16/3/2023 I swear it did happen
This morning, I woke up to find my trusty Coros Pace 2 watch had died on me. It had been my constant companion for the past 18 months, never missing a beat. Despite trying all the troubleshooting tricks, the watch refused to start. It looks like it's dead for good.
Although I'm still heading out for my daily run, I must admit that the idea of not having my watch for a while makes me a little uneasy. I don't use any fancy features; I just hit the start/stop buttons to track my time and distance. This keeps me honest and feeds data into my training log, which spans 15 years. It's my way of keeping an eye on my fitness level and progress over time. The real issue is the upcoming Noosa Ultra Trail 100km race next Saturday. It's unlikely that I'll have a new or repaired watch by then. Do I really need it, though? Will knowing my pace and heart rate make a difference in how I perform? Probably not. The worst part would be having a "manual 100km activity" in Strava afterwards. I love being able to look back at my GPS data visualized on the map, with an overlay of my key running stats and memories. I can reflect on and relive the experience to some extent, and compare it to previous attempts. Part of me wants to embrace the freedom of racing without a watch, and just run by feel. But then again, maybe I should just borrow one for race day! I guess I'll have to make a decision soon.
15/3/2023 Running To Solve All World Problems
Running provides me with a clarity of mind and thinking that I seldom have.
Whether it's a work issue or a personal problem, I find that the solution often presents itself to me on the run or shortly after I finish. And if there's something bothering me that I can't quite put my finger on, by the 3rd or 4th hour of running, it certainly works its way to the surface - and usually comes with a solution, too. As they say, you can't hide during an ultra! My theory is that when I'm running, my unconscious mind is occupied with the coordination of movements, muscle engagement, breathing, and stability required for the activity. This leaves my conscious thinking mind free to explore different thoughts and possibilities without judgment or resistance. This phenomenon isn't limited to me; many of my running and non-running friends have experienced it too. Engaging in physical activity that requires a certain level of coordination and skill, at a moderate effort, seems to unlock creative ideas and solutions. And when you happen to bring a run buddy along who is at your same level and is open to the free-flowing exchange of ideas, more magic happens! And while not every idea is genius (some of them are pretty rubbish of course), the process is always rewarding. To me, running is like playing the violin or riding a bike was to Einstein. So give me more running and running buddies and I'll solve all the world's problems!
14/3/2023 Running Is One Of My Life Companions
For a decade and a half, running has been my ever-present companion, my spiritual guide, and my faithful friend, offering me a clear perspective on reality and a candid voice without judgment.
Whenever I sought to test my limits and overcome challenges, running was there to strengthen my physical and mental fortitude, and enhance my self-esteem. When life's stress and anxiety were overwhelming, running was there to provide me with solace, peace, and a sense of community, allowing me to release and find joy in the process. Whenever I yearned for spiritual guidance, running helped me connect with something greater than myself, offering me a profound sense of purpose and clarity. And in times of mourning, running was a source of comfort, allowing me to process my emotions, one step at a time. For me, running serves as both my therapist and my therapy, offering me a safe space to express my feelings and find a sense of balance and inner peace. Running is a way of life, an extension of myself that seeps into every aspect of my being, just as life itself flows into my running. As I grow older, running has become less about training and more about the connection, the love affair, and the appreciation of moving forward through life on my own two feet. Just as running has looked after me, I too take care of it, nurturing our relationship and striving to grow together.
13/3/2023 MomToday marks 12 years since I lost my mom to pancreatic cancer.
The older I get, the more I miss her. It's hard to accept that she never got to meet my children, Lorenzo and Allegra, and witness the incredible joy and love they bring to my life. It's also heartbreaking that my kids will never experience the warmth of their grandmother's love, her infectious smile, and the comforting hugs that made you feel like the most important person in the world. Mom, I love you and I'm forever grateful for everything you did for me. 12/3/2023 Running at Amazon Speed
Last Tuesday, I ordered a few running items online. I try to support local businesses whenever I can, but one of the items was only available on Amazon US. The other two came from Australia, one from Sydney and the other from Melbourne - as close to home as I could find.
Lo and behold, the delivery from Amazon US arrived promptly, but I'm still waiting on the ones from Australia. It's mind-blowing! Amazon has built an impressive system and infrastructure that allows them to deliver products at lightning speed. My guess is that they've created a global logistics network with warehouses, fulfillment centers, and distribution centers strategically placed worldwide. I also imagine they've partnered with couriers for the final leg of delivery. But what I discovered today is that they even have an algorithm that predicts demand and automatically orders stock from the production centers to the distribution centers. It's so obvious, yet I never thought of it before. I can only imagine the amount of data and trends this algorithm has about global consumer behavior which may highlight not just what we desire and buy but also give a powerful insight on who we have become. |
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