Twisted Anckle and Identity

Today was one of those days you wish you did not have... I twisted my ankle not once but twice. So this evening instead of venturing out to meet the regular Monday night group I am at home nurturing my twisted ankle. Now that I remember I had not twisted my ankle for a long time so the pain felt rather awful.
There is not much happening in the running front this week. Life goes in cycles sometimes when one needs to focus on other things.

This evening I browsed through some blogs and, impressed me the quality of the writing of some of them. It makes me wonder how much time, dedication and passion is inmersed in the lives of those who write it. One blog I perused last week highlighted to me the struggle of one's person life in the six years of residency in Australia. A migrant from England, going through critical adjustment after a break up. Another blog emphasised the struggle, power and determination of losing weight and addressing issues what matter in life. Interestingly, the thing that attracted me the most was the issue of identity which was central to both.

As someone who left the country of birth twenty three years ago and lived in other countries prior to settlement in Australia, the idea and notion of who I am central is to me my existence and core values as individual in this society. It goes beyond the notion of simply residing, working and living abroad. It goes to the heart of doing the things that matter in the right context and environment. Migration of twenty years ago is different to the one of today, after WWII, when the Irish, Italians, Jewish or Puerto Ricans settled in the Brooklin. Migration (and the individual consequences) is evolving and will continue to evolve as it has evolved for thousands of years.

Life goes on.

Scarce Running... plenty other stuff

First time in many many months I managed to read both The Age and The Australian on Saturday and, today's Sunday Age. It is interesting to see the media attention on Picasso and his long time love, Dora Maar. There are some relationships that endure a lifetime expectancy beyond recognition and belief (more to follow on this at a later date).

I run yesterday at the Duncan McKinnon Reserve, a few laps and did some sprinting. Unfortunately this week I will not be able to run as much as I wish. In recent weeks I have noticed that the running-fever seems to be catching up with others, - there are more people in my circle who are pondering the same question: Am I fit to run a marathon?.

I managed to catch up reading papers, journals and other things that were waiting my attention. Amongst the papers I read is the June issue of the theage (melbourne) magazine, which had an interesting article "hide & seek", the 50 best and brightest laneway bars, clubs, galleries and shops in Melbourne. Some of my preferred venues are listed: Food/bars: Movida, The Deanery, Canary Club and Bennetts Lane. I wish Punch Lane and Cookies were in a lane.

Early Rise... Socceroos

I did not run this morning but instead I watched Australia-Croatia match at a friends' house. The thrilling thing was the workout for the heart, the game went to a hanky-sanky 93rd minute. After that my day just turned into stress... waiting 40m for a table at Marios, I had to return home to get ready for work, plus some big deadlines.

I cannot wait to see Nike's ad (Stuff History) for the Australia-Italy match... Absolutely good work by the Creativity Department.

The stress in my knee is gone. Hooray! This means that Sunday 2 July is a day for a good long run.

Off to rest and read a book... probably listening to St Germain, Volume 5.

No running today and book opening lines

Invariably after a long run I have not exercise as much I do when I am preparing for one (he he he - i've only been training for four months and am beginning to sound wacko). I thought I would go running tonight but no... I am feeling the strain in my knee of the hard run from last Sunday. So, I am here writing this note instead. Next to me is a book I bought today...

I dont know if it happens to you that you spend so much time browsing through shelves and shelves and procastinatingg what to buy and you end up getting a book that you have not even considered or, more precisely know nothing about it.

There are books I have bought because of the opening first line; lines that simply stand out from the entire book. Primo Levi is one of those authors whose first opening line have always intrigued me. French writing is one that intrigues me, probably because it is surrounded by history, struggle, martydorm, passion and all that latin character.

Returning to the point of visiting a bookshop today... I bought Jean Claude Izzo's Total Chaos. To tell you the truth I have no idea what the book is all about.

The opening paragraph is: "All he had was her address. Rue des Pistoles, in the old neighorhood. It was years since he'd last been in Marseilles. But he didn't have a choice. Not know".

Our imagination can be put to work as to what follows next. But not tonight, on the eve of Australia's deciding World Cup fate, let's save the moment to one when circumstances are requiring less defininition.

