Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Don't look we're being followed!
One thing I love about running, even after all these years, is that there is always a new experience waiting for you out on the road. Saturday morning, just 2 weeks to go before the BIG C. After a leisurely sleep in and lazing in bed we decided to head out for an easy 8km run. We picked one of our regular 8km runs, affectionately called the School Route because it passes no less than 8 schools. The run starts with a big HELLO as the first 1.5km is up hill. We started our slow trudge up the hill, repeating our now common mantra - "Comrades pace" - but knowing that the interminable hill nonetheless stretched out a long way before us. And then all of a sudden we realized we were being followed. It's an inner sense, a sense that something is not right, a sense of being stalked. Furtively I glanced around and my suspicions were confirmed. He was right behind us, and closing fast. At first we tried to increase our pace but he was a natural, there was no way we could outpace him. Then we thought maybe we would just ignore him and try and behave like we didn't know he was there. However that did not work as he continued to follow just behind us. Eventually exasperated I turned around to confront him. "Stop following us," I said, but he continued seemingly ignoring me. I changed language trying to be firmer, "Voetsak!"
The road alongside which we were running was busy with Saturday morning traffic as parents ferried kids to and fro from sports events at schools and Saturday shoppers headed resolutely to their weekly places of homage. There were cars everywhere and all my efforts to dissuade him from following were futile. He simply wagged his tail and continued on resolutely. If we didn't stop him, he would certainly be run over by a car. I could see his was afraid, lost, alone and looking for someone to take care of him. But we were on a jog, we had a plan, a training run to do...there was not time for a lost dog.
On closer inspection we noticed there was a phone number and a name on his collar. "Hello Bruno," I said, reading his name. "Where do you live?" He answered with a nervous wag of his tail and a look of hope in his eyes. The number would not help as we did not have a cell phone on us. There was only one solution. Picking up Bruno, a stocky little Jack Russell, we resumed our journey up the hill with a plan to drop him off at the vet that we knew we would pass. However, were on a run, so tucking Bruno under one arm, we set off once more on our jog up the hill.
I'm not sure what they have been feeding Bruno, but after about 200 meters or so I was considering taking the dog to the police station, convinced the owners were smuggling gold bullion in the dog. The jog stopped in a panting wheeze, I think much to Bruno's delight, as I'm not sure being jiggled under a sweaty armpit will go down as a high point in his life. Switching arms every few steps to ensure both my arms were stretched equally, we walked the remainder of the hill.
A relieved Bruno was shortly thereafter handed over to the loving care of the vet and we headed on with our jog. While we'd got off to a rather slow and somewhat unexpected start, the remainder of the run was at a significantly faster pace, as I tried to stay upwind of my personal dog smell. So, the run wasn't as planned, but hey, we got to help out poor old Bruno. That's what I love about running. You are out there experiencing life with all it's rich adventures, opportunities and experiences. It's never the same, but it's always fulfilling. "Thanks Bruno, I'll remember our jog together, short as it was. After all, I still have hundreds of your dog hairs clinging tenaciously to my shirt!"
It's only days now before the Big Comrades marathon 2011 arrives. Daily I scan the weather forecast as it fluctuates from 40C to 4C...thankfully now seems closer to a beautiful 22C. So between Bruno's, Beaches, Bruce's and now Butterflies (and plenty of them now) ...the time has come. Enjoy the big day. Surrounded by thousands of cheering supporters, together with 20,000 comrades on the same journey, and a vision of ultimate achievement, it's the ultimate human race. Enjoy it. May God bless us all as we run in his strength.
Yours in running easy,
Craig
www.runningeasy.com
www.theamazingrice.com
The road alongside which we were running was busy with Saturday morning traffic as parents ferried kids to and fro from sports events at schools and Saturday shoppers headed resolutely to their weekly places of homage. There were cars everywhere and all my efforts to dissuade him from following were futile. He simply wagged his tail and continued on resolutely. If we didn't stop him, he would certainly be run over by a car. I could see his was afraid, lost, alone and looking for someone to take care of him. But we were on a jog, we had a plan, a training run to do...there was not time for a lost dog.
