tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54518672977364520772024-03-13T13:31:58.154+11:00Ultra Sam's submissionsJoin me on a journey to motivate the world through running. Step off that couch and out the door. Stride for stride - together on a life changing ride!Ultra Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789381336770868661noreply@blogger.comBlogger472125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451867297736452077.post-69309358220174574112015-04-11T20:58:00.001+10:002015-04-11T20:58:33.425+10:00Having the courage to say No!Recently I was having a conversation with a good mate who made it sound like I was really talking to myself. His story has elements of truth in it for all of us in that it he spoke honestly of people in his life who just seemed to take and not give.<br />
<br />
He knew that I had recent experiences of such people and the fact that they tend to think that you will always be there for them, to help them out and support them when the chips are down, but they never manage to help or support you in return. This could be in live or running.<br />
<br />
It shouldn't make a difference if those people are friends or loved ones, if they claim to care and class themselves as close to you, then they should need no encouragement or prompting to get in touch and say hello or support you.<br />
<br />
I've learnt the hard way over the past few years that this behaviour is not acceptable and that those people just riding on the backs of others are not welcome and should be cut lose.<br />
<br />
Sure it will hurt, particularly if you love them, but the quicker the pain is inflicted, the quicker the pain is over.<br />
<br />
Dig deep, rid yourself of negative energy suckers and move forward.<br />
<br />
Running together - sans energy suckers. Stride for stride on a life changing ride!Ultra Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789381336770868661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451867297736452077.post-24335920203807971972015-03-31T21:18:00.000+11:002015-03-31T21:18:10.147+11:00The Magucians advice!<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">It's amazing how someone can know so much about you without you actually revealing anything to them. </span><br />
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
I've returned to writing for the first time since parting ways with my muse (and a girl I truly adored) over 6 weeks ago. In that time I have not been motivated to write anything even in a professional sense. I have however been extremely angry and channeled the anger into my sport and boxing with great results.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
This morning I spent with my magician, who is also my favourite massage therapist. Not only did I get a two hour massage, but we did our standard yoga and general therapy as part of the session. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
She is so good that she can pick just by looking at me what has been going on in my life. She picked the fact I was angry at a women these past few months, she picked I felt lied to and played for a fool, she picked I had been boxing in anger and proving just how good she is at what she does, she actually named the girl by name.... Now to anyone who doesn't know her gift this would seem alarming, but I've spent enough time around her to know that she knows what others don't.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
She picked I hadn't been writing and suggested that it would good to channel my anger into creativity again. It really is quite phenomenal how people like this exist and then come into our lives when we need them with a unique perspective. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
It's sad that I'll never talk to the girl in question again, and certainly life has changed and after hardships and disappointment we become harder. Today was just another piece in the puzzle.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Channeling anger is good- vent it out than keep it in and you'll amaze your self.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Running together (while channelling anger and venting), stride for stride on a life changing ride! -- Sean Muller</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
Ultra Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789381336770868661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451867297736452077.post-82899520001056390712015-02-04T21:06:00.000+11:002015-02-04T21:06:25.494+11:00Pushing the boundaries <span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">This year being the year of no women for me, I've now decided to do something completely out of character (or to help mould a new character) each week going forward. </span><br />
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
This week I've enrolled at a boxing gym and am quite excited - while a bit nervous as I contemplate my first bout in the coming months. My ab strength will have to improve dramatically but this can only be good as it will improve my running and swimming in having a stronger core and also to absorb the body blows. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
