Still here...

Hello, every now and then I remember the times I used to blog, sharing my futile experiences.

Sometimes I wonder whether I should post once again.  Over the years I have kept a written journal of what I do on a regular basis, although lately it has been less frequent.

From my perspective, blogging, keeping a journal or life writing is an integral part of everyone's living. It is one way to stay connected, and tuned with oneself (and with others).

Today I enrolled for what would be my 10th Melbourne. I am accomplishing one of my long term goals - 10 Melbourne marathons (MM). I first completed the MM back in 2006.

Also today I went to the opening of an art exhibition from two amazing Colombian painters (Katherine Gailer and Maria Pena . I talked to some other people about blogging. I commend Louise's blog to you.

So much has happened since I last posted - back in 2011.

Progressively the story of the past will unfold, so is the road ahead over the next few weeks, months and years.

Below, one of my paintings from the series "As it happens...".

Willi Marathon...

On Sunday I completed the Williamstown Marathon in 3h 56m... it was a good experience. Conditions were favourable - no wind and not really that cold!
The event commenced on time as it is customary with events organised by Sri Chinmoy. These events are conducted without much fanfare and are well supported by a cast of volunteers.
This was the third time I completed this event in a third consecutive year. I ran it with Kate as she was trying to achieve her first marathon in under 4 hours. Mission accomplished.
So far I have completed 8 marathons; 2 100kms events - Oxfam. One international event - the 2010 Paris - Versailles run, which was a fabulous experience.

Running...continues

Even though I have not continued posting as once I was regularly doing, running continues. I am doing it for two primary reasons: overall fitness and for maintaining stress levels down as well as it has a social dimension to it.

Having maintained a blog for some time where I recorded milestones it has become a handy point of reference, particularly one wishes to know how I am progressing now compared to the past.

It is with gusto that I say I have maintained a rhythm even though I have not done as the first marathon. Of late I have been able to do a 10 km beach run in under 45 minutes (March 2011). I have also able to run 25kms in 2h05m along the Yarra Boulevard (March).

I also had a run of 33km in 2h48m at a 5m5s pace along the beach in early April.

So the running is going well.

So much happens...

I cannot believe that a year passed without posting a single message. I would like to say many positive things have occurred since the last posting.

For example, after the 2009 Oxfam Trailwalker, I completed the Williamstown marathon at the end of May. Then, I finished teh Melbourne Marathon in October.

Another significant development is that painting as an activity has flourished. I have been able to put mind and heart into painting things that relate to my past (roots, upbringing, homeland and diaspora).

I am surprised I have managed to fit in so much given the many things I juggle. I suppose I am not any different to any other person who likes doing things.

Next month, I am doing for the third consecutive year Oxfam Trailwalker with my fellow runners.

30 kms ... a nice Sunday run

Preparations for the 2009 Melbourne Marathon are going well and on schedule. This morning at 6am, Kate and I commenced our usual Sunday long run from Brighton Baths, instead of heading south we went North. We ran all the way along the beach to Kerferd Rd, Middle Park, where we made a turn to go past the Shrine of Remembrance to connect to The Tan track. As we crossed St Kilda Road, Jane joined us and we made our way to the Capital Trail Track (along the Yarra River) where Gina was going to meet us up just before Chapel Street.

The four of us ran together from Chapel Street along the river till we reached Grange Road and we made our way to Toorak Road. We continued along Toorak Road until St Kilda Road, where we farewell Jane who scheduled to run ten kilometres with us. Gina continued with us till we returned to Brighton Baths.

In all, this was a run of 30 kilometres for Kate and I. Amazingly the more we keep doing long runs the easier they get for the legs.

The next long run, 30+kms is scheduled for mid August.

MM - Week 1 - It's only the start...

Sounds silly but this is how the week was:
Tuesday - Run. Intervals along Coastal Path. 5.30 am start. 8 kilometres.
Thursday - No run... Rescheduled for Friday but it did not happen at the end.

Today, 16.5kms along the Coast and it was a great run. We (i.e. Kate, Gina and I) commenced at 6.30am this morning from Hampton and headed south to Beaumaris. On our way back Jane joined us for the last half an hour. We finish very well, sprinting the last kilometre.

I entered the Melbourne Marathon last Friday. So I am committed. I am getting itchy to do a long run, but I must be patient.

In the meantime, it has occurred to me that sometimes as I venture into the Coastal Path there are so many thoughts that go through my mind. The goal is to share
such thoughts in a more candid way with the eloquence of turning the dialogue (and monologue sometimes) to a challenge as a response.

Another great run!

After a week's rest, today was the first run after the Sri Chinmoy marathon... As the day says, oh what a feeling... we started at 6.30am from Hampton and headed six kilomtres south towards Rickett's Point, then we commenced our return journey.

In all, 12 easy kilometres in about 70 mins... nice and easy.

2 runners: AC / KB

4th marathon...!

It is hard to believe that, two months after, completing the 2009 Oxfam Trailwalker, I took part in the Sri Chinmoy Williamstwon marathon, held on Sunday 31 May 2009.

It was a wonderful event where one hundred runners ran an amazing course, starting from the Athletic Centre in Williamstonw and we headed torwards Altona to return to the West Gate Bridge and then complete three loops to Williamstown centre.

I ran the course in 4h and 8mins, together with one of my running buddies, Kt.

BTW - having a conversation with Gaby tonight made me realised how important it is to keeping track of the running milestones. We were able to realise that sometime ago we ran 30kms in 2h30m along the Coastal Path. In a nuthsell, I should make an effort to keeping this journal up-to-date.

Completed Oxfam Trailwalker 2009

I have to say that we completed the 2009 Oxfam Trailwalker Melbourne in a good time - faster than our 2008 performance by almost 3hours and ahead of our schedule.
We remained on track most of the stages and by the time we reached Checkpoing 6 Graham Codling we were on the Warburton Trail - meaning it was all flat with the exception what was ahead in the last leg - a steepy ascent.