Running vanalities and finishing the month on a positive note

In a nutshell, life activities have been hectic in recent days and weeks. It is with nostalgia I recall running thrice a week during winter time - that was not long ago! This week so far I only run on Sunday and Tuesday.

I am yet to decide whether I will do the FM or HM this October. Decision time is next week. Event day will be the reward itself of many months of preparation, agony and ecstasy. There have been many gains and, whilst running is not on the top of my list of activities, it is one that I now treasure and value with dear esteem. I am sure i will continue building on long distance runs for years to come.

Work commitments and other vagaries of life prevent me from running more often as I would like to, but I shall persist.

I finish the month of August with a total of 96 kms... not a bad effort after all.

If everything goes according to plan, this Sunday's run should be 30 kms in total distance. I look for that challenge and for catching up with friends at breakfast time (some will be cycling and one/two will join me in the run).

Someone suggested me to engage a sports counsellor to work with me on the motivation factor and race strategy so I can prepare myself for what is ahead. I think I will take a few people out to lunch to a) get tips / build tactics / develop scenarios, b) cheer me up and c) boost my running insecurities ...

One of my favourite sayings is... Life is like a fruit salad. It is like that indeed.

A run with pain and persistence

This week: 34
Total August: 94 kms

This is a quick post ... I run around The Tan yesterday evening. Two laps, commencing from near the 3km post. I was looking forward to the run because I intended to do some sprint work, but unfortunately that did not materialise because my legs were not responding. I usually enjoy going up the hill in Anderson St and for the first time I literally struggled my way up on the first lap but for the second I felt much better and picked up pace.

Yesterday's run was what I would describe is the pain I shall experience on the day of the Marathon. I imagine that pain will persist from around kilometre 33km. So at the end, yesterday's session was focused around managing pain! I persisted on the run and even managed to finish with a sprint. My running partner, who is not preparing for long distance run, outpaced me on the sprint. So we had agreed that he will work to push me on the sprint.

The interesting thing about the run was that I am learning to focus on different things to keep me going and manage what is happening at that right moment... so I am beginning to notice differences in each session and learning from what is occurring and adjust accordingly.

About food... After a year withouth going to the Perl Hur (Elwood) I dined there last night and the duck wraps were excellent. That is a brand dish from this modern Asian restaurant in Bayside. I highly recommend a visit.

Run a Full or Half Marathon?

That's the question that is in my mind today. Should I be in a position to do the full or half maraton on Sunday 8 October..? I originally intended that by this time I would have done twice 30kms... well, it has only happened once and I am wondering whether I completed only 28kms.

Today I drove along Beach Rad once again to verify the territory I have covered and the distance does not seem to match with calculations and maps. So, let's put it this way, I am still short of 12 kms build up in order to feel confidence I can do it. On the other I am interested in crossing the line not on finishing on a good time (you see I am not into that sort of stuff!). Howevrer I am wondering on the physical impact and the mental ability to do the full. Time is ticking away to make a decision (whilst it may seem I am playing games, I am genuinely considering my options).

I am confident I can tackle the HM, starting from Rickets Point to the Melbourne Arts Centre. I need to ensue I am happy with what I decide to do at the end.

See map ( click on course and rules):
http://www.melbournemarathon.com.au/.

That's all folks...

Consolidating 25km runs...

I feel confident I can tackle a HM again...

This week: 26
Total August: 86 kms

This morning I started my run at 07.30 in the morning from Brighton Baths, again. (I know... I am beginning to sound predictable, there was a reason for it though). I headed south as usual. I started at a very easy pace for 15 mins, noticeably my legs were not quite there and I attributed this to the fact that I had not warmed up. Last time I run was last Tuesday, so I was weary today to avoid any unnecessary quick start, but I can say that after running for a total of 2h20mins I feel good and happy.

I only felt of quitting once today... I think this is an improvement. I even notice that the run was not a major effort and this probably a sign I am beginning to get used to the 20-25kms runs, however there is still a long way to the 42kms required for the marathon.

