Why I Run
Besides a 2.5km run we used to have to do on the odd occasion in primary school and a 5km fun run with work, I’d never actually run outdoors for any memorable distance. Sure I have run many kilometers on the gym treadmill, over time, looking at myself in the mirrors or pretending to watch the news whilst eyeing up a gym hottie.
I had never given it much thought how I got into running until recently, whilst running with a friend who is new to the experience of running on the road too.
About a year ago I was stuck in a rut with my gym training and really wanted to enjoy the benefits of being outdoors and exercising at the same time. I love the outdoors and find running on a treadmill as boring as hell, to be honest. The only thing was that I had never gone the distance outdoors and had a mental block to being able to do it.
I decided to bite the bullet one afternoon when a friend invited me to go for a run after work in Hyde Park. I knew my competitive streak wouldn’t allow me to give in, certainly when my ego could stand to be bruised. Obviously I had not told him I had never run outdoors before.
I short the experience was exhilarating. I had experienced a high from fitness which you just don’t get in the gym when you go through the motions. I wanted to do it again. This time only better.
That is how I clocked up no less than 800km in 7 months. The results from one run became the benchmark for the next run. Faster, longer, undiscovered routes and being crowned on top routes on Nike+ all give a boost for the next run.
Why I run? I think it’s my competitive streak that keeps me running. I won’t be beat. Least alone by myself. Then there’s release of endorphins and euphoric moments experienced during the run that leave you on a high. Your back straightens, shoulders pull back and you feel as though you can conquer the world.
I already know what would happen if I suddenly stopped. I would suffer withdrawal symptoms. I do even when on holiday. I take my trainers with me ‘just in case’. When I suffered a running injury earlier in the year I started to feel depressed. I saw light at the end of the tunnel the moment my physiotherapist put me back on a treadmill for 5 minutes and I felt the rush.
I think I will always run now. Nothing can stop me. I run through all weather. Next steps are faster and further. I want to get below 4’30″/km and have a few half marathons under my belt before the year is out.
Never Let Go (of your dream) #SunscreenChallenge
On this day in 1997, the words that were immortalised by Baz Luhrmann “Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen)” are 14 years old. The original article appeared in the Chicago Tribune entitled, “Advice, like youth, probably just wasted on the young”. The author, Mary Schmich set out to write a fictitious graduation speech. “Most of us, will never be invited to sow our words of wisdom among an audience of caps and gowns”.
She invited her readership to do the same, 14-years later we take up that mantle and the #sunscreenchallenge was born. Each blogger spent 1-hour creating a graduation speech. Essentially, it’s the advice that they’d pass onto school leavers today based on their own life experience.
Twitter users: If you’ve enjoyed the blog – please RT the post, include the #sunscreenchallenge tag and find other blog posts using this hashtag. #sunscreenchallenge
Never Let Go
Some moments stay with you as fresh as the minute they happened. Memories of high school days weren’t filled with happiness, more dread at schoolground taunting about my sexuality. That only made me stronger.
I had a dream. It was to be successful at what I’m good at. Unfortunately my teachers’ opinions differed to mine in terms of career path. Walking into the guidance counsellors office is a memory as fresh as yesterday. Sitting down to be told I don’t have an aptitude for numbers and I would not be able to take accounting classes was like having your dream snatched from before your eyes.
There’s a fire that burns deep. I swore at that moment that I wouldn’t allow my dream to die. I knew I had no chance of being able to attend class during school, so I studied at nightschool after I matriculated (finished school) whilst studying a marketing qualification during the daytime. Six years of schooling compressed into six months and a C grade national diploma later I was admitted into university where I studied my accounting qualification.
It never dies. Even at the times when there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel, reliving that initial moment is enough to give you the push you need to go on. I’m currently stuyding ACCA (chartered accountancy) and there are moments I want to pack it all in but I remember my dream.
Give it all. I’m not be the best accountant out there but I know my stuff. I’ll put my hands up when I’m wrong or make a mistake. Give your very best every time you do something, never a rushed or half job. Second best doesn’t cut it.
Be a dreamer. Take time out to stare at the clouds. It keeps your dream alive and gives you the opportunity to reflect on where you’ve come from and see the where you’re headed.
Dreams never die, they only fade away…
Nike+SportWatch GPS Firmware Update
Finally, and not a minute too soon!
Firmware Update 1.0.11
This update is required for all users of the Nike+ SportWatch GPS and includes the following:
• Adds average pace metric
• Improves instantaneous pace calculation when running with GPS and the Nike+ shoe sensor
• Improves auto-calibration of the Nike+ shoe sensor
• Fixes reset issue when charging with certain USB chargers
• Exits the lap summary screen when a button is pressed
• Fixes issue with calorie display during long workouts
• Additional minor bug fixes
My new favourite iOS photo app happens to be from Microsoft
It’s the Easter bank holiday weekend, so I’ve taken a few moments to scour the App Store for new and popular iOS apps.
I found that Groupon have finally released their app for the UK market, so I’ll give them another chance. Hopefully this time around their offers will be more interesting than my prior experience last year.
What really caught my attention was a new app by Microsoft called Photosynth. What particularly caught my eye on this app was the fact that it takes 360° pictures in all directions, creating spectacular images of views. This app is going to be loads of fun making it extremely simple to create full wraparounds of landmarks and other places of interest. Even capturing a moment in time for someone the other side of the world to experience is a simple process. The ability to post your image direct to Facebook or Bing gives the added benefit of being instantly available to others.
I’m going to take the opportunity of the extended Easter break to try this app out and post some of the images I take online. In the meantime, have a look at photosynth.net for some images other people have taken. Keep you posted!
