Half-time at the Emirates, United 2-0 up. So much for Arsenal. I'm listening to the game on radio. In any other year, I'd have made the effort to catch it on SkySports, but I've made a conscious effort in recent times to distance myself from the emotions that go hand in hand with supporting Man Utd. I decided I was investing too much time into following their progress and have therefore limited my viewing. Champions League games and end of season title deciders will remain compulsive viewing, but it ends there. Perhaps I'm a part-timer or second rate fan, but the simple fact is that there are too many other, more worthwhile pursuits I'm currently following.
Still, it's difficult to detach completely, exemplified by my feelings of outrage after Tevez did the damage at Eastlands a fortnight ago. Despite Utd making it through, it was a stark reminder of how difficult I find it to let things go. On a similar theme, I've relaxed my commitment to Pool. After playing Varsity last year, it was clear that to even maintain my form would take much effort. On Friday though, I produced some fine form and recaptured the glorious feeling one gets when clearing a table. It's tempting to hit the practise table to keep the form up, but that would inevitably eat into my training regime. I'm going to have to rely on raw talent, which will no doubt have disastrous consequences.
With the marathon, I feel this absolute approach, maybe even obsession, is not only justified but necessary. With so many things that can go wrong, I have to make sure I'm doing everything I can to shift the odds in my favour. Extra training sessions are a no-brainer in the face of the challenges ahead. It means reducing my commitment to other endeavours. So maybe I won't make Varsity this year, or am just a part-time Football fan. But ask me after my first marathon if it is worth it. I think I may already know the answer.
Sunday 31 January 2010
Friday 22 January 2010
Running tracks
I've neglected any real discussion about what I listen to whilst running. A glaring omission, given that music plays a key part, especially in my longer runs. It was suggested that I use my time on the roads to listen to talks, podcasts and the like in a bid to settle my mind. Apparently time seems to speed up with this kind of distraction. However, it is not in my interest to lose sense of time. I am eager to absorb every last second of the experience, especially when I'm in the so-called 'zone'. These moments are golden and largely the reason I run in the first place. I need my mind to be focussed on running , but in a way that still allows it to drift. To keep concentration levels up I need some way of drowning out the sound of my footsteps or laboured breathing.
Thankfully, music seems to address all the points in one fell swoop. I'm generally not into music and certainly can't single out a genre that appeals to me. It's usually the tunes that get my attention, not the words. Still, with running there are some incredibly uplifting messages that seem wholly relevant in the middle of a run. But to go for 10+ miles in one stretch, the mind must be allowed to drift and so most of my music is orchestral, often movie soundtracks. The classics never fail; the Rocky theme is equivalent to an emphatic pep talk.
There are some songs that seem mediocre at best, but are ideal to run to. Sometimes you just want a harmonious melody to complement your surroundings and gentle pace, especially in the latter stages of a run. Other songs can help give you a second wind, particularly those with a rip roaring tempo.
Currently, my top 5 running tunes are:
5) Mad World (Gary Jules)
A new discovery for me, this won't be found on many runners' playlist. Yet there's something so soothing and meditative that makes it ideal for running. The meaning isn't so relevant, but the tune seems like the perfect partner to the striding motion. Its poignant melody reinforces the emotional component to running. I found myself singing this aloud (which I rarely do for any song) on mile 16 of my latest long run.
4) Going the distance (Rocky soundtrack)
A magical but often understated piece from the legendary Rocky films. This tune is played in two iconic scenes; the fight in Rocky and training montage in Rocky II. The message is clear; endure against the odds and fight to the end. Perfect for a distance runner, but very short in length.
3) Requiem for a dream (Mozart)
I'm generally not into classical music and this piece itself does little to inspire me most of the time. But when I'm running, it speaks volumes. As it gathers pace, so do I. By the crescendo, I find myself sprinting and yet totally at ease. At 6 minutes or so, it can get me through the best part of a mile; perfect for near the start of a run when I'm looking to hit top speed.
