Tuesday, October 22, 2013
First date
And so it comes to the endgame. The ritual of courtship almost over in this 2 year relationship between the road and I.
Almost exactly 2 years since I got off the couch and with the help of many from Le Cheile started on the journey to running my first 5 km around the streets and now running track in Leixlip.
That was blogged too...: http://jhshelley.blogspot.com/2012/05/and-finally-im-off-couch.html
And now, come Monday, it's a marathon.
Is it a mid-life crises, a bucket list or a promise to someone that got me to this point? No, or maybe a little of the yes to all.
Since starting running, my body and I have gotten closer. We know each other in finer detail, and if the pun of losing weight as a bonus can be excused - we're closer together now. Mind, though closer, that doesn't mean not ready to fall apart.
Little aches and gripes and nerves and muscles, all connecting together in a way that brings a familiarity, an awareness and a symbiotic respect. Sometimes needing minor counselling by way of anti-inflamatories, sometimes the artillary assistance of a physio.
And now, just before the 26.2 miles or 42 km climax, the idea of courtship and first date develops.
Where else could this happen. It's 4am, I'm awake typing a blog that could wait until a respectable hour. But no, it's on my mind now. I can't sleep. If these symptoms are not reminescient of an adolescent first - then I don't know, but thoughts of the impending nuptuals of a marathon first date, are never far from mind over the last weeks. Anxiety building slowly following recovery from a foot swelling, stopping mid-stride the training, until then, I was doing so well in. Nerves about what to wear on the first date, what to eat, what to drink. Will I bring some sweets, what if it's raining, will I make it all the way around. That optimistic sense as I trained out to 20km, displaced as I never managed to build enough past 30km, giving way to little doubts. One consolation and differing from a real 'date' - the wearing of runners and road-dirty ones at that, will not, I assume, be frowned upon.
Worry, founded or unfounded, Monday will have to wait and see !
I will be fine, most dates turn out fine, just take my time, don't push the distance, it'll be OK. Don't aim to compete - add an L, aim to complete. Be positive ! One foot in front of the other. Other cliches welcome !
I'm not stressed, just anxious. Stress brings sleepless sweat filled nights, I just have the sleepless, the sweat having been all used up along the roads to get here.
Will my first date lead to a second ? Maybe ? Never say no, but maybe just stay platonic, stick to holding hands around 10, maybe 20km.
Dublin ran it's first Marathon in 1980, I was twelve, going on thirteen. Almost forty six now. It's course then took it past my mothers house in Edenmore. The gang of us, friends, family, neighbours sat on the wall and cheered on the runners as they made their way past somewhere near the 20 mile mark I think we were. I distinctly remember helping a man then, suffering with calf cramps, either I hope I won't need, or some kind supporter might help me. One thing for sure, watching athletics and triathlons from within the circle over the last two years, has created in me a profound sense of respect for athletes, beginners as well as elite, for the physical effort they put themselves through. And if the courtship date/analogy is carried through - they do it for the love of it !
Every year, I see the marathon on Tv or you stand at the roadside shouting on the athletes. Always, since the first ran past the house, I thought I'ld love to do that. So not a bucket list - but an ambition or desire. Soon to be fulfilled, and if only it still went past Mums'.
Why go do a marathon at all ?
Well why the bloody hell not !
Monday, May 20, 2013
The Maynooth 10K
What is in a race winner ?
In the case of Maynooth 10Km race yesterday, we had on
podium;
A former double
Olympian, a National Middle distance champion. A reigning National Olympic
distance Triathlete, A mountain runner, An Iron-distance triathlete, and
another Mountain runner. And shining in amongst the list of winners, 2 Second
year students !
Go back in the pack, there’s ultra runners, sprinters, Intercounty
players, fathers, daughters, mothers and sons. Fast runners, joggers and
walkers
Hundreds of Athletes, not just the winners, but the participants
who for their own reason just want to participate.
But back to the Elite – the winners. It takes a lot of
training and continuous participation to be able to perform at their level. And
their level is high, and something of a beauty to witness.
