"Happy New Year"
And with all of the joy, comes our new found resolve to achieve great things. Lose weight, get fit, make money, find the perfect mate...and on and on it goes. We hear a lot about "New Year's Resolutions". I wonder why we never hear about "New Month's Resolutions" or "New Week's Resolutions" or even "New Day's Resolutions". I suppose it is because we only make one attempt a year at trying to achieve our goals.
Yet, if you are vaguely human, then you probably have abandoned your New Year's Resolution before the end of Jan. That gives you 11 months to ponder what went wrong before the next year.
What is it about us that we cant keep up with our plans? Why can't we keep up with our great ambitions? There are 3 Ps that are vital to achieving our New Year's Resolutions - Passion, Purpose, and Path.
On Jan 1 we have a Passion. Maybe as a result of the hangover from the New Year's Eve party...or the extra flab still clinging tenaciously to us from the previous year...but whatever it is we have a passion to achieve our goal.
Next there is the Purpose...the goal, the result we want. We can see it. We can see our new toned form, our fit bod. We know exactly what it is.
But alas, it is the last P...Path that is most times missing. You can have all the Passion (push), all the Purpose (pull) but without the Path - the pipe between push and pull, we never get there.
So, forget the New Year's Resolution - I'm challenging you to a "New YOUs Resolution". This is much more fun, and something you WILL achieve.
Pop in here - http://ping.fm/pKuZg - and sign up. This is something YOU will achieve and the rewards include - great bod, improved health, more wealth...OK, all sounds too good to be true. Well, try the challenge...it's FREE so you have nothing to lose...
Go to http://ping.fm/DAckZ Now and join the New YOUs Resolution Challenge!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
If you are a runner with an iPhone then get best running app, RunKeeper Pro for FREE (usually $10). Special Ends Soon - http://goo.gl/RxeRhl
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Science shows how to shed festive fat
It's the festive season, and while wallets wane, waists weight! It's just all that fatty, rich...and really tasty food, that we can't do without. But is there any hope, or should we simply resign ourselves to entering the new year with more of us than last year?
The good news is that a study reported on in the Journal of Physiology, found interesting results. They tested 3 groups of eager eaters, by feeding them Fine Fatty Festive Fare (even prior to the season) for 6 weeks.
Group 1 - Feast and NO Exercise. Well, as you can imagine this group of indulgers found themselves rotundly swelled gaining 3kg (6lbs) after just 6 weeks. That's like strapping 6 bricks of butter to your waste...or butt!
Group 2 - Feast and then Exercise. After chomping down their fine fare they went out for a run or cycle. This group alas, also swelled up, but only by 1.5kg (3lbs)...that's only 3 bricks of butter...not too bad...butt....
Group 3 - Exercise then Feast. This group ran (or cycled) before sinking their teeth into their fatty fare. And after 6 weeks of feasting...they had not gained any weight!
Quite simply, exercise increases metabolic rate (that important furnace needed to burn the excess food). So even though the exercise is over and we're feasting, the metabolic furnace is operating in hyperdrive and burning as quick as you put it in.
So, get out and do an early morning run, and you'll not only enjoy your meal more, you'll be able to enjoy more of your meal...no if's or butts!
www.runningeasy.com
Source : http://ping.fm/W61pf
The good news is that a study reported on in the Journal of Physiology, found interesting results. They tested 3 groups of eager eaters, by feeding them Fine Fatty Festive Fare (even prior to the season) for 6 weeks.
Group 1 - Feast and NO Exercise. Well, as you can imagine this group of indulgers found themselves rotundly swelled gaining 3kg (6lbs) after just 6 weeks. That's like strapping 6 bricks of butter to your waste...or butt!
Group 2 - Feast and then Exercise. After chomping down their fine fare they went out for a run or cycle. This group alas, also swelled up, but only by 1.5kg (3lbs)...that's only 3 bricks of butter...not too bad...butt....
Group 3 - Exercise then Feast. This group ran (or cycled) before sinking their teeth into their fatty fare. And after 6 weeks of feasting...they had not gained any weight!
