Hay friends! I have posted a new blog on my website today at www.thetattoorunner.com
Just wondering if you can and don't mind, please head over to the site and subscribe so you can recieve any posts I do in the future. This is my 100th post in here so I will make it my last from the blogger platform. If you can subscribe on the site and keep following my journey that would be amazing!
Have a super week!
Mat
Sunday, 15 June 2014
Sunday, 8 June 2014
New
Hay y'all! Hope things are super! Just a reminder I am now posting and blogging over at my website www.thetattoorunner.com I have added a new entry today to my 16weeks to Glasshouse page so head over, check that out and subscribe while your there! Thanks y'all!
Mat
Mat
Monday, 26 May 2014
New blog
Hay everyone! Hope this reaches you all well! Just wanted to let you know I have posted a new blog over at my website www.thetattoorunner.com please go over and have a look, subscribe and get amongst it. Have a rad day!
Wednesday, 7 May 2014
WEBSITE LAUNCH!!!
To say that I am excited about this moment is a sever understatement!!!! I am SO SO pumped and proud to announce that the long awaited website is now up and ready to roll! I would LOVE it if you had the time to head over, check it out and subscribe to the site!
A few points to note....now that the site is up and running, I will be blogging through it and no longer through this site. I will post a few reminders before stopping on here all together but if you could subscribe to my site and keep an eye on it, thats where all the action will be taking place. There will naturally be a few issues to iron out and upgrades/changes made over time but the basics are there.
I want to thank you all for your audience, encouragement, support and love through this process. Things are really moving along nicely and there are so many exciting things going on.
You might notice a coaching link on the site. If any of you would like to be coached, or know someone who would like to be, please contact me direct. I have also included my sponsors and distribution affiliates.
Appart from that, training has been going well for the last two and a half weeks since returning after injury. So far so good. I am getting some awesome elevation in here and loving that we now live in some hills! Stay tuned for more. Cooks Tour 30k return in a week and a half.
Well thats it! I can't believe it has finally happened! Thanks again to everyone and a special thanks to Coach Jeff for his help in building the site and the regular encouragement he gives me to chase my dream! Go check it out friends, please offer any feedback you have, positive and constructive criticism! I wont get better if I don't know what to improve!
Love you all, run free and go visit www.thetattoorunner.com NOW! Good times!
A few points to note....now that the site is up and running, I will be blogging through it and no longer through this site. I will post a few reminders before stopping on here all together but if you could subscribe to my site and keep an eye on it, thats where all the action will be taking place. There will naturally be a few issues to iron out and upgrades/changes made over time but the basics are there.
I want to thank you all for your audience, encouragement, support and love through this process. Things are really moving along nicely and there are so many exciting things going on.
You might notice a coaching link on the site. If any of you would like to be coached, or know someone who would like to be, please contact me direct. I have also included my sponsors and distribution affiliates.
Appart from that, training has been going well for the last two and a half weeks since returning after injury. So far so good. I am getting some awesome elevation in here and loving that we now live in some hills! Stay tuned for more. Cooks Tour 30k return in a week and a half.
Well thats it! I can't believe it has finally happened! Thanks again to everyone and a special thanks to Coach Jeff for his help in building the site and the regular encouragement he gives me to chase my dream! Go check it out friends, please offer any feedback you have, positive and constructive criticism! I wont get better if I don't know what to improve!
Love you all, run free and go visit www.thetattoorunner.com NOW! Good times!
Sunday, 20 April 2014
Today....
Well, I planned on posting a blog last week but things were hectic (whats new!?) so here we are! There is SO much going on and SO many exciting things happening at the moment it is nearly blowing my head up! So, where to start....
First of all - today I started back running! After eight weeks away from my indulgence with a stress fracture, I am finally back! I only ran 2k but it was lung burning joy! Where we live now at the coast is COMPLETELY different to Bundy and I got nearly 100m elevation in 2k! OH I AM EXCITED! I have massive plans for my running going forward and plan on being competitive, training hard and smart and being a lean, fast mountain goat! Bring on the upness!
I have also been around the same weight for the last year or so. I have knowledge that my weight is not ideal for competitive running and for sometime now I have wanted to drop my weight by a further substantial amount. I know I have hinted at this in the past but I really want to get to where I should be as a ultra runner, completing the foundation of building my running career from here on in. Fun journey ahead. Along side gaining ideal racing weight, long term health and wellness is something I am aiming for every day. I have strong conviction about the 'best' way to eat for longevity and this is the gold standard I am aiming for going forward.
For those who don't know, I am now working full time at Kunara Organic Market Place http://www.kunara.com.au . I am SUPER excited as they have just started a magazine (also can be seen on the website or obtained in hard copy from the shop). After some conversation with the marketing department, I am going to be writing a whole page every issue. This will generally include an interview with a local personality, regular customers or whoever (this issue will be with local triathlete Scottie Farrell who some of you know, so wait for that!), some training tips, maybe a recipe or whatever I like. It is a great opportunity and one I can also use to promote my TattooRunner adventures, which brings me to my next point....TattooRunner!
Kunara have offered me as a runner a sponsorship! It is a great opportunity and I am super excited to be involved with them as an athlete as well as an employee.
Hopefully this week, I am also going to be launching my website. There will be more details about this forthcoming, but it will hopefully be a one-stop-shop for all things TattooRunner - blog, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube etc. Very VERY keen to get this up and running.
Lastly (I think), I can now officially announce I am coaching! My good mate Andy Dower has given me a good push to get this going, and I am going to be helping him in his journey to the Glasshouse 100miler in September. I am available to coach anyone (generally online) from new or established ultra runners, trail runners, runners in general and also those who haven't run a step! I would love to help people lose weight, set a goal and achieve it (no matter how small!), and generally make your life better! Please pass the word around, but these details will be on my website, pending the release. If ANY of you are interested in getting coached by me, or know someone who might be interested in getting coached, please email me direct at grills_1@hotmail.com for costing etc...
So, I think that is it for the moment?! There is SO much going on and I have so many goals, dreams and visions of what I want to achieve in the near and distance future. I have really grown a deep seeded entrepreneurial spirit and I have no desire for the ordinary. I am chasing the dream, living life, celebrating existence and learning from mistakes. God is good, life is blessed and meant to be a wild adventure. I am honoured that you would want to share this journey with me and hope you are taking your own off beaten, un-explored single track to find your own special, individual calling. I love you all friends, have an amazing, super exciting, beautiful week. Run on, plant strong....
First of all - today I started back running! After eight weeks away from my indulgence with a stress fracture, I am finally back! I only ran 2k but it was lung burning joy! Where we live now at the coast is COMPLETELY different to Bundy and I got nearly 100m elevation in 2k! OH I AM EXCITED! I have massive plans for my running going forward and plan on being competitive, training hard and smart and being a lean, fast mountain goat! Bring on the upness!