The average person might not travel to stadiums to see
athletes in action, but here on your doorstep is some serious National and
International talent. In the time it takes to walk (slowly perhaps) the distance
from the start of race in St Patricks College to the finish line on the Carton house
avenue, the elite have completed 10km.
That’s fast, that’s impressive !
I enjoy seeing the Athletes and how after 10km they can
still sprint to the end, how the intensity to finish is glowing from them as
they support each other with ‘great race – well done’. Not just the Elite – they get a great cheer
for winning, but the joggers and walkers too – they’ve completed a personal
challenge and shine that achievement with some of the greatest and honest smiles
short of kids at Christmas you can ever witness.
The camaraderie is infectious, and we, the onlookers, don’t
have to watch from a stadium distance. You can be right in the thick of this adrenalin
fest . It’s local, it might be a 5k or 10K it doesn't matter.
What does matter – it’s on your doorstep.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Two Kingfishers
The signs of Spring, though technically Summer, are well and truly underway.
For the last weeks, threats and fall of snow and ice have been keeping nature's blossoms at a slow pace, holding the burst of leave and colour.
You could see it as you're walking along if you cared to look. The tiny, tiny buds at the ends of stems and sticks. The great chestnut trees I feel for, their buds are not so small, yet you could see the swelling at the sticky bulb, almost feel the anxiety of the tree - waiting !
The Rye river below the house, swollen most of it's time due to the rain, was lowered and calm. Tadhg and I slowly wandering down for our own little break from the house, OK, my break, his adventure - he is 5yrs old after all. He's all questions and chat, bring him to the bridge, he wants to go to the village. Bring him to the village, it's only a short journey, one of the many great things about living in Leixlip.
Returning, and as we're walking, a flash to my right. Two kingfishers in aerial dual as they sped along the river. The first flash caught my eye, I twisted back to see the pair fly. A reminder of how alike the military jets doing manoeuvres in the Scottish highlands the two birds appear. Flitting left and right, bursts of speed, the dazzle of colour changing as angles of sight and light changes with their rotations and banking.
Incredible patience will be needed to get their image. Every year I promise I'll track them to a perch and photograph them. But then again, if I don't - I'll still have the pleasure of having seen them each year since I moved here. Long may the dream of the photograph or just the sighting keep the summers pleasant.
I wish them well. Not a dogfight in my mind, more an amorous chase - after all - Winter is over !
For the last weeks, threats and fall of snow and ice have been keeping nature's blossoms at a slow pace, holding the burst of leave and colour.
You could see it as you're walking along if you cared to look. The tiny, tiny buds at the ends of stems and sticks. The great chestnut trees I feel for, their buds are not so small, yet you could see the swelling at the sticky bulb, almost feel the anxiety of the tree - waiting !
The Rye river below the house, swollen most of it's time due to the rain, was lowered and calm. Tadhg and I slowly wandering down for our own little break from the house, OK, my break, his adventure - he is 5yrs old after all. He's all questions and chat, bring him to the bridge, he wants to go to the village. Bring him to the village, it's only a short journey, one of the many great things about living in Leixlip.
Returning, and as we're walking, a flash to my right. Two kingfishers in aerial dual as they sped along the river. The first flash caught my eye, I twisted back to see the pair fly. A reminder of how alike the military jets doing manoeuvres in the Scottish highlands the two birds appear. Flitting left and right, bursts of speed, the dazzle of colour changing as angles of sight and light changes with their rotations and banking.
Incredible patience will be needed to get their image. Every year I promise I'll track them to a perch and photograph them. But then again, if I don't - I'll still have the pleasure of having seen them each year since I moved here. Long may the dream of the photograph or just the sighting keep the summers pleasant.
I wish them well. Not a dogfight in my mind, more an amorous chase - after all - Winter is over !
Thursday, April 11, 2013
How to choose a book
I was browsing the shelves of a bookshop the other day, looking to pick up a new read.
Over the years, I have read a wide range, literature, fiction, non-fiction. Biography/Auto biography. 'Mens' war and Espionage and thriller. 'Ladies' romance and crime.