Quite simply, exercise increases metabolic rate (that important furnace needed to burn the excess food). So even though the exercise is over and we're feasting, the metabolic furnace is operating in hyperdrive and burning as quick as you put it in.
So, get out and do an early morning run, and you'll not only enjoy your meal more, you'll be able to enjoy more of your meal...no if's or butts!
www.runningeasy.com
Source : http://ping.fm/W61pf
Monday, September 20, 2010
Not always as planned - but better
Things don't always turn out as planned...sometimes they turn out even better.
We have a group of runners who we are helping to run their first marathon in November. As part of the program we have decided to to do some of our long runs together. And the first one was to be this Sunday, where we joined an official 15km race. So, with sleep glued eyes - not having had to rise at the unearthly running hour since Comrades in May, we set off to meet everyone. Nothing quite like a pink sky heralding the arrival of the dozy sun as you make your way to the start of the race at 5:25am.
We were somewhat surprised by the few cars - but then I reasoned that maybe it was just not a popular race, as I slipped into a nice close parking. We easily found the registration table and within minutes had paid and were contemplating the start.
Until...that is, someone mentioned that the race was no longer starting at 6am but at 7am! With kids slumbering at home expecting our return at 8am, this would not do. So after some hasty discussion, and refunds we set off on our own 15km race.
We started with some grumbles about how this could have happened, how life was not fair, how if we ran the world it would all be right, as the orange sun welcomed us to the day. We followed the race course - sans drinks - but what an awesome run it was.
There were not jostling people, or offensive winds (all a real part sometimes of running) - it was just our group of 6. And what fun we had. As we returned to the stadium the back markers of the race were still setting forth, and we with grins painted on our faces reflecting that this was much better than what we had planned.
We have a group of runners who we are helping to run their first marathon in November. As part of the program we have decided to to do some of our long runs together. And the first one was to be this Sunday, where we joined an official 15km race. So, with sleep glued eyes - not having had to rise at the unearthly running hour since Comrades in May, we set off to meet everyone. Nothing quite like a pink sky heralding the arrival of the dozy sun as you make your way to the start of the race at 5:25am.
We were somewhat surprised by the few cars - but then I reasoned that maybe it was just not a popular race, as I slipped into a nice close parking. We easily found the registration table and within minutes had paid and were contemplating the start.
Until...that is, someone mentioned that the race was no longer starting at 6am but at 7am! With kids slumbering at home expecting our return at 8am, this would not do. So after some hasty discussion, and refunds we set off on our own 15km race.
We started with some grumbles about how this could have happened, how life was not fair, how if we ran the world it would all be right, as the orange sun welcomed us to the day. We followed the race course - sans drinks - but what an awesome run it was.
There were not jostling people, or offensive winds (all a real part sometimes of running) - it was just our group of 6. And what fun we had. As we returned to the stadium the back markers of the race were still setting forth, and we with grins painted on our faces reflecting that this was much better than what we had planned.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Why do I get nauseous after a long run?
The following article from Runners World is very interesting regarding this question.
8 Why do I feel nauseated after a long run?
You put in 18 miles to be able to eat a burrito, not to feel pukey thinking about one. Blame the decreased appetite on chemistry; a 2008 study published in the American Journal of Physiology found that a 60-minute session of treadmill running increased the amount of the gut hormone peptide YY, an appetite suppressant, and suppressed acylated ghrelin, an appetite stimulant. Full-on nausea? "There's a good probability you haven't fueled properly during the run," says Ilana Katz, M.S., R.D., C.S.S.D., a sports nutritionist in Atlanta. A lack of fuel in your body sends it into a stressed mode, that fight-or-flight mentality where survival—not eating rice, beans, and guac—is key.
Running Rx Try to prevent the problem by taking in about 60 grams of carbs per hour, either through a sports drink, gel, or regular food during your run. "The body can process about one gram of carbs per minute," says Katz. Postrun, try to knock back something easy, like a recovery drink, within 30 minutes. If you can't eat right away, don't worry too much. "Appetite loss is typically short-lived," says Katz. "Within an hour or two, suddenly you'll have a major one."