2) Tomorrow (Salif Keita)
This African song is played twice in the (Will Smith) Ali film and is best remembered as the backdrop of the gripping climax. When I listen to this, my mind journeys back in time to Zaire, 30 October 1974 and (for me) the most glorious moment in sporting history. This is the track I intend to have on when I cross the finish line of all major races. I barely understand a word of the lyrics, but it is incredibly uplifting nonetheless.
1) Lose Yourself (Eminem)
This is a motivational track for all endeavours. It's helped pump me up for exams, abdominal surgery, a Countdown semi-final and now running. An ode to the art of performance, this song/rap will make you believe you can take on the world and beat it.
Thankfully, music seems to address all the points in one fell swoop. I'm generally not into music and certainly can't single out a genre that appeals to me. It's usually the tunes that get my attention, not the words. Still, with running there are some incredibly uplifting messages that seem wholly relevant in the middle of a run. But to go for 10+ miles in one stretch, the mind must be allowed to drift and so most of my music is orchestral, often movie soundtracks. The classics never fail; the Rocky theme is equivalent to an emphatic pep talk.
There are some songs that seem mediocre at best, but are ideal to run to. Sometimes you just want a harmonious melody to complement your surroundings and gentle pace, especially in the latter stages of a run. Other songs can help give you a second wind, particularly those with a rip roaring tempo.
Currently, my top 5 running tunes are:
5) Mad World (Gary Jules)
A new discovery for me, this won't be found on many runners' playlist. Yet there's something so soothing and meditative that makes it ideal for running. The meaning isn't so relevant, but the tune seems like the perfect partner to the striding motion. Its poignant melody reinforces the emotional component to running. I found myself singing this aloud (which I rarely do for any song) on mile 16 of my latest long run.
4) Going the distance (Rocky soundtrack)
A magical but often understated piece from the legendary Rocky films. This tune is played in two iconic scenes; the fight in Rocky and training montage in Rocky II. The message is clear; endure against the odds and fight to the end. Perfect for a distance runner, but very short in length.
3) Requiem for a dream (Mozart)
I'm generally not into classical music and this piece itself does little to inspire me most of the time. But when I'm running, it speaks volumes. As it gathers pace, so do I. By the crescendo, I find myself sprinting and yet totally at ease. At 6 minutes or so, it can get me through the best part of a mile; perfect for near the start of a run when I'm looking to hit top speed.
2) Tomorrow (Salif Keita)
This African song is played twice in the (Will Smith) Ali film and is best remembered as the backdrop of the gripping climax. When I listen to this, my mind journeys back in time to Zaire, 30 October 1974 and (for me) the most glorious moment in sporting history. This is the track I intend to have on when I cross the finish line of all major races. I barely understand a word of the lyrics, but it is incredibly uplifting nonetheless.
1) Lose Yourself (Eminem)
This is a motivational track for all endeavours. It's helped pump me up for exams, abdominal surgery, a Countdown semi-final and now running. An ode to the art of performance, this song/rap will make you believe you can take on the world and beat it.
Wednesday 20 January 2010
Triumph over adversity
The physical benefits of distance running are self-evident. Since I took it up last April (although it was around June time that I first hit 6 miles), I've conditioned my body towards a lean build, putting on 4kg in weight, lowering my resting heart rate and enjoying generally good health throughout. However, this is all very much a welcome bonus to the true benefits of this sport.
There's no question that running is a journey of the mind more than anything else. Training takes care of the physical side, but to run for 2 hours without rest regularly requires a deeper appreciation of the the joy that running can bring.