It's not like it's a world title fight or anything like that, but still it's little things that help to push me out of my comfort zone and assist in the hardening process with the flow on effect of hopefully some six pack development and stronger running and swimming.</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
All of this can only be good in the long run and get me experiencing things I haven't done in the past. I'd be interested in hearing what others are doing to extend their comfort zones. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Running together (while pushing the comfort zone limit), stride for stride on a life changing ride! - Sean Muller</div>
Ultra Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789381336770868661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451867297736452077.post-58692572149605463672015-02-01T21:36:00.000+11:002015-02-01T21:36:00.020+11:00Change, growth and running angry! <span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">February already - where has time gone! </span><br />
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
2015 is a year of change and growth. Just because people say they care about one doesn't always mean it's true. I'm truly tired of dishonesty, flakiness and people telling lies when I'm just played for a mug all the time. </div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
A friend shared the following wisdom with me -'Sam you're the kind of bloke that others walk all over before they get to their destination.' Fair call - hand on heart I'm soft, but in running, training and life I'm hardening. This year is a year of no women - they have just brought trouble to me and so I'm ignoring them and focusing on getting harder and stronger in life and running!</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
Running together (while ignoring women), stride for stride on a life changing ride! -- Sean Muller</div>
<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
<br /></div>
Ultra Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789381336770868661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451867297736452077.post-87455236024064489382015-01-10T20:52:00.000+11:002015-01-10T20:52:12.800+11:002015 - the future<div class="MsoNormal">
So after some time away from here I’m back today.<br /><br />2014 was a strange kind of year where I felt so weary
(mentally and physically) at the end and was glad to see the back of it. I
always endeavour to give as much as I can in my running and personally in
relationships as I take the view that many people just don’t have that ear of
interest factor in their lives (a couple of friends passing also reinforced
this).<br /><br />I’ve now found I was just destroying myself in some
respects. Between business, my running and fitness and numerous mentoring
programs I was just tired. I mean how many times would so called friends say
that they wanted to catch up or that they would call, only to hear nothing for
months. The fool gets back up and contacts these folks time and time again only
to bang his head. This fool aint going to be doing that any longer. 2015 is a
time where I have been feeling a little more selfish. It is time to get
physically and mentally stronger. Learning to say no is indeed an art that I am
learning fast.<br /><br />The hunger to run has returned again (hell I may yet take on
another marathon). I’m happier with 5kgs of extra fat on me. Acceptance also
has come around some things in life and knowing that is very liberating in
itself and provides power to pursue other avenues in life.<br /><br />While I have resolved to spend some more time on self-development
in 2015, I’d be keen to hear about other unusual running or fitness resolutions
for the new year.<br /><br />Running together in 2015 (while being more selfish), stride
for stride on a life changing ride! – Sean Muller</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Ultra Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789381336770868661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451867297736452077.post-27859286732666310122014-11-14T14:52:00.000+11:002014-11-14T14:52:06.260+11:00AcceptanceSometimes in running or in our lives in general things just don’t pan out how we think they will. <br />
<br />
<br />
Sometimes we put in a huge block of training and come race day we just don’t seem to be able to bring things together and pull it off. Other times still we line up at events grossly undertrained, coming back from injury and heavier than we were at other times of peak fitness and manage to pull out a PB or run a blinder. This happened to me in my running career for the second time on Wednesday of this week.<br />
<br />
Life is a funny thing that way and I’ve learnt now not to place too much hope and expectation on things as I seem to get the best results when I don’t plan at all or have expectation of an outcome. By not having lofty goals in sight it takes a lot of pressure off of things and both in running and life we are able to be more natural and take more out of the situation. <br />
<br />
Inter – relationships in life are always dependent on more than just ourselves and we can only really influence what we can influence and no further. What the other person or persons is thinking or doing is not for us to try and comprehend. If those around us don’t accept us as we are then they are probably not worth having around. <br />
<br />