Source - http://ping.fm/D64k6
8 Why do I feel nauseated after a long run?
You put in 18 miles to be able to eat a burrito, not to feel pukey thinking about one. Blame the decreased appetite on chemistry; a 2008 study published in the American Journal of Physiology found that a 60-minute session of treadmill running increased the amount of the gut hormone peptide YY, an appetite suppressant, and suppressed acylated ghrelin, an appetite stimulant. Full-on nausea? "There's a good probability you haven't fueled properly during the run," says Ilana Katz, M.S., R.D., C.S.S.D., a sports nutritionist in Atlanta. A lack of fuel in your body sends it into a stressed mode, that fight-or-flight mentality where survival—not eating rice, beans, and guac—is key.
Running Rx Try to prevent the problem by taking in about 60 grams of carbs per hour, either through a sports drink, gel, or regular food during your run. "The body can process about one gram of carbs per minute," says Katz. Postrun, try to knock back something easy, like a recovery drink, within 30 minutes. If you can't eat right away, don't worry too much. "Appetite loss is typically short-lived," says Katz. "Within an hour or two, suddenly you'll have a major one."
Source - http://ping.fm/D64k6
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Comrades 2011
The dust has hardly settled on Comrades 2010 and Comrades 2011 entries are open. In fact if I look down at my toes as I type this, the reminder of the epic 89km journey at the end of May are still visible. Two toenails have leaped off and there are at least another two hanging toenaciously on in a futile attempt to cling to life.
And yet now entries for Comrades 2011 have been opened. Last year was a huge success with nearly 20,000 people running the 89km epic ultra marathon form Pietermaritzburg to Durban. And what a race it was. The weather was perfect - cool but not wet. The support as usual lined nearly the entire 89km route. The organisation was smooth. The comradeship (which is what it is about after all) was epic. It's an epic event, that requires and epic effort, but you are rewarded with the most unbelievable feeling when you enter the stadium. Having now completed 5 Comrades (nothing compared to some who have done 40+), I am still blown away by the feeling of running into the stadium. The cheering, the music, the smiles, the surge of emotion makes many a man cry with joy.
And so now Comrades 2011 entries are open. This year it works slightly different to last year with entries being open to everyone (not just previous finishers first). Anyone from South Africa or Internationally can enter, even before qualifying. HOWEVER entries close on the end of November or as soon as 18,000 entries are received. And remember last year? The 5,000 spaces that went in 40 hours. SO DO NOT WAIT!
So, if you are even vaguely considering doing Comrades next year, then enter - they will not open extra spaces, even if you do the haka mixed with a moon walk in nothing but your skin!
So go here (http://ping.fm/t6NmR) now and enter or visit their website (http://www.comrades.com) - BUT don't wait till tomorrow - remember tomorrow all beers are free...but that is tomorrow, tomorrow...
See you on the road...and hopefully in Comrades 2011 - the most epic race on the planet!
Yours in Running Easy...
Craig
And yet now entries for Comrades 2011 have been opened. Last year was a huge success with nearly 20,000 people running the 89km epic ultra marathon form Pietermaritzburg to Durban. And what a race it was. The weather was perfect - cool but not wet. The support as usual lined nearly the entire 89km route. The organisation was smooth. The comradeship (which is what it is about after all) was epic. It's an epic event, that requires and epic effort, but you are rewarded with the most unbelievable feeling when you enter the stadium. Having now completed 5 Comrades (nothing compared to some who have done 40+), I am still blown away by the feeling of running into the stadium. The cheering, the music, the smiles, the surge of emotion makes many a man cry with joy.
And so now Comrades 2011 entries are open. This year it works slightly different to last year with entries being open to everyone (not just previous finishers first). Anyone from South Africa or Internationally can enter, even before qualifying. HOWEVER entries close on the end of November or as soon as 18,000 entries are received. And remember last year? The 5,000 spaces that went in 40 hours. SO DO NOT WAIT!
So, if you are even vaguely considering doing Comrades next year, then enter - they will not open extra spaces, even if you do the haka mixed with a moon walk in nothing but your skin!