I owe a debt of gratitude to running, for it has taught me lessons to take off the roads and incorporate into all apsects of my life. In particular, it demonstrates first hand how we can overcome seemingly impossible obstacles, as long as we have enough belief and dedication. As I was limping the final leg of a 16 mile run on Monday, I wondered how I am ever going to add another 10, given how exhausted I was. Then I recalled that only 7 months ago, I was revelling in my first 8 mile jog, thinking then that it was a huge landmark. And indeed it was. Now I'm able to run twice that. With 11 weeks and much training ahead, the issue of running the full 26.2 miles is not today's problem. For now, I can bask in the triumph of completing my first 16 miler, in a fluent time of 2h 08, well within my target of 2h 15.
It's not the triumph alone that is so rewarding, but the fact that there have been times where I've doubted I was capable of such distances. Weak bones, asthma, pancreatitis and more tells you I'm not exactly your textbook athlete. So when injuries occur and pain reveals itself, I find myself consumed with this doubt. It is in these moments that I turn to inspiration. Especially during a run, when at times it seems easier just to give in, I think of some of my role models and the example they set.
The history of running is full of incredible figures. Abebe Bikila, the original and best of the African distance runners, always comes to the forefront of my mind when I think about running. To win the marathon gold in the 1960 Games was astonishing for many reasons, not least because he ran barefoot from start to finish. But even more inspiring was his defence four years later, smashing the world record and stunning the crowd by immediately warming down with a series of dynamic stretches. He took distance running to the hugely competitive and popular level it's at today.
Bikila is only one of several people I look to for inspiration. What running has given me is the ability to see the greatness in everything and everyone (for the most part). Not just runners, but everywhere around me I see people battling great adversity and emerging triumphant. In this sense, running is the perfect metaphor for life. There will always be barriers; the challenge is not in removing them but rather confronting them head on and achieving great success on the other side.
There's no question that running is a journey of the mind more than anything else. Training takes care of the physical side, but to run for 2 hours without rest regularly requires a deeper appreciation of the the joy that running can bring.
I owe a debt of gratitude to running, for it has taught me lessons to take off the roads and incorporate into all apsects of my life. In particular, it demonstrates first hand how we can overcome seemingly impossible obstacles, as long as we have enough belief and dedication. As I was limping the final leg of a 16 mile run on Monday, I wondered how I am ever going to add another 10, given how exhausted I was. Then I recalled that only 7 months ago, I was revelling in my first 8 mile jog, thinking then that it was a huge landmark. And indeed it was. Now I'm able to run twice that. With 11 weeks and much training ahead, the issue of running the full 26.2 miles is not today's problem. For now, I can bask in the triumph of completing my first 16 miler, in a fluent time of 2h 08, well within my target of 2h 15.
It's not the triumph alone that is so rewarding, but the fact that there have been times where I've doubted I was capable of such distances. Weak bones, asthma, pancreatitis and more tells you I'm not exactly your textbook athlete. So when injuries occur and pain reveals itself, I find myself consumed with this doubt. It is in these moments that I turn to inspiration. Especially during a run, when at times it seems easier just to give in, I think of some of my role models and the example they set.
The history of running is full of incredible figures. Abebe Bikila, the original and best of the African distance runners, always comes to the forefront of my mind when I think about running. To win the marathon gold in the 1960 Games was astonishing for many reasons, not least because he ran barefoot from start to finish. But even more inspiring was his defence four years later, smashing the world record and stunning the crowd by immediately warming down with a series of dynamic stretches. He took distance running to the hugely competitive and popular level it's at today.
Bikila is only one of several people I look to for inspiration. What running has given me is the ability to see the greatness in everything and everyone (for the most part). Not just runners, but everywhere around me I see people battling great adversity and emerging triumphant. In this sense, running is the perfect metaphor for life. There will always be barriers; the challenge is not in removing them but rather confronting them head on and achieving great success on the other side.
Wednesday 13 January 2010
Spirit of the Marathon
You know that feeling you get when you watch a film and you know you've just witnessed something quite special? You leave feeling replenished, like it's going to have a real positive impact on you? It happens to me every so often and less so in recent times. However, I've now had that feeling twice within the last week.
