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!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
We've hit 50KM - WOW! We have now laid a trail of rice 50km long in our Amazing Rice Challenge. That is sufficient for 800 meals. Thank YOU everyone who is changing lives (yours included). We have just 12,422km to go to circle the earth...so grab a friend and get them to join - www.theamazingrice.com - every grain counts.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Start Running Today - Scientific Research Proves Running Boosts Your Immune System
There is nothing better than a strong immune system. It quite simply means that you get sick less often and when you get sick the symptoms are a lot less severe. And so in our quest to get a stronger immune system we turn to "magic cures". This can be anything from special berries that claim magical properties to vitamin tablets and more. However while millions of dollars of advertising revenue push these wonder cures on us, very few are backed by scientific research. It's one thing to have some doctor nodding his agreement in a million dollar commercial, it quite another to have hard research proving the claim appearing in an academic research journal.
However, unless you are academically minded and keen on spending hours trolling through verbose, complex research journals you are unlikely to find out what really works to boost your immune system. So understandably we rely on the TV commercial, and spend all our hard earned cash on the latest "wonder cure". Yet hidden inside these complex journals are thousands of proofs showing what is the most effective way to boost your immunity. If you are a budding researcher head on over to Google Scholar and search for "running boosts immunity" and you will find all the proof you need. Here are some examples of the amazing research that is found in academic journals relating to how running easy is proven to be the most effective way to boost your immune system.
We live in a world of "no pain no gain" mentality. And so when it comes to getting fit, getting healthy and losing weight we assume there must be pain and suffering. However research shows that the adage "Less is More" applies when it comes to running. It's all about running at an easy, comfortable pace. Not only is staying at a pace where you can hold a comfortable conversation best for weight loss and fitness it's best for boosting your immune system.
If you are unfit your immune level is low. As you begin to run, your immune level increases. However once you put your body under stress, your immune level actually drops off.
Research published in the Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that "moderate levels of physical activity are associated with a reduced risk of UTRI (Upper Track Respirotry Infection)". In English - moderate levels (running easy) of exercise will reduce the risk of illness. So, if you run easy you'll get healthier. However, not running at all, and you are more likely to get sick. Over doing your running, and you're more likely to get sick.
It all comes back to - "Less is More" - and with Running Easy it means More Health, More Fitness, More Life!
If you want to find out how to run in such a way that you maximize your immune system, then go and get the complete list of scientific reasons supporting the Running Easy approach. Get it NOW and Never Fear the Sneeze!
Research Sources
- Matthews, C E: Ockene, I S: Freedson, P S: Rosal, M C: Merriam, P A: Hebert, J R, "Moderate to vigorous physical activity and risk of upper-respiratory tract infection" in the Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
Source: Running Easy
Running Easy is a unique concept designed for ordinary people who aspire to achieve amazing things. By applying a scientifically supported approach, Running Easy introduces people to the last art of running. Not only do members enjoy fitness, improved health, weight-loss...it is all about fun, enjoyment and lifestyle...something unique to Running Easy. Subscribe at http://ping.fm/47IF3
However, unless you are academically minded and keen on spending hours trolling through verbose, complex research journals you are unlikely to find out what really works to boost your immune system. So understandably we rely on the TV commercial, and spend all our hard earned cash on the latest "wonder cure". Yet hidden inside these complex journals are thousands of proofs showing what is the most effective way to boost your immunity. If you are a budding researcher head on over to Google Scholar and search for "running boosts immunity" and you will find all the proof you need. Here are some examples of the amazing research that is found in academic journals relating to how running easy is proven to be the most effective way to boost your immune system.
We live in a world of "no pain no gain" mentality. And so when it comes to getting fit, getting healthy and losing weight we assume there must be pain and suffering. However research shows that the adage "Less is More" applies when it comes to running. It's all about running at an easy, comfortable pace. Not only is staying at a pace where you can hold a comfortable conversation best for weight loss and fitness it's best for boosting your immune system.
If you are unfit your immune level is low. As you begin to run, your immune level increases. However once you put your body under stress, your immune level actually drops off.
Research published in the Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that "moderate levels of physical activity are associated with a reduced risk of UTRI (Upper Track Respirotry Infection)". In English - moderate levels (running easy) of exercise will reduce the risk of illness. So, if you run easy you'll get healthier. However, not running at all, and you are more likely to get sick. Over doing your running, and you're more likely to get sick.
It all comes back to - "Less is More" - and with Running Easy it means More Health, More Fitness, More Life!
If you want to find out how to run in such a way that you maximize your immune system, then go and get the complete list of scientific reasons supporting the Running Easy approach. Get it NOW and Never Fear the Sneeze!
