Up and Down…
Monday the 6th of March, 2023
33k w a Hummock session, PM - 7k w Shalom X-Country kids
Solid day. These days take some focus but, solid day. Two sessions, work and all the other life stuff in between. To be honest I feel pretty good considering. A good start to the week.
A discussion was had at work today about ‘young people’ liking older stuff and current stuff but ‘older people’ (me I guess?) not liking new and current things. Now, I am an optimistic person. I really am, but the conversation basically led me to explaining that I find it really hard to be positive and ‘like’ much of what is going on in the world currently. Socially, politically, music, peoples ‘mental health’, fashion, attitudes, lifestyles, morals and ethics….maybe I am just getting old and cynical but I have to be honest, I really feel the world is going to crap in a monumental way. I worry about the future of our planet, the environment, world decisions that are/are not made, who is going to work in hard jobs, the path for my daughters and just how this is all going to play out?
Surly I am not the only one? And, if I am, so be it. I feel, in a time where ‘everyone can think and be whatever they want’ if you say or stand for anything that isn’t socially acceptable at the time you are shot down in flames, cancelled and smashed with ‘how dare you’s’. Freedom of speech, ideas and opinions is a false concept in todays landscape.
So, I am happy not to think things going on currently are cool, acceptable or ok. If that means I stand alone then so be it. Who cares? I have stood alone my whole life through my beliefs, lifestyle, fashion, music tastes etc so what’s another solidarity action/belief going to matter?! We forge forward, doing our best to try and make this sideways situation straight. Stand with me and stand alone….
Tuesday the 7th of March, 2023
21.2k cut short, PM - 30min stepper
Ahhh, had to cut my run a bit short today due to a staff member having Covid and my needing to fill her shift. How is Covid even still a thing?! Pretty over it by now that is for sure! Anyways, it is what it is.
I also woke up this morning feeling a touch average. Not terribly but a touch. There has been SO many people sick around me over the last couple months so I am really hoping and praying I don’t have anything. See how I am when I wake tomorrow.
Aside from that, today was pretty straight forward and not a lot to report. Outside work, training and domestic stuff (so like 2min), I have just been trying to rest a bit and not let this sickness develop. I have a TONNE of training I want to do this week so hope I don’t get knocked. Time will tell…
Wednesday the 8th of March, 2023
10k w Skin n Bones boys
Well, that all went to crap extremely quickly! I woke at 3am to get 15k in before meeting the boys. I went to the bathroom then went back to bed with a flippen sore throat and feeling ordinary. I went down to meet the guys but could barely manage a 6:20 pace so ran alone. I felt like I had run 100k. Rubbish. Some rest will be needed for a couple days before getting back to it proper. Ugh.
To try and brighten my spirits and get some nature into the system, after work the kids and I went down to the beach for some Vitamin Sea. I was sitting reading my book when I noticed a movement beside me. A BABY TURTLE! The first of maybe 50, freshly hatched and making their way to the scary, big, wide ocean! They are so damn cute! They also provided some perspective.
When you are feeling rotten and sorry for yourself, life carries on. Life is precious, sacred and incredibly vulnerable like those little guys. Treasure it. Things aren’t that bad. Be present and fight, literally for your existence to make it to your natural habitat. Never give up. Focus on the goal and work your ass off to get there as quickly as you can. All aside, those little turtles are a freaking miracle. Life is a miracle. That some months ago, a mumma turtle laid a bunch of eggs, they sat buried in the sand for a period of time and then hatched, fully formed little lives, is incredible. My brain can not even comprehend the amazingness of things like this occurring. What a privilege it is to get to experience an occurrence like this less than 100m from our house on our local beach. This made my afternoon more special than most.
So, a mixed bag today. Some disappointment and needed rest mixed with new life and smiles from simply observing little hatchlings journeys to a new life. A good day.
Thursday the 9th of March, 2023
10k shuffle, 30min stepper
Still crook. My run this morning was barely ok then when I got home I got on the stepper. Holy crap. The last 10min I thought I was going to pass out. So humid, so much fluid lost and the sickness came in a wave at the wrong time. Got it done regardless. Then, off to work.