- Ps: Just realised that the heading of the chapter in this book is: "Rue de Pistols, Twenty Years After". How many moments do we have in our lives when we return to places twenty years later? I've done it, 17 years later - to be precise.

To be continued.

Running Again and Thinking Abstract

I run two laps around The Tan this evening at a relatively easy pace - (~5mins per km). It was a good leg work and it made me feel really good. Initially I thought I could not do it so soon after the HM. I was happy I did not feel any pain.

I run with Mark, a good friend, who has not run a long distance for a while but who is keen to start preparing for a marathon. He felt good about his performance and how he tackled the hill for the second time.

This morning I came across a couple of pictures of mine. One dated December 2004 and the other one taken at the end of May. The earlier picture shows a more fuller face than the other... the only thing I can think of is that the running in recent months has had an impact.

It is somewhat iconoclastic to speak of changing faces when it is all subjective. Talking of that, it makes me wonder what sort of thing I should start focusing if I wish to explore my creative side through painting. I am clearly set in abstract style combined with poetry.

Optimist by Nature

I woke up this morning at 2am to watch the Australia-Brazil match, but my legs were feeling rather weak that it took me 10mins to make it to the TV room. At the end I returned to bed and listened to the radio broadcast - so I did not miss the action entirely.

I see things from the perspective that the glass is half full. Even though my training has been sub optimal I feel happy I managed to run my first half marathon.

In yesterday's posting I observed that I did not enjoy the running as I anticipated, however I have learnt a lot from this experience. From this perspective there has been a huge gain.

I am not a process person, hence I ventured to run HM probably a bit too soon in comparison to the normal sensible person. I am pretty much an outcome oriented person and driven and focused on solutions (if X does not work, Y or may do). It's all in developing scenarios. I know it sounds strange but this is to describe my nature. In reality I need to focus on the process to get to my destination.

Thi is the valuable lesson I am drawing from running that there is a process to follow. I suppose my three challenges (the purpose of this blog) are three tangigle outcomes.

I will return to run tomorrow. Hopefully it will be a nice and gentle run around The Tan.

Lesson #1 - Stretch well.
Lesson #2 - Take time to enjoy the landscape.
Lesson #3 - It's okay to feel down. Regroup; refocus
Lesson #4 - Build progressively... Rome was not built overnight.

First Half Marathon in 1h 39m

I have completed my first ever-public event – the ‘Run to the G’ half marathon in 1 hour and 39 mins. What a relief…! I am yet to digest this achievement, when considering I only started to run in February and training thrice a week. I am satisfied but I know there is a long road before I could achieve the full marathon.

I am not sure whether the event should be called Run to the G. I could suggest ‘Run into a Pole’ (yes, the course covered very narrow pedestrian paths, including poles in the middle – I saw some runners who run into it - I am sure it hurt those who got caught). This race could have also been called ‘Run into another Runner’. For the second lap around the MCG we crossed paths with the 5/10kms walkers and runners and believe me it got bloody messy – there should have been a lane for 5/10kms and HM runners. The last three kilometres was a zig zag – too many walkers..! I have to mention there was a couple walking their dog in the MCG and the dog disrupted a few runners.

The finish point was another bloody disaster… one basically had to stop immediately after the crossing lane.

Meters before I finished the HM the clock was 1h39m and seconds. I hope I made it before it turned 1h40m.

My running partners, Gaby (1h45m) and Rodrigo (2h15m) finished well too. Amazingly we all felt good about our times. I started with them but I ended up leaving them behind when I got stuck in a group just past Flinders Station. The start was rather fast. The first two kilometres was somewhat difficult to navigate because there were so many turns, obstacles (yes, the bloody poles!) and very narrow path.

