Category Archives: Exhaustion

When I think about you, I kick myself

So, we meet again Mr Jogging Dad. How are we this time around?” He said in an annoyingly nonchalant tone.

Fuck off, I’m in no mood for this shit right now” I replied.

Crushed by Him, again

Crushed by Him, again

I must say, you’re looking rather well, certainly better than the last time I saw you at this point. Still, looks can be deceiving. Let me just wonder insider your mind to see how you really are, shall I?

Before I could abuse Him again, everything went silent except my own heavy breathing which, by this time, was gradually drowning out the music coming through the earphones.

Then He was back but, this time, with a much more malicious edge to His voice. Continue reading

Advertisement

When running on empty …

I went for another long run early this afternoon, in preparation for my marathon next month. It was a 30-degree celsius day but felt like at least 35, as the cloudless sky gave no respite from the fierce sun.

At around the 23km mark, I really began to suffer from the heat. It didn’t help that my mind

Run, Jogging Dad, run
Run, Jogging Dad, run

started to be unkind, niggling me with remarks such as: “You’re tired already? After only 20-odd km’s? Do you realise that you’re barely half-way through the distance that you will be running next month“?

So I decided to give this mind of mine something to think about, something to dwell on instead of needling me on the preposterousness of running in this heat. I challenged it to come up with the most inspiring books and films on running that it has come across. Continue reading

Always Be Closing

I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour, the greatest fulfilment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle – victorious“. Vince Lombardi.

Vince, I now know what you were talking about!

Vince, I now know what you were talking about!

I have participated in many fun runs, ranging from 8km all the way up to 42.2. For me, the emphasis has always been on the “fun” part of the endeavour, as opposed to the time taken to complete the “run” part. The atmosphere, the camaraderie, the scenery, the opportunity to pace behind a foxy female runner with exquisitely toned legs and mesmerising pony-tail sway… how can one not but have fun in such a setting!

However, there is one thing that completely ruins the fun and makes me sulk like a sissy after a race. It is when, having passed the finish line, I know deep inside that I could have pushed myself harder, that I did not give my all. Continue reading