No category should be banned, If I like a book - I'll read it. Reading my kids Harry Potter books - it's still reading....
Anyhow, I was picking up books but quite rapidly discarding them and moving on - it got me wondering why do I do that.
What is it that allows a book to be chosen or discarded.
Sometimes a title stands out - only to be let down by it's subject.
Sometimes it's the cover design, a great piece of Art or Striking graphics, maybe subtle enough to match a given mood.
Maybe I know of the Author or the screenplay taken from it - The latest academy award nominee or booker prize winner.
Strange as it maybe, all the above are more in line with what makes me 'want' to buy. Exceptions, granted do come in - but after all if a book isn't high on the perceived like-list then it implies it's on the dislike-list and is rejected.
But above all, there stands out one reference point to any book that makes or breaks a purchase.
The word count !
I'm not an analyst - I'm not able to tell if a book has 20,000 or 50,00 words. But instantly I do do know if the layout is presenting few words for big costs, let me explain;
If a book passes the initial Title/subject/cover/blurb/Author scan - the next obvious task is to open the pages.
Is the typeface large ?
Are the margins wide ?
What space between the lines ?
Barely a second has passed, and instantly I know, this book will or not last me a week.
Only then does the cost come into question.
But the end decision is - Is this book worth spending money on to give me an enjoyable return ?
Some books do, but sadly - most books don't pass. In the latter category I hate to suggest, but feel it's true - the more modern the Author, the less their effort in writing.
If the book designer has to hide little content in wide typeface - forget it - I decline and you, the Author lose out.
And as for 'Authors' who allow others to write books - in their name ! Shame !
James.
Over the years, I have read a wide range, literature, fiction, non-fiction. Biography/Auto biography. 'Mens' war and Espionage and thriller. 'Ladies' romance and crime.
No category should be banned, If I like a book - I'll read it. Reading my kids Harry Potter books - it's still reading....
Anyhow, I was picking up books but quite rapidly discarding them and moving on - it got me wondering why do I do that.
What is it that allows a book to be chosen or discarded.
Sometimes a title stands out - only to be let down by it's subject.
Sometimes it's the cover design, a great piece of Art or Striking graphics, maybe subtle enough to match a given mood.
Maybe I know of the Author or the screenplay taken from it - The latest academy award nominee or booker prize winner.
Strange as it maybe, all the above are more in line with what makes me 'want' to buy. Exceptions, granted do come in - but after all if a book isn't high on the perceived like-list then it implies it's on the dislike-list and is rejected.
But above all, there stands out one reference point to any book that makes or breaks a purchase.
The word count !
I'm not an analyst - I'm not able to tell if a book has 20,000 or 50,00 words. But instantly I do do know if the layout is presenting few words for big costs, let me explain;
If a book passes the initial Title/subject/cover/blurb/Author scan - the next obvious task is to open the pages.
Is the typeface large ?
Are the margins wide ?
What space between the lines ?
Barely a second has passed, and instantly I know, this book will or not last me a week.
Only then does the cost come into question.
But the end decision is - Is this book worth spending money on to give me an enjoyable return ?
Some books do, but sadly - most books don't pass. In the latter category I hate to suggest, but feel it's true - the more modern the Author, the less their effort in writing.
If the book designer has to hide little content in wide typeface - forget it - I decline and you, the Author lose out.
And as for 'Authors' who allow others to write books - in their name ! Shame !
James.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
And Finally, I'm off the couch !
So this post was a long time coming.
But like all good stories, this has many paths and directions. I'll try keep to the main story, but little vignettes into other blog topics may appear.
November 7th gone, a Monday, My wife points out a sign - 'Couch to 5K' starting on the Wednesday.
Ok - So I'm interested. it's 2 days away and leaves me little room for excuses.
'Couch to 5 K' - so what does it mean ? Basically the local athletics club say that this fitness programme will in a matter of weeks have me go from sitting about to being able to run 5Km.
If they could get me to run 1Km over that period - I'ld be chuffed. SO, off I go.