I am not used to running on the road so I was not sure what to expect. I felt good running the first 4 kms; for the next 6kms I concentrated on maintaining my pace. My timing for 10kms was something like 39 mins (TBC). However just past the 11km mark I felt like giving up. There was no one immediately in front of / behind me to give me a moral boost. I really struggled for about a kilometre. I tried very hard to concentrate and motivate myself when running past Federation Square for the second time. Somehow I found the energies to keep going. Then, when running across the G for the second time I felt it dishearten and I struggled to keep going up the hill – but managed to sustain the pace. Just approaching the gates in the G (around 15km mark) I ended up talking to Cindy (from Sydney, a former 800m track runner who flew to Melbourne for this HM!). We ended up working together until the finish. I encouraged her when she struggled and she encouraged me right at the end when I was giving up. Oh! Gee! We really needed that encouragement.

Cindy told me she was aiming at finishing 1h40m or under… At that point I realised that I was doing well thus far. For Cindy this was her second HM. The interesting thing of meeting another runner with a goal and a pace similar to another is that you can encourage each other and have someone to talk to. Cindy said to me she was trying to catch up with the team leader for 1.40 (the yellow balloon was within sight) – of course when I was running I did not register all this information – I was just simply tyring to make it to the end.

I struggled for the last two kilometres. For two reasons: My calves were hurting a bit and there were so many walkers in front and we had to zig-zag the whole time. Towards the end I caught up with runners I have seen around The Tan, the beach and Princess Park, including the athletic girl (blond, tall, black clothes, ipod) that I was next to at the start.

Overall I feel happy I completed my first public event and my timing. Even though I did not feel I enjoyed the run (because of feeling pain in my calves and feeling mentally weakened) I will ensure that my running strategy for the next few weeks iss to consolidate running 20-25 kms. Then I will make progress towards the 30kms.

Today’s HM experience gives me the opportunity to assess my progress so far and work on areas where I could improve. Certainly there is room for improvement. I need to eat more (bigger serving sizes and drink more water. I also need to work on my confidence..!

I may do the SC Princess Hill HM next July.

A final point… those who thought I was a little mad running six laps around The Tan, I would like to say I rather do six laps again than do the “Run to the G’.

Huh! Pretending nothing is nothing

Last run on Thursday morning.

Let's be honest... the difference between a normal Sunday run and an event run is the fact that you put under pressure (unnecessarily indeed). I had a hectic day, arent all Saturdays the same for everyone...? so much to do and so little time to achieve everything one set to do.

Attended Rodrigo' and Clare' party at lunch time. It was a lovely do and three very emotional speeches by Ariel, Clare and Rodrigo. Clare's three unknown things about Rodrigo were very revealing. I was a good boy by not drinking alcohol at all today. I was very much intrigued by the plaque I read in the bowling club - which detailed the sponsors: a security company and a funeral director. In the wall opposite, there was a plaque for all those who have departed, "in memorium".

Rodrigo is part of the "Monday Night Group". I will have to start another blog to relate stories about this group of friends, who we have seen each other every Monday night for the past eighteen years.

I followed the advice of drinking water throughout the day somehow my metabolism is faster than me... I have continuosly felt thirsty today. Now i have bought a drink off the supermarket shelf that is "seriously serious stuff" - let's see if it really quenchies my thirst.

I am cooking the fruit dried compote as I write this note. I am happy so far about the World Cup but feeling rather tired - not enought sleep.

Tomorrow is my first ever event. I am excited but I am also feeling nervous. Somehow suggested we should all run together all the course and someone else suggested the first 8kms... let's see what is the outcome.

I am outcome oriented not goal oriented.

To Blog or not to Blog

Today was one of those days when I was not so sure whether to pay importance to the banalities of life or simply stay focused with things that matter. To cut to the chase, today I felt that I was pre conditioning mentally to Sunday's HM when I should simply forget about it and hit the road with no preconceived ideas and go for a merry good run. I suppose this is the influence of blogging. Once you start you make yourself a target of unnecessary pressure. Bugger off!

I have noticed is that I have not eating enough - even thouhg I have progressively increased my size servings and red meat consumptions. Hey, I think that I have gone recently to a few restaurants where I have consumed huge steaks - from the pub regular at the Rose Hotel (Fitzroy) to the humongeous t-bone I had last week in the modern European restaurant in Middle Park.

This weekend I shall try making a big commpote of dried fruit (Karen Martini's recipe published in The Age last Sunday inspired me to make one). Jo, the chef in Squisito in the QV, suggested variations to the recipe. I shall try both and report on the best to my taste.

