Introducing my MM running partners

I would like to introduce two of my running partners, Gaby and Alexis, who for the past seven months have been an integral part of the journey to run a marathon.

Gabi, Alexis and I have been friends for a long time. Over the past eighteen years we have shared many things in our lives, including the highs and lows, and this is the sort of friendships that are not often seen. In many ways, we have had parallel lives, most importantly, all of us have experienced our adult life in this country. These friends are like family (in the absence of one’s real family due to the mercy of geography).



Gabi

Alex

For the past seven months we have not been alone in this journey. Rodri has also run with us, but unfortunately he is unable to join us on October 8 due to a commitment interstate. The four of us did the ‘Run to the G’ Half Marathon in June 2006. Our friends from “El Sindicato” (a group of eight outspoken and smart Latinos – all from different Latin American countries #) have been very supportive of this enterprising and crazy idea to run a marathon. Those friends, who we have built up a strong friendship over the past eighteen years, have kept us company, provided encouragement and enlightened us in our running trails. Our usual Monday night dinners at the Rose Hotel in Fitzroy have been a central point of discussion and review of our training progress. We have even met for Sunday breakfasts after the run either at The Tan or at the Coast Trail.

For the past seven months, Gabi, Alexis and I have supported each other in maintaining our commitment to run the Melbourne Marathon. We are lacking the experience, depth and endurance - unlike many others who are attempting it next week, but we certainly have the resolve and drive to succeed. It is the sheer determination that will see us at the starting lane and hopefully -as we make progress towards the City – have the strength to make it to the finish lane.

Back in March we ran 5-10 kms with inconsistency and, progressively we managed to build it to the 15 kms. As an illustration of our inexperience, my posts around May recounts our relative excitement and progressively milestones - we completed an 18kms run around the Maribyrnong River. Gabi, Alexis and Rodri successfully completed the “Run for the Kids’ back in May 2006. Prior to that, Gabi did the Marafun at the Melbourne Marathon in October 2005.

Earlier this year, Gabi returned to his beloved Argentina and had an amazing adventure of conquering the Aconcagua Mountain. After four years of tenacious work, Alexis completed his PhD in Economics and now he is able to have time to enjoy things for which he has a passion and give him comfort.

Our training has not gone without trouble. We all had time out – Gabi lost five week of training due to a knee injury, Alexis seven to a calf problem and me three weeks due to troubles in my lower legs.

At the end of the preparations for the Melbourne Marathon we only managed to run a maximum of 30 kms three times and ran almost 600 kms over the past seven months. This may not be sufficient but we have done the training we could fit with our busy lives and now we wait for what October 8 will bring. Now it’s all in the psychological preparations.

Our families, associates and friends have understood the nature of this commitment and they were very accommodating and sacrificed quality time so we could go out and run.

# NB - Victor, Arie, Gonzalo, Guillermo and Richardito.

Running providing clarity in thought processing...

No running today. Another hectic week so far - this appears to be somewhat the norm at present, however things should slow down in coming weeks. I yearn for that normality in one's daily routine.

Even though there was no running - let's say there was mental preparation for October 8, which probably counts for nothing but it makes me feel better.

There are times when one needs to withdraw and reflect on things that happened. This is something that running has taught me in recent times. Taking stock is something that does not yield with me but it is something that it's worthwhile for the long term - it's keeping things in perspective. Again I return to the actual process of preparation (the journey that enables to reach the destination) rather than the outcomes. Everyone now and then I return to the old habit of focussing on the outcome when the process counts as much as the outcome. In recent days I had opportunity to reflect on the beauty of running in that it has been a good mental processing machine for me. As a way to illustrate the point, I had a presentation at a forum at which seventy five people attended and I was the first to present and the feedback received was very positive; apparently I set the scene for the rest of the day so the organisors told me this morning. Unlike other presentations I made this one was characterised by the fact that I thought about what I wanted to say at times I was running, this is to say, running provided me with the nurturing environment to think the scope and key points of my presentation. Clarity. And now, to another point, venturing to write 100 things about me was perhaps a bit daring of my part but one that I enjoyed immensively, felt confident I could say the things I said (although I am tempted to modify certain said things).

After all, running has been a marvellous journey (life was already that way but further enriched with running).

101 things about me...

