So, it has been with much patients, preparation, excitement, nervousness, anticipation and general 'I'm scared beyond scared'ness that I have been building and waiting for this coming weekend. For those of you new to my blog, this coming Friday I will be facing my biggest running challenge thus far. A 240km foot race from the coast at Eden (about six hours south of Sydney) to the top of Australia's tallest peek, Mt Kosciuszko.
I have what I think is great balance in my crew....consisting of my dad, Lori, Rod and my sister Melinda. On Tuesday, we are starting the drive (yes we are DRIVING down!) for the nervousness to continue to mount. This thing is gonna be amazing!
In the lead up to this race, a lot of people have been talking to me about it, getting excited for me, offering encouragement and generally being bewildered by the magnitude of the task ahead. This has made me take a step back a number of times and think about what is to come. When reflecting and imagining what is to be, I nearly have a quiet chuckle to myself as I dont really think what I am doing is all that special. Let me explain...
So often in life we say no to things and dont even attempt them, for a lot of reason, but generally the main one is fear. Fear of the unknown, personal doubt, what others will say, but more prominently, fear of failure. Now, to a rational person, this may be a genuine fear, but not one that I want to entertain in my life, or let rule my existence. Fear is more often than not in our minds. The best way, I think to confront it, is to commit to something that completely scares the crap out of me! Don't think, just do (or in my case enter) and then panic when it is too late! I have said to a few friends in the build up, that 100mile trail races are now are my favorite distance and whilst I have respect for them, the distance no longer 'scares' me. 240km though, with a hell of a lot of climbing does though! Given, one of the reasons I am going down to give this monster my best shot!
One of my great friends Nix gave me a card yesterday with a quote I had already found and saved. It was a timely reminder and affirmation that you can do ANYTHING if you really want to. 'Do not follow where the path my lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail.' Ralph Waldo Emerson. That takes courage, it takes guts and a certain amount of calculated stupidity...all of which I have some of, and maybe more of some than the other! I believe that we ALL possess, deep within our spirits, a sence of adventure, creativity, excitement and a longing for the unknown. Another quote I always remember goes something like, 'Only thoes who risk going to far can possiblly find out how far they can go.'
So, while I continue to prepare and build excitement for the coming week, I want to encourage you. Do something that you might not be so sure you can complete and give it a red hot go. If you fail, big deal....learn and try again. This last year has built within me a spirit of 'I would rather try and fail spectacularly that not try and never know'. You are better, stronger, smarter, more amazing, beautiful, destined, loved, able, prepared and need to go beyond yourself. Reach high, push your limits, become better...forks to the stagnate! You inspire me friends and I hope in a small way, one step at a time, this weekend I can inspire you! Run free, vegan power!
PS - If you want to follow my adventure, the race begins at 5:30am on Friday the 6th of December. There is a live update section on the website which you can find at http://www.coast2kosci.com/live.php
I also want to thank all those who have sponsored me and helped me out in the lead up to this run. Nanas Pantry for the beautiful snacks and food to keep me and my crew powered up. At One Food bars for making incredibly beautiful raw food bars which I will be eating whilst running. Rod for helping out with the use of his camper trailer. Lori for the crew kit, so so rad! Dad for the $$ he will be putting into food and the use of his vehicle. Tegan and my beautiful girls for letting me go down for this mad adventure. And lastly but most importantly, one monetary donor who wants to stay autonomous....you are incredible! Thank you for the funds to assist in this journey! You inspire me more than you know and your generosity is indescribable! Run Free!
Saturday 30 November 2013
Monday 18 November 2013
Giving = Recieving
'No one ever became poor by giving' Anne Frank
In the past, giving has been something that I have done a little, but often struggled with. I don't really know why, but it has been a trait in my life that I have really wanted to change. As time has past, and I have become increasingly detached from material objects and less involved in myself and more interested in others worlds, it has become easier and easier to give, and give generouslly.
As I have become an ultra runner, peoples amazing-ness continues to boggle me. Whilst my adventures are in all honesty selfish ambition, friends, and even strangers have been so giving of finance, products, love, support, kind words and blessings beyond my comprehension. This has again been displayed in the lead up to my next running challenge Coast 2 Kosci. So so blessed, I cant believe it! Without naming names (you know who you are) you mean the world to me and I pray your return is 1000 fold!
I know that the individuals who support me don't do it for recognition or any selfish gain, but to do something beautiful for me out of love. That kindness touches my heart and helps me aim to be a better and more giving person. I find it difficult to put my gratitude into words. Whilst I know I run a long way, and do my best to help others make their lives better, I don't think I am that different from the every day Joe...I think that's why those who support me are even more special! You inspire me, encourage me and push me to improve the person I am, day by day.