Research Sources
- Matthews, C E: Ockene, I S: Freedson, P S: Rosal, M C: Merriam, P A: Hebert, J R, "Moderate to vigorous physical activity and risk of upper-respiratory tract infection" in the Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
Source: Running Easy
Running Easy is a unique concept designed for ordinary people who aspire to achieve amazing things. By applying a scientifically supported approach, Running Easy introduces people to the last art of running. Not only do members enjoy fitness, improved health, weight-loss...it is all about fun, enjoyment and lifestyle...something unique to Running Easy. Subscribe at http://ping.fm/47IF3
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Hitting Half Hillcrest's Hills
Part 3 of the ongoing saga of our Journey to Comrades Marathon 2011.
“The time has come…to say fair’s fair…to pay the rent…to pay our share…da da de dum“…go the lyrics of Midnight Oil’s 80s one hit wonder. Eish! Those were the days of pink shirts for guys, oversized sunglasses and the Walkman! Hmmm…It seems that nothing’s changed…besides maybe the walkman (which was always politically incorrect – it should have been Walkperson). It’s now been replaced by iPod, iPhone, and iPad…which I can well imagine future generations will also be clambering to rename.
But the bottom line is the time had finally come to get out there and do a real race. One of those ones where not only do you awake before the proverbial birds, but where you register, and get things pinned to you and join hundreds of other crazy runners doing the same thing. Stealth training is great…and we do loads of it…only appearing now and then to let our running friends know we still exist. But sometimes you have to do the real thing.
So the sleep of the innocent was shattered by the shriek of the alarm at 3:45am heralding our first race of the year. Following my normal transition from coma to consciousness, I once more berated myself for deciding to do this, berated the race organizers for starting so early, berated the person who invented the clock for not increasing the number of hours in a day, and so on. Armed with the energy of this, I was soon leaping around doing the runner’s early morning dance…dress, toilet, snack…and espresso of course! We’ve got it to a fine art now, but as the brain only wakes up a few hours later it is vital that I refer to my master list to check its all done.
Dressed…shorts and top?…Check! Are you sure…both? Yep…Check!
Shoes on?….Check! (I’ve had dreams about leaving these…and after seeing people running without shoes the nightmare continues)
Socks on?…Yeah, should be if shoes are on but just be sure…Check!
Vaseline?…down low where things rub and on the moobs (man boobs)…Check!…double check otherwise this will certainly come back to bite!
Sunglasses?…check.
Sweatband?…I need this or else I have to run with my eyes closed, which may be preferable sometimes…Check.
Garmin Running watch?…so I know we are actually moving forward when we are running…Check
Running Pouch for keys?….Check! But it feels tighter than last time I wore it. It must have shrunk over the Christmas period…probably from getting wet.
Cell Phone?…so I can take photos of other crazy runners and phone a friend if I get lost or bored or tired…Check
Before long we’re following the stream of runners’ cars…obviously they’re runners because who else is crazy enough to be driving around dressed like they’re going to the beach at 4:30am?
There is something electric about the start of a race. The familiar sound of the announcer’s voice, the music, the hundreds of runners with bleary eyes, the laughter, the smell of Deep heat and overburdened chemical toilets. It’s just awesome…even if it is 4:45am! After the usual hurried scramble to register, interspersed with the normal criticism of how it should be faster, better, shorter, earlier, later…we’re off to the start. to join the growing throng of tightly clustered runners all waiting excitedly And before we know it the gun sounds, and like a laxative released load, the runners spew forth.
It’s always amazing, how minutes later the tide of humanity seems to stretch off into the dark distance. How did I end up so far back? What did they have for breakfast? Do they have an urgent appointment? All these thoughts clamour for attention as we bob and weave like Mohammed Ali through runners, walkers…and seemingly some sleep walkers.
I always admire the bastions of courage who man/woman…the first table. The avalanche of carbo-loaded runners hits them in a surging rush. Runners grapple and lunge for water and coke as though they’ve run hundreds of kilometers or been deprived of moisture since childhood. Quickly we skirt the writhing mass knowing with firm resolve that we can make it…it’s only be 15 minutes…we will survive.
Finally the human snake starts to stretch out as you settle into the pace of those who run sensibly…like we do…slow and enjoying the smell of the roses…or sweat and gaseous deposits, as there were no roses Winding our way down from Hillcrest towards Winston Park we’re rewarded with smiling supporters, beautiful leaf covered roads, and incredible houses…obviously only affordable by government officials. The sun finally dragging its bulk above the distant ocean washes the roads in orange as it drips its golden light through the trees.
The kilometers seem to fall away as we are swept up in the amazing journey of running with so many people. Before long we are heading back up the gentle but long hill towards Hillcrest. “21 turn, 42 straight” shouts the marshall…”Aah, it’s half this time…” I think to myself, as we turn into the stadium “Half the distance but twice the fun.”
Driving home I lean out the window and shout encouraging words to some family who’re just heading around for their second lap…words that every runner loves to hear…”You’re looking good…You’re nearly there”… And then we’re off towards home and the welcome embrace of a cool pool and another espresso. But in the back of my mind is the thought…”We will be doing our marathon in 2 weeks time.”