So go here (http://ping.fm/t6NmR) now and enter or visit their website (http://www.comrades.com) - BUT don't wait till tomorrow - remember tomorrow all beers are free...but that is tomorrow, tomorrow...
See you on the road...and hopefully in Comrades 2011 - the most epic race on the planet!
Yours in Running Easy...
Craig
Monday, July 26, 2010
Don't drink Gatorade unless you're a marathoner
It is amazing how quickly every man and his dog grab sports products. Maybe by buying the sports product the sedentary person feels more sporty. I suppose it is somewhat akin to the aged, bald person (not that I have issue with baldness...or age) buying the sport coupe in the hope that it makes him young...I might try that yet. But buying the fancy running gear, or being seen swigging back a bottle of Gatorade as you attempt to assuage your vociferous thirst, resulting from the 1km jog...that's not good!
In fact a recent article in the LA Times (based on interviews with lab-coated people who have more titles than names) says that not only is it not good, it is bad! And that is not just because you look like an idiot, especially seeing as you have not even broken a sweat yet. The doctor professor people say these drinks are designed for marathon runners - real athletes - people who are pushing their bodies to infinity and beyond. Not for the casual stroller or short distance jogger.
Hey, that does not mean strolling and jogging aren't good - they are awesome. In fact that is how any marathon runner had to start. But don't reach for the marathon runners Gatorade...leave that until your body needs it. You'll just over-sugar, over-salt...basically over-season your body and undo any good you had started.
So don't waste money - and don't waist bigger - drink water or run further.
Source: http://ping.fm/CL2bV
In fact a recent article in the LA Times (based on interviews with lab-coated people who have more titles than names) says that not only is it not good, it is bad! And that is not just because you look like an idiot, especially seeing as you have not even broken a sweat yet. The doctor professor people say these drinks are designed for marathon runners - real athletes - people who are pushing their bodies to infinity and beyond. Not for the casual stroller or short distance jogger.
Hey, that does not mean strolling and jogging aren't good - they are awesome. In fact that is how any marathon runner had to start. But don't reach for the marathon runners Gatorade...leave that until your body needs it. You'll just over-sugar, over-salt...basically over-season your body and undo any good you had started.
So don't waste money - and don't waist bigger - drink water or run further.
Source: http://ping.fm/CL2bV
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Check out some live fun video feed from some crazy Running Easy'ites who did a run in a game park with lions and snakes. http://ping.fm/VyJ4l
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Running Easy Tips - Episode 1 - The (s)TRAINING Program
Welcome to episode 1 of the Running Easy Tips Video series. In this first episode Running Easy and Running Hard have a frank discussion about Running Hard's training program. Check it out here...and find out about the rest ;-)
http://ping.fm/XDwVz
Hey, and don't forget to subscribe to our channel so you can get the new episodes hot of the tube! - http://ping.fm/Stw0M
http://ping.fm/XDwVz
Hey, and don't forget to subscribe to our channel so you can get the new episodes hot of the tube! - http://ping.fm/Stw0M
Just released our Running Easy Tips movie - Check it out & subscribe to our channel - Enjoy & Share - http://ping.fm/ya0Ec
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
How To Lose Weight And Keep Eating ? Things You Need to Know!
Let’s face it if we could find a way of losing weight without starving yourself to death or having to deny you the occasional sweet treat or sumptuous meal we would all jump at it. Well the good news is there is. Did you know that Running is the number one exercise for losing weight effectively? The reason most aspiring weight loss candidates do not jump at the thought of starting a running program is they have never been taught or shared the secret of running easy. That is running in such a way that it is always enjoyable, easy and fun
100 000’s of runners in the world have discovered this secret and are enjoying the benefits of running in order to lose weight – and what a way to lose weight. Not only can you lose weight, but you can also enjoy your food, enjoy the process of losing weight, plus keep it up for years. It’s not about tiny weighed portions of lettuce and cucumber for dinner after the somewhat scant lunch of watercress and broccoli. It’s about eating what you enjoy (within reason) and relishing in the experience of losing weight while seeing the sites and sounds of your neighborhood.