I finally got round to seeing the hugely hyped Avatar. As a huge fan of James Cameron (Terminator 2 is my favourite film by a country mile), my expectations were high. Suffice to say, it didn't disappoint. A predictable plot was immaterial in the face of some stunning visuals (and I only saw the 2D version) and an incredibly crafted world. Cameron is the epitome of pure imagination. The world he creates and the characters therein are utterly breathtaking. Well worth the £6 entry fee.
Yesterday, I finally got round to watching the much less known 'Spirit of the Marathon'. Released in selected cinemas only in 2007, it has yet to make it to this part of the world. But the wonders of YouTube strike again. In 10 parts, you can see the entire documentary, which profiles six runners as they prepare for the Chicago Marathon. From an elite Kenyan athlete to first timers, the film captures the essence of distance running without being too imposing. Add in some dramatic background music throughout and it really is a masterclass.
For an aspiring distance runner, it is compelling viewing. Right now, the thought of crossing the finish line is a distant pleasure, but watching this really brought home what makes the challenge so special. Seeing the genuine emotion as the runners cross the line, watching the sea of 37000 runners come together with a unified ambition and witnessing the highs and lows of the epic 26.2 mile journey is a welcome reminder of the wonders that lie ahead.
The film covers every aspect of distance running, from its rich history to the particulars of training. The six runners are a great mix and between them highlight the wide reaching attractions of this great sport. For some, it's an unrivalled opportunity to be part of a team effort whilst for others it's a welcome brand of escapism. I'm definitely amongst the latter, working hard to become a so-called 'zen runner', losing myself out there all on my own. There's no doubt though, that the experience of running alongside thousands of others will be monumental.
When I cross that line (God willing), it will be a defining moment. "Life changing", according to professional runner Dick Beardsley. With Paula Radcliffe also amongst the speakers, it really is a great opportunity to discover the spirit of the marathon runner.
Here's part 1. You could do worse for inspiration.
I finally got round to seeing the hugely hyped Avatar. As a huge fan of James Cameron (Terminator 2 is my favourite film by a country mile), my expectations were high. Suffice to say, it didn't disappoint. A predictable plot was immaterial in the face of some stunning visuals (and I only saw the 2D version) and an incredibly crafted world. Cameron is the epitome of pure imagination. The world he creates and the characters therein are utterly breathtaking. Well worth the £6 entry fee.
Yesterday, I finally got round to watching the much less known 'Spirit of the Marathon'. Released in selected cinemas only in 2007, it has yet to make it to this part of the world. But the wonders of YouTube strike again. In 10 parts, you can see the entire documentary, which profiles six runners as they prepare for the Chicago Marathon. From an elite Kenyan athlete to first timers, the film captures the essence of distance running without being too imposing. Add in some dramatic background music throughout and it really is a masterclass.
For an aspiring distance runner, it is compelling viewing. Right now, the thought of crossing the finish line is a distant pleasure, but watching this really brought home what makes the challenge so special. Seeing the genuine emotion as the runners cross the line, watching the sea of 37000 runners come together with a unified ambition and witnessing the highs and lows of the epic 26.2 mile journey is a welcome reminder of the wonders that lie ahead.
The film covers every aspect of distance running, from its rich history to the particulars of training. The six runners are a great mix and between them highlight the wide reaching attractions of this great sport. For some, it's an unrivalled opportunity to be part of a team effort whilst for others it's a welcome brand of escapism. I'm definitely amongst the latter, working hard to become a so-called 'zen runner', losing myself out there all on my own. There's no doubt though, that the experience of running alongside thousands of others will be monumental.
When I cross that line (God willing), it will be a defining moment. "Life changing", according to professional runner Dick Beardsley. With Paula Radcliffe also amongst the speakers, it really is a great opportunity to discover the spirit of the marathon runner.
Here's part 1. You could do worse for inspiration.