On most occasions there will be another event or shot at things (sometimes much better than the one that we originally were pushing for) and the quicker we move on to that next chapter the more we will be able to cram into our otherwise very short lives. <br />
<br />
Running together (while focussing only on what we can influence in life), stride for stride on a life changing ride! – Sean MullerUltra Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789381336770868661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451867297736452077.post-3150935441289835042014-09-07T17:21:00.000+10:002014-09-07T17:21:03.193+10:00Stripping naked to raise funds for athletesEvery so often a once in a lifetime opportunity comes along to do something completely unique which will also help out someone else.<br />
<br />
My training group SWEAT Sydney recently took the decision to fundraise for elite Australian runners who don't receive enough financial support by posing as a group for a 2015 calendar. While elite athletes have done this sort of thing in the past in Australia, this is the first time that a grassroots training group has taken the decision to pose in a tasteful art calendar in Australia.<br />
<br />
The calendar has received rave reviews from across the world and being offered for sale now via www.sweatsydney.com.au . Support unique initiatives to help out up and coming runners more of which should be done around the world!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Ultra Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789381336770868661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451867297736452077.post-12775493091108371912014-08-29T20:18:00.000+10:002014-08-29T20:18:30.747+10:00The wonder of lifeI have no right to question or try to understand easy persons journey whom I come across, nor is it my business how they will get to their destination. My only focus should be my own path and lending support to others if they falter.Ultra Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789381336770868661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451867297736452077.post-11085888084408572632014-07-20T19:34:00.001+10:002014-07-20T19:34:24.205+10:00When to chase and when to hold back!<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes in life when things just aren’t happening it’s
time to pickup your surfboard and your runners and head off to somewhere where
it is happening. Sometimes also this has been lurking your mind for sometime
and yet you haven’t acted, but then just as suddenly you speak with a high
respected mentor and they set things straight for you in just a few short weeks
and suddenly you have a plan to move forward and stop with the inaction (as
with running, sometimes in life you need folks to make decisions for you). <br />
For the longest time I have been labelled the ‘nice guy’ and the person that
people can depend on and even walk all over, this I’ve now found has been at
the detriment of my own personal gain and growth and so I’m going to be setting
that straight over the next 12 months. This is a really important time for me
in my plan with regards to life and running. It’s about taking back and taking
opportunities. <br />
Take opportunities in your running and life – don’t get walked on, push back
and ultimately chase your dreams because no one should be holding you back from
these especially if you are single and still relatively young like me.<br />
Don’t die trying to achieve something but then also know when to pull back and
quit to. <br />
Carpe Diem!<br />
Running together (while chasing and achieving your dreams), stride for stride
on a life changing ride!—Sean Muller<o:p></o:p></div>
Ultra Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789381336770868661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451867297736452077.post-72477827202634924522014-06-18T21:23:00.001+10:002014-06-18T21:23:47.462+10:00Love your roots - do them well!Where have you been Sam? This has been one of the messages that I've received of late with regards to my blog. Life and running has been hectic what with my mate now fully released out in to the the dating world of sydney again. It's great that he seems to be having so much fun, which leads me to come back to my writing as this has always been a source of sanity for me. It's something I'd dropped recently in favour of other things.<br />
<br />
It's clear that of late efforts I had been focusing energy on were in vain and now it is time for me to become a little selfish and focus only on myself and my training for a bit.<br />
<br />
I'd love to have shared some more creativity in this, but some have mocked my creative efforts of late and thought it funny that something that was created should be a source of a joke amongst others.<br />
<br />
I don't play these sorts of stupid games and rather leave others to play them on their own. Life's too short for any of that BS.<br />
<br />
In other news I just got the news that I get to extract some revenge next year. This time I go wiser, older and with a different approach that is tested. More later.<br />
<br />
Running together (while not being made a mug), stride for stride on a life changing ride. -- Sean Muller.Ultra Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789381336770868661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451867297736452077.post-12456564596252929442014-06-10T20:25:00.001+10:002014-06-10T20:25:15.337+10:00Hardening up in running and relationships<div class="MsoNormal">