I have also been around the same weight for the last year or so. I have knowledge that my weight is not ideal for competitive running and for sometime now I have wanted to drop my weight by a further substantial amount. I know I have hinted at this in the past but I really want to get to where I should be as a ultra runner, completing the foundation of building my running career from here on in. Fun journey ahead. Along side gaining ideal racing weight, long term health and wellness is something I am aiming for every day. I have strong conviction about the 'best' way to eat for longevity and this is the gold standard I am aiming for going forward.
For those who don't know, I am now working full time at Kunara Organic Market Place http://www.kunara.com.au . I am SUPER excited as they have just started a magazine (also can be seen on the website or obtained in hard copy from the shop). After some conversation with the marketing department, I am going to be writing a whole page every issue. This will generally include an interview with a local personality, regular customers or whoever (this issue will be with local triathlete Scottie Farrell who some of you know, so wait for that!), some training tips, maybe a recipe or whatever I like. It is a great opportunity and one I can also use to promote my TattooRunner adventures, which brings me to my next point....TattooRunner!
Kunara have offered me as a runner a sponsorship! It is a great opportunity and I am super excited to be involved with them as an athlete as well as an employee.
Hopefully this week, I am also going to be launching my website. There will be more details about this forthcoming, but it will hopefully be a one-stop-shop for all things TattooRunner - blog, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube etc. Very VERY keen to get this up and running.
Lastly (I think), I can now officially announce I am coaching! My good mate Andy Dower has given me a good push to get this going, and I am going to be helping him in his journey to the Glasshouse 100miler in September. I am available to coach anyone (generally online) from new or established ultra runners, trail runners, runners in general and also those who haven't run a step! I would love to help people lose weight, set a goal and achieve it (no matter how small!), and generally make your life better! Please pass the word around, but these details will be on my website, pending the release. If ANY of you are interested in getting coached by me, or know someone who might be interested in getting coached, please email me direct at grills_1@hotmail.com for costing etc...
So, I think that is it for the moment?! There is SO much going on and I have so many goals, dreams and visions of what I want to achieve in the near and distance future. I have really grown a deep seeded entrepreneurial spirit and I have no desire for the ordinary. I am chasing the dream, living life, celebrating existence and learning from mistakes. God is good, life is blessed and meant to be a wild adventure. I am honoured that you would want to share this journey with me and hope you are taking your own off beaten, un-explored single track to find your own special, individual calling. I love you all friends, have an amazing, super exciting, beautiful week. Run on, plant strong....
Saturday, 5 April 2014
Booties got back....almost!
MY PEOPLE! Well, I haven't really felt like a runner as of late let me tell you! Whist I am back training (elliptical and spin bike at the gym...ugh!) there has still been no running due to the stress fracture in my foot. My physio has said that I am aloud to start running tomorrow, however I am giving it an extra two weeks (shock and awe!!!!) to make sure it is healed and ready to go for the rest of the year.
It has been tough! I have REALLY missed my daily routine of getting out the door early, starting the day beautifully. My daily meditation practice of running has been sorely missed, however it will be back soon! I really think though that this has re-lit the fire in the belly for when I am back clicking off the miles.
So, in saying this, I thought I would take this opportunity to let y'all know my plans for the rest of the year. I have just done up my calendar and diary and I can't wait to get started tomorrow. I am SUPER keen to start running here at the Sunshine Coast. I think I was a decent trail mountain runner whilst living in Bundy (with no trails or mountains!), however now I am living where there is some serious hills and trails, I am super excited to see what I am capable of. Bring it on mountain goat! So here it is!
- Two more weeks at the gym, then four weeks running for my comeback race, Cooks Tour 30k. I am going to use this time to drop some serious weight, get my mind right and in some decent shape for the second half of the year.
- Flinders Tour 50k. This is a 'A' Goal this year. I am aiming for a finish time under 4hrs 30min.
- Maybe River Run 100k. This is three weeks before Glasshouse 100miler so Ill see where Im at when the time is closer.
- Glasshouse 100miler. Another 'A' Goal race. I am setting myself a massive goal and aiming to finish in under 20hrs this year. Ohhhhh the enormity of this excites me!
- Blackall 100. This is a new event being put on by Run Queensland http://www.runqueensland.com/index.html Whilst I have no idea how fast I will run here, the course is going to be AMAZING (now in my backyard, the Sunshine Coast Great Walk (think Maleny, Montville, waterfalls etc etc)! This is probably the race that I am most looking forward to this year, purely on a new, beauty side of things. Alun and the crew at Run Queensland are sure to do an amazing job as usual and I think this is going to become a premier event in Australia.
- Maybe Coast 2 Kosi. Whilst I had an incredible time at this event last year, it is essentially a road race, expensive to do and a LONG way. I am much more suited to trail events (the tougher the better) and 100k or 100mile events, but well see. It is hard to ignore the specialness of this event. Truly epic!
- Any other smaller or super fun events that may come along.
As a side point, I am also going to be checkpoint chief at the halfway point at Wildhorse Criterium Easter Weekend. This is gonna be super fun to help out in a way I have always wanted to but never had the chance to due to running. I will be there with new friend Meagan and Coach Jeff so it will be a hoot! Get ready for some vegan goodies!
So....there you have it friends. I am going to be training seriously focused and doing bulk k's on some gnarly hills and trails so I think the possibilities for this year and my running going forward are endless. Thanks for your support during my down time and I can't wait to see you all out running soon! Smile, love all and run free friends! YES!
P.S - Dont forget I am still blogging for Nanas Pantry in Bundaberg - https://nanaspantry.com.au/blog I am also in the process of hopefully getting involved and maybe writing for my new workplaces magazine, who's first issue only got released last week. Check it out if you get a chance. It is a very professional publication with some really great information/articles. I am not entirely sure exactly how I will be involved yet but I am super excited and keen! Check out http://www.kunara.com.au/kunara-newsletter-oct.html
Lastly - I just want to thank http://www.injinjiperformanceproducts.com.au for their ongoing support. They have been looking after me with shoes and gear and I can't wait to keep this relationship going in the coming times. I am also in talks with Pocket Fuel USA about their products so who knows what exciting things may come of that! Stay tuned!
It has been tough! I have REALLY missed my daily routine of getting out the door early, starting the day beautifully. My daily meditation practice of running has been sorely missed, however it will be back soon! I really think though that this has re-lit the fire in the belly for when I am back clicking off the miles.
So, in saying this, I thought I would take this opportunity to let y'all know my plans for the rest of the year. I have just done up my calendar and diary and I can't wait to get started tomorrow. I am SUPER keen to start running here at the Sunshine Coast. I think I was a decent trail mountain runner whilst living in Bundy (with no trails or mountains!), however now I am living where there is some serious hills and trails, I am super excited to see what I am capable of. Bring it on mountain goat! So here it is!
- Two more weeks at the gym, then four weeks running for my comeback race, Cooks Tour 30k. I am going to use this time to drop some serious weight, get my mind right and in some decent shape for the second half of the year.