1. I was born prematurely (6months, 3weeks).
2. I have hazel eyes.
3. I have fair skin and have freckles in my face.
4. I cut my hair short now to hide the fact that I have grey hair
5. I am the fifth out of six children (4 boys, 2 girls).
6. I had a happy childhood and I have very fond memories growing up.
7. My favourite colour is blue although I like green.
8. I enjoy holidays on the beach and I enjoy bushwalking.
9. I used to be a student leader – primary through senior school. I was involved with the Boys Scout and Red Cross (These activities saved me a few times when I got into trouble).
10. I organised a student strike and took over my college.
11. I smoked once with friends when I was 8 and did not like it. Never smoked ever since.
12. I had a great time at school. I used to play all sports and did theatre and chased girls.
13. I like to dress well. Paul Smith is my favourite label.
14. I don’t have tattoos – don’t mind if others do.
15. I have funny toes. This brings me to the next: I am ticklish.
16. I respect people and accept them the way they are. Don’t question their values and integrity.
17. I have a strong sense of who I am. I am very happy with myself and of my achievement.
18. I was told to leave my home country – forced into exile. I lived in exile for seventeen years before returning to my home country, G*.
19. I have always wanted to live in Spain or France.
20. I will go and live in Europe sometime in the future.
21. I have lived in different countries and open to the idea of moving again - anywhere.
22. Spanish is my native tongue – I would love to learn to speak French (handy when I get a job in Paris). I understand Italian.
23. I love poetry and reading good fiction book– although I don’t have much time these days.
24. I can’t remember when I got drunk for the first time – it certainly was around Year 9. Some friends and I used to go and have a few beers at a bar not far from school. One of our teachers sometimes joined us.
25. I had my first girlfriend when I was 11.
26. I am romantic; a dreamer; I am a caring person.
27. I moved to Australia in the mid 1980s. I originally planned to go and live in Quebec (I would be a French speaker now!).
28. When I told my parents I was going to live in Australia they were stunned. We knew more about NZ than Australia at that time (due to NZ’ opposition to nuclear weapons).
29. The Herald Sun published a story about me years ago and I said I wanted to be involved in politics – I am glad I have stayed out of it. Politics almost killed me and destroyed family life, as we knew it then.
30. I did not speak any English when I first arrived in Australia.
31. I studied journalism and worked as a foreign correspondent for various media organisations in Latin America.
32. I studied sociology and political science at uni. I hold a BA and MA in social research.
33. I have a very good group of friends; I make friends easily.
34. People say I am very friendly and intuitive. I usually know how people are before I get to know them well.
35. I am divorced. That will be another list of one hundred things on its own.
36. I have three of the most gorgeous and well-adapted children.
37. I have joint custody of the children.
38. I have fulfilled many of my childhood ambitions. I have others in train now.
39. I am very happy with life. Feel blessed I have had a very adventurous and challenging life.
40. I like to stay active; I am an outdoors person.
41. I am an independent thinker.
    I have lived in Australia for the past 21 years and have gone abroad 19 times during that time, combining work and pleasure.
42. I am Leo. I am confident and have learnt to be a humble person (it was a great survival tool).
43. One of my brothers was kidnapped 24 years ago and he has not been found. This is one of the reasons I left my home country.
44. I always wanted to run long distance but thought I could never do it. So this October I am attempting my first marathon.
45. I hate running but I have convinced myself that I enjoy long distance.
46. I enjoy cooking and trying new things.
47. I am going to start lesson paintings after the marathon.
48. I enjoy red wine – Pinot Noir is my favourite. Although a good vintage Cab or Shiraz is not to be missed.
49. I worry about things.
50. I am used to deal with uncertainty and thrive in difficult times.
51. I am a very resilient person – this fact helped me a lot during the separation process.
52. One day I will make a film about growing up and the revolution and about friends.
53. I always wanted to have a book published by the age of 25 but missed the deadline. Then I shifted to 30 and missed it again. Although I have co authored papers with others for several journals.
54. I am now starting the process to write about my life experiences. This is part of the journey.
55. I go to work by train. I work in the city and live bayside.
56. I enjoy going to wineries and trying new wines.
57. I don’t have pets at home – I would not mind getting a dog sometime in the future.
58. I don’t play an instrument although I wish I learnt to play guitar or violin.
59. I am a cheeky person. People tell me I am a teaser.
60. I don’t tell too many jokes because I often forget the punch line.
61. I like spontaneity.
62. I eat anything even brussell sprouts.
63. Drink one to two glasses of water first thing in the morning, followed by muesli and fruit. I have been doing this for years and years.
64. One of my secondary school teachers jokingly used to say that I was a terrorist. I never liked that joke.
65. I am enjoying being in my 40s more than in my 30s, I certainly enjoyed my 20s. My teen years full of activities and I felt like I could conquer the world!
66. My 20s were very challenging and rewarding times – so were my 30s but loaded with stress.
67. I have done my share of stupid things in life – I could make a long list.
68. I am a dreamer; if it has not come cross yet – I repeat it again: I am a dreamer.
69. At the age of 21 I had written a book of poetry but I was too shy to get it published.
70. I am a very skinny person. Everyone tells me to eat more and put some weight on. I don’t like when people tell me that.
71. Every time I have tried to put on weight it has not worked.
72. I am a very tolerant person – I believe in people and give them a bloody good go.
73. I don’t dwell on the past – I look forward to tomorrow and to the future.
74. My wine collection was stolen last year from my garage; the insurance company paid money back.
75. I lose interest in things quickly.
76. I am an outcomes oriented person. Running has helped me with learning about process rather than focusing on outcomes.
77. I have not yet decided which film is my favourite. I liked The Sting, Sideways, Goodbye to Lenin, Ten Days that Shook the World, Chicago, Apocalypses Now and the original Star Wars, Guns of Navarone and World's Fastest Indian.
78. I used to play with my youngest sister and we pretended we were broadcasters.
79. I used to be scared of the water. I almost drown when I was a little boy. I can’t swim too well. I enjoy going to the beach.
80. I don’t dance either – people tell me to seat down.
81. Berlin is my favourite city, followed by Amsterdam.
82. I like changing television channels, although I don’t have much time to watch it. I like CSI, ER and used to watch all the popular series.
83. I wear contact lenses – bad stigmatism.
84. I love listening to music – I have a good collection of CDs, jazz, salsa, blues, dance, electronic, pop, classical.
85. I hate to admit this but I enjoyed Abba when I was a teenager. I don’t like Kylie. I like Coldplay, Goldstrapp, Zero 7, Gwen Stefani. I enjoy listening to St Germain in the car and driving in the country. Awesome electronic, contemporary music.
86. I like seating at a bar with a drink and listening to a jazz band. I like having a good conversation.
87. I notice if people have new clothes, changed hairstyle.
88. I avoid trouble at all cost.
89. I mean what I say.
90. I like being direct.
91. I like honesty in people and I don’t like playing games with people. I don’t lie and don’t tolerate people lying to me
92. Usually I don’t talk about personal things if I don’t know people. I don’t open myself to anyone.
93. I am very professional. People say I inspire others to excel.
94. I don’t think I am stubborn (although recently someone described me that way), in any case I am determined.
95. I know what I like in people and in life in general.
96. I have a taste for good things in life.
97. I would not go back and live in Latin America again.
98. I would like to die at the age of 99, writing the last page of a story to be published.
99. I have not seen the fairies but when I was 8yo I saw a phantom riding a black Arabic horse in the highlands at midnight. It was very scary!
100. I would love to live to 100.