People
confuse me- most of all women confuse me. In life like in running you try to do
the best you can do. You do your best to do good, share good times and work through
bad (even extremely bad) times with folks and yet sometimes you still land in
the poo for all your good intentions.<br /><br />The
past few days I have been laying low and out of the firing line. It’s
disappointing and sad when things that you've shared with others at times (and
at times when you've been vulnerable) have been used against you.<br /><br />It’s
ugly and it becomes messy and in the end there are never any winners. It’s
equally hard when you could use what you know about that person to hurt them
to, but you can’t bring yourself to do that and then you get called soft by
someone else you counted as a friend who maintains that you brought it on
yourself through not being hard enough.<br /><br />Hardening
the body is so much easier than hardening the heart. I want to be tougher and
harder, but I struggle to know where to begin. It’s weird as I see these sorts
of behaviours everyday but can’t bring myself to replicate them. Seems like
laying low is best for me at this point. At least in my own company and running
on my own no one can hurt me.<br /><br />Running
together (while laying low for a bit), stride for stride on a life changing
ride! – Sean Muller</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Ultra Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789381336770868661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451867297736452077.post-68301100575199274692014-06-09T19:40:00.001+10:002014-06-09T19:40:28.014+10:00Running, fitness and the ‘pickup’<div class="MsoNormal">
Today was the culmination of a number of months’ worth of
work in helping my mate to get fit again following his marriage breakdown. I’ve
mentioned before how he’d let himself go in the past and was now finding it
tough to get back to his previous form and shape.<br /><br />He’s got there through a combination of running and shifting
around 15kgs and is looking pretty good to boot. His self-appointed goal now is
to embark on a series of ‘pickups’ as he terms them over this winter. Looking pretty good he now seems to have the
choice of a plethora of women and a new found confidence to boot. This seems to
be the prevailing scenario facing all men in their late 30s and 40s in Sydney.<br /><br />I view all this as highly interesting as watching him in
action today it is amazing that even at his age where one might expect that there
would be some honesty and a reluctance for any sort of game play and nonsense,
there was plenty of shifts in the truth. Surely there was plenty of time for
that in the past when they were younger and didn’t really care about who or
what they hurt with those crazy games. All of this isn’t really for me and he
has tried hard to goad me into it, but I only observe with mild amusement.<br /><br />Crazy how all this has panned out. It’s great to see his
confidence improve so much, but at the same time I feel as if I have created a
monster who is not thinking about others feelings, but then again as has been
pointed out to me ‘it takes two to tango’.<br /><br />Running tother (while helping others to improve their
confidence), stride for stride on a life changing ride! – Sean Muller</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Ultra Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789381336770868661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451867297736452077.post-63149763697592889822014-05-30T12:27:00.003+10:002014-05-30T12:27:32.320+10:00Running and relationships<div class="MsoNormal">
I was having a chat to a friend this morning at the gym
about how running has been affecting his relationship. He was having a whinge
that his new girlfriend could not understand why it would make him so happy to
head off on a Sunday long run and come back much saner and happier than before.
He works a pretty stressful job and so for him (like many of us) his Sunday
morning long run is a form of therapy in helping him to just be alone inside
his own head and relax. He comes back revitalised and ready to face the
following week. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I pointed out to him that I wasn’t the best example to be
asking these sorts of questions of since my track record with women is nothing
to brag about and so that largely means that I am free to indulge in exercise in
whatever way I want to, but it also means that I don’t have all the other
associated pleasures attached with a relationship in my life. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In previous relationships I have found that it was healthy
to have a partner who shared my passion for keeping fit, but that the largest
thing that came in the way of things was often the fact that we ended up being
so competitive with each other and she couldn’t stand the fact that sometimes I
was a bit better than her at things and vice versa she was a bit better than me
at other things. In hindsight those relationships were not right for me and to
be truthful one always has to feel that things are right in a relationship
prior to moving forward with things. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two very strong competitors may not always work long term.