- Flinders Tour 50k. This is a 'A' Goal this year. I am aiming for a finish time under 4hrs 30min.
- Maybe River Run 100k. This is three weeks before Glasshouse 100miler so Ill see where Im at when the time is closer.
- Glasshouse 100miler. Another 'A' Goal race. I am setting myself a massive goal and aiming to finish in under 20hrs this year. Ohhhhh the enormity of this excites me!
- Blackall 100. This is a new event being put on by Run Queensland http://www.runqueensland.com/index.html Whilst I have no idea how fast I will run here, the course is going to be AMAZING (now in my backyard, the Sunshine Coast Great Walk (think Maleny, Montville, waterfalls etc etc)! This is probably the race that I am most looking forward to this year, purely on a new, beauty side of things. Alun and the crew at Run Queensland are sure to do an amazing job as usual and I think this is going to become a premier event in Australia.
- Maybe Coast 2 Kosi. Whilst I had an incredible time at this event last year, it is essentially a road race, expensive to do and a LONG way. I am much more suited to trail events (the tougher the better) and 100k or 100mile events, but well see. It is hard to ignore the specialness of this event. Truly epic!
- Any other smaller or super fun events that may come along.
As a side point, I am also going to be checkpoint chief at the halfway point at Wildhorse Criterium Easter Weekend. This is gonna be super fun to help out in a way I have always wanted to but never had the chance to due to running. I will be there with new friend Meagan and Coach Jeff so it will be a hoot! Get ready for some vegan goodies!
So....there you have it friends. I am going to be training seriously focused and doing bulk k's on some gnarly hills and trails so I think the possibilities for this year and my running going forward are endless. Thanks for your support during my down time and I can't wait to see you all out running soon! Smile, love all and run free friends! YES!
P.S - Dont forget I am still blogging for Nanas Pantry in Bundaberg - https://nanaspantry.com.au/blog I am also in the process of hopefully getting involved and maybe writing for my new workplaces magazine, who's first issue only got released last week. Check it out if you get a chance. It is a very professional publication with some really great information/articles. I am not entirely sure exactly how I will be involved yet but I am super excited and keen! Check out http://www.kunara.com.au/kunara-newsletter-oct.html
Lastly - I just want to thank http://www.injinjiperformanceproducts.com.au for their ongoing support. They have been looking after me with shoes and gear and I can't wait to keep this relationship going in the coming times. I am also in talks with Pocket Fuel USA about their products so who knows what exciting things may come of that! Stay tuned!
Tuesday, 25 March 2014
New digs and what not!
Hay ya peeps! I hope this post finds you all lovin life, being kind to one and other and chasing your own adventures! I just wanted to do a catch up blog to let you all know what is going on with us, what we have been doing and how life is doing!
So, on Saturday just gone, we officially moved into the house were staying at on the Sunshine Coast! It has been a hectic journey for us for just over a month now with Tegan working and staying at a friends house (thanks so very much Tim and Lisa) Sunday to Tuesday. I also started my new job the Monday before we moved down and also stayed with Tim and Lisa before moving officially on the weekend! So....to say the last little while has been hectic isn't far from the truth! It is so so nice to all be here now together to start our new adventures. Thus far, our jobs are great, the house is beautiful and we have already started looking for somewhere to buy as we are only in this place for three months. Were really praying that will all work out as well as the initial move here has.
On the training front I thought I was going to start riding last week, however on the Monday I went out on my new single speed, which I LOVE, and due to the hills and lots of standing up peddling it put too much weight through my foot and aggravated it.....no more riding for the moment. So, Monday just gone I have done the ridiculous and joined a gym for a month! The plan hatched from a Podcast where a girl said she was injured and did a heap of her training on an elliptical machine(non impact) to build/maintain her fitness before starting running again. So, my plan is this.....build up time based training on the elliptical and this cool stair climber machine for four weeks (two weeks longer than physio said I have to be off it...I want to make sure my foot is 100% right) then four weeks actual running before Cooks Tour 50k. I hope and pray this will work out and that the gym will get me in some decent shape before getting back into running.
Tegs said yesterday that she just loves getting out for a morning run, that it clears her head and sets her in a better place for the day ahead. I completely agree with this and being here now in the hills it is killing me not being able to enjoy them. I am really missing my daily routine of getting up early and heading out on a run. Life however at times throws us curveballs and we just have to roll with the punches. I have been really trying to remain positive through this journey however it has not always been easy. As the moments pass though, I do not want to live for the future but in the present and enjoy each day and opportunity I am blessed with. And I truly am blessed.
So my friends that is a quick catch up on where we are and what is doing. All else is super, the kids are great and setting in fine. We are going to surly miss a number of our friends from Bundy and hope we can stay in touch and see each other regularly. Thanks for reading everyone, be free, live life, love always and see ya next time. peace
So, on Saturday just gone, we officially moved into the house were staying at on the Sunshine Coast! It has been a hectic journey for us for just over a month now with Tegan working and staying at a friends house (thanks so very much Tim and Lisa) Sunday to Tuesday. I also started my new job the Monday before we moved down and also stayed with Tim and Lisa before moving officially on the weekend! So....to say the last little while has been hectic isn't far from the truth! It is so so nice to all be here now together to start our new adventures. Thus far, our jobs are great, the house is beautiful and we have already started looking for somewhere to buy as we are only in this place for three months. Were really praying that will all work out as well as the initial move here has.
On the training front I thought I was going to start riding last week, however on the Monday I went out on my new single speed, which I LOVE, and due to the hills and lots of standing up peddling it put too much weight through my foot and aggravated it.....no more riding for the moment. So, Monday just gone I have done the ridiculous and joined a gym for a month! The plan hatched from a Podcast where a girl said she was injured and did a heap of her training on an elliptical machine(non impact) to build/maintain her fitness before starting running again. So, my plan is this.....build up time based training on the elliptical and this cool stair climber machine for four weeks (two weeks longer than physio said I have to be off it...I want to make sure my foot is 100% right) then four weeks actual running before Cooks Tour 50k. I hope and pray this will work out and that the gym will get me in some decent shape before getting back into running.
Tegs said yesterday that she just loves getting out for a morning run, that it clears her head and sets her in a better place for the day ahead. I completely agree with this and being here now in the hills it is killing me not being able to enjoy them. I am really missing my daily routine of getting up early and heading out on a run. Life however at times throws us curveballs and we just have to roll with the punches. I have been really trying to remain positive through this journey however it has not always been easy. As the moments pass though, I do not want to live for the future but in the present and enjoy each day and opportunity I am blessed with. And I truly am blessed.