And the 101:

I am easily teased. I enjoyed compiling this list. I am fascinated by reading what people write about themselves in their diaries and blogs.

Credits: Em, Vicky and Beki... Gracias chicas, for the encouragement!

Illusions no more... it's a reality

Extra - Dog Collision!

I feel like a child … I am very excited for what is ahead. Today, in two weeks time is the big day, MM. I am beginning the mental preparation for what is coming. I have not had the optimal preparation (I am only running three times peer week) and have been running since March. I have made compromises and varied commitments (at some cost), but it has been a wonderful journey. I have come along way since March when I was used to running 5-8 kms to now, able to tackle 30kms in one go. So at the end of the day the END destination is important but the journey itself has been a wonderful experience. So if I make it all the way to the Arts Centre that is a huge gain.

This morning, I run with Gaby from Elwood Canal (Glenhuntly Rd) to Half Moon Bay and back to Elwood. We started at 6.50am when there was not much wind, but there was so much humidity. After stretching for some time we started a slow run and in no time (it felt that way) we made it to the Brighton Baths and continued along the Coast Path – hardly anyone was around at that time. We continued our run through the bushes enjoying the tranquillity and the sound of the sea… We talked a bit but mainly concentrated on our own challenges and managing our pains – Gabi feeling tired and me still having lower leg troubles, nonetheless we made it past Sandringham feeling upbeat. We left the Coast Path and continued on the main path until Half Moon Bay and started to head back to Elwood.