On closer inspection we noticed there was a phone number and a name on his collar. "Hello Bruno," I said, reading his name. "Where do you live?" He answered with a nervous wag of his tail and a look of hope in his eyes. The number would not help as we did not have a cell phone on us. There was only one solution. Picking up Bruno, a stocky little Jack Russell, we resumed our journey up the hill with a plan to drop him off at the vet that we knew we would pass. However, were on a run, so tucking Bruno under one arm, we set off once more on our jog up the hill.
I'm not sure what they have been feeding Bruno, but after about 200 meters or so I was considering taking the dog to the police station, convinced the owners were smuggling gold bullion in the dog. The jog stopped in a panting wheeze, I think much to Bruno's delight, as I'm not sure being jiggled under a sweaty armpit will go down as a high point in his life. Switching arms every few steps to ensure both my arms were stretched equally, we walked the remainder of the hill.
A relieved Bruno was shortly thereafter handed over to the loving care of the vet and we headed on with our jog. While we'd got off to a rather slow and somewhat unexpected start, the remainder of the run was at a significantly faster pace, as I tried to stay upwind of my personal dog smell. So, the run wasn't as planned, but hey, we got to help out poor old Bruno. That's what I love about running. You are out there experiencing life with all it's rich adventures, opportunities and experiences. It's never the same, but it's always fulfilling. "Thanks Bruno, I'll remember our jog together, short as it was. After all, I still have hundreds of your dog hairs clinging tenaciously to my shirt!"
It's only days now before the Big Comrades marathon 2011 arrives. Daily I scan the weather forecast as it fluctuates from 40C to 4C...thankfully now seems closer to a beautiful 22C. So between Bruno's, Beaches, Bruce's and now Butterflies (and plenty of them now) ...the time has come. Enjoy the big day. Surrounded by thousands of cheering supporters, together with 20,000 comrades on the same journey, and a vision of ultimate achievement, it's the ultimate human race. Enjoy it. May God bless us all as we run in his strength.
Yours in running easy,
Craig
www.runningeasy.com
www.theamazingrice.com
Monday, May 16, 2011
Don't look, we're being followed!
One thing I love about running, even after all these years, is that there is always a new experience waiting for you out on the road. Saturday morning, just 2 weeks to go before the BIG C. After a leisurely sleep in and lazing in bed we decided to head out for an easy 8km run. We picked one of our regular 8km runs, affectionately called the School Route because it passes no less than 8 schools. The run starts with a big HELLO as the first 1.5km is up hill. We started our slow trudge up the hill, repeating our now common mantra - "Comrades pace" - but knowing that the interminable hill nonetheless stretched out a long way before us. And then all of a sudden we realized we were being followed. It's an inner sense, a sense that something is not right, a sense of being stalked. Furtively I glanced around and my suspicions were confirmed. He was right behind us, and closing fast. At first we tried to increase our pace but he was a natural, there was no way we could outpace him. Then we thought maybe we would just ignore him and try and behave like we didn't know he was there. However that did not work as he continued to follow just behind us. Eventually exasperated I turned around to confront him. "Stop following us," I said, but he continued seemingly ignoring me. I changed language trying to be firmer, "Voetsak!"
The road alongside which we were running was busy with Saturday morning traffic as parents ferried kids to and fro from sports events at schools and Saturday shoppers headed resolutely to their weekly places of homage. There were cars everywhere and all my efforts to dissuade him from following were futile. He simply wagged his tail and continued on resolutely. If we didn't stop him, he would certainly be run over by a car. I could see his was afraid, lost, alone and looking for someone to take care of him. But we were on a jog, we had a plan, a training run to do...there was not time for a lost dog.
On closer inspection we noticed there was a phone number and a name on his collar. "Hello Bruno," I said, reading his name. "Where do you live?" He answered with a nervous wag of his tail and a look of hope in his eyes. The number would not help as we did not have a cell phone on us. There was only one solution. Picking up Bruno, a stocky little Jack Russell, we resumed our journey up the hill with a plan to drop him off at the vet that we knew we would pass. However, were on a run, so tucking Bruno under one arm, we set off once more on our jog up the hill.