Wednesday 6 January 2010
Snowed in
Crikey, only a day ago I walked along the clear roads of central Oxford with only the occasional hint of ice, scoffing at nature's attempt to thwart my training. Fast forward 20 hours and the view from my window tells no lie. All I see is white, the snow besieging my surroundings and relentlessly growing by the hour. Ten inches thick apparently, and yet there's more to come. A small trip down the road to Tesco is daunting enough, let alone a run.
I can't recall this much snow in the UK since I was a child, way back in the early '90s. Back then, it provided the perfect backdrop for snowball fights and snowman building. Now, it's a major drag. Maybe it's a sign that I'm getting old, or just more boring. Although, part of me would love nothing more than to get out there anyway and see what happens. What better way to re-enact the legendary training scenes from Rocky IV? Indeed, in the marathon I have my very own Ivan Drago, an incredibly powerful and quiet opponent that will show no mercy. Maybe I should just embrace the extreme conditions and run for the hell of it. That's what real men do, right?
Sounds awesome, except I'm under strict orders from mum not to run until the snow clears. Ah, well...the exercise bike will do for now.
I can't recall this much snow in the UK since I was a child, way back in the early '90s. Back then, it provided the perfect backdrop for snowball fights and snowman building. Now, it's a major drag. Maybe it's a sign that I'm getting old, or just more boring. Although, part of me would love nothing more than to get out there anyway and see what happens. What better way to re-enact the legendary training scenes from Rocky IV? Indeed, in the marathon I have my very own Ivan Drago, an incredibly powerful and quiet opponent that will show no mercy. Maybe I should just embrace the extreme conditions and run for the hell of it. That's what real men do, right?
Sounds awesome, except I'm under strict orders from mum not to run until the snow clears. Ah, well...the exercise bike will do for now.
Sunday 3 January 2010
Sign me up, Fergie
Oh dear, Man Utd 0-1 Leeds Utd. That would have been unforgivable at the start of the noughties, let alone now. We can't even put it down to inexperience as it was a near full strength Man Utd side. Well, whatever full strength means at Old Trafford these days.
Dismal. Appalling. Lacklustre. And that's just Berbatov.
So Sir Alex, if you're reading this (and let's face it, you probably are), pay attention. I am offering you my services. I can run for 90 minutes straight, without stopping. I just did 12 miles in 1h 42, and that's slow compared to usual (icy roads, you see). With a full marathon the next target, my fitness levels will only increase; subject to avoiding injury. Although, the Owen-Hargreaves pairing (yes, the pun was intended) suggests that's not an issue with you. I'm not very talented with a football, but the Nani-Park pairing suggests that's no issue either. In any case, at 25 my best years lie ahead. Complacency and grandiose feelings of self worth are alien to me.
For what sum must your club part, you ask? I'm a simple guy; £500 a week will do. But make haste, because enquiries have been made elsewhere. OUISOC will guarantee me regular first team action (though, admittedly are unable to match my wage demands).
The ball is in your court (another intended pun).
Dismal. Appalling. Lacklustre. And that's just Berbatov.
So Sir Alex, if you're reading this (and let's face it, you probably are), pay attention. I am offering you my services. I can run for 90 minutes straight, without stopping. I just did 12 miles in 1h 42, and that's slow compared to usual (icy roads, you see). With a full marathon the next target, my fitness levels will only increase; subject to avoiding injury. Although, the Owen-Hargreaves pairing (yes, the pun was intended) suggests that's not an issue with you. I'm not very talented with a football, but the Nani-Park pairing suggests that's no issue either. In any case, at 25 my best years lie ahead. Complacency and grandiose feelings of self worth are alien to me.
For what sum must your club part, you ask? I'm a simple guy; £500 a week will do. But make haste, because enquiries have been made elsewhere. OUISOC will guarantee me regular first team action (though, admittedly are unable to match my wage demands).
The ball is in your court (another intended pun).
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