So, as I move forward, think and challenge myself, I am not saying that I am giving everything away and that I dont like some nice things, but lets face it, we all have stuff we dont need or use, time to spare, money we waste on un-productive things/activities etc. I want to leave a legacy in this life and for people to remember my kindness when I am gone. I know I have a long way to go, but I am trying to improve day by day. When I get a chance (sooner rather than later), I am planning on going through a heap of my stuff and giving it all away. I'm not doing this for some sort of recognition, just to step forward, let go of material items, bless others and become more simple, humble and free.
As the quote states, give, and you will be rich...not necessarily in finance, but lifes most precious commodities....love, kindness, bliss, forgiveness, integrity...the list goes on. Some of the worlds richest men have come to giving away vast majorities of their fortunes as they have come to the realisation that money don't mean squat! (ok they may be my words but you get the point!)
Lets be givers friends...aim to be below those around us by lifting them up. Be generous beyond your own ideas and belief and be blessed in the process. These are the things that really matter in this world and that will last into eternity! Love, peace and plants to yall! Bliss.
In the past, giving has been something that I have done a little, but often struggled with. I don't really know why, but it has been a trait in my life that I have really wanted to change. As time has past, and I have become increasingly detached from material objects and less involved in myself and more interested in others worlds, it has become easier and easier to give, and give generouslly.
As I have become an ultra runner, peoples amazing-ness continues to boggle me. Whilst my adventures are in all honesty selfish ambition, friends, and even strangers have been so giving of finance, products, love, support, kind words and blessings beyond my comprehension. This has again been displayed in the lead up to my next running challenge Coast 2 Kosci. So so blessed, I cant believe it! Without naming names (you know who you are) you mean the world to me and I pray your return is 1000 fold!
I know that the individuals who support me don't do it for recognition or any selfish gain, but to do something beautiful for me out of love. That kindness touches my heart and helps me aim to be a better and more giving person. I find it difficult to put my gratitude into words. Whilst I know I run a long way, and do my best to help others make their lives better, I don't think I am that different from the every day Joe...I think that's why those who support me are even more special! You inspire me, encourage me and push me to improve the person I am, day by day.
So, as I move forward, think and challenge myself, I am not saying that I am giving everything away and that I dont like some nice things, but lets face it, we all have stuff we dont need or use, time to spare, money we waste on un-productive things/activities etc. I want to leave a legacy in this life and for people to remember my kindness when I am gone. I know I have a long way to go, but I am trying to improve day by day. When I get a chance (sooner rather than later), I am planning on going through a heap of my stuff and giving it all away. I'm not doing this for some sort of recognition, just to step forward, let go of material items, bless others and become more simple, humble and free.
As the quote states, give, and you will be rich...not necessarily in finance, but lifes most precious commodities....love, kindness, bliss, forgiveness, integrity...the list goes on. Some of the worlds richest men have come to giving away vast majorities of their fortunes as they have come to the realisation that money don't mean squat! (ok they may be my words but you get the point!)
Lets be givers friends...aim to be below those around us by lifting them up. Be generous beyond your own ideas and belief and be blessed in the process. These are the things that really matter in this world and that will last into eternity! Love, peace and plants to yall! Bliss.
Saturday 9 November 2013
Its all happening!
Heya! Hope y'all going ripper and lovin the warm weather again! Got some catching up to do today and let you know about some cool stuff going on with the TattooRunner! So....here we go!