So my friends that is a quick catch up on where we are and what is doing. All else is super, the kids are great and setting in fine. We are going to surly miss a number of our friends from Bundy and hope we can stay in touch and see each other regularly. Thanks for reading everyone, be free, live life, love always and see ya next time. peace
Friday, 7 March 2014
Happy...
 |
| BOOT ON! |
I'm happy because...I only have the first stages of a stress fracture and not a full blown break
I'm happy because...I only have to wear this thing for the next couple of weeks
I'm happy because...I get to ride a bike and experience new things until it heals
I'm happy because...I have a beautiful family with new exciting adventures on the horizon
I'm happy because...I start my new job in a week
I'm happy because...in two weeks we are moving to the SUNNY COAST!!!
I'm happy because...I will get to run soon...and with a vengeance
I'm happy because...God has blessed me so very much in every possible way!
I'm happy because...although running is my everything, in the big scheme of things it is just running
I'm happy because...injuries make me realise just how special time outside, running the trails is to me
I'm happy because...I have clothes to wear, food to eat and clean water to drink
I'm happy because...I surround myself with positive, inspiring, beautiful people
I'm happy because...I have made amazing friends through running and simple things like Instagram
I'm happy because...life is too short not to be
I'm happy because...I have taken risks, broken from the mould and the future is mine to decide
I'm happy because...I am not tied to a career
I'm happy because...the sun is shining
I'm happy because...hatin will get me nowhere fast
I'm happy because...I know you have amazing potential, waiting to break free
I'm happy because...of the time I have spent in Bundaberg
I'm happy because...I get to share this with you
I'm happy because...each day I am trying to be better than yesterday
I'm happy because...I'm happy!!!!!
I'm happy because...there is so much negativity in this world, it is nice to have your heart smile! If you haven't seen the below, watch it, smile, feel good and be happy! Heck, I got a boot and I'm happy! Ha! Love y'all and blog ya soon. Run on!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6Sxv-sUYtM
Monday, 24 February 2014
Fit - Check, Race - Check, Injured - Check....
Well, Sunday just gone was my first race for the year, Beerway at Daybreak. I was really looking forward to it and had been training really well in the lead up. I had been having some niggles in my left foot for about a month prior (stemming from Coast 2 Kosci) and about a week to 10days before race day, it was really giving me grief even when not running. Like all good ultra runners, I ignored it and got on with my race plans.
We had a busy day the day before, checking things out and preparing for our pending move to the Sunny Coast. Super exciting. I then got to bed at a reasonable hour after deciding the girls wouldn't come down to Beerwah from Noosa, where we were staying, for this one due to me having to leave at 2:15am! I have a goal this year of doing under 4hr 30min at a 50k event and was gonna shoot for it at Beerwah...that was until the weather arrived and I saw that the winner of the event in November (same course but at night) did just over 5hrs.....might not crack the goal in this event!
So, Saturday morning, I got up, got sorted and down to the start line. It had been raining pretty decently since early evening the night before and there were still good solid downpours on the way to the race start...it was gonna be sloppy! Upon arrival, I met up with mum and dad and everything went as usual before the start at 4am.
The start of the race went by pretty smoothly, apart from the fact that it was muddy, wet and pretty technical. The first 6.5k was pretty challenging and made more so by the use of headlamps. I made my way through this un-scaved to the first checkpoint and saw the beautiful Ann. She is a gem! After this there was some good running and all was clicking off well. At about 5:10am I turned off my headlamp and continued on my way. I could feel my foot was sore but kept on movin.
The race operated by doing the 20k loop back to base, then the 30k loop back to base and finish. The rest of the first loop went by pretty much to plan and I arrived back to base in good spirits. I had been checking out footprints in the mud and guessed I must have been in about 5th position. When I got back to base, I headed off again and now had the fun of catching a some of the 30k runners who had started not long after my arrival at base after my first loop. This kept things interesting but my foot started to hurt. I ignored it and ran that first technical 6.5k pretty darn hard. I was bombing the hills and hiking with purpose...loved it!
At about the 30k (about 3hrs) mark, I passed the guy in 4th position and kept moving well although by this stage my foot was bad. I got to the 33k checkpoint and was unsure if I was going to keep on going. There was a nurse there (one of the fairies) who iced my foot, strapped it and gave me some panadol. I decided to keep on going, although by this stage the pain was almost unbearable, making me grunt every few steps and affecting my gait. This was bad as then I started to get some pretty substantial pain in the back of my knee and calf because of the over compensating. I was very steady and obviously got passed by a number of runners in the 30 and 50k events. I continued to move forward as best I could, unsure what the rest of the race was going to give me, and even wether I was going to finish. I ran into Alun, the race director who was out on the course and had a chat to him. He was supportive as always and offered some words of encouragement.
I got to a checkpoint at about 40k and a ultra running hero who I know (in my eyes anyway...heck she has done Badwater!) Susanna was there. She could obviously see I was in a bad way and she contacted Alun to come and pick me up in his vehicle. I sat down for a second and heard that it was about a 4.5k loop out and back to their checkpoint. After having one of Susanna's home made vegan balls (OMGosh....INCREDIBLE!) I decided to do the loop and see how I went. No real change. Amazingly painful, grunting, hobbling and generally in a bad way. Surprisingly, I passed a few people from here on in. I tried to stay positive and enjoy the moment and this was punctuated by seeing two wild horses. Beautiful. I kept on thinking of Tim Olsen going into beast mode and him grunting when he means business. Well I meant business, the business of finishing this race, one way or another.
I got back to Susanna's checkpoint, was grumpy (I HATE being grumpy on the trails cause this is where my peace is, but my foot was so bad it was affecting all parts of me). I grabbed another one of those amazing balls and kept going as best I could. The last 6-7km went by about the same....really painful, hobbling when I could, getting to the finish line the quickest way I could.
I arrived in a finish time of 5hr 48min and in 9th position. I was done. Physically, I didn't even feel tired or that I had done much, but my left leg, particularly my foot was destroyed. Very disappointing. My biggest regret of the day however is not acknowledging the people cheering for me at the finish. I am really sorry to you all that I didn't look up, smile and hoot and holla like I usually do. The injury had got the better of me and I just didn't have it in me. I am sorry for not having the attitude I usually do and I hope you can understand.
Post race equated to ice, ibuprofen, numerous messages to my good friend and physio Nix and rest. A couple of days post race, I have had an X-ray and it has come back clear. I am due to have a MRI also as it is believed I may have a stress fracture in the fifth metatarsal of my left foot. Time will tell. This week however I am resting, hoping my foot comes good quick smart to start training for Wild Horse at Easter time.
I want to thank everyone for their support in this race. The checkpoint volunteers were amazing and so so important in getting me through. Alun, you put on a top event and I know everyone enjoyed it, keep up the super work!! A big thanks to my sponsor too at http://injinjiper.cart.net.au for looking after me.
Although the race did not go as planned, I am proud that I worked my way through it. Medically I probably should have stopped, but I think the DNF would have hurt more than the pain in my foot during the race. I continue to fall in love with ultra trail running, the good, the bad and the beautiful. It is an amazing sport and I can not wait for the next event to roll around! Run free, plant strong!