Oh well, that time has not yet come!
“The time has come…to say fair’s fair…to pay the rent…to pay our share…da da de dum“…go the lyrics of Midnight Oil’s 80s one hit wonder. Eish! Those were the days of pink shirts for guys, oversized sunglasses and the Walkman! Hmmm…It seems that nothing’s changed…besides maybe the walkman (which was always politically incorrect – it should have been Walkperson). It’s now been replaced by iPod, iPhone, and iPad…which I can well imagine future generations will also be clambering to rename.
But the bottom line is the time had finally come to get out there and do a real race. One of those ones where not only do you awake before the proverbial birds, but where you register, and get things pinned to you and join hundreds of other crazy runners doing the same thing. Stealth training is great…and we do loads of it…only appearing now and then to let our running friends know we still exist. But sometimes you have to do the real thing.
So the sleep of the innocent was shattered by the shriek of the alarm at 3:45am heralding our first race of the year. Following my normal transition from coma to consciousness, I once more berated myself for deciding to do this, berated the race organizers for starting so early, berated the person who invented the clock for not increasing the number of hours in a day, and so on. Armed with the energy of this, I was soon leaping around doing the runner’s early morning dance…dress, toilet, snack…and espresso of course! We’ve got it to a fine art now, but as the brain only wakes up a few hours later it is vital that I refer to my master list to check its all done.
Dressed…shorts and top?…Check! Are you sure…both? Yep…Check!
Shoes on?….Check! (I’ve had dreams about leaving these…and after seeing people running without shoes the nightmare continues)
Socks on?…Yeah, should be if shoes are on but just be sure…Check!
Vaseline?…down low where things rub and on the moobs (man boobs)…Check!…double check otherwise this will certainly come back to bite!
Sunglasses?…check.
Sweatband?…I need this or else I have to run with my eyes closed, which may be preferable sometimes…Check.
Garmin Running watch?…so I know we are actually moving forward when we are running…Check
Running Pouch for keys?….Check! But it feels tighter than last time I wore it. It must have shrunk over the Christmas period…probably from getting wet.
Cell Phone?…so I can take photos of other crazy runners and phone a friend if I get lost or bored or tired…Check
Before long we’re following the stream of runners’ cars…obviously they’re runners because who else is crazy enough to be driving around dressed like they’re going to the beach at 4:30am?
There is something electric about the start of a race. The familiar sound of the announcer’s voice, the music, the hundreds of runners with bleary eyes, the laughter, the smell of Deep heat and overburdened chemical toilets. It’s just awesome…even if it is 4:45am! After the usual hurried scramble to register, interspersed with the normal criticism of how it should be faster, better, shorter, earlier, later…we’re off to the start. to join the growing throng of tightly clustered runners all waiting excitedly And before we know it the gun sounds, and like a laxative released load, the runners spew forth.
It’s always amazing, how minutes later the tide of humanity seems to stretch off into the dark distance. How did I end up so far back? What did they have for breakfast? Do they have an urgent appointment? All these thoughts clamour for attention as we bob and weave like Mohammed Ali through runners, walkers…and seemingly some sleep walkers.
I always admire the bastions of courage who man/woman…the first table. The avalanche of carbo-loaded runners hits them in a surging rush. Runners grapple and lunge for water and coke as though they’ve run hundreds of kilometers or been deprived of moisture since childhood. Quickly we skirt the writhing mass knowing with firm resolve that we can make it…it’s only be 15 minutes…we will survive.
Finally the human snake starts to stretch out as you settle into the pace of those who run sensibly…like we do…slow and enjoying the smell of the roses…or sweat and gaseous deposits, as there were no roses Winding our way down from Hillcrest towards Winston Park we’re rewarded with smiling supporters, beautiful leaf covered roads, and incredible houses…obviously only affordable by government officials. The sun finally dragging its bulk above the distant ocean washes the roads in orange as it drips its golden light through the trees.
The kilometers seem to fall away as we are swept up in the amazing journey of running with so many people. Before long we are heading back up the gentle but long hill towards Hillcrest. “21 turn, 42 straight” shouts the marshall…”Aah, it’s half this time…” I think to myself, as we turn into the stadium “Half the distance but twice the fun.”
Driving home I lean out the window and shout encouraging words to some family who’re just heading around for their second lap…words that every runner loves to hear…”You’re looking good…You’re nearly there”… And then we’re off towards home and the welcome embrace of a cool pool and another espresso. But in the back of my mind is the thought…”We will be doing our marathon in 2 weeks time.”
Oh well, that time has not yet come!
Pop into Runner's World site and read about our journey to Comrades 2011. Latest post "Hitting Half Hillcrest's Hills" - http://ping.fm/EVjLU
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