Died to My Dreams...

..and i surrendered to God.

After a hard week training, nothing was as welcoming as a long weekend away from work. I had some quiet time to do more runs, pray about the big decision i am about to make and ultimately getting back up to where i belong.

The pressure of training and performance during races destroys the joy and passion i have for the sport. The expectations at work and home ruins relationships that should be enjoyed. All my hopes and dreams, i surrender them all.

In a Blink of an Eye

So i turned a year older over the weekend...

Thanks Guys!

Can't imagine we're all the age we're at. It seemed like yesterday when we were doing the craziest sh*t 10 years ago. Hey wait, we're still doing it. Guess some things never change.

Now that all that partying is out of the way, i really really have to get down to business. 42km is just 5 weeks away.

A usual sight, almost every night

I have to put in more hours into training. Not just for the 42km in December, but hopefully for the Ironman Tri in march. The only thing that's stopping me from registering is i don't see a point in taking part when i'm not fully committed to train for it. Over 50% of the field has been snapped up...gotta decide soon!

Time is slipping by. Another year has passed, i've gotten a year older, we're almost to a new year and before i know it, i'll be at that starting line...

...

sigh.

On my Knees

The eternal debate on running wrecking your knees,

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/13/phys-ed-do-marathons-wreck-your-knees/

A long but interesting read. The article publishes test studies and tries to present an unbiased opinion by presenting both sides of the arguement. I say 'tries' because the test was already skewed to prove that running marathons do wreck the knees.

But does that mean every single marathon runner is destined to have arthritis?

With proper diet, warm-up/stretching and a steady training programme, runners need not punish their knees. Post-training and race recovery is just as important.

The only uncontrollable condition would be genes. But you can do a body analysis (expensive) and have a training programme specially crafted to your current condition to train within your physical limits.

I have to admit, i'm afraid that with my current knee condition, i may not be able to go as far or as long as i want to. But then again, just like any other form or exercise, it is meant to strengthen and condition the body. So i'm all for proper training to strengthen my knees.

So train hard, train well, train safe. See you at the finish line!

"Pain is weakness leaving the body" - Guerrero, Oklahoma City University

just what i needed

Had a really contented week. Did most of my shopping, met up with the ex-colleagues for another sushi buffet on thurs, met the doodes for movie-night on sat and topped it off with an awesome race-day-sunday.

There was a heavy storm on saturday night and i almost decided to give the race a miss when it was still drizzling on Sunday morning.

The Battlefield

Although it wasn't the best condition for racing, i'm glad i didn't miss it in the end. The transition area was muddy, the waters were the roughest i've ever swam in and the bike leg was dangerously crowded (the kids race shouldn't have been flagged off that close to the adult races).

Surprisingly, i managed to do a sub 2:50 timing! I cramped up with 6km of running left, but managed to keep running with nothing but mental. Remembered praying alot, talking to God to distract the pain and i clearly remembered saying if God will let me finish the race without walking, i'm definitely going to church later.

And He really did.

I even got to meet a good friend during church and had a nice time catching up with her. Awesomeness.

Well, it's gonna be another awesome week. When my legs finally recover, i'm gonna hit the road with my new shuffle and new shoes!

42km, here i come!

:)

Finally did some shopping! I guess this is how the ladies feel when they get a couple of nice dresses or designer bags?

I'm all hyped to train even more..i've got my music, a new kit, new shoes and even Felicia got new trainers! Hyped up!

Isolation

Finding serenity in isolation. I've been sticking close to my training and diet, mostly due to this Sunday's race at ECP. But i'm absolutely loving the effects.

Been running and swimming every other day. The diet is good, enough carbs for training, no alcohol. And with enough rest (no late nights), i'm physically and mentally satisfied.

To give myself a pat on the back...

i got me the new shuffle!

And, I'm planning to go get a new pair of racing shoes tonight! I'm eagerly waiting for my blue shuffle. It should be coming any day now. Finally gonna put some music into my runs, which should be getting longer.

More importantly, i feel very much contented doing these 'simple' things. The past ten days have been quiet but this simplicity has been sweet. No more crazy sh*t, no more schoolboy emo-ness and even though the circumstances may sway every now and then, they become irrelevant when you've got your head screwed on the right place.

Ha. I think i've finally grown up. It's time to go live life to the fullest... the REAL life.

Glad my training's back on track. So. Very. Glad.