12/1/2024 Sweaty singletsOh, my sweaty singlets – the unsung heroes of my workout wardrobe. My wife, bless her delicate nose, can't seem to understand the profound relationship I share with these aromatic garments. To her, they're a biohazard; to me, they're a badge of honour.
Every time I stroll into the living room after a run or particularly intense workout, my wife's face contorts! But little does she know, these singlets aren't just items of clothing; they're the fabric embodiment of my hard work and dedication. Each drop of sweat is a testament to the epic battle I fought against the elements, laziness, and the lure of the sleeping in. If my singlets could talk, they'd probably share tales of my runs in the trails, hard ascents and descents with my heart pounding and recently my struggles at the Xfit gym on the rowing machine and lifting weights. Sure, they might be a tad pungent, and yes, they may have developed a personality of their own, but these singlets are more than just fabric; they're the unsung heroes of my fitness journey. 10/1/2024 9 years old teaching
My 9-year-old wrote a beautiful poem, a song, about finding himself by looking at the ocean. It's perfect and resonates deeply.
What surprised me wasn't that he did it, but the sudden realization that I stopped writing songs and poems a while ago—for some unknown reason. The same reason I stopped singing, dancing, and expressing joy in simple, natural ways. And I suspect I'm not alone. Yet, at festivals or concerts, you witness people stepping out of their routines, singing, dancing, moving freely. It's liberating—a momentary escape from life's treadmill, responsibilities, and everything else, just being in the flow. Reflecting on this, I now recognize the melancholy I saw in my parents' eyes at times when I was growing up. Similar sudden realizations must have hit them too. I won't give up easily without a hard fight. Instead, I'll get uncomfortable and follow the inspiring examples of my younger son and my past self to keep that light and fire burning. 9/1/2024 Unbreakable Will
Over the years, I've had the privilege of standing alongside remarkable individuals who've achieved incredible feats of endurance as a running coach – from 10km races to marathons or even consecutive marathons, and from 100km and 100-mile ultras to crossing the vast expanse of Australia.
In moments of struggle, doubt, setbacks, occasional "failures," all the way to inevitable triumphs, I stand tall and proud, cherishing the audacity and hard work these individuals bring to the table. They are my tribe. This collaboration and the relationships forged make me feel a part (albeit small) of their journey and important. Will stands out among these extraordinary individuals, having dedicated himself to running across Australia last year. He pursued this challenge in his unique way, driven by personal reasons and a quest for growth. I'm hopeful that his story of Unbreakable Will can serve as an inspiration and a reminder that sometimes the obstacle is the way. 8/1/2024 Spicying things up
As I officially embark on pursuing my 2024 goals and commitments, I am excited.
I recognize that to sustain this initial drive and intention beyond the first couple of months, I must cultivate new habits and align my environment and daily routine with my desired outcomes. This entails restructuring my daily plans and schedule, and, crucially, learning to say NO — both to myself and the tempting call of FOMO. Saying no comes hard for me. But I understand is the foundational step towards achieving anything. In 2024, my focus shifts to longer-term goals, extending beyond athletic endeavours. Certain aspects of my life that have lingered in the background are ready to take centre stage. Athletic pursuits are and have been a convenient escape. I can work hard for them because ultimately I do enjoy the process. In 2024, I am drawn to do "hard things" beyond just the realm of running and body work. It's time to spice things up. 11/12/2023 WOD
I thoroughly enjoy Crossfit's "Workout of the Day" (WOD); the element of surprise keeps the training and motivation fresh.
In Crossfit, each day introduces a new set of exercises, encouraging people to drop in and tackle workouts that might seem daunting on paper. The beauty lies in not knowing what's coming; until you turn up on the day, you don't know if the workout includes exercises you excel at, struggle with, or simply fear. It's this uncertainty that sparks excitement and keeps me on my toes. As a running coach, my goal is to infuse that same sense of anticipation and surprise into my running group. Similar to the WOD, I refrain from revealing the workout details in advance (online coaching adds a layer of complexity as people need to manage their time). This intentional mystery serves as a powerful motivator, challenging runners to confront sessions they might otherwise shy away from. It's about breaking free from preconceived notions, pushing boundaries, and realizing the strength and capabilities that lie within. The surprise factor not only injects fun into the routine but also cultivates a resilient mindset, fostering a community of people who are ready to take on any challenge, any time, no matter how intimidating it may seem on paper. |
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