Short term they may bring out the best in each other, but long term they may
end up doing more damage to their relationship than good through the
competition. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Similarly, as with my friend, a relationship can’t really
work if one side is just doesn’t condone (or worse still is jealous) of their
partner’s exercise needs/regime. This can only lead to problems in the long
term. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Running together (while hopefully with an equally active
partner), stride for stride on a life changing ride! – Sean Muller<o:p></o:p></div>
Ultra Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789381336770868661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451867297736452077.post-64440791013238523492014-05-26T12:34:00.004+10:002014-05-26T12:34:41.753+10:00Learning from different coachesWhile I love my current training group <a href="http://www.sweatsydney.com.au/" target="_blank">SWEAT Sydney</a> and have improved massively since training with them, I always think it's also a good idea to keep an eye on what other coaches are saying and preaching around the world.<br />
<br />
I've mentioned <a href="http://bobbymcgee.com/" target="_blank">Bobby McGee</a> on here previously as someone that I trust apart from my own coach Sean Williams. Bobby has a wealth of knowledge available free of charge on his website (many others charge vast sums for this information). Anyone looking to train and succeed at a high level in running or triathlon could do well to follow the methods of Sean and Bobby.<br />
<br />
Running together - while training under champion coaches. Stride for stride on a life changing ride! -- Sean MullerUltra Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789381336770868661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451867297736452077.post-38834904586190458272014-05-08T11:35:00.001+10:002014-05-08T11:35:38.003+10:00What's with being good enough for second in life and love?<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s weird how things occur in life. Sometimes we make the
best plans in the world only for none of them to come to fruition. This at the
time is frustrating and can lead us to call into question all sorts of things.
That said we have to experience and taste the lows in order to experience and
taste the highs.<br /><br />For me some weird things have been happening of late. Twice now I have had ladies approach me after turning me
down some years ago for not being cool enough or good enough in their eyes or
flat out too boring. They are both now divorced and claimed –
boring old Sam was suddenly good enough for them. I flat out turned them down
as I’m nobody’s second best and certainly not someone waiting around crying
into milk.<br /><br />What is the world coming to when now people feel that it is
okay to revisit someone that they have turned down and that they will be
welcomed in with open arms as they embrace their ‘second choice’. Why did I
post this in a running blog? Well for no other reason other than that I’m running
the other way from girls like this. I’d rather remain single for the rest of my
days than be second.<br /><br />Running together (while not settling for second best),
stride for stride on a life changing ride! – Sean Muller</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Ultra Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789381336770868661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451867297736452077.post-17876777352757200042014-05-02T11:31:00.002+10:002014-05-02T11:31:15.088+10:00Trail running at its best It has been brought to my attention that I haven't yet managed to plug an upcoming trail race that I am assisting with through this blog. <br /><br />If you are an Australian based runner you really should be giving some thought to coming down and running the <a href="http://www.southernhighlandschallenge.com/" target="_blank">Southern Highlands Challenge</a> in the NSW Wingello State Forrest on 31 August. The event is bound to be the best trail event in Australia. Come on down and join the fun!<br />
<br />
<br />Ultra Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789381336770868661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451867297736452077.post-61185484955233450312014-05-01T12:27:00.000+10:002014-05-01T12:27:10.723+10:00Keeping charity for those who need it<div class="MsoNormal">
Today I learnt a brand new word from a close friend –
Boondoggle which literally means a project which is a waste of time and money-
something often just kept going for the sake of it. It benefits no one and is
silly but keeps getting money thrown at it. This is particularly apt when I think
of many people who go around funding their own athletic pursuits under the
banner of raising money for charity. It’s all fine and well raising money while
completing events which you pay to get to under your own steam, but if you then
use this pretext to get others to put forward some of their hard earned cash in
an economic downturn to fund your travel and entries then that is where I have
big problems. That sort of behaviour is just plain unethical and I have no
qualms in calling it as I see it.<br /><br />Keep charity pure and don’t muddy it with personal requests.<br /><br />Running together (while keeping charity pure), stride for
stride on a life changing ride! – Sean Muller</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Ultra Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789381336770868661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451867297736452077.post-23554011444957676652014-04-27T17:28:00.000+10:002014-04-27T17:28:06.652+10:00Small things with big meanings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMr4Sla2TMVI2VeLwO2sgb7pwnwlL9_XYFQH7uA8GkZGYirDrvMPi7eDE-DpMLoVr1fgNxTdTA-uordD59fR_TfHe-iqJbWXx1uVZRx9_7ZMPYNT9H914xCnkcek8C5pg_grPD2EWTVD8/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMr4Sla2TMVI2VeLwO2sgb7pwnwlL9_XYFQH7uA8GkZGYirDrvMPi7eDE-DpMLoVr1fgNxTdTA-uordD59fR_TfHe-iqJbWXx1uVZRx9_7ZMPYNT9H914xCnkcek8C5pg_grPD2EWTVD8/s1600/photo.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I've never been someone who has hung onto medals or awards
that I have attained. I think that mum has a box of school trophies and such
lying somewhere at home, but today when I was cleaning out some of my closets I
came across the medal below.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not sure why I chose to keep it as it certainly isn't the
biggest or most prestigious race that I've ever entered. In fact the 9KM that I
completed that day in 2006 would just be merely a recovery run in my current fitness.