But running has always been a psychological block. I could run around a pitch chasing a ball with sticks (Hurling..look it up ), and for a few years I managed to do that. But if a coach was to ask me to run the outside of the pitch - I'ld be shattered after the 1st or second lap - I find giving up a lot easier, and find jogging so so boring. I could always claim with some justification - I just can't run - Or at least until now !
The programme is to meet twice weekly, ease into the running by...walking ! I kid me not. Now I could walk for Ireland, I love challenges of 10-20-50 km walks. Hillwalking has long been a favourite. So from a fitness perspective, I wouldn't be so close to zero.
But what surprised me most for the couch 5k programme was the mentoring to bring jogging along by introducing it over time.... walk 90seconds, very very slowly jog for 60 seconds. repeat.
The following week, walk 90/jog 90. then walk 2 minutes/jog1, and onwards toward walk 2 minutes jog/5 eventually jog 15/walk5 culminating after 7 weeks in jogging 32.5 minutes - I just ran 5 K ...21st December. What a Christmas present to oneself. Remember the 'if they can get me to run 1K...' Well 1Km was the personal goal, well exceeded.
So is that it ? No.
I managed against my own expectation to run 5k, but that was a once off. I proved to myself that yes I can. Now I need to sustain 5K until it becomes comfortable. Otherwise excuse will creep back in. Another explanation needed I think.
Just because I ran 5k, don't believe it was easy - sweating, snorting, spitting and pure exhaustion. Great euphoria, but hard none the less.
The couch/5K programme was an end of year offer from the local club 'Le Cheile Ac'. Come the New Year, if I wished, membership opens up again.
So to return the thanks for running the programme and getting me started, I join the club to continue with it.
Club meets are once a week and I just managed to do that. Old commitments/excuses/flu all join in to basically leave me at the 'just about' 5K level. Or so I thought.
A new couch programme starts, new members join. At 9 weeks - their turn to run 5K. My turn to mentor. And did I get a surprise, the slower of this group managed the 5k in about the same time as our group. But I felt as if this was 'way too slow'. In effect - my fitness had climbed. Still finding 5k just about manageable, but not realising that was because my expectations and fitness had increased.
I keep at it.
My kids school come out with a fundraiser. A 10 Km run.
I'm challenged, I go for it.
Practise: Run 9.5km - stopped 3 times for breath. (Still find it easy to stop)
The run: 10km - done with 4 (very short) walks.
And then last night, 1 week after the run. I go for a jog.
I ran the 10 Km route, without stopping !
Finally - I can say it - I'm off the couch and can run 5K
Many many thanks to 'Le Cheile Ac, Leixlip', the running club friends made, and to my Wife - for getting me off the couch !
But like all good stories, this has many paths and directions. I'll try keep to the main story, but little vignettes into other blog topics may appear.
November 7th gone, a Monday, My wife points out a sign - 'Couch to 5K' starting on the Wednesday.
Ok - So I'm interested. it's 2 days away and leaves me little room for excuses.
'Couch to 5 K' - so what does it mean ? Basically the local athletics club say that this fitness programme will in a matter of weeks have me go from sitting about to being able to run 5Km.
If they could get me to run 1Km over that period - I'ld be chuffed. SO, off I go.
But running has always been a psychological block. I could run around a pitch chasing a ball with sticks (Hurling..look it up ), and for a few years I managed to do that. But if a coach was to ask me to run the outside of the pitch - I'ld be shattered after the 1st or second lap - I find giving up a lot easier, and find jogging so so boring. I could always claim with some justification - I just can't run - Or at least until now !
The programme is to meet twice weekly, ease into the running by...walking ! I kid me not. Now I could walk for Ireland, I love challenges of 10-20-50 km walks. Hillwalking has long been a favourite. So from a fitness perspective, I wouldn't be so close to zero.
But what surprised me most for the couch 5k programme was the mentoring to bring jogging along by introducing it over time.... walk 90seconds, very very slowly jog for 60 seconds. repeat.
The following week, walk 90/jog 90. then walk 2 minutes/jog1, and onwards toward walk 2 minutes jog/5 eventually jog 15/walk5 culminating after 7 weeks in jogging 32.5 minutes - I just ran 5 K ...21st December. What a Christmas present to oneself. Remember the 'if they can get me to run 1K...' Well 1Km was the personal goal, well exceeded.
