Monday 11 February 2013

Things in threes.

WHAT UP?!

This week has been...well hectic to say the least!  They say things come in three's (who is 'they' anyway?) and that has been the case this week.  So here we go...

ONE...

I am back running!  Hallelujah!  It was my first full week back, and although it was short, I was able to manage 7, 9, 10, 13 and 10km.  I had no pain in my Achilles, however my poor old calf's copped a bit of a hammering due to the time off I have had from running.  It was pure bliss though!  It is only when I am forced to not run, that I truly realise how much influence and a massive part of my life it is.  I truly do live to run.  Certainly not my only reason for living but let me tell you, a huge part of it.  My days just don't seem fulfilled or whole if I don't get time running in nature with the wind in my face, the warm sun on my back and my heart rate raised.  Bliss my friends, bliss!

TWO...

After resigning from my job and due to start Uni in a week and half....my employers have thrown me a last ditch offer.  They have stated that they want to keep me part time.  After much thought and heartache I have decided to take up the offer.  At this point (from my perspective anyway) it is only a trial to see if it works out.  When I decided to embark on this new journey (Uni) I wanted to sever old ties and have a fresh start.  Sometimes though, especially as a man, decisions need to be made for our families.  That, and that alone is the reason I have decided to stay on, two days a week in my job.  If however, six months down the track I find other work, the agreement isn't working out and I still feel the same as I do now, my resignation will be getting re-submitted and a new money making venture will commence.  Time will be the tester to see if things are going to stand.  At this time though, I am thankful for the opportunity to give it a go. 

THREE...

Yesterday I bought shoes!  Yep, read it again...I bought shoes!  Now before you start getting all ancy on the sandal man, hear me out.  The company is completely for minimal, zero drop shoes.  I have purchased the Superior trail shoe from the company Altra.  They have a zero drop (heel is the same height as the forefoot) a foot shaped toe box and all their ethics are very much in line with my way of thinking.  Why do I hear you ask?  Well, something different!  I do feel like I am getting faster these days, especially on trail, so to have the added comfort of something completely protecting my foot and some ripper grip for when I am bombing hills will be some good assurance.  Now I am not saying this is going to be for good, or that I am going to give up my sandals, but I am SUPER excited to give them a go!  Tegs got some road ones as well for after the baby is born so the minimal, correct running form is continuing on from dad to wife to daughter (she runs barefoot or in her 'running sandals'...pink flats from Kmart!)  Good times!  Check out the links below for the gab!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpC-nwDoTwE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-QJKBjkV1s

So there it is friends!  Things are getting very exciting and all happening at once!  It is only a week until the baby is due, I am going part time at work, I start uni in a week and a half and the house is on the market!  Wozers!  Life would be boring if it weren't busy and full of adventure!  There is so many good, beautiful, blessed things on the horizon and for that I cant wait to see them all happen!  It is with great pleasure and joy that today I can again sign out saying.  Live long, run on, PLANT STRONG! 

Monday 4 February 2013

Hopefully back!

Hay y'all!  Well it has been a rather 'ínteresting' last couple of weeks.  On the running front, I have still only been doing bits and pieces of cross training and a couple of very short runs.  I have rested my injured Achilles, which has been extremely difficult, however now hopefully I have seen the worst of it!  I started a eight week program yesterday to get myself back in shape and rearing to go for Wild Horse 70k on the Easter weekend.  This is a race I have wanted to do for a while now and we are making it a family affair which will be super!  Dad is doing the 70k also and my sister Melinda is doing her first trail race in the 30k event.  Super fun!

On a much more important and well covered note, Bundy has really coped a hammering over the last couple of weeks.  The devastation from the floods and tornado's has been horrible and sometimes I cant believe my eyes at some of the sights I have seen (probably more than most through my work).  I have been in a unique situation with my job of working during this natural disaster...again!  I was working during the floods of 2010/11 also and my heart goes out to those affected. 

It is interesting to see human responses to major events like this.  Some are angry, sad, lost, helpful, generous, selfish, grateful at what little they have...the list goes on.  Something that always amazes me though is the power of the human spirit.  Even though there are those that try and take advantage of a bad situation, the overall support, kindness, love, selflessness and beauty of people wanting to help others is amazing!  I have made numerous offers to help and have done my part at work but feel bad that I haven't done more.  In a way we have felt really disassociated from it all as our estate suffered no effects at all.  The sad thing is that sometimes it is 'out of sight out of mind'.  I don't want it to be this way, but sometimes it happens like this.  In saying this, my thoughts and prayers are with all those who's lives have been changed forever through the events of the last couple of weeks.

I know they haven't done it for any sort of acknowledgement or recognition but I just want to say how amazed and proud I am of a couple of people.  My dad and Lee have been putting in a minimum of 12hour days helping out, and the two Jodie's I know seem to be everywhere doing their bit for anyone who needs it, you have been amazing!  Jeff and Christian from FNQ who have worked a minimum of 110hours each this last week...although they have been getting paid, the organisation and willingness to go the extra mile has been awesome!  Also, a massive shout out to my emergency service brothers and sisters, security workers and all the volunteers.  They have all been working tirelessly, doing what they can, and a lot of the time, what they can't to help out.  And to everyone else who has put in in whatever way through this time in Bundy....thank you!

Keep strong my friends.  I love you all and think you are incredible.  Keep your heads up, smile, and don't be afraid to ask for help.  Us Bundy yokels are strong and we will re-build!  Until next time, run free in body and spirit my friends!  You are amazing!