I'm not sure what they have been feeding Bruno, but after about 200 meters or so I was considering taking the dog to the police station, convinced the owners were smuggling gold bullion in the dog. The jog stopped in a panting wheeze, I think much to Bruno's delight, as I'm not sure being jiggled under a sweaty armpit will go down as a high point in his life. Switching arms every few steps to ensure both my arms were stretched equally, we walked the remainder of the hill.
A relieved Bruno was shortly thereafter handed over to the loving care of the vet and we headed on with our jog. While we'd got off to a rather slow and somewhat unexpected start, the remainder of the run was at a significantly faster pace, as I tried to stay upwind of my personal dog smell. So, the run wasn't as planned, but hey, we got to help out poor old Bruno. That's what I love about running. You are out there experiencing life with all it's rich adventures, opportunities and experiences. It's never the same, but it's always fulfilling. "Thanks Bruno, I'll remember our jog together, short as it was. After all, I still have hundreds of your dog hairs clinging tenaciously to my shirt!"
Visit www.theamazingrice.com to change your life and the lives others.
The road alongside which we were running was busy with Saturday morning traffic as parents ferried kids to and fro from sports events at schools and Saturday shoppers headed resolutely to their weekly places of homage. There were cars everywhere and all my efforts to dissuade him from following were futile. He simply wagged his tail and continued on resolutely. If we didn't stop him, he would certainly be run over by a car. I could see his was afraid, lost, alone and looking for someone to take care of him. But we were on a jog, we had a plan, a training run to do...there was not time for a lost dog.
On closer inspection we noticed there was a phone number and a name on his collar. "Hello Bruno," I said, reading his name. "Where do you live?" He answered with a nervous wag of his tail and a look of hope in his eyes. The number would not help as we did not have a cell phone on us. There was only one solution. Picking up Bruno, a stocky little Jack Russell, we resumed our journey up the hill with a plan to drop him off at the vet that we knew we would pass. However, were on a run, so tucking Bruno under one arm, we set off once more on our jog up the hill.
I'm not sure what they have been feeding Bruno, but after about 200 meters or so I was considering taking the dog to the police station, convinced the owners were smuggling gold bullion in the dog. The jog stopped in a panting wheeze, I think much to Bruno's delight, as I'm not sure being jiggled under a sweaty armpit will go down as a high point in his life. Switching arms every few steps to ensure both my arms were stretched equally, we walked the remainder of the hill.
A relieved Bruno was shortly thereafter handed over to the loving care of the vet and we headed on with our jog. While we'd got off to a rather slow and somewhat unexpected start, the remainder of the run was at a significantly faster pace, as I tried to stay upwind of my personal dog smell. So, the run wasn't as planned, but hey, we got to help out poor old Bruno. That's what I love about running. You are out there experiencing life with all it's rich adventures, opportunities and experiences. It's never the same, but it's always fulfilling. "Thanks Bruno, I'll remember our jog together, short as it was. After all, I still have hundreds of your dog hairs clinging tenaciously to my shirt!"
Visit www.theamazingrice.com to change your life and the lives others.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
For Comrades Runners (and others) - A very good article on causes/cures for nausea during and after long runs - http://goo.gl/5P0Rs
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
"Facebook, Facebook on the wall, who is the fairest of all?" See how dangerous staring into the Facebook mirror can be - http://goo.gl/n9C7O
Monday, May 9, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Reebok ZigTechs ReeRok!
I am always a little nervous when I change my running shoes, but then again I'm always keen to try something new, especially if it is pitched from some tech, new-fad angle. I just can't resist. So when I first laid eyes on Reebok's ZigTech shoes I was immediately wooed. I could see me in a pair of these, computer designed with enough research to develop a fleet of shuttles, and so on. Quickly I was on the Web trying to see what people thought. But as is typically the case there were only a few reviews - but mostly by those who blindly followed Reebok and said "of course they will be great" or those who were anti-Reebok and said "they are junk (even though I haven't tried them)" - of course the part in brackets was not included.
However, I could not take this decision lightly. I am busy preparing to run the big 89km (56 mile) Comrades Marathon in May. I can't have shoes that will not work...but then again, the tech, the possibilities...so I took the leap and got a pair. Tentatively I took them out for a short 8km run, as this always gives an early indicator if something is not right...and my feet returned happy. But the real test is only when I run over 2 hours, as then any strange rubbing, weird footfalls will be revealed. So a few days later they got to go on their next big outing, a 30km training run. Once more my feet returned happy. Subsequent to that I ran in my Reebok ZigTechs multiple times as we prepared for our Comrades long training run, the 56km Two Oceans marathon. This would be the real test where my Zigs would be my close companion for nearly 6 hours.