First up - I have, for the last month or so been backlogging some blogs for my work, Nanas Pantry. These blogs have now started going live and if ya keen, you should check them out! Basically, each week I am doing a shortish post about a product from the store and providing a reciepe about the product. It is something I am really excited about and enjoying a lot! If you get a chance, please take a look, duck in store, say gday and grab the product blogged about! For the link, go to https://nanaspantry.com.au/blog
Secondly - I am now a distributor for Froothie Blenders. They are amazing blenders, which we use every day. They are commercial level and pulverize anything thrown in them! A HIGHLY recommended product! If you are keen for a superior quality blender, please check out http://www.froothie.com.au/ and contact me directly at grills_1@hotmail.com
Thirdly - The TattooRunner has been at the podcasting caper once again! Coach Jeff has graciouslly had me on for a third time and it was a fun chat and re-cap on the Glasshouse 100miler plus a heap of other random ramblings. If your keen for a listen, go to http://www.coachjeff.com.au/2013/11/09/coach-jeff-podcast-368-running-podcast-123-tattoo-runner/
Last of all, today is my 31st Birthday! Last year I set myself some fitness and health goals. Whilst some of these have been met and exceeded, some of them have been left behind. I am approaching my 31st year alive with some renewed vision and big goals. I will be tracking a lot of this in future blogs, but the main thing I am wanting to improve is my diet. Most of you know I am vegan which has been going great for my running and when I eat right, my health thrives. I have however been enjoying vegan treats and overeating a bit too much (sometimes it is easy to use the 'Im training a lot' excuse but that is no longer cutting it!) I know my diet is cleaner than probably 80% of the population however I want to focus my diet on eating for lifelong health which in turn will improve my running performance and physique. I am completlly convinced that a clean vegan diet is not only the optimal fuel for endurance athletes, its the perfect way to eat for a long, sickness preventing life. As I said, I will talk about this in future posts, but onward and upward!
Thanks peeps for checking in on the blog again! Hope it finds you rockin and eatin plenty of plants! Cant wait to catch up with you soon and hope and pray you have a ripper week! Run run free, plant strong friends!
First up - I have, for the last month or so been backlogging some blogs for my work, Nanas Pantry. These blogs have now started going live and if ya keen, you should check them out! Basically, each week I am doing a shortish post about a product from the store and providing a reciepe about the product. It is something I am really excited about and enjoying a lot! If you get a chance, please take a look, duck in store, say gday and grab the product blogged about! For the link, go to https://nanaspantry.com.au/blog
Secondly - I am now a distributor for Froothie Blenders. They are amazing blenders, which we use every day. They are commercial level and pulverize anything thrown in them! A HIGHLY recommended product! If you are keen for a superior quality blender, please check out http://www.froothie.com.au/ and contact me directly at grills_1@hotmail.com
Thirdly - The TattooRunner has been at the podcasting caper once again! Coach Jeff has graciouslly had me on for a third time and it was a fun chat and re-cap on the Glasshouse 100miler plus a heap of other random ramblings. If your keen for a listen, go to http://www.coachjeff.com.au/2013/11/09/coach-jeff-podcast-368-running-podcast-123-tattoo-runner/
Last of all, today is my 31st Birthday! Last year I set myself some fitness and health goals. Whilst some of these have been met and exceeded, some of them have been left behind. I am approaching my 31st year alive with some renewed vision and big goals. I will be tracking a lot of this in future blogs, but the main thing I am wanting to improve is my diet. Most of you know I am vegan which has been going great for my running and when I eat right, my health thrives. I have however been enjoying vegan treats and overeating a bit too much (sometimes it is easy to use the 'Im training a lot' excuse but that is no longer cutting it!) I know my diet is cleaner than probably 80% of the population however I want to focus my diet on eating for lifelong health which in turn will improve my running performance and physique. I am completlly convinced that a clean vegan diet is not only the optimal fuel for endurance athletes, its the perfect way to eat for a long, sickness preventing life. As I said, I will talk about this in future posts, but onward and upward!
Thanks peeps for checking in on the blog again! Hope it finds you rockin and eatin plenty of plants! Cant wait to catch up with you soon and hope and pray you have a ripper week! Run run free, plant strong friends!
Sunday 3 November 2013
I'm back!
Ha yall! I hope this is finding you fit, rockin and eatin some plants!
Well it has been an interesting ride since the 100miler, let me tell you! As most of you would probably know (and I have previously blogged about), I picked up a pretty bad Achilles injury about six-seven weeks ago and have been doing some extensive rehab since! After seeing my lovely friend and physio Nix at Barolin Physio, Bundaberg regularly (they are amazing so please go there if you have any physio needs!) and following my come-back plan diligently, I can safely say.....I AM BACK! This is the first injury where I have followed instruction and exercise 100%. I have kept the focus of REALLY want to compete in Coast 2 Kosci and line up on start day un-injured!
In saying this, my preparation has been COMPLETELY different to what I had planned and I usually do in lead up to a big long race. As my friends and training buddies know, I am all about bulk mileage. You wanna do a long race, you better be runnin a long way in training! So not being able to do this has really taken some determination and innovation to a) keep me fit and b) get me back running as soon and as far as possible before the big day.
During my rehab, apart from running VERY short distances and building VERY slowly, doing my exercises, seeing Nix weekly and a lot of icing, I have been doing a heap of swimming. I used to hate swimming however this time around I have been finding it very enjoyable and been logging 10-15km a week on top of the running I have been able to complete in my rehab plan. I want to say a massive thankyou to Ian at Anzac Pool Bundaberg for hooking a brother up and seriously looking after me in my unconventional build up to a little 240km run I have fast approaching! Thanks mate, you have been a serious blessing!