Because I promised some friends I will meet them for breakfast, I started to head back not long after I passed Charman Road, Cheltenham (1h15mins). What I surprised me from today's run was that I was meant to be back at the Brighton Baths at 09.30am and I returned at 09.32am... so I timed it very well.

I had breakfast at the Brighton Baths with friends who had been cycling; the usual runners were not there today. The benedict eggs were nice and tasty but the coffees we had were weak and uninteresting (nb milk did not reach the right temperature). If you are like my friends and I who enjoy a superb cup of coffee, there are so many places in Melbourne where they dont make a good cuppa. I hope this trend stops and we get back to basics about the art of coffee making.

... however I am not quite there to tackle the full marathon.

Running Reflection without Running

At 08;30am this morning, I sat at my favourite coffee shop. I opened the newspaper and started to read it in such delight; the owner did not come to unwrap the newspaper as he has done previously. I got my usual large flat white and as I enjoyed and contemplated what the day was going to bring for me, I realised that my sense of happiness and fulfillment radiated to the neighboorhod tables... I wonder if the scarf does the trick... There is an element of gratifulness that makes the difference. The wife's owner came to me and asked me if I was feeling good. Affirmatively I responded yes. In all of this, there is an element that each day is different to the rest and as we go each day with our lives, we make a progressive difference. It's all in the effectiveness of such balance rather than the fullness that accounts and matters.

Whether I like to admit it or not, at the end of the day, the running is filling a very important part of my life right now. The levels of stress are so minimal and, yes, these are so low because the running has been a great help.

I have not run since Tuesday but I am beginning the mental preparation for a long Sunday run - although one of my running partners run to request to change it to Saturday... I am considering whether to change it or not. The idea was to have a big group of friends joining us - for a walk, for a run, for cycling or simply join us for breakfast at the end of the exercise.

Right now, I am struggling with sore throat, acheing back and a headache... hopefully it will stay that way. My recipe for getting better quick is honey, lemon, ginger and tequila, combined with hot water and off to bed to sweat the tequila... if it doesn't work at least we get to feel happy and sleep well.

TTFN...

A run of peace and enjoyment

This week: 32
Total August: 60 kms

What a nice run I had today... two good laps around The Tan, which not only brought me peace but inner enjoyment. This is paradoxical, because on the one hand I say I dont like the running, I enjoy the challenge, but on the other hand I struggle to keep going - often thinking of quitting. I suppose this is the beauty, learning to be disciplined. Godness me... I am persisting..!

I started to run near the 3km mark, because that was where I parked my vehicle after leaving work close to 6pm. (I would like to know why turning into St Kilda Road from Flinders is such a nightmare... surely there could be an underpass/overpass!). There were plenty of people running and, surely lots of them following their program, particularly those running in groups.

I accomplished first lap in about 18 mins and the second one in less than that, allowing for a quick bush search and the regulatory drinking stops. Right at this moment I cannot recall whether I run 8 or 10 kms... but let's leave it at 8, people the extra bit should not count. Although I enjoyed the sprinting for the last kilometre... I found it rewarding. The slow down was a gentle run and a fast brisk walk.

My Sunday post attracted interest of those who personally know me... they were intrigued who/what I was referring to. The beauty of all is the ability for everyone to have their own interpretation. That fulfills a dream and keeps an interest growing. That morning the words just came out. Many years ago I wrote a poem back in Panama, whilst I was visiting this country, about the passing of time and seasons and, how we old grow up old... I cant recall the poem right now, but it was one it came out without thinking.

Sometimes there are things you wish to happen in life... right now, it is a very good time for me - wonderful inner peace (although I wish someone will take away something I need to look into). I am progressing in my goal to train for a marathon, whilst it feels closer I am not in a rush to do it. Still unsure whether HM or full marathon for October. I will test myself this coming Sunday for another crack at the 30kms distance.