It did however signify a time when I was still massively overweight and in need
of drastic help to overcome my weight problems. It was the first step on my journey to current fitness.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A small 9KM and an even smaller medal on the road to a huge
journey of change. One couldn't have existed without the other.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What small things mean the most to you?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Running together (while remembering where I came from),
stride for stride on a life changing ride! – Sean Muller</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Ultra Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789381336770868661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451867297736452077.post-35023705973374938582014-04-26T20:39:00.002+10:002014-04-26T20:39:25.095+10:00Love, happiness and new life on the run!<div class="MsoNormal">
Today I had the great fortune of spending some time with
some incredible people who I train with. Each of them inspire me in so many
different ways and it is always good to hear about other people doing well in
life, life and in their careers.<br /><br />One of them confided that they have had a promotion at work
and are destined for bigger things, another is on a new journey to study
something completely different and the
final one confided that she and her partner are going to be expecting a new
little one in about 6 months time.<br /><br />This is such great news and I couldn't be more thrilled for
all of them especially the one expecting her first child. New life is amazing
and especially when it comes two such lovely people who are clearly so much in
love. I’m a massive softy when it comes to those sorts of things. Being both
runners, they are going to be such great role models and parents for the little
one.<br /><br />What fantastic news to receive after a massively positive
training session with mates. If this sort of happiness and joy comes to all of
us at some point then we are definitely in great shape as a human race.<br /><br />Running together (while receiving massively good news about
friends), stride for stride on a life changing ride! – Sean Muller</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Ultra Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789381336770868661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451867297736452077.post-34036869431139976122014-04-26T19:10:00.001+10:002014-04-26T19:10:18.810+10:00A true puritan!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmxa57rTEl5LsJCuJr4CHBqqTByK4QeulDgzZvsnLXuIGI3D1OQ7X4v-hGCpst3vu8pC3WdzjCxacG-jg1FfSdt_hxE_PH8H1iZOtdcw86DCXcDQZll97U5BGlj_m3yORyF8Ye9w0UnY/s1600/The+ghost+runner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPmxa57rTEl5LsJCuJr4CHBqqTByK4QeulDgzZvsnLXuIGI3D1OQ7X4v-hGCpst3vu8pC3WdzjCxacG-jg1FfSdt_hxE_PH8H1iZOtdcw86DCXcDQZll97U5BGlj_m3yORyF8Ye9w0UnY/s1600/The+ghost+runner.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Occasionally I do some book reviews on here about books that
truly leave a mark on me.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I recently finished reading ‘The Ghost Runner’ by Bill
Jones. It is the story of John Tarrant -an English runner in the 1940s, 50s and
60s who was banned for life from competing in the amateur era due to the fact
that he had received a small sum of money during a previous life as a boxer. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tarrant fought this ban till his dying day and never is a
more riveting story told of one man’s complete and utter devotion to the sport
and winning despite his efforts never counting towards the record books or any
trophies being conferred. I was captivated from first page till last. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At one stage he was good enough to make the British Olympic
team but wasn’t chosen on the basis of his ban. Imagine being good enough to
win marathons and ultras outright but knowing that your records will never
stand. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He even at one stage broke the 100 mile world record as well
as holding the 40 mile world record. All while as an unofficial athlete. Last
but by no means least, he ran and came 4<sup>th</sup> in the Comrades marathon
of 1968 where for the first time he was not the only unofficial runner as the
race was for many years considered only to be for the white population with
other race groups forbidden from entering. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I love an underdog story and hearing about runners who
compete merely for the purity of the sport. In the ultimate act of
sportsmanship, his mate Dave Box who also ran Comrades in 1968 and is listed as
finishing 4<sup>th</sup> in the records presented him with his gold medal from