So, in saying all this, I am now back to doing a 'normal' program. I am still doing 100% what I am told and will not be logging quite the k's I would like to be doing, but still doing some decent long running. I am also taking rest days (ok, I am swimming 3k on these days) from running which I dont usualy like to do but I think in the lead up to this event will keep me fresh.
I just want to thank you all for your support and encouragement over the last couple of months. I am like a lost kid when I can not run and I am sure I have been driving thoes close to me a little crazy. It is such a blessing to be back out there, getting amongst it and enjoying the wind in my flowing locks. My fitness has only dropped a little since the 100miler (thanks to the swimming) and I know I am gonna be in good shape come the 6th of December for what will be my most epic running challange yet! I am aiming to drop a few kg's over the next month to tune up for the big day but, three words my friends...BRING IT ON!
A couple of last things.....thanks to my beautiful wife Tegs and my family for helping me and putting up with me though this injury and supporting me in my quest for C2K. Also, thanks to my running friends in Bundy and other towns, particularlly my bestie Lori for believing I can come back in time for a little stroll to the top of Australia! Run Free!
On a last note, I am now also blogging for my work, Nanas Pantry. I am going to be reviewing a product each week, talking about it and then providing a recipe to try out as well. I believe the blog should start going live in the next couple of days, so please keep an eye on https://nanaspantry.com.au/ for the TattooRunners side project! Check it out and let me know what you think! Good fun! Have a ripper week friends! Plant on!
Well it has been an interesting ride since the 100miler, let me tell you! As most of you would probably know (and I have previously blogged about), I picked up a pretty bad Achilles injury about six-seven weeks ago and have been doing some extensive rehab since! After seeing my lovely friend and physio Nix at Barolin Physio, Bundaberg regularly (they are amazing so please go there if you have any physio needs!) and following my come-back plan diligently, I can safely say.....I AM BACK! This is the first injury where I have followed instruction and exercise 100%. I have kept the focus of REALLY want to compete in Coast 2 Kosci and line up on start day un-injured!
In saying this, my preparation has been COMPLETELY different to what I had planned and I usually do in lead up to a big long race. As my friends and training buddies know, I am all about bulk mileage. You wanna do a long race, you better be runnin a long way in training! So not being able to do this has really taken some determination and innovation to a) keep me fit and b) get me back running as soon and as far as possible before the big day.
During my rehab, apart from running VERY short distances and building VERY slowly, doing my exercises, seeing Nix weekly and a lot of icing, I have been doing a heap of swimming. I used to hate swimming however this time around I have been finding it very enjoyable and been logging 10-15km a week on top of the running I have been able to complete in my rehab plan. I want to say a massive thankyou to Ian at Anzac Pool Bundaberg for hooking a brother up and seriously looking after me in my unconventional build up to a little 240km run I have fast approaching! Thanks mate, you have been a serious blessing!
So, in saying all this, I am now back to doing a 'normal' program. I am still doing 100% what I am told and will not be logging quite the k's I would like to be doing, but still doing some decent long running. I am also taking rest days (ok, I am swimming 3k on these days) from running which I dont usualy like to do but I think in the lead up to this event will keep me fresh.
I just want to thank you all for your support and encouragement over the last couple of months. I am like a lost kid when I can not run and I am sure I have been driving thoes close to me a little crazy. It is such a blessing to be back out there, getting amongst it and enjoying the wind in my flowing locks. My fitness has only dropped a little since the 100miler (thanks to the swimming) and I know I am gonna be in good shape come the 6th of December for what will be my most epic running challange yet! I am aiming to drop a few kg's over the next month to tune up for the big day but, three words my friends...BRING IT ON!
A couple of last things.....thanks to my beautiful wife Tegs and my family for helping me and putting up with me though this injury and supporting me in my quest for C2K. Also, thanks to my running friends in Bundy and other towns, particularlly my bestie Lori for believing I can come back in time for a little stroll to the top of Australia! Run Free!
On a last note, I am now also blogging for my work, Nanas Pantry. I am going to be reviewing a product each week, talking about it and then providing a recipe to try out as well. I believe the blog should start going live in the next couple of days, so please keep an eye on https://nanaspantry.com.au/ for the TattooRunners side project! Check it out and let me know what you think! Good fun! Have a ripper week friends! Plant on!
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