So is that it ? No.
I managed against my own expectation to run 5k, but that was a once off. I proved to myself that yes I can. Now I need to sustain 5K until it becomes comfortable. Otherwise excuse will creep back in. Another explanation needed I think.
Just because I ran 5k, don't believe it was easy - sweating, snorting, spitting and pure exhaustion. Great euphoria, but hard none the less.
The couch/5K programme was an end of year offer from the local club 'Le Cheile Ac'. Come the New Year, if I wished, membership opens up again.
So to return the thanks for running the programme and getting me started, I join the club to continue with it.
Club meets are once a week and I just managed to do that. Old commitments/excuses/flu all join in to basically leave me at the 'just about' 5K level. Or so I thought.
A new couch programme starts, new members join. At 9 weeks - their turn to run 5K. My turn to mentor. And did I get a surprise, the slower of this group managed the 5k in about the same time as our group. But I felt as if this was 'way too slow'. In effect - my fitness had climbed. Still finding 5k just about manageable, but not realising that was because my expectations and fitness had increased.
I keep at it.
My kids school come out with a fundraiser. A 10 Km run.
I'm challenged, I go for it.
Practise: Run 9.5km - stopped 3 times for breath. (Still find it easy to stop)
The run: 10km - done with 4 (very short) walks.
And then last night, 1 week after the run. I go for a jog.
I ran the 10 Km route, without stopping !
Finally - I can say it - I'm off the couch and can run 5K
Many many thanks to 'Le Cheile Ac, Leixlip', the running club friends made, and to my Wife - for getting me off the couch !
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Can a Sycamore tree live 450 years ?
I ask this question, not that I'm interested if a sycamore can or not live 450 yrs. I am interested, just not right now. What I am interested in is the man who told of this particular tree, and how we started talking.
Meet Johnny, an old soldier. In the UN memorial park at the rear of Arbour hill cemetary, Johnny was minding his own buisness this Sunday morning last. I happened into the park as a curios photographer does, always looking about, seeing what captures the eye or imagination, and Yes - I did have the camera.
Johnnys attire was not the best presented, shoes were ragged and open, wearing raintrousers and an old coat. He is probably in his 70's but his eyes don't show that - they still sparkle. He was freshly shaven - not sure if that meant anything, sure it did - why else would such detail be out of step with his clothes ??
"That Gun is 1935" he called. I had noticed him sitting in the corner amongst the leaves, playing with a stray dog. First impressions were typical, down+out, drunk, homeless. That wouldn't bother me, live and let live.
But Johnny was above that. He had interest and knowledge in the area and was willing to pass it on if anyone was interested in listening. I had time, I listened.
When Time came to part, Johnny had grown on me. I have a spate of knowledge on Irish history and military. Not extensive by any means I might add. But Johhny - he was living military history. Probably only a private, I don't know. But he spent his life in uniform. A marksman he says - could hit a fly at a hundred yards. Couldn't go to the Congo because of it. He loves Ireland. His talking of the graveyard - "see those trees, there's 19 of them there, and look - there's 16 of them there. 19+16 ...1916 - there should also be symbols like that, makes you look, makes you think"
The graveyard - Arbour hill is the resting place of the leaders from the 1916 uprising.
And the sycamore tree - it stands tall and wide looking over the graves. Its roots stretching wide, and it's where Johnny hangs out.
Meet Johnny, an old soldier. In the UN memorial park at the rear of Arbour hill cemetary, Johnny was minding his own buisness this Sunday morning last. I happened into the park as a curios photographer does, always looking about, seeing what captures the eye or imagination, and Yes - I did have the camera.
Johnnys attire was not the best presented, shoes were ragged and open, wearing raintrousers and an old coat. He is probably in his 70's but his eyes don't show that - they still sparkle. He was freshly shaven - not sure if that meant anything, sure it did - why else would such detail be out of step with his clothes ??