As I am driven by events (rathe unusual for an outcomes oriented person), there are things now behind, history. The running has been a pivotal in this process. Building on the long distance has been a marvellous experience.... yet running is not the focus of my life.

Iconoclastic Experience ... Coastal Trail

Indeed this morning I returned to run along Bayside, running from Brighton Baths to Mentone, for a total of 24/5 kms (TBC).

Today was an interesting experience, whilst it was my first long run in three weeks, it was symbolic in many ways - I still continue to have thoughts of quitting whilst I run, but at the same time I feel the height of running and feel the sensation of enjoyment and the thought of being on the road is simply too much.

Iconoclastics glimses of you today. You were there and I felt you but avoided you. Nothing surprising, euphemeric passion. Come October I will be there; you will be there, too. We will all be there. Today's weather is what October will bring on the day - windy along the coast.

Black Rock. The thoughts were there. "No era ella; no es ella"*, kept repeating myself. Lasted six kms... not even the water stops broke that deep silence. I just kept going. I carried you with me. The distance was there and it was inminent. Don't have hope; hope nothing; believe nothing and take nothing. Fly away as an eagle. Accomplish your goal, succeed and go.

I completed the run as I intended, building on distance. I did not time it and I did not notice the pace and I was simply working on my run and my motivation to keep going.

It was a beautfil and gorgeous Melbourne morning - sun out and it felt like Spring, unusual August.

This Tuesday:The Tan for a quick recovery session an,d another Weds night session yet to confirm location. This coming Sunday I am aiming at runing 30kms. Then decide the event.

Glimses of you in a sunny Sunday morning in the course of the Melbourne marathon.


* She wasnt, you werent.


Ps - Edited note at 21.08pm. Paragraphs 3-5 contained spelling errors and, I added complementary words same pps.

Run after a week of rest

Yesterday evening I run two laps around The Tan. I felt not only fresh but also relaxed and my knees were absolutely fine. I run with David, one of the fellows at work, who confidently enough likes to challenge himself. We started our run around opposite the Victorian Barracks and headed towards the river; there were so many runners training and was wondering with how many of them I will be crossing paths in October during the Melbourne Marathon.

I did not time the course yesterday and in reality I do not care what the time and running pace were. I simply enjoyed the run and having the opportunity to talk to someone at the same time.

Mentally I feel more confident of tackling the distance and pushing myself. Whatever course I decide to run in October (HM or marathon) I will do it on the basis I wish to enjoy what I do. This is why I do the things I do. Nothing else and I do not compromise on jeopardising a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction in whatever I choose to do.

This is a brief note about the running, but I shall return to what I have done in the past week. I not only celebrated my birthday but also twenty one challenging years of living Down Under. It really struck me what my neighbour said to me the day after the party "you not only have interesting friends but they are interesting to be with". I suppose I am blessed I have friends who over the years have been great mates. We are more like family.

For the rest of this week it will be extremely hard to return to the running.

H.B. CdM

Running with Gusto

Oh! The knees, the legs, the pace, the feeling, all good.

Fortunately things went well today when I run around the athletic centre at the Mckinnon Reserve. In total, same 8 kms as last Tuesday, involving a combination of exercises so that those legs get in the right frame.

I started running slowly and picked pace as I progressed, legs responded well and I got the rhythm I wanted. Out of the blue I stopped near my car and went to get water and my mobile beeped, I thought it was strange but then I automatically gestured to pick up the phone and a text msg arrived. Telepathy? Who knows. Then I returned to continue with my exercise, without understanding why I stopped.

Enough personal crap, let's get back to the running. I am beginning to notice that the legs are responding better to the running and that makes me very happy. I think now that I have goal, that is to run a long distance, I am enjoying the runs. Let's see how things progress now that I will not run for the next few days.

Ps - Apparently I have been in such a teasing mood lately that someone fooled me today - I fell on my own sword. C'est la vie! When I was running I was thinking how I managed to upset someone who was feeling sensitive but I have now received an email saying I was teased. I am easily teased, too.