We had a busy day the day before, checking things out and preparing for our pending move to the Sunny Coast. Super exciting. I then got to bed at a reasonable hour after deciding the girls wouldn't come down to Beerwah from Noosa, where we were staying, for this one due to me having to leave at 2:15am! I have a goal this year of doing under 4hr 30min at a 50k event and was gonna shoot for it at Beerwah...that was until the weather arrived and I saw that the winner of the event in November (same course but at night) did just over 5hrs.....might not crack the goal in this event!
So, Saturday morning, I got up, got sorted and down to the start line. It had been raining pretty decently since early evening the night before and there were still good solid downpours on the way to the race start...it was gonna be sloppy! Upon arrival, I met up with mum and dad and everything went as usual before the start at 4am.
The start of the race went by pretty smoothly, apart from the fact that it was muddy, wet and pretty technical. The first 6.5k was pretty challenging and made more so by the use of headlamps. I made my way through this un-scaved to the first checkpoint and saw the beautiful Ann. She is a gem! After this there was some good running and all was clicking off well. At about 5:10am I turned off my headlamp and continued on my way. I could feel my foot was sore but kept on movin.
The race operated by doing the 20k loop back to base, then the 30k loop back to base and finish. The rest of the first loop went by pretty much to plan and I arrived back to base in good spirits. I had been checking out footprints in the mud and guessed I must have been in about 5th position. When I got back to base, I headed off again and now had the fun of catching a some of the 30k runners who had started not long after my arrival at base after my first loop. This kept things interesting but my foot started to hurt. I ignored it and ran that first technical 6.5k pretty darn hard. I was bombing the hills and hiking with purpose...loved it!
At about the 30k (about 3hrs) mark, I passed the guy in 4th position and kept moving well although by this stage my foot was bad. I got to the 33k checkpoint and was unsure if I was going to keep on going. There was a nurse there (one of the fairies) who iced my foot, strapped it and gave me some panadol. I decided to keep on going, although by this stage the pain was almost unbearable, making me grunt every few steps and affecting my gait. This was bad as then I started to get some pretty substantial pain in the back of my knee and calf because of the over compensating. I was very steady and obviously got passed by a number of runners in the 30 and 50k events. I continued to move forward as best I could, unsure what the rest of the race was going to give me, and even wether I was going to finish. I ran into Alun, the race director who was out on the course and had a chat to him. He was supportive as always and offered some words of encouragement.
I got to a checkpoint at about 40k and a ultra running hero who I know (in my eyes anyway...heck she has done Badwater!) Susanna was there. She could obviously see I was in a bad way and she contacted Alun to come and pick me up in his vehicle. I sat down for a second and heard that it was about a 4.5k loop out and back to their checkpoint. After having one of Susanna's home made vegan balls (OMGosh....INCREDIBLE!) I decided to do the loop and see how I went. No real change. Amazingly painful, grunting, hobbling and generally in a bad way. Surprisingly, I passed a few people from here on in. I tried to stay positive and enjoy the moment and this was punctuated by seeing two wild horses. Beautiful. I kept on thinking of Tim Olsen going into beast mode and him grunting when he means business. Well I meant business, the business of finishing this race, one way or another.
I got back to Susanna's checkpoint, was grumpy (I HATE being grumpy on the trails cause this is where my peace is, but my foot was so bad it was affecting all parts of me). I grabbed another one of those amazing balls and kept going as best I could. The last 6-7km went by about the same....really painful, hobbling when I could, getting to the finish line the quickest way I could.
I arrived in a finish time of 5hr 48min and in 9th position. I was done. Physically, I didn't even feel tired or that I had done much, but my left leg, particularly my foot was destroyed. Very disappointing. My biggest regret of the day however is not acknowledging the people cheering for me at the finish. I am really sorry to you all that I didn't look up, smile and hoot and holla like I usually do. The injury had got the better of me and I just didn't have it in me. I am sorry for not having the attitude I usually do and I hope you can understand.
Post race equated to ice, ibuprofen, numerous messages to my good friend and physio Nix and rest. A couple of days post race, I have had an X-ray and it has come back clear. I am due to have a MRI also as it is believed I may have a stress fracture in the fifth metatarsal of my left foot. Time will tell. This week however I am resting, hoping my foot comes good quick smart to start training for Wild Horse at Easter time.
I want to thank everyone for their support in this race. The checkpoint volunteers were amazing and so so important in getting me through. Alun, you put on a top event and I know everyone enjoyed it, keep up the super work!! A big thanks to my sponsor too at http://injinjiper.cart.net.au for looking after me.
Although the race did not go as planned, I am proud that I worked my way through it. Medically I probably should have stopped, but I think the DNF would have hurt more than the pain in my foot during the race. I continue to fall in love with ultra trail running, the good, the bad and the beautiful. It is an amazing sport and I can not wait for the next event to roll around! Run free, plant strong!
 |
| Always time for a smile after a few k's on the trail! |
Sunday, 9 February 2014
A catch up...hang on!
Gday y'all! Well, to say life has been hectic for us over the last couple of months, particularly the last month, would be an understatement! There have been MANY exciting things happening and I thought it was about time I updated you all so everyone knows whats up and can't claim they didn't know!
So, a month or two back, after lengthy discussion, Tegan and I decided it was time to move to the Sunshine Coast. We have been wanting to do this for a couple of years now and the time just hasn't been right. Now though, we feel God is moving us on to a new and exciting adventure! We weren't sure how it was all gonna take place but we made the decision and went at it! I kept hearing all these things about talking the first step and the rest will just happen so that is exactly what we did. Through our random daily Bible devotions we have also got a number of confirming verses that we need to go!
At this point, long story short, we have been able to secure a beautiful house to house sit for a lovely couple who are missionaries. They are going on a mission trip on the 21st of March for three months and we will be moving into their house to look after their place, get settled in and hopefully find somewhere of our own to buy. We have a dream of having a house in Buderim and running a small health Bed and Breakfast from it. I will be offering additional trail running tours of the area and we will also look at offering picnic baskets and trail walking tours as well. It is SUPER exciting that is for sure!
Tegan has secured her dream job and will be starting THIS Sunday. She is going to be working Sunday, Monday Tuesday and driving back and forth from Bundy until we can get into our house sit house. I will play daddy daycare and then work Wednesday to Saturday still at Nanas before starting work at the Sunshine Coast when we move down. I have got a job at Skäl Coffee in Peregian and have a few other things on the go so that will be cool for when I get down there!
The girls are booked into care from when we all move down, so all is working out perfectly. We have had the house on the market for a couple of weeks now and just praying it will sell ASAP, as that is kinda the last piece of the puzzle.
I have made the decision not to continue with Uni at this point for a number of reasons. The most important reason was that between working part time, studying full time and training, I was barely seeing the girls. It was a full on year last year. I am looking at the possibility of studying something by distance, however still looking at the options. I also couldn't really see myself going to work everyday, stuck in a cubical! Ugh!