So, today comes with a public service announcement. Don’t be one of those guys. I had a customer today (who I know) order his regular (skinny latte with a sugar). I made it, correct milk, sugar and then accidentally put chocolate on it (making it a cappuccino). Now, froth levels are pretty much the same. Milk and sugar correct. Just chocolate sprinkled on top. He didn’t take it. Honest mistake. Come on guy. I apologised, remade, smiled and then had to waste a perfectly good drink. Don’t be that guy. If your barista makes an honest mistake (provided the milk and the rest is right) and the only indiscrepancy is something like a sprinkle of chocolate, take the coffee. Heck, you may even like it?!
Maybe Im being facetious? Maybe Im wrong. I just hate waste. And pettiness. Maybe I should just do my job better. But, when I know the guy and the mistake literally doesn't compromise values, ethics or flavour (to a massive degree), just take the coffee. You're welcome. Im not sorry, I just need to do better. Carry on. The caffeinated beverage would have been delicious.
A good day and the laughs continue between waves of feeling rubbish. Soldier on.
Friday the 10th of March, 2023
15k easy
Very mildly average improvement to the health. Here’s hoping each day is on the up and up from now. Got the 15k done not too bad.
A few times over the years, a couple of customers have commented on my appearance suggesting that I don’t care about it, am lazy and to be honest, insinuate that I look like a bit of a vagrant. Now, fairs fair, that is kind of the look I am going for, HOWEVER, I actually take a fair bit of care to look the way I do. It has taken YEARS of development and, not to mention a fair stack of cash (tattoos aren’t the cheapest!) So, whilst Im not a particularly vain person, I do take pride in my style, fashion and flare. Just because I don’t look like you doesn’t mean I don’t care! So, please, if you feel the need to comment next time, maybe consider this ‘look’ is a thing. Who would have thought?!
I have work tomorrow so no trails but here’s to a few big days after that before tapering and getting ready for Noosa Ultra Trail in two weeks. Weekend is here!
Saturday the 11th of March, 2023
20k loop
Its official. I DO NOT understand todays generation and have zero desire to think it is ok. Myself and a couple who have been together for some time and who live together were explaining how they do seperate groceries. When I said that was ridiculous (save time and do them together), I got informed by the female that she ‘likes her independence’ and even things like sharing money and a bank account are too much ‘commitment’ for her. Sister, if I was that guy and you were saying sharing a bank account with me was too much ‘commitment’, I would be running for the hills. Commitment?! The lack of which is everything that is WRONG with the world today. I give up. Keep your independence gospel away from me!
The run this morning was wet but a fun loop with the boys (Josh and Mitch). I felt a little off and flat to start with but worked into it. I think I am almost over this bit of sickness and have some fun planned for the ‘week before the race’ lead up. Last little flex before tapering.
Today was a good day working in town, laughing and filling the day up that is for sure. Will rest well tonight.
Lastly, everyone raves about what a legend Robert McKee is (a multiple decade lecturer on story telling) and I was really looking forward to his podcast with Rich Roll. To be honest, I think he is fairly egotistical, brash and reasonably irritating. It's a fair disappointment when so many guys I look up to speak so highly of him. This is just my opinion but some reflection on my current listenings.
Sunday the 12th of March, 2023
25k Disgusting
This morning was disgusting. Like maybe the most humid conditions I have run in forever. Ok, maybe not forever but it was 25deg and 100% humidity. That’s pretty disgusting. Tim, Mitch and I battled from the first kilometre so the whole run was a proper battle. Got it done eventually though. Ugh. 141km for the week and two stepper sessions ain't too bad given I was sick for nearly half the week.
Today is my one day off and she be full. Run, nippers, lawns, soccer event then dinner. Full up! Enjoying it though that’s for sure. The week ahead I have a few BIG days planned and hope the body holds up and the heat not too bad! That’s before tapering to be ready for Noosa Ultra Trail in two weeks. Keen as a bean! For now though, chill and lap up the rest of the day. Good times ahead. Much love and thanks for attending.