The results of a poll conducted by Runner’s World showed that while a lot of people keep running in order to control their weight, many more run because of the way it makes them feel.
What helps you stick to your running routine?
• My training partners 12.1%
• Fear of weight-gain 15.5%
• Having a goal race to train for 35.3%
• The way it makes me feel 37.1%
(Source: Runner’s World)
This is the great benefit of running. The longer we run the more your body turns to fat. So those long slow runs are slowly eating away those unwanted fat reserves.
However, not only does running help us control weight it also makes a feel good about ourselves. We feel fitter, we achieve greater things, we spend more time outdoors, we think more, we chat more….we get a lot more while losing a lot more.
100 000’s of runners in the world have discovered this secret and are enjoying the benefits of running in order to lose weight – and what a way to lose weight. Not only can you lose weight, but you can also enjoy your food, enjoy the process of losing weight, plus keep it up for years. It’s not about tiny weighed portions of lettuce and cucumber for dinner after the somewhat scant lunch of watercress and broccoli. It’s about eating what you enjoy (within reason) and relishing in the experience of losing weight while seeing the sites and sounds of your neighborhood.
The results of a poll conducted by Runner’s World showed that while a lot of people keep running in order to control their weight, many more run because of the way it makes them feel.
What helps you stick to your running routine?
• My training partners 12.1%
• Fear of weight-gain 15.5%
• Having a goal race to train for 35.3%
• The way it makes me feel 37.1%
(Source: Runner’s World)
This is the great benefit of running. The longer we run the more your body turns to fat. So those long slow runs are slowly eating away those unwanted fat reserves.
However, not only does running help us control weight it also makes a feel good about ourselves. We feel fitter, we achieve greater things, we spend more time outdoors, we think more, we chat more….we get a lot more while losing a lot more.
Beginner Running ? How much Carbohydrates Do I Need to Take Every Hour When Training ?
Our Bodies need fuel to move. When you start a running or marathon training program it is important to make sure you keep your body well supplied with the right type of carbohydrates in order to ensure sustained energy and running enjoyment. When your body runs out of fuel, you will simply “.hit the wall”. Which means dramatically reduced energy levels and muscle strength as your body will start seeing it is low on supply and reserve all available fuel to keep you vital body functions working. i.e. to keep you alive!
Typically the best type of carbohydrates used by runners are energy drinks or gels as these give a quick release of carbohydrates to the body.
Consuming carbohydrates in a sports drink or energy gel while running decreases reliance on muscle glycogen stores, thus conserving them. This is important as the run gets longer, as running out of Glycogen means no fuel to produce ATP (Adenosine triphosphate). All muscle movement requires this special fuel. No ATP, no movement! It’s as simple as that which means...well it means it’s not going to be fun.
Typically, once you have been running longer than an hour your body starts to use up its Glycogen stores. Taking 30-60g of carbohydrates every hour after your first hour, will help improve your strength and endurance. Consuming carbohydrates immediately after running also results in more rapid glycogen replenishment than does waiting to consume carbohydrates. So grab a sports drink as soon as you finish and you’ll keep your glycogen levels up.
It’s amazing how little many runners or joggers know about their bodies needs when embarking on a running training program. Simply getting the right advice will ensure you not only keep your body healthy and injury free. It will also ensure your running or marathon training is both fun and enjoyable.
Typically the best type of carbohydrates used by runners are energy drinks or gels as these give a quick release of carbohydrates to the body.
Consuming carbohydrates in a sports drink or energy gel while running decreases reliance on muscle glycogen stores, thus conserving them. This is important as the run gets longer, as running out of Glycogen means no fuel to produce ATP (Adenosine triphosphate). All muscle movement requires this special fuel. No ATP, no movement! It’s as simple as that which means...well it means it’s not going to be fun.
Typically, once you have been running longer than an hour your body starts to use up its Glycogen stores. Taking 30-60g of carbohydrates every hour after your first hour, will help improve your strength and endurance. Consuming carbohydrates immediately after running also results in more rapid glycogen replenishment than does waiting to consume carbohydrates. So grab a sports drink as soon as you finish and you’ll keep your glycogen levels up.