Again today I had another dog experience…. @#$%! Yes, another ******* encounter with a dog (a big one this time, mind you). The owner was distracted and the thing was running loose in the bush and we collided and had to jump so much to avoid me falling over the dog. The thing is all of this happened so suddenly and in a section where visibility was pretty much restricted to two metres. Years ago I was bitten by a dog cycling along Collingwood and required to undergo treatment.

The wind got stronger as we approached Sandringham and certainly helped us to make it to Half Moon Bay. However in our way back, from Bay Street, Brighton to Elwood we simply had to work so far to stay on course… we were running against the wind and had to work very hard to continue. We finally made it back to Glenhuntly Road, feeling satisfied that we run over two hours.

The illusion of the MM is no longer there as it is all becoming a reality. It is the outcome of many months of preparation.

Now… off to Lancefield. I am searching for a sideboard table and bedside tables (French provincial style). Like in anything in life, I know exactly the one I want, it is just a matter of finding it.

Glimses of the MM when I drove past...

Yesterday I felt my legs were getting worse... and because I had a very hectic week i did not have much time to put ice and massage them. Today I returned to take the anti-inflammatory and the pain has eased.

Today I went to Red Hill and Flinders and on my way back I took the MM course to Elwood... ah!! excitement but apprehension at the same time. It will all happen in two weeks time. Now I now some of the key points and I hope the day is neither windy, nor rainy nor sunny. Hope it is just a good day to go for a long run.

I look with great interest to October 8, but I am also anticipating what follows after that. I am equally excited about other projects which I would like to start in the near future. Indeed I will take a couple of weeks to rest and I will continue to build for longer runs.

Running long distances has been a very positive experience for me and I treasure these occassions.

No running as scheduled...

No running today. My injury seems to have returned and decided to take things easy, anyway. Past few days have been hectic at work, having to prepare for two presentations... one which will be done tomorrow for an audience of 70 poor buggers.

The pain persist in the right lower leg - probably it is the tibia.

If I am allowed to talk about food... yesterday I prepared two types of stock (fish and prawn) for a paella that I shall cook tomorrow night. It's all in the early preparation for a good meal. Put your heart and mind into it and it shall taste delicious.

Sunday AM should be good - along the Coast Path.

Thanks Jaykay and Em for bringing to my attention an incorrect spelling in my previous post. My hands are not as fast typing as my thoughts flow through... Muchas gracias chicas guapas!

Wombat has changed hair colour

This is my 70th post about running... Am I nuts? Probably, probably not, because running is not the focus of my life, but it is nonetheless one that I am talking about and one that, even though I say I dont like running, I am truly enjoying. There are more things to talk about - but right at the moment this blog is all about running.

So, today I ran two laps around The Tan, with my Tuesday partner, David. We cruised through the first lap without much hassle but noticed that the northerly wind was really strong - gutsy, I would say. Towards the end of the first lap, the wind was strong that I almost stopped.

I must say that the pain in my right leg persist - this is buggering me and hope this does not become a major issue for October 8. The pain is not just in my lower leg but every now and then it feels in the upper part and feels in my back leg. I am returning to the physio on Monday. I may rest for the rest of the week - but then knowing me I may back on the track on Thursday. I did more stretching today and hope to continue doing so everytime I run.

For this Sunday I may do an easy run along the Coastal Path... probably it will take about 100 emails to organise it among the boys.

BTW, I saw the Wombat today again and noticed that the colour of his hair has changed.

Should there be a dog/owners' lane?

Today: 16 kms
Month: 79 kms

This morning I had an enjoyable run, along the Coast Path, covering Brighton and Sandrigham. Gaby and I ran along North Road and discussed how things may evolve on October 8.... this morning was sunny and we felt the heaaaaat and wondered if the same weather will persist in three week's time.

We started our run slowly, chatted about life and other things that matter a bit less, and progressively picked up pace. We stopped a couple of times to do stretches. We are both recovering from injuries so we felt important we paid attention to our bodies. There were lots of people running around and many runners were surely doing their training for the MM. In our way back we did not go through the bush path but stayed on the same pedestrian path and we ended up meeting with Arie who was cycling to Ricketts Point. We also stopped at the Brighton Baths and did not see any of the regular folks so we run back home.

