Downsizing

I watched a recent documentary on lifestyles around the world and was astounded to hear that in Sweden and Denmark, families lived a really minimalistic lifestyle. They had ample food and lived well, but had comparatively little in terms of material possessions - not because they were poor, but because they did not feel like they needed them. They cited the reason why they felt Americans and others needed big houses was partly to measure up with the neighbours and partly to store all the stuff that they went about collecting and then threw out later on in life as they again downsized.

This got me thinking about my own life and the amount of stuff that I own which I either never use, or rarely use. Going through my wardrobe this evening, I came across some pieces that I seem to have had for ages. I have a pair of running shorts that are probably about 10 years old but yet they still look brand new – why throw them out I am thinking? I recently threw out a pair of jeans that were also about 7 years old, but that is because I could not wear them any more due to losing so much weight around my middle. They were a 32 and I am now a 28.

I have managed to discard a fair few running items that have just been accumulating and have also resolved not to buy any further exercise/running gear for the foreseeable future as I just have way too much of the stuff and really don’t need any more.

This weekend I will go through other things that I want to target for disposal. Minimalist is coming back into fashion and that suits me just fine – less to worry about. Save the money and spend it on experiences for yourself – better yet donate it to charity. – Sean Muller

Injury update

Went to doctor guru man today and he has told me that I can once again start to do light runs at the end of this week. I was thinking it ironic that this will coincide with the marathon and me being down at the finish volunteering. How can I be bitter though when I have so much and am blessed with so many people who have been so helpful towards me?

The doc also worked up a program for me, which was very good of him and pronounced that there is no reason that by the middle of November I will be back to some decent running.

It was interesting that he highlighted the classic Zatpotek syndrome and numerous other examples of when forced rest has been good for athletes. Those having benefited from this have been Zatpotek himself, Salazar, Paula Radcliffe and even Noakes, who cites that he ran his best Two Oceans after having an operation and being forced to rest and do no running for 4 weeks.

The body is indeed an interesting and bewildering gift. I know that I have reacted pretty well to the rest. The itch to run is coming back – the twitch is felt occasionally in the legs again and I have been concentrating on getting my diet in the best order that it has ever been.

Whilst I can’t wait to run again, I am being cautious and heeding the advice as well as remembering all that I have read and been taught by more experienced and older runners over the past few weeks. – Sean Muller

The most unlikely of runners

I learned today that one of the people that I have dealings with is also a runner- nothing unusual you may say to that. You are quite correct in your observations, however you may change your tack when you learn that she smokes about 12 cigarettes a day.

Now I am not advocating smoking at all and know that I can’t smoke and play sport, it is interesting nonetheless that she is able to get away with this sort of behaviour. In fact she lights up following a 10km run and happily puffs away while swigging her Powerade.

I suppose we could equate her to a modern day Arthur Newton, who was said to have indulged in smoke at half way during Comrades in the 1920s.

The Turahumara are also said to be fond of smoking prior to a 100 mile or longer run and we all know what they can do.

Who knows if her smoking will in the end catchup with her or if she will be one of those weird exceptions that are able to carry on?

We do find runners who indulge in the strangest of things.

Stride for stride on a smoke free life changing ride. – Sean Muller

Hope

Further readings this week have taken me to the concept of hope and what it does for mankind, but also for sportspeople in general.

A very interesting quote that I read was that if you provide people with hope then they are prepared to fight. It struck me that this is what we are trying to do through this forum. We are cutting through all the BS about exercise and running and showing that there is indeed another way of living that does revolve around being lazy and unhealthy.

Anyone having read ‘Born to Run’ and other publications will know that we as humans are only one of three animals that have the genetic makeup for long distance running – the others being horses and dogs. How much more proof does one need that we were put on this earth to run and not to sit on our bums watching television.

If you are like I was several years ago, unhealthy, overweight and unhappy, there does exist hope that you can turn your life around. There are countless running groups out there throughout the globe and they cater for all levels of fitness and ability.

I guarantee you will be made to feel welcome and that once you get fitter and fitter, things will become easier, your attitude will change and you won’t want to go back to the life that you had before.

Step up off that couch and out the door right now – Stride for stride on a life changing ride. – Sean Muller