I have completely come to the point in my life where I do not care about money but only about being happy! I of course will always work to provide for my family but job status etc no longer holds any importance to me. As long as I LOVE my job and am helping people on a daily basis, this is what matters to me! This is one of the reasons leaving Nanas Pantry (my current workplace) is going to be SO hard. There is exciting things happening there and I LOVE going to work, every shift. It is a beautiful environment with amazing people and I will miss them so much.
Of course it is also going to be hard leaving family and friends behind, but the positive is that we will be just down the road and once we have our own place, they will have somewhere to come and stay!
So there it is kids! The Grills' are out of Bundy! One of the final reasons for moving is the location. We are head over heels with the Coast and a location like the Buderim area is perfect for us. The shops are close for Tegs, the beach is just down the road and the mountains are at our doorstep for my running. Whilst this might seem trivial to some of you, to have a supportive wife toward my running, and being willing to move somewhere I can really improve as an athlete is so SO incredibly heart warming. My best friend and soul mate Tegs is one of a kind and this new adventure is gonna be epic with her, hand in hand!
Now your up to date!
I hope this blog finds you all fit and well and chasing your dreams in 2014. What a year it is going to be! Have a ripper week all, keep smiling, fighting the good fight, eating plants and loving life. Blog hugs for you! Run free...Mat
PS - On the training front, all is going AMAZING! I have been logging 100-140k a week in prep for Beerwah at Dawn (in two weeks) and I am running faster and stronger than ever. I aim to run fast at this event and see how things pan out! Good times ahead!
So, a month or two back, after lengthy discussion, Tegan and I decided it was time to move to the Sunshine Coast. We have been wanting to do this for a couple of years now and the time just hasn't been right. Now though, we feel God is moving us on to a new and exciting adventure! We weren't sure how it was all gonna take place but we made the decision and went at it! I kept hearing all these things about talking the first step and the rest will just happen so that is exactly what we did. Through our random daily Bible devotions we have also got a number of confirming verses that we need to go!
At this point, long story short, we have been able to secure a beautiful house to house sit for a lovely couple who are missionaries. They are going on a mission trip on the 21st of March for three months and we will be moving into their house to look after their place, get settled in and hopefully find somewhere of our own to buy. We have a dream of having a house in Buderim and running a small health Bed and Breakfast from it. I will be offering additional trail running tours of the area and we will also look at offering picnic baskets and trail walking tours as well. It is SUPER exciting that is for sure!
Tegan has secured her dream job and will be starting THIS Sunday. She is going to be working Sunday, Monday Tuesday and driving back and forth from Bundy until we can get into our house sit house. I will play daddy daycare and then work Wednesday to Saturday still at Nanas before starting work at the Sunshine Coast when we move down. I have got a job at Skäl Coffee in Peregian and have a few other things on the go so that will be cool for when I get down there!
The girls are booked into care from when we all move down, so all is working out perfectly. We have had the house on the market for a couple of weeks now and just praying it will sell ASAP, as that is kinda the last piece of the puzzle.
I have made the decision not to continue with Uni at this point for a number of reasons. The most important reason was that between working part time, studying full time and training, I was barely seeing the girls. It was a full on year last year. I am looking at the possibility of studying something by distance, however still looking at the options. I also couldn't really see myself going to work everyday, stuck in a cubical! Ugh!
I have completely come to the point in my life where I do not care about money but only about being happy! I of course will always work to provide for my family but job status etc no longer holds any importance to me. As long as I LOVE my job and am helping people on a daily basis, this is what matters to me! This is one of the reasons leaving Nanas Pantry (my current workplace) is going to be SO hard. There is exciting things happening there and I LOVE going to work, every shift. It is a beautiful environment with amazing people and I will miss them so much.
Of course it is also going to be hard leaving family and friends behind, but the positive is that we will be just down the road and once we have our own place, they will have somewhere to come and stay!
So there it is kids! The Grills' are out of Bundy! One of the final reasons for moving is the location. We are head over heels with the Coast and a location like the Buderim area is perfect for us. The shops are close for Tegs, the beach is just down the road and the mountains are at our doorstep for my running. Whilst this might seem trivial to some of you, to have a supportive wife toward my running, and being willing to move somewhere I can really improve as an athlete is so SO incredibly heart warming. My best friend and soul mate Tegs is one of a kind and this new adventure is gonna be epic with her, hand in hand!
Now your up to date!
I hope this blog finds you all fit and well and chasing your dreams in 2014. What a year it is going to be! Have a ripper week all, keep smiling, fighting the good fight, eating plants and loving life. Blog hugs for you! Run free...Mat
PS - On the training front, all is going AMAZING! I have been logging 100-140k a week in prep for Beerwah at Dawn (in two weeks) and I am running faster and stronger than ever. I aim to run fast at this event and see how things pan out! Good times ahead!
Saturday, 1 February 2014
More MASSIVE news and a back out....for now!
I completed this post on Thursday...sorry about the delay in posting!
First....the MASSIVE news! This week I secured my first major sponsorship!!!! So so stoked!!! I have hooked up with Injinji Sports Performance, an online distributor for a number of brands. They supported dad and I during our run from Bundy to Brisbane and back and I approached them this week about something official. The owner, Paul got back to me and presented an amazing offer! So, I naturally took it up! For those who don't know, ISP stock Altra Shoes (which I now run in the majority of the time), Injinji Socks (which I can STRONGLY recommend from when I used to wear socks...they are THE best sock out there), Ultimate Direction and Body Glide, both of which I use every day and a number of other products. I just want to thank Paul and his team for their on going support and I can't wait to work together going forward! Thanks so much guys, and to all of you readers out there, jump over to their site at http://www.injinjiperformanceproducts.com.au and grab all the gear you need!
First week E2...
26/1 - Today was a good day! Very exciting for Tegan and I in that we announced to our friends that we are moving to the Sunny Coast! We are so pumped, a little nervous and seriously looking forward to getting down there to start a new adventure! Very cool! It was also the start of my 100days E2 plan. I stuck to the guidelines well, however probably ate a bit too much as I think I was playing catch up from the last couple of days big milage. All good though! Had a crazy, windy 15k run with dad this morning to kick off the day which kicked everything off well! Todays hit out saw 135k for the week which I am happy with! First day down and all good! Start weight - 81.8kg
27/28-1 - The last two days have been so busy! Everything is happening with moving to the Coast and life seems to be blurring into one! The last couple of days E2 wise have been OK but still feel like I am eating too much. I think a problem is that I am not taking on enough through the day and then night rolls round and I am super hungry. Still stuck within the guidelines though! Yes! Tomorrow we head to the Sunny Coast to stay with our good friends Tim and Lisa and scope out some places to live and the vibe in general. Tegs also has a job trial which is super exciting. I am just about to go to bed early cause I am beat! Day 2 and 3 done!