In the section between Brighton Paths and North Road there were so many dogs and their owners... and guess what... we NEED A LANE DEDICATED TO DOG OWNERS so we keep them out of runners' way. We were forced to stop three times because the bloody dogs were coming in front of us. (Should dog owner leashes be that l-o-n-g?) I understand it is spring time but we have to keep the dog owners on their leashes. When you have been running for a while and you are forced to stop because of an obstacle your legs hurt, besides one loses rhythm and wastes time. As a runner we need to keep out of cyclists and other pedestrians - so why dog owners don't do the same and everyone can live peaceful existence...? Comprende!? Capish!?

After the run, we went to the Beachcombe, St Kilda Pier. The group comprised Arie, Gaby, Richard and I, plus two other joined in for a cup of coffee... About the place: Breakfast serves were big and tasty but coffee was rather average. Coffee served cold. Points given for bringing iced water with lemon!

This week promises to be a big in running:
- Monday: Run with Alexis and Gabo... they need to decide if they are ready for the MM or HM.
- Tuesday: The usual tan run
- Thursday: Morning run at TheTan again
then the usual Sunday run... this one should be gentle run.

It is also a big work week... presentations to deliver and prepare reports and spend time scoping new projects. Aggggh!

Life is hectic but thinking of the running - Gathering thoughts for the long run

G-e-e-e! Life has been hectic (too many commitments and not enough reasonable hours in the day). Am I the only dumb one to take too many things on in one single week?

I ran last Thursday morning and until now I have a moment to reflect on the run. Just before 7am I received a txt msg asking whether i was running with one of my work colleagues... We had agreed that Thursday AM will be our time for a run at The Tan. So I said yes and in a matter of five minutes I got organised and out of the house to collect Emma. We only ran one lap around The Tan. My legs were not responding and I still had pain in my lower legs.

To cut a long story short, my legs were hurting for most of Thursday but since then they have felt much better - they still feel tense but not as much as for the past fornight. I am returning to see the physio on Monday morning - had to cancel my Friday appointment due to other work commitments.

I am hopeful to run tomorrow with Gabo for about 20kms around the Coastal Path... this has been our regular running track for the past two months. It is nice to see the water and the ships from the distance, specially this is so nice those days when there is not much wind. The tranquility of the water and the fact that one is within the city but having that bush atmosphere is simply comforting.

This week I ran a total of 42 kms. I suppose this is half what many of the serious runners will do in a normal week. Hopefully in coming days I will be able to run a bit more often.

I am beginning to find boring eating too much pasta. I may have to diversify my cooking pasta repertoire / habits... any new and interesting recipes, please email me... (no Donna Hays, thanks).

One helpful thing about the running is that it has been such a magnificent stress reliever and has helped me to sort out my thoughts on a number of different things. The long runs have been particularly good to deal with dilemmas... but a trap is that one can get into that dream mood - dangerous but excillating.

Ps - A huge thanks to all those who alerted me about the meaning of stubborness... After all I am one. I suppose when one has had a life surrounded by risk and life changing situations, adaptability is just a natural state. Not so for others.

One wonders if life should stay perennially the same in order to strive in life. A challenge is always estimulating to evolve as a human being.

Learning to finish the job before getting on with the new one

Old habits don't go away... I am already wondering what I am going to focus on after October 8. There are a few options under consideration. I ought to focus on accomplishing the MM. I cannot start thinking about other things before finishing the goal I set at the start of the year - whether I like it or not I must persevere a little longer.

This evening I run two laps around The Tan and finished running fast for the past 750 mts... which made me feel good - particularly around my lower legs which are still feeling the strain of the pain and sore muscles. Having said that. today's run was a relatively easy and booooring if you really push me to comment. I had company which was good but there was no challenge. Besides there were too many people running around, including that feral fellow who runs like a maniac around (some of you know who i am referring to) so we have to stick away from training herds and those zebras walking like they are the only ones in the planet.