It’s amazing how little many runners or joggers know about their bodies needs when embarking on a running training program. Simply getting the right advice will ensure you not only keep your body healthy and injury free. It will also ensure your running or marathon training is both fun and enjoyable.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
10 Scientific proofs why Running Easy is the No. 1 Lifetime Exercise of Choice
If you want to lose weight, get fit, stay healthy and feel great then you need to listen to science. Every year thousands of “new” schemes are launched that claim to miraculously transfer you from the overweight, tired, sickly old-you to the miraculous new you. Yet most of these schemes, besides draining more fat from your wallet than your waist, are not supported by science. They are normally supported by the glowing testimonials of other “big losers”. Yet what they fail to show is how these glowing, smiling, slim, healthy-looking people appear 6 months or 1 year later…when the hype is over and the ad revenue all spent. The bottom line is that any successful approach to weight loss has to be a “lifestyle approach”.
If the approach is not natural, like gyrating your body on a special machine, it will eventually fail.
If the approach is not easy, like having to go to a gym every day, it will eventually fail.
If the approach is not fun, like spending hours indoors on a stationary bike, it will eventually fail.
A lifestyle approach to losing weight, getting fit, staying healthy, and feeling great must be natural, easy and fun. Additionally it should also be scientifically proven. Is it possible to find such an approach? Yes!
Running is the most tried-and-tested and effective approach to enabling people to lose weight, stay healthy, look good and feel great of all time. While other fads come and go, since the dawn of civilization, running has been used. Humans are designed to run – yet sadly the approach that worked for thousands of years has been lost. It’s been lost in competition, “trying harder”, “no pain no gain” distortions. The result is that the secret of the most effective, most time-tested approach has been lost. Yet an overwhelming amount of scientific research is proving that the lost art of Running Easy is the ultimate approach to a healthy, energized and long life.
We'll let science prove it. Watch this spot as we share the science of the art of running. It will change your life.
If the approach is not natural, like gyrating your body on a special machine, it will eventually fail.
If the approach is not easy, like having to go to a gym every day, it will eventually fail.
If the approach is not fun, like spending hours indoors on a stationary bike, it will eventually fail.
A lifestyle approach to losing weight, getting fit, staying healthy, and feeling great must be natural, easy and fun. Additionally it should also be scientifically proven. Is it possible to find such an approach? Yes!
Running is the most tried-and-tested and effective approach to enabling people to lose weight, stay healthy, look good and feel great of all time. While other fads come and go, since the dawn of civilization, running has been used. Humans are designed to run – yet sadly the approach that worked for thousands of years has been lost. It’s been lost in competition, “trying harder”, “no pain no gain” distortions. The result is that the secret of the most effective, most time-tested approach has been lost. Yet an overwhelming amount of scientific research is proving that the lost art of Running Easy is the ultimate approach to a healthy, energized and long life.
We'll let science prove it. Watch this spot as we share the science of the art of running. It will change your life.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Running in South Africa - You gotta love it
There's a faint pink hue in the sky but otherwise it's still dark. Yet in this inky darkness a coalescing stream of cars flows with purpose. Soon orange spotlights and the bubbling chatter of nearly 2000 runners crowds out the darkness - a fusion of age, race, gender, social status and skill. They talk easily, merrily as the announcer’s instructions roll over the crowd explaining the course. Moments later the somewhat uncertain sound of South Africa's gift to music - the vuvuzela, heralds the start of the 32km race.
The huddle of runners, without pausing its conversation, flows forward like a living river eager to run its course. The rich smell of curry wafts tantalizingly in the slightly humid morning air, as the runners make their way past high-rise apartments and old 1950 houses complete with stoep, out-house and corrugated iron roof.
The jovial tide of runners suddenly swirls about as it reaches the first water table and the runner's 3 step dance ensues. Grab dangling water sachet with grateful grunt. Rip, spit, squeeze and savour plastic flavoured liquid. Toss disgorged water sachet in general direction of bin. And then the flow resumes as the bubbling river of runners flows over hills and plummets through valleys.