How did they do? The Zigs went unnoticed! I did not even realise I was wearing them...not once. This is the ultimate testimony to a great pair of running shoes. They should not make themselves noticed. They should feel natural on your feet, and just do their job. And then I did notice, as I slipped them off at the end of the race. For the first time in all the years I have run marathons and ultramarathons, I had not a single blister - and no black toenails! This time my feet were really smiling.
So, in short, for me, my ZigTech Reeboks have been superb. I had the best race (and fastest time too) for the 56km Two Oceans marathon. The ultimate test is still to come, when they join me on the 89km Comrades journey - the ultimate human race. But I'm confident my feet will be in good company. If I have a complaint, its that the Zigs are not designed for off road running. They have a voracious appetite for stones...as small stones get embedded in the zig design and then you clunk along sounding like tap-dancing zebra. But, use them for what they are designed for - road running - and you'll give your feet (and legs) a great party! These Reeboks Rock!
However, I could not take this decision lightly. I am busy preparing to run the big 89km (56 mile) Comrades Marathon in May. I can't have shoes that will not work...but then again, the tech, the possibilities...so I took the leap and got a pair. Tentatively I took them out for a short 8km run, as this always gives an early indicator if something is not right...and my feet returned happy. But the real test is only when I run over 2 hours, as then any strange rubbing, weird footfalls will be revealed. So a few days later they got to go on their next big outing, a 30km training run. Once more my feet returned happy. Subsequent to that I ran in my Reebok ZigTechs multiple times as we prepared for our Comrades long training run, the 56km Two Oceans marathon. This would be the real test where my Zigs would be my close companion for nearly 6 hours.
How did they do? The Zigs went unnoticed! I did not even realise I was wearing them...not once. This is the ultimate testimony to a great pair of running shoes. They should not make themselves noticed. They should feel natural on your feet, and just do their job. And then I did notice, as I slipped them off at the end of the race. For the first time in all the years I have run marathons and ultramarathons, I had not a single blister - and no black toenails! This time my feet were really smiling.
So, in short, for me, my ZigTech Reeboks have been superb. I had the best race (and fastest time too) for the 56km Two Oceans marathon. The ultimate test is still to come, when they join me on the 89km Comrades journey - the ultimate human race. But I'm confident my feet will be in good company. If I have a complaint, its that the Zigs are not designed for off road running. They have a voracious appetite for stones...as small stones get embedded in the zig design and then you clunk along sounding like tap-dancing zebra. But, use them for what they are designed for - road running - and you'll give your feet (and legs) a great party! These Reeboks Rock!
Beating Bruce (Fordyce)
Beating Bruce
The start was dark, but the tension was palpable as we stood waiting for the gun that would herald the start of our 56km Two Oceans race. The gun sounded...and we stood, and stood, and stood...before breaking into a slow walk, shuffle, walk, shuffle, jog, and finally run. 9,000 runners were off on the most "world's most beautiful marathon". As the early part of the race winds through small towns lined with shops, we developed the pavement dash. Darting off the clogged road we'd fly down the pavements - even getting in a chance to do some early morning window-shopping. Yet, before too long the twisting snake of humanity began to stretch out and the race was on. It was just before reaching Muizenberg that we spotted him - unmistakable in his poise, professional and easy style, and surrounded by other greats. The king of Comrades, Bruce Fordyce was just ahead of us. This was our chance. Throwing caution to the wind we increased our pace and came "flying" past him. What euphoria - we'd passed the legend himself. But of course Bruce would not be so easily overcome, and a few minutes later- obviously trying to break us with an early surge - he came past us once again. Yet, we were not to be beaten. This was our day, and once more we drew from deep within, and surged past Bruce again. This time it would be final...as we clang to our precarious lead over peak and through bays till with joy we crossed the line to claim our place in the halls of fame!