For those who I have bored with the whingeing about me 'hating' running I have to say that I find far more challenging a long run than a short run. I am beginning to get used to the idea that there is a certain threshold of pain involved in a long run and I find it more stimulating and rewarding than simply hitting the road for say 8, 10 or 12 kms. I suppose it is a question of preference. Speaking of preferences, I run today with a NB fiber singlet which I bought last Sunday and I must say I prefer running with 100% cottom shirts.

I received three email messages today about my post from yesterday commenting on my note about my little stubborness. Apparently I indulged myself - but no specifics were mentioned so I take it as people are having fun.

A little stubborn first time ever

I had another visit to the physio today and there has been progress on my lower legs. The pain is now on the side of the feet and attribute that to the new runners, which are getting used to the new 'comfort'. Thank God to the anti-inflammatory - which appear to be working, but also thank the determination / stubborness to run that many kms yesterday.
Believe me I have never been a stubborn in my w-h-o-l-e life, until now with the running.

Running for the next few days as follow:
I am running tomorrow evening around The Tan, combined with minimal sprint work and I hope my legs respond much better.
Thursday morning another run around The Tan.
Sunday a long run 18-21 kms... I am beginning to slow down and let legs rest.

I am beginning to wonder what is / follows after October 8... I am beginning to ponder some options. Life is just amazing. Little things can make a difference.

Ciao for now.

Defining moments: I was in Porto, Portugal when the events of Sept 11, 2001, occurred. I lived the fears of uncertainty then there. Five years later the world is a divided place as to what has changed and where we are heading as a society and collective of races and cultures. The power of a single date in a turbulent society...!

A happy run after all the leg troubles

I should not have run that much today but... I did it; a total of 30kms and finished just before I felt exhausted ... I started running from Ricketts Point and headed towards Mordialloc and back to the starting point for a total of 12.8kms. I run these 12.8kms with the new runners (Brooks; see pic below), which I purchased yesterday at Active Feet, then changed to the old runners (Asics GT2110). I continued my run until I past Brighton Railway Station and then I headed back to Ricketts Point.
I run 17.4 kms with the old runners which, of course, felt totally different to the new ones. The runners provide me with more steady support not only in the arch but also in the back of the feet, where I need greater support.

After running the first 12kms I took one of the energy gels - I thought it would taste bloody awful but it tasted okay. I took a second one 50 minutes later - when I saw a water fountain so I could stop and safely take the gel and drink water. I must say that I felt more directly the effect of the first gel than the second one.

I did the run by myself because the other runners were not around. However I ended up having breakfast with Richard, Arie, Guille and Gonzo at the teahouse in Ricketts Point. Curiously I completed the run at the time I predicted to Arie last night. These folks cycled from their homes and I saw Richard when I was running which was nice because for a moment we chatted and this provided me with some encouragement - twenty minutes before I completed the run.

So, where am I in relation to the October event..? I am going to see again the physio tomorrow morning. I continue taking the medicine, which is a stronger anti-inflammatory than the one I started to take earlier on the week. I felt pain when I was running but it was all manageable. I still feel I can run 30 kms comfortably but this leaves a question mark about the other 12 kms in order to do the marathon. This week I decide whether it is a HM or full marathon - I originally intended to decide on Sept 1.

Thank God I decided to take anti-inflammatory and concentrated on tackling the potential sources of my leg problems - which I attribute to muscle stress.

Combining the time I used for warming up (including 1.5kms walk and moved car in cark par and running I was on the road for 2hrs50mins. A nice effort considering all my leg problems for the past two weeks. I am happy with today's run.

Finally, Rickett Point teahouse could improve the quality of its food. The breakfast was average; food and coffee need improving. Nice atmosphere though.

Sticking to the plan despite the adversity

Ahhh! Another visit to the physio; twice this week. The pain in the lower legs persist and I have started to take a stronger anti-inflammatory which required a visit to the medical centre so I could get a prescription. I received another massage, yes, one of those that are so deep in the muscles and once feels the tissues and you either have the choice to scream loudly or moan like there is no tomorrow. I followed Sharon's (an Ausrunner) suggestion to wear my bispectales rather than contact lenses...

This morning the pain in my right leg was so tenuous that I started to feel like stopping training. I struggled to understand how after seven months of preparation could be jeopardised right at this moment - four weeks before the big event I have nurtured all this time. I had a flash back when I started this blog (first item published on April 28) thanks to the inspiration drawn from Em - another Ausrunner. After today's visit to the physio I gained some confidence that I will be at the starting lane. I will get a new pair of runners this weekend so I can rule out any possible cause of the problem I am experiencing.