The friendly spirit sees Marshall being thanked hundreds of times, as he smilingly guides the flowing mass. Soon the front runners, those works of art in motion, are seen returning - a trickle of brilliance that alters not for hill or vale. The bubbling spirit of the flowing group continues even as the warm arms of Africa's sun begin to press upon it.
Black, white, male, female, old, young - strangers on a shared journey - one people. "It's quite a tough run", the stranger says as we share a common pace, a common space for a few moments. I nod sagely, in that way only a fellow runner can do. "Ja, but it's a good training run," he says as the tide and topography separate us. "I'm doing the Postnet marathon", says another runner to his companion. "Ja that's good. I'm gonna also run Two Oceans as part of my peak week training for Comrades", he replies as they too merge into the river of runners.
"Aah, I think to myself, where else would you hear talk like this? Where else would a 32km, a marathon, an ultra marathon, be a training run? Where else does the vuvuzela start a race? Where else do so many races, so many faces smile and talk and journey together?
The unrelenting passion of the announcers voice heralds the end. A welcome, warming, wonderful sound. I collect my spot-the-shirt-beneath-the-adverts t-shirt as I let the laughter, the chatter, the camaraderie of my fellow runners wash over me. Aah, running in South Africa, you gotta love it!
Yours in running easy
Craig Blewett
(after running the SparkPort 32km Challenge on Sunday)
REMEMBER to get your FREE marathon book @ http://ping.fm/sdqVA
(c) Copyright, www.runningeasy.com
The huddle of runners, without pausing its conversation, flows forward like a living river eager to run its course. The rich smell of curry wafts tantalizingly in the slightly humid morning air, as the runners make their way past high-rise apartments and old 1950 houses complete with stoep, out-house and corrugated iron roof.
The jovial tide of runners suddenly swirls about as it reaches the first water table and the runner's 3 step dance ensues. Grab dangling water sachet with grateful grunt. Rip, spit, squeeze and savour plastic flavoured liquid. Toss disgorged water sachet in general direction of bin. And then the flow resumes as the bubbling river of runners flows over hills and plummets through valleys.
The friendly spirit sees Marshall being thanked hundreds of times, as he smilingly guides the flowing mass. Soon the front runners, those works of art in motion, are seen returning - a trickle of brilliance that alters not for hill or vale. The bubbling spirit of the flowing group continues even as the warm arms of Africa's sun begin to press upon it.
Black, white, male, female, old, young - strangers on a shared journey - one people. "It's quite a tough run", the stranger says as we share a common pace, a common space for a few moments. I nod sagely, in that way only a fellow runner can do. "Ja, but it's a good training run," he says as the tide and topography separate us. "I'm doing the Postnet marathon", says another runner to his companion. "Ja that's good. I'm gonna also run Two Oceans as part of my peak week training for Comrades", he replies as they too merge into the river of runners.
"Aah, I think to myself, where else would you hear talk like this? Where else would a 32km, a marathon, an ultra marathon, be a training run? Where else does the vuvuzela start a race? Where else do so many races, so many faces smile and talk and journey together?
The unrelenting passion of the announcers voice heralds the end. A welcome, warming, wonderful sound. I collect my spot-the-shirt-beneath-the-adverts t-shirt as I let the laughter, the chatter, the camaraderie of my fellow runners wash over me. Aah, running in South Africa, you gotta love it!
Yours in running easy
Craig Blewett
(after running the SparkPort 32km Challenge on Sunday)
REMEMBER to get your FREE marathon book @ http://ping.fm/sdqVA
(c) Copyright, www.runningeasy.com
Monday, February 1, 2010
Wow - as predicted - the final Comrades spaces were gone in just 4 minutes. Some of our Running Easy members tried to get a place but sadly missed out, even though they were 4th in the line. Oh, well there are loads of other great races in SA - especially the 56km Two Oceans Marathon.
So the Comrades Marathon is now officially (again) closed. There are now about 22,000 runners registered with thousands more disappointed.