Anyway, over recent weeks I have come across so many people who are also training for a long run ... it must be an influence of our times, trying to achieve a new physical milestone.

I rarely ever succumb to pressure. This is the beauty of being resilient.

I am picking up Gaby at 6.35 am on Sunday morning to drive to the city. Then we will meet Rodrigo and Alexis at 7am on the steps of St Peter's. Most likely my recovery time will be spent at the pub.

A few punters have wished me good luck. This is most welcoming,in particular from those who I admire and value their opinion in the pursuit of the marathon quest.

I blog therefore I exist.

Thinking about Sunday's HM

Total this week: 18 kms
Total for June : 46 kms

AT six am this morning I hit the road. I walked fast for five minutes, then I run (40m) to the beach and back home. I had a nice run although my calfs were hurting a bit. There were so many people out there this morning - many of them were taking their dogs for a walk; I must say it is a bit distracting when you have to zig zag other runners and dogs the whole time.

I was heading north so I was running against the wind so it was a bit hard. I run on concrete and I started to think how to run the half a marathon this Sunday. My overall strategy is
- it's my first ever event so i better absorb and enjoy the experience
- do not get too excited, stay calm do not speed!
- run at a steady pace, it is not a short but a long run - so i better keep my energies evenly distributed but prepared to finish well and happy
- stop to drink water at the stations.

Unfortunately I wont be able to run anymore until this Sunday.

Amazingly I have eating more this week. I have kept alcohol at a low level this week - although i had more two glasses of red wine today.

A good run after a week of inactivity

Total this week: 10 kms
Total for June : 38 kms

After days and days of not running I returned to a two-lap of The Tan this evening. It was a nice and enjoyable run on a winter's night. I started running around the 2.5km mark heading towards the river. I run at a nice and easy pace. There were lots of people training this evening which was a good motivation.

Yesterday I visited for the first time the Duncan McKinnon Reserve. I was very impressed by the good state of the track. Impressive. I run a few laps and did some sprinting - a very enjoyable experience.

For the past few days I have been feeling rather hungry. Even though I eat well and plenty of everything - including fruit, vegies and meats, I feel I have to increase my serving sizes. I suppose I have always been a conscious eater and now I have to eat plenty to keep my energy levels right. For once, I am eating more red meats.

I just finished cooking some black beans (which I must say a very tasty) and a chicken mole. The mole has a nice smooth texture and plenty of character - it must be the chile chipotle.

I enjoyed very much the Australia-Japan match. Australia defeated Japan so comprehensibly - amazing to see it took 84m for Australia to kick the first goal.

23 kms around The Tan

Total this week: 36 kms
Total for June : 28 kms

This morning I had the pleasure of finalling running over 20kms. The target was six laps around The Tan, which i achieved just under 2 hours.

Rodri, Gaby and I started running just before 8am and we did the first lap, clockwise, in about 23 mins. It was a cold morning but sunny and very enjoyable running around The Tan. We completed two laps in about 45mins. After that, Gaby and I went ahead. For the third lap I picked up the pace and stayed focus that the objective was to run six laps.

By the time I was completing the fourth lap, heading towards the hill, the body started to feel a bit strained, but persisted and it paid off because for the first time ever I exceeded my distance. I felt very pleased.

Gonzo and Guille were around to lend us support and give us encouragement. It was nice to see them at The Tan and after the run we enjoyed a nice breakfast at the cafe across the road.

The objective now is to do the half marathon in two weeks - Run to the G. This is now a serious test.

When I passed the 20km milestone I started to think about the hard work ahead building towards the 30kms. After the HM, work has to commence in starting to prepare to complete a 30km run - it's going to be more than psychological.

Returning home, I stopped at the Elwood Beach and went to the water to let my legs get some theraupetic shock. A nice feel.

1st Day of the Month

I planned to run 12kms today. I run 5kms.
Left work too late to fit in the planned run. I went to Princess Park and run fast. Gee! It made me feel good.
Had dinner in Brunswick St and got a parking ticket. Another one within a month.

For this Sunday I am planning a long run with Gabriel and Rodrigo. 5 laps around The Tan.