the day on Tarrant’s deathbed. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A true tale of commitment and dedication to the sport. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Running together (while fighting injustices in sport),
stride for stride on a life changing ride! – Sean Muller<o:p></o:p></div>
Ultra Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789381336770868661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451867297736452077.post-5691501895744464392014-04-17T16:12:00.002+10:002014-04-17T16:12:14.792+10:00Determining how badly you want it<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/-i3g-RvC-iA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
I watched this today on another site and am unashamedly sharing it on this forum. It doesn't really have much to do with running, but gives a really good idea of how far some people will go to achieve their dream whatever it is. Are you one of these people?<br />
<br />
Running together (while wanting something more than another person), stride for stride on a life changing ride!-- Sean MullerUltra Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789381336770868661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451867297736452077.post-74679302568580894192014-04-15T11:47:00.001+10:002014-04-15T11:47:18.618+10:00Checking out health as a runner<div class="MsoNormal">
A year ago I had some disturbing news around my health and
was extremely worried as a result. After numerous tests it was determined that
I had had a false diagnosis and was unnecessarily scared by the doctor that I
went to see.<br /><br />As I approach my mid 30s I think it is integral that
everyone (particularly men) go and have a physical every year to put their own
mind at rest. I am confident that I am pretty fit compared to the majority of
the rest of Australia, but that still didn’t stop me from lining up this week
and undergoing some tests to determine my own fitness levels and vital
statistics. Everything checks out just fine luckily but it was reassuring to
find this to be the case.<br /><br />Many people stick their head in the sand when it comes to
their health and they assume that things will be fine when in fact many times
this is very far from the truth. It's my own view that I want to be around for as long as possible for my loved ones and for the sake of life in general. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Who wouldn't want to LIVE life to the fullest while we have this time on earth. Remember we will never have this time over again so don't have any regrets. Go and tell those that you care about everyday how much you love them, spend time creating positive memories.<br /><br />Running together (while checking out one’s health fully),
stride for stride on a life changing ride! – Sean Muller</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Ultra Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789381336770868661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451867297736452077.post-66946184235350668672014-04-13T18:52:00.002+10:002014-04-13T18:52:09.868+10:00Be your best everyday!<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve been getting lax again in terms of posting and
inevitably I get reminded about this by some folks. It’s extremely humbling to
know that people are still reading and interested in my musings on running,
life, love and the world around us. Granted I’ve had loads on the go over the
past couple of weeks, but that is still no excuse and some might say I need to
manage my time better.<br /><br />This past week has been extremely trying due to a passing in
the family as well as a fallout in my friend circle. Life goes on though and you
definitely only look to surround yourself with the people in life who will
bring out the best in you and help you to become the very best YOU that you can
be on any given day.<br /><br />So many times I’ve been speaking to people about what they
want out of a partner in life and it comes back to the mighty dollar. Not down
to the fact that someone may treat them really well and respect them for who
they are and also provide them with support and confidence to reach the highest
level that they can in life. All of those things money really can’t buy.<br /><br />Life is very short (as I discovered over this past week) –
you never know when things may happen or for what reason. Living life to the
full each day and aiming to be your best is all you can really do. Everything
else in life is the cream on top.<br /><br />Running together (while surrounding yourself with positive
people and experiences), stride for stride on a life changing ride! – Sean Muller</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Ultra Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789381336770868661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451867297736452077.post-64060624219961344212014-04-01T12:49:00.001+11:002014-04-01T12:49:20.152+11:00Life and love are strange animals<div class="MsoNormal">