29/1 - Today was terrible! Well not the day but my feeling in general! I did 15k this morning and it was a full on struggle! I had no motivation and it felt like my energy was way down. Sucked! Then we drove to the Sunny Coast where I was so tired...even to the point of Tegs and I going for a walk and I felt dizzy! I went to bed super early (for me) and slept well, although completely drained! Lets see how tomorrow is...
30/1 - I woke this morning at 4:30am like normal, to do 22k. I was annihilated! I went back to bed for an hour (unheard of!) and got up to see how I felt. Still terrible! I went out and did 5k and it felt like 50k! No more!
After talking to Tegs, chatting to some friends and having a good think about things, I have decided to back out of the Engine 2 plan for the moment. This is for a number of reasons. Firstly, when things start affecting my running (regardless of what they are) it causes major problems for me! This is SO important to me and I don't want any external factor to affect my training. Secondly, it has affected my mental state with my running and life in general. Not good. I stand by everything I wrote in my last blog about E2 being the ultimate way to eat however when I am in bulk training(110-180km per week running) I need the easy calories and pick me ups to keep me going. I am obviously sticking to my plant based vegan diet going forward and still have the goal of getting under 75kg this year however I am just going to do this slowly, eating a healthy, rounded vegan diet, but not restricting what vegan food I can eat.
I feel silly and like a cop out bailing so early on this plan however I am glad I started it and gave it another quick go. I can absolutely see myself eating this way 100% in the future however whilst I am running like a mad man, a bit of sensible balance in my plant based eating doesn't hurt anyone I don't think! This is from my experience and only mine. I know a number of people who train and perform amazingly as a fruitarian but this is my experience and thoughts of where I am at at the moment.
Thank you for your help and support through all I do friends. Lets keep moving forward positively together and change the world one by one! All good things, life is blessed and if we don't give things a crack we will never know! Love you all, run free, vegan and strong!
First....the MASSIVE news! This week I secured my first major sponsorship!!!! So so stoked!!! I have hooked up with Injinji Sports Performance, an online distributor for a number of brands. They supported dad and I during our run from Bundy to Brisbane and back and I approached them this week about something official. The owner, Paul got back to me and presented an amazing offer! So, I naturally took it up! For those who don't know, ISP stock Altra Shoes (which I now run in the majority of the time), Injinji Socks (which I can STRONGLY recommend from when I used to wear socks...they are THE best sock out there), Ultimate Direction and Body Glide, both of which I use every day and a number of other products. I just want to thank Paul and his team for their on going support and I can't wait to work together going forward! Thanks so much guys, and to all of you readers out there, jump over to their site at http://www.injinjiperformanceproducts.com.au and grab all the gear you need!
First week E2...
26/1 - Today was a good day! Very exciting for Tegan and I in that we announced to our friends that we are moving to the Sunny Coast! We are so pumped, a little nervous and seriously looking forward to getting down there to start a new adventure! Very cool! It was also the start of my 100days E2 plan. I stuck to the guidelines well, however probably ate a bit too much as I think I was playing catch up from the last couple of days big milage. All good though! Had a crazy, windy 15k run with dad this morning to kick off the day which kicked everything off well! Todays hit out saw 135k for the week which I am happy with! First day down and all good! Start weight - 81.8kg
27/28-1 - The last two days have been so busy! Everything is happening with moving to the Coast and life seems to be blurring into one! The last couple of days E2 wise have been OK but still feel like I am eating too much. I think a problem is that I am not taking on enough through the day and then night rolls round and I am super hungry. Still stuck within the guidelines though! Yes! Tomorrow we head to the Sunny Coast to stay with our good friends Tim and Lisa and scope out some places to live and the vibe in general. Tegs also has a job trial which is super exciting. I am just about to go to bed early cause I am beat! Day 2 and 3 done!
29/1 - Today was terrible! Well not the day but my feeling in general! I did 15k this morning and it was a full on struggle! I had no motivation and it felt like my energy was way down. Sucked! Then we drove to the Sunny Coast where I was so tired...even to the point of Tegs and I going for a walk and I felt dizzy! I went to bed super early (for me) and slept well, although completely drained! Lets see how tomorrow is...
30/1 - I woke this morning at 4:30am like normal, to do 22k. I was annihilated! I went back to bed for an hour (unheard of!) and got up to see how I felt. Still terrible! I went out and did 5k and it felt like 50k! No more!
After talking to Tegs, chatting to some friends and having a good think about things, I have decided to back out of the Engine 2 plan for the moment. This is for a number of reasons. Firstly, when things start affecting my running (regardless of what they are) it causes major problems for me! This is SO important to me and I don't want any external factor to affect my training. Secondly, it has affected my mental state with my running and life in general. Not good. I stand by everything I wrote in my last blog about E2 being the ultimate way to eat however when I am in bulk training(110-180km per week running) I need the easy calories and pick me ups to keep me going. I am obviously sticking to my plant based vegan diet going forward and still have the goal of getting under 75kg this year however I am just going to do this slowly, eating a healthy, rounded vegan diet, but not restricting what vegan food I can eat.
I feel silly and like a cop out bailing so early on this plan however I am glad I started it and gave it another quick go. I can absolutely see myself eating this way 100% in the future however whilst I am running like a mad man, a bit of sensible balance in my plant based eating doesn't hurt anyone I don't think! This is from my experience and only mine. I know a number of people who train and perform amazingly as a fruitarian but this is my experience and thoughts of where I am at at the moment.
Thank you for your help and support through all I do friends. Lets keep moving forward positively together and change the world one by one! All good things, life is blessed and if we don't give things a crack we will never know! Love you all, run free, vegan and strong!
Friday, 24 January 2014
Two BIG announcements! EXCITED!
100 Days of Change…
As part of my goals/resolutions for 2014, I wanted to get my
diet and health in prime condition. The
year has started out ok with more up’s than down, but it is time to really
challenge myself and turn things around for my long term health, wellbeing and
to enrich my life to the greatest extent that I can.
I am a firm believer that what you eat and drink can play a
profound effect on your long-term wellness.
This includes disease and cancer prevention, long term weight
management, and mental clarity, achieving ultimate running fitness, looking
young (I need help in this department! Ha!) and general life satisfaction on a
day to day basis.
Those who know me know that when it comes to health, food,
research and study on all things wellness, well, I am a bit of a nerd. Through my investigations, I have been
constantly brought back to what is known as the Esselston, Forks Over Knives, or
Engine 2 way of eating as the pinnacle of lifestyles. The medical research alone behind this lifestyle
(conducted by some of the leading cardiologists and doctors across the world)
is MORE than compelling to make me want to strive for this way of life. And that is not even taking the way it makes
you feel, perform, think, react and live into consideration.
SO, what is this way of eating and why 100days? Well some of you might remember that at the
end of 2012 I did the 28day Engine 2 Challenge.
