow in his tracks, Henderson's not into punishment. The runs start within 2km of a city centre and are mostly on the flat, even in San Francisco. There are two options - a 5-8km course or a longer version of 9-15km.

It must be all those endorphins kicking in because each of the chosen dozen gets a glowing travelogue, part anecdotal, part historical.

Local identities, including a nun on the run in San Francisco and, in Auckland, former All Black coach John Hart, tell us about themselves and why they jog.

Henderson and his crusaders are all believers in the power of running as a physical and mental fixative.

Now all this zeal could make a cynic puke but in fact it's refreshing, even, dare I say it, inspiring and you feel like you could be missing out on something.

The courses would be particularly good if you were alone in a foreign city and wanted to do some exploring - Henderson's done the recce for you on a safe route to jog or walk - all made easier because the book contains removable pocket-sized maps.

Extract: See How We Run


Auckland

If you want to hit the ground running in a new city, it's always worth having a word to the concierge. Most hotels have free maps that highlight the best spots nearby to go jogging.

To help get you inspired here's an extract from Terry Henderson's See How We Run on the Auckland Domain route:

"This is a run from the reality of a 21st century cityscape into a Jurassic Park mind state. It's hard work slogging up a couple of steep hills but for the mental release and sense of wonderment it rewards you with, it's worth it, even without the relief of the downhill stretches.

"My route takes me from the University of Auckland, which is a short walk from the city's main shopping and business strip, around the perimeter of the Auckland Domain through a native forest that in parts closes out all of the signs and most of the sounds of civilisation, setting my mind free to wonder and wander. As you leave the forest the museum, the dominant feature of the domain, greets you. Do not be fooled that this is all the domain has to offer because as you circuit the park, you will find it chock full of natural, historic and artistic delights. The view back across Auckland is the icing.

"New Zealanders, despite their small population, have enjoyed international success at most sports they have contested.

"As I observe them run around the hills of Auckland, I can appreciate why they have the reputation as tough competitors.

"And as a regular visitor over a 15-year-period, on business or to buy and race horses, I have to admit they are pretty nice too.

"The shorter course is 5km and the longer is about 8, but can easily be stretched further. Auckland has a pleasantly mild climate.

"No matter the weather you will not be alone on this run. Aucklanders are inveterate joggers."