Life is a strange beast. I was talking with my local coffee
shop owner about life in Israel having lived there many many moons ago when I
was young, vaguely good looking and cooler than I am now. It was great to reminisce and it kind of got me thinking again around the lines of 'How does life shift and change'. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If one would have
said to me at the age of 5 that I would be living in Sydney in my mid 30s and that
I would be running marathons and only just starting to take my swimming more
seriously (swimming was always my first love), I’d have said you were a
lunatic.<br /><br />This brings me on to the topic of planning and working for
something and believing it will happen only for something completely opposite
to happen. This happened for me in my running in last year’s London marathon. I
finished in an okay time, but not one that was reflective of all the hard yards
that I put in in the months prior. Perhaps though sometimes one puts in too
much and doesn’t see anything else for the efforts at that time and many times
I’ve found that I get the best results by just taking a step backwards and approaching
things as they come on an event day.<br /><br />The same can be said for anything in life really. In my case
I had a few years ago been looking to move to Asia for work and nothing seemed
to eventuate at the time I was looking. Now in the past month there have been 4
opportunities that I would really have considered back in the day (part of me
still dreams about them), but it is ironic that they came about now when I wasn’t
looking at all.<br /><br />Jobs, love, friendships or athletic results – I’ve never
known when they would knock, but have become increasingly open to going with
life and seeing where it leads, while relaxing and not stressing about things
that I fear I am missing out on as this would only cause me to miss out on what
today brings and as we know you can never have this time over again.<br /><br />Never waste time or be fearful of making a wrong choice. If
you are being true to your morals and values and are not hurting anyone else
then there is no reason why you should not be afraid to truly live. Hug your
loved ones and tell them you love them often, have a laugh with friends, try
your best and don’t be afraid of trying new things because others will laugh.
They probably never had the guts to try what you are anyways.<br /><br />Running together (while striving to truly live each day),
stride for stride on a life changing ride! – Sean Muller </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Ultra Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789381336770868661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5451867297736452077.post-71276086180195364412014-03-28T12:31:00.002+11:002014-03-28T12:32:40.647+11:00Just for the sake of it<div class="MsoNormal">
When was the last time that you did something or said
something that made someone else feel good just for the sake of it? I'm not talking about when you expected something back, but just when you did something good just because.<br />
<br />
I was talking this morning with a training buddy after we
both commented to a dude at the gym on how much weight he had lost over the
past 6 weeks. I really think it’s important to share these sorts of comments
with others (even strangers) and often do it when I’m out running or training.
When I was at my heaviest and trying to shift kilos I know how hard it was and
also how I lived for any sort of commendation or positive word from anyone
really. We all value and need this sort of encouragement and after all you
never know what someone is going through in their life at that point and how
one positive statement or action could have such a great impact on them.<br />
<br />
Some people are able to talk themselves up and that is how
they obtain their motivation, but others need and really value those pep ups
from others. It may sound idealistic, but surely more people would take up
running if they didn’t feel self-conscious and if they were proud of their
achievements. Since most of us tend towards the negative and are harder on
ourselves than we need to be, it makes sense that we would mainly gather encouragement
from external sources.<br />
<br />
We all started somewhere so be kind to those trying and
improving. Kindness should never be confused with weakness. Shared strength makes us all stronger.<br />
<br />
Doing something for someone else need not cost money. A kind
word or gesture of assistance is often worth more than a lottery win.<br />
<br />
Running together (while spreading positive words to others),
stride for stride on a life changing ride! – Sean Muller</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Ultra Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13789381336770868661noreply@blogger.com0