It is the same plan I had results on then. For those who missed it, here it is. Of course it is a wholefoods, plant based
diet (vegan…as if I am going to change from this!). You can consume as much food as you like as
long as everything is wholegrain (nothing processed, ie. White bread, pasta
etc), has NO added oil (apart from whole foods like avocado, nuts etc) and you take on NO
stimulants (coffee, tea etc). Easy
right?! All this along with the obvious
fruit, veg, nuts, seeds, legumes and grains.
And why the 100days? One of my
inspirations in life is Rich Roll and he believes (which I agree with) that it
takes 100days to change/break a habit.
So, 100 it is!
Now….I am not making this decision lightly. I believe that I need to do something remarkable,
challenging, scary, tough and life changing to make a difference in my world
and to my health. I try to do this on a
daily basis, but this is going to take things to a new level. To be perfectly honest…I am PETRIFIED!!! I know that the first week or two of this is
going to be very hard (not that it is that much different to how I eat now
accept for cutting out sugar and not having caffeine…help me Rhonda!) BUT…I look forward to sharing the journey and
experience it all with you.
So, my plan of action is to start on Australia Day (26/1)
and keep a daily journal online through my blog. I will post it, along with my training and
weekly weight, and any other things I think up each week. I ask that, if you don’t mind, you keep me
accountable. I fully expect to have the
occasional slip up (which I hope I don’t) but plan to stay the journey and see
it through for the full 100days. Public
accountability can sometimes be the best form of keeping one in check! Bring it!
There it is. Simple,
yet extremely life changing. This
journey will literally change my long-term
health prospectus. Whilst I hope to drop
some kg’s and see my running performances continue to improve, my ultimate goal
is eating/drinking habits for a lifetime, not a quick fix!
If any of you might be at all interested in joining me on
your own journey, that would be AMAZING!
You can commit to what you like, but the same plan would be ideal so we
can do it together. You can Google The
Engine 2 Diet and see what beautiful stuff you CAN eat, and if any of you are
keen, I suggest you buy the book and do your own research online…the rabbit hole
is deep and the answers you will find (especially about disease prevention) is
eye opening! Also, I STRONGLY suggest
you ALL watch Forks Over Knives, even if you are not ready to commit to this big
change straight away! As a collective
start date for anyone wanting to play along at home, might I suggest the 1st
of February, to give you a couple of days to get your head around the idea and
start preparing for what I promise will be a life changing journey we can share
together!
Thank you all for your support. In anything I have done in the past you have
all been amazing and I have no reason to believe you won’t be during this next
venture! Bring on Auzzie Day….lets get
this party started!
PS - EXTRA EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT!
A SECOND piece of big news for this blog….I have been trying
and trying for a fair while now but due to my lack of computer skills been
unable to get it sorted….but….I FINALLY have my own You Tube channel set
up! I have posted two videos so far, an
intro one and my video from Coast 2 Kosci.
The quality might not be incredible but I have done my best and I am
sure I will improve with time! I hope
that you might go over, subscribe to the channel and share the love! Below are the links for the Channel, and the
two videos. ENJOY and let me know what
you think! Thanks again!
Sunday, 19 January 2014
Exciting news and some rad running!
 |
| Bliss! |
I have recently struck up a relationship with Soleus Watches Australia. They deal in fitness, everyday and GPS watches. They are extremely affordable and create a super product for everyone! I don't have any way of personal referral to the company at this time, however if any of you want to purchase one, I ask that you make a note when ordering that I let you know about them. I am currently using the Cross Country GPS watch and it is super! I am looking forward to an ongoing relationship with them and hoping it expands to something even more exciting! Check out http://soleusrunning.com.au/
As a small side note, I have also started using Strava. I have an account there now, so if you want to follow my training along with yours, get on board ( http://www.strava.com/athletes/1479959 ). I am also going to include at the end of my blogs my training this year....itll be at the end so those not interested can skip over it!
This week - first week of the year...
30/12 - 12km easy run
31/12 - 20km hummock route with 10 hill repeats
01/1 - 7.1km family run. 43:14min. Pria did her first ever k!
02/1 - 20.4km hummock route with 13 hill repeats. 1hr 57min.
03/1 - 10km easy run. 53:28min. 1k with Pria.
04/1 - 25km long trail run with group. 2hr 23min.
05/1 - 15.1km tempo run. 1hr 18min.
This week - 109.6km
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 |
| My beautiful wife killin it in her first ultra |
This week (and the one before!) has been one of adventure! After seeing Tegan and a heap of friends run
Hares and Hounds, Monday the 13th we were off to New Zealand! As part of Tegans 30th Birthday
month, she ran her first ultra marathon (52km) and would be celebrating her special
day (20/1) in Auckland! And might I say,
she did an incredible job! I was so
proud to see her persevere and complete something truly remarkable! Good times!
In amongst all the chaos of packing and getting sorted, I
was hoping to post the above earlier however didn’t get around to it! It has been a little busy! Sorry it is a little dated now! I realised when posting that I missed two weeks! Sorry!
 |
| The Redwoods Forest...speachless! |
So far, our time across the ditch has been super fun and I
have got plenty of good running in! As
most of you would have seen on Facebook or Instagram, the Redwood Forest in
Rotorua stole my heart! Holy
smokes! Incredible! After spending three days there, we then
trekked north to Corromandal and stayed in an AMAZING tree house, way up in the
hills! The running was ordinary with as
much hiking as actual running but it has still been enjoyable. On Sunday we will head to Auckland and spend
our last four days. Bliss.
I have been doing a fair bit of pondering and ‘start of year
reflecting’ and have some exciting, challenging things up ahead. Can not wait to get into it and share the
journey with you all!
I pray the first couple of weeks of 2014 have been fun and
exciting for you all and that you have set yourself some challenging, larger
than life goals for this year. Stay
positive, smile and Ill see y’all when I return to Auz!
 |
| The view from our place in Corromandal |
6/1 - 13km run in the sandies - 1hr 10min
7/1 - 20.3km hummock route w 15 hill repeats (4 run, 11 hiked) - 1hr 57min
8/1 - 10km easy - 57:54min
9/1 - 20.1km in a strong head wind on the way back - 1hr 45min
10/1 - 12.1km at Marcus Beach - 1hr 7min
11/1 - 25.1km from Peridigan to Mt Coolum and return - 2hr 21min
12/1 - 7.1km after crewing for Tegs at Hares and Hounds - 36:30min
This week - 107.6km
YTD - 185.2km
13/1 - Rest day travelling to NZ
14/1 - 20.4km to the Redwood Forest and through it (Rotorua) - 1hr 50min
15/1 - 15.3km back to the Redwoods - 1hr 23min
16/1 - 20.6km on the 'Purple Loop) in the Redwoods. Amazing - 1hr 58min
17/1 - 10.1km in the estate we stayed in in the Corromandal. Freekin hilly - 1hr 15min
18/1 - 15.1km on the 309 toward Corromandal - 1hr 35min
19/1 - 22.5km on the 309 away from the Corromandal...stoked with my time and average pace (745m elevation - 2hr 14min
This week - 104.1km
YTD - 289.3km
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