"That Gun is 1935" he called. I had noticed him sitting in the corner amongst the leaves, playing with a stray dog. First impressions were typical, down+out, drunk, homeless. That wouldn't bother me, live and let live.
But Johnny was above that. He had interest and knowledge in the area and was willing to pass it on if anyone was interested in listening. I had time, I listened.
When Time came to part, Johnny had grown on me. I have a spate of knowledge on Irish history and military. Not extensive by any means I might add. But Johhny - he was living military history. Probably only a private, I don't know. But he spent his life in uniform. A marksman he says - could hit a fly at a hundred yards. Couldn't go to the Congo because of it. He loves Ireland. His talking of the graveyard - "see those trees, there's 19 of them there, and look - there's 16 of them there. 19+16 ...1916 - there should also be symbols like that, makes you look, makes you think"
The graveyard - Arbour hill is the resting place of the leaders from the 1916 uprising.
And the sycamore tree - it stands tall and wide looking over the graves. Its roots stretching wide, and it's where Johnny hangs out.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Blue Sky Blue
Summers over, Autumn is upon us and after 16years of waiting, Dublin win the All Ireland Senior football championship. And against Kerry, sublime champions of last year and many others.
This is Gaelic football. Along with its sister code of Hurling - they form the heart and soul of the Irish psyche.
To understand us as a nation, just look into the games we play. The passion, the determination and physicality. Frienships forged in contest, loyalty to the club which is invariably where you live or were born... And this not forgetting to mention the Irish rugby team the day before ...but I digress.
The game over, I'm driving home. Totally euphoric, but having to remain calm due to the fact I'm driving. I do what I do. I stop to take photographs.
After the images are taken, I'm back in the car and on the radio is an interview with a former member of the band 'Hothouse Flowers'.
Eventually the song 'I can see clearly now' comes on. (Full lyrics at end of Blog.)
Sometimes things just match, 16 years waiting. The song starts off, piano giving a slow almost meloncholic air. Then the lyrics - I can see clearly now the clouds have gone.... I'm taking pictures of the landscape with blue sky starting to break through. Look all around, there’s nothin? but blue skies.
The tempo in the song builds and Liam O'Maonlai gives it his all.
Ireland gave it all on Saturday
Dublin gave it their all on Sunday
Dublin: All Ireland champions 2011 !
The picture by the way - is from Skerries Co Dublin. Home of Bryan Cullen, Captain of the All Ireland champions 2011 !
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.
Full lyrics.;
I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.
I think I can make it now, the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is the rainbow I’ve been prayin?for
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.
Look all around, there’s nothin?but blue skies
Look straight ahead, nothin?but blue skies
I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.
This is Gaelic football. Along with its sister code of Hurling - they form the heart and soul of the Irish psyche.
To understand us as a nation, just look into the games we play. The passion, the determination and physicality. Frienships forged in contest, loyalty to the club which is invariably where you live or were born... And this not forgetting to mention the Irish rugby team the day before ...but I digress.
The game over, I'm driving home. Totally euphoric, but having to remain calm due to the fact I'm driving. I do what I do. I stop to take photographs.
After the images are taken, I'm back in the car and on the radio is an interview with a former member of the band 'Hothouse Flowers'.
Eventually the song 'I can see clearly now' comes on. (Full lyrics at end of Blog.)
Sometimes things just match, 16 years waiting. The song starts off, piano giving a slow almost meloncholic air. Then the lyrics - I can see clearly now the clouds have gone.... I'm taking pictures of the landscape with blue sky starting to break through. Look all around, there’s nothin? but blue skies.
The tempo in the song builds and Liam O'Maonlai gives it his all.
Ireland gave it all on Saturday
Dublin gave it their all on Sunday
Dublin: All Ireland champions 2011 !
The picture by the way - is from Skerries Co Dublin. Home of Bryan Cullen, Captain of the All Ireland champions 2011 !
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.
Full lyrics.;
I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.
I think I can make it now, the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is the rainbow I’ve been prayin?for
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.
Look all around, there’s nothin?but blue skies
Look straight ahead, nothin?but blue skies
I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)