Let's put it this way, the physio I am visiting is encouranging me to continue training and visiting him. A typical supply-demand case. I suppose it works both ways.

I bought energy gel for the first time today and I shall give it a go this week-end when I attempt to run a long distance. I am hopeful that this time I shall have better luck in covering distance, unlike last week-end.

An another thing... somehow I have milked sympathy at work this week - so many people have been so encouraging and that on its own is very impressive. I feel like I have to honour a public commintment all in the pursuit of a personal goal. Marvellous really!

That's all folks!

Ps - I just worked it out how to link; so from now on expect me to provide links to other sources, where appropriate and where credit is due.

Runner without his [work] clothes...

The highlight of this week has been my visit to the physio and the painful massage - but no pain no gain. Let's put things in perspective, this morning I hit the running track with a work colleague at 7.30 am and we did one lap around The Tan and then we sprinted three times up the hill... oh! gosh... that was a hard work, but I survived. I did not mind having to bear the pain because I knew that after breakfast I will be taking an anti-inflammatory.

Friday morning I will go to the physio and I hope I will be able to do a good run this Sunday - keep my fingers crossed.

I had today an embarrassing situation... I left my work clothes at home! I had put all my stuff in my car last night and my running partner rang to say she was coming to pick me up... so I got everything else but not clothes. After the run i went to the shower room at work and realised had no shirt and suit to wear, fortunately i had a spare 3/4 shorts and a t-shirt, so all day I wore such clothes... everyone in my office was amused. Believe it or not but my productivity was higher - I felt relaxed all day long. As a typical boy, I milked the situation to my advantage - I turned a negative into a positive and, fortunately no one played a funny joke on my today.

I will book a massage for early next ... I discover there is a masseur not far away from my house... a beaut!

Tampering with nature and feeling upbeat

I went to the physio yesterday and the bugger made me suffer so muuuuuuch... good massage on both of my lower legs. Gee! made me feel the pain so much that even one of my contact lenses came out and had to rush to find it! Both feet are now taped to provide support to the arch which appears to have collapsed... Godness me the diagnosis is positive and shall return running in coming days. I am taking an anti inflammatory (diclofenac sodium) for the next week and I shall return to the physio by the week of the week.

At times of adversity, guess... I strive and manage to move forward.

I had a lengthly conversation with one of my running buddies last Sunday and he's not ready to run yet. Gabi has missed already five weeks of training.

Lately, I have been sooo busy that reading and browsing running blogs and other sites has been rather difficult. My thoughts are that all those preparing for the October event are going well.

On a separate topic, October is looming as another big month. I am schedulling another fabulous feast towards the end of teh month. Yet to decide on the theme, menu, venue and so forth. So I am progressing on the other 'big' goal.

Hey folks... life is too short to live it miserably, stay upbeat and enjoy it. One has to be happy and grateful for what one receives in life.

Unfulfilled long run and managing pain

I had to stop two kilometres into my [Coast Trail] run; my legs simply were not responding. I thought that stretching will help but it did not. Concern become agony and despair, I did not feel anger but dissapointment. In the face of defeat, I turned back, I even tried to make movements to run and my legs were not cooperating. The reality was that my leg muscles need the rest (is that beause I dont strech long enough?).

Anyway to cut a long story short, I was walking when I saw the runners from the Sandy Bay HM marathon and that inspired me to run, which I started to do at a slow pace and kept going despite the heavy rain. I am glad I persisted because apart from learning to manage pain, I am learning to manage my determination to attain my goal. That on its own merit is a huge bonus.

I then decided to continue running to the end of the Sandy Bay HM and to my surprise I saw people I knew who were watching members of their family competing. I stopped to say hi and a quick chat and then I had enough stamina to keep going and I run at a good pace.

So in the face of defeat (my goal for today was to complete a 30kms run) I learnt to deal with the prospect of months and months of training coming to a miserable stop. My determination will see me through. There are certain elements for which I have to pay attention inc oming weeks: diet, drinking more water, stretching and motivation.

At the end I run for about one and a half hours (short of the scheduled 2.3ohrs) - combining slow, very slow and fast pace... I did not check for distance just glad I was glad to do the run.

First thing tomorrow is a call to the physio to make an appointment to treat those uncooperative legs.