OK...so maybe it was not quite like that. When we first passed Bruce he was nonchalantly chatting to the great Noel Stamper - another legend who has completed 41 Two Oceans marathons. I also overheard someone saying Bruce had run a marathon the week before in like 57 minutes or something. And of course, I never mentioned to Bruce that there was a race. And maybe Bruce was aiming for a blue medal to complete his collection. And on I could go. But this is the amazing thing with running. Ordinary people can run with legends. Ordinary people can participate in an event with people like Bruce and Noel. Ordinary people can be in the same race as the super athletes who win the event in mind-blowing times. Ordinary people can be Heroes.
As we lumbered slowly up the energy and soul-draining Constantia Nek we came up behind a runner with 75 pinned to his shirt! That means he is 75 years old, or more! Unbelievable, so inspiring. If only I can be like him at that age. And here we are running in the same race with him, running in the same race with legend after legend. There is no other sport that lets you experience this quite like running.
And then the moment of pure exhilaration, where words fail - as roads thick with cheering supporters scream, and sing, and shout out your name as we approach the finish. The flood of music, the commentators voice, the television cameras, the rising crescendo of cheering fans, as we run down the final stretch to the finish line. It is an Olympic stadium in everyway. Punching the air in achievement, we leap across the finish line, and with bursting hearts, face-splitting smiles, we receive our medals. Wow, we've done it. We've run with legends and felt like heroes. We're Ordinary Heroes...and there is no better feeling!
You want a heroes challenge? Join The Amazing Rice challenge - www.theamazingrice.com - run and circle the world with a ring of rice!
The start was dark, but the tension was palpable as we stood waiting for the gun that would herald the start of our 56km Two Oceans race. The gun sounded...and we stood, and stood, and stood...before breaking into a slow walk, shuffle, walk, shuffle, jog, and finally run. 9,000 runners were off on the most "world's most beautiful marathon". As the early part of the race winds through small towns lined with shops, we developed the pavement dash. Darting off the clogged road we'd fly down the pavements - even getting in a chance to do some early morning window-shopping. Yet, before too long the twisting snake of humanity began to stretch out and the race was on. It was just before reaching Muizenberg that we spotted him - unmistakable in his poise, professional and easy style, and surrounded by other greats. The king of Comrades, Bruce Fordyce was just ahead of us. This was our chance. Throwing caution to the wind we increased our pace and came "flying" past him. What euphoria - we'd passed the legend himself. But of course Bruce would not be so easily overcome, and a few minutes later- obviously trying to break us with an early surge - he came past us once again. Yet, we were not to be beaten. This was our day, and once more we drew from deep within, and surged past Bruce again. This time it would be final...as we clang to our precarious lead over peak and through bays till with joy we crossed the line to claim our place in the halls of fame!
OK...so maybe it was not quite like that. When we first passed Bruce he was nonchalantly chatting to the great Noel Stamper - another legend who has completed 41 Two Oceans marathons. I also overheard someone saying Bruce had run a marathon the week before in like 57 minutes or something. And of course, I never mentioned to Bruce that there was a race. And maybe Bruce was aiming for a blue medal to complete his collection. And on I could go. But this is the amazing thing with running. Ordinary people can run with legends. Ordinary people can participate in an event with people like Bruce and Noel. Ordinary people can be in the same race as the super athletes who win the event in mind-blowing times. Ordinary people can be Heroes.
As we lumbered slowly up the energy and soul-draining Constantia Nek we came up behind a runner with 75 pinned to his shirt! That means he is 75 years old, or more! Unbelievable, so inspiring. If only I can be like him at that age. And here we are running in the same race with him, running in the same race with legend after legend. There is no other sport that lets you experience this quite like running.
And then the moment of pure exhilaration, where words fail - as roads thick with cheering supporters scream, and sing, and shout out your name as we approach the finish. The flood of music, the commentators voice, the television cameras, the rising crescendo of cheering fans, as we run down the final stretch to the finish line. It is an Olympic stadium in everyway. Punching the air in achievement, we leap across the finish line, and with bursting hearts, face-splitting smiles, we receive our medals. Wow, we've done it. We've run with legends and felt like heroes. We're Ordinary Heroes...and there is no better feeling!
You want a heroes challenge? Join The Amazing Rice challenge - www.theamazingrice.com - run and circle the world with a ring of rice!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