That's Life!

This is going to be a hard week to do any running - I will try to fit it into all the myriad of things I have to do. Whilst the weather has been superb, I feel a bit restrained by my knee but I am tryng to stretch it as often as I remember. Key lesson is to stretch well after each run.

The beauty of wondering around the city at lunch time is that one is tempted by the sale sign. I went past into a store that stocks my favourite label (PS) and purchased a shirt that makes a statement, one with 'presence'... It's not the sort of shirt one I was after, but hey! when there's a bargain there is always a keen shopper. This shirt's not out there as much as some others. Red wine and parsley patterns, with embroidery.

...

Twenty one years ago it was a question of Quebec or Melbourne. Decisions, decisions. When I told mum and dad that Melbourne would be my new home they were rather shocked. Je suis desole. That's the advantage of neutral countries (in this instance, Panama) to alliviate disapointment.

Clandestine illusions whilst running...

This week: 20
Total August: 28 kms

There is nothing more exciting than having the ability to run a good distance and get into the 'zone'. That is precisely what I enjoyed of today's 5 laps around The Tan. Four laps clockwise and one anti-clockwise.

Invariably once you get into the 'zone' you feel drugged, this may not sound too flashy but it is precisely when you have that smile that the other runners crossing your path smile back at you. It is contagious one may say. But what are the thoughts that come to mind when you reach this state? I am sure it varies from runner to runner and from the different mental thresholds people have at times. As for mind there are so different and so disperse that I resolve many things but also there are many things in one's life that there is no point in trying to resolve. Time will tell. This is the beauty of embracing a balanced perspective in life. Sounds simple but it is worth keeping a sanity for the long haul.

I run with Alexis who had a good run even though he still feels a bit unprepared. Gabi was unable to run today after his remarkable performance at the SC Princess Hill 30 kms run. Arie also turned up for a nice walk with Gabi and they ended up going to breakfast to the place ahead of the runners.

There are so many runners now who are preparing for October that we basically saw many of the same faces during our 20 km course today.

Today's run was perhaps slower than what I would prefer but it enabled me to have the illusion and feel transported to feel the thrill of the event in October. I remain hesitant as to where is going to be my starting point.

I will make an appointment to see the phisio again ... Calfs and knees are hurting. I would like to stay free of undesirable injuries at this precise point in time.

Building on illusions is a wonderful pasttime whilst running and helps you defer unholy thoughts of quitting. 'La vida es un sueno' as my great great grand father used to say.
(Life is a dream).

What are your illusions and dreams whilst you run? Mine are certainly varied and diverse, built on the wonderful and optimist side of life.

An uninspiring session

This week: 38 kms
Total August: 8 kms

I returned to the Mckinnon Reserve today for a session which consisted of running four laps around, followed by stretching and then some sprinting around the athletic track. I did all of that but felt it was a non-event session.

Whilst I was running I felt my legs were not responding as well as I expected. Maybe this is a sign that I am feeling somewhat tired and needed to recover a bit longer.

This Sunday the plan is to run around The Tan, do a few laps to the satisfaction of those runners who find the venue as the only place where to run. The advantage of running around The Tan is that other friends can join us for part of the run, or simply accompany us to the succulent breakfast that follows.

Last night had dinner at a city restaurant (just off Collins St) and had penne rago. That rago was extremely tasty, had a nice homey taste and, overall, it has been one of the best pasta dishes I have had for some time. I am not exaggerating. Whilst I cannot recommend the Italian wine we shared as recommended by the waiter- the wine was rather unconspicous, heartless and euphemeric in character, albeit to say the pasta dishes were resounding in taste and flavour and added to the signature of this well known city restaurant.

Reflecting on the running now, I am beginning to start noticing that I am reducing pace so that I last long distance. The other I noticed that I was not working as hard as I had previoysly done unless I am getting used to run long distances. Need to clarify my thinking here

BTW, life is like a fruit salad.