Whether running or not 2010 is off to an exciting start. We got to enjoy an awesome 32km run yesterday morning. It was a double lap but the course meandered up and down giving a great blend of experiences. Thankfully we were done before the 30+ sun really started making its presence felt.
You just gotta love this time of year...
Yours in running easy
Craig
So the Comrades Marathon is now officially (again) closed. There are now about 22,000 runners registered with thousands more disappointed.
Whether running or not 2010 is off to an exciting start. We got to enjoy an awesome 32km run yesterday morning. It was a double lap but the course meandered up and down giving a great blend of experiences. Thankfully we were done before the 30+ sun really started making its presence felt.
You just gotta love this time of year...
Yours in running easy
Craig
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
2010 runs off quickly...
Hey Everyone,
Well 2010 is off to a running start with lots of running already happening. There is a great group of Running Easy members training for the Canberra marathon (see http://ping.fm/7K9D9) and here in South Africa the excitement for Comrades 2010 is big.
2010 is a big year in SA with the soccer world cup in June, but most runners are already getting well into their Comrades training.
We're spoilt for races to run as there is a marathon or half marathon nearly every single weekend within a few kms of where we stay in Durban. We'll be putting out our Comrades program soon for those who want to join us.
REMINDER - If you did not get into Comrades 2010 remember that there is one more opportunity to snap up one of the final 2000 spaces. Here's the official notice of what to do -
The CMA Board has decided to reopen entries for a limited number of 2,000 additional entries only. Entries will open on Saturday, 30 January 2010 and will ONLY be accepted at Mr Price Stores countrywide. Entries will close as soon as 2,000 entries have been received.
In order to work on a fair “first come first serve” basis, NO FAX, POSTAL OR ONLINE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED. Entries will also not be taken at Comrades House in Pietermaritzburg. The CMA therefore appeals to those runners who still wish to enter for the 2010 Comrades Marathon, to make sure that they are at a Mr Price early on Saturday, 30 January 2010.
So it's getting close - put it in your diary and get to your local Mr Price (if you live in SA) and be their early as I'm predicting they will all be gone within 15 minutes!
Finally a reminder of the special for all our Running Easy readers - You can get the Complete Running Easy Marathon Course, and 400 pg Running Easy Marathon book for free here. Get it here NOW - http://bit.ly/FREEbook
We look forward to an awesome 2010, and hope you enjoy your running easy!
Craig & Nicky
Well 2010 is off to a running start with lots of running already happening. There is a great group of Running Easy members training for the Canberra marathon (see http://ping.fm/7K9D9) and here in South Africa the excitement for Comrades 2010 is big.
2010 is a big year in SA with the soccer world cup in June, but most runners are already getting well into their Comrades training.
We're spoilt for races to run as there is a marathon or half marathon nearly every single weekend within a few kms of where we stay in Durban. We'll be putting out our Comrades program soon for those who want to join us.
REMINDER - If you did not get into Comrades 2010 remember that there is one more opportunity to snap up one of the final 2000 spaces. Here's the official notice of what to do -
The CMA Board has decided to reopen entries for a limited number of 2,000 additional entries only. Entries will open on Saturday, 30 January 2010 and will ONLY be accepted at Mr Price Stores countrywide. Entries will close as soon as 2,000 entries have been received.
In order to work on a fair “first come first serve” basis, NO FAX, POSTAL OR ONLINE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED. Entries will also not be taken at Comrades House in Pietermaritzburg. The CMA therefore appeals to those runners who still wish to enter for the 2010 Comrades Marathon, to make sure that they are at a Mr Price early on Saturday, 30 January 2010.
So it's getting close - put it in your diary and get to your local Mr Price (if you live in SA) and be their early as I'm predicting they will all be gone within 15 minutes!
Finally a reminder of the special for all our Running Easy readers - You can get the Complete Running Easy Marathon Course, and 400 pg Running Easy Marathon book for free here. Get it here NOW - http://bit.ly/FREEbook
We look forward to an awesome 2010, and hope you enjoy your running easy!
Craig & Nicky
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
