The Top Ten of 2014 Part 1

The close of 2014 has been a very busy period for me, so much so that I haven't had much of an opportunity to really look back on the events and happenings of the past 12 months. And with Christmas and a holiday in Canada, which I'm thoroughly enjoying, it's hard to find that quiet moment of reflection when there are so many holiday-related things to do.

But, I think what's making it so difficult is also the fact that there were so many things to write that it was hard for me to boil it down into a single top ten list. 2013, the Year of the Snake, was all about coming back from disappointment and setting all my ducks in a row, exercising patience and consolidation like a snake would do. 2014, the Year of the Horse, was all about chasing those dreams with unrelenting passion and vigour.

2014 - the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac.

New York City Marathon 2014 - Race Report

It was a fairy tale ending to a journey that has spanned nearly five years. A journey that has had its share of extreme highs and lows, both pure exhilaration and bitter disappointments combined. But, none of those previous experiences could ever compare to that special moment in time when I finally reached my destination. The road to breaking 3 hours in a marathon ended on a cold and very windy day in New York City. 

Get Your New York On!

Boston Marathon 2014 - Race Report

Runner. Marathoner. Boston qualifier. Boston finisher. 

After running the London Marathon last week, there was hardly any time to recover as I travelled to Boston to run the 118th edition of the Boston Marathon. The Boston Marathon is the ultimate achievement in the eyes of every marathoner because it's the world's oldest annual road race and the most prestigious marathon with a registration process based purely on merit.

The event that sealed the deal, Chicago Marathon, October 2012.

London Marathon 2014 - Race Report

My debut at the London Marathon over a year ago was a very humbling experience. I remember my legs completely dying on me at mile 16 (a feeling I've never experienced so quickly before), the dreadful thought that there were still 10 more miles to go, and that no matter how hard I tried I just couldn't shake the funk that fell upon me. I dreamed about running sub-3 hours and didn't get it, but that's the reason why dreams are big and they're hard to get.

At last year's London Marathon, passing the Roadrunners marshal point at mile 23. Not feeling great at all!

Tokyo Marathon 2014 - Race Report

When I entered the ballot for Tokyo, a place on the start line was the last thing on my mind. So, when I got confirmation that my ballot entry was actually successful, I found myself quickly needing to get ready for one more marathon. After all, I couldn’t refuse the opportunity to go to Tokyo!

The San-ai building at night, in the heart of the Ginza district, Tokyo.

End Of An Era

When living in NZ, I was a keen indoor cricketer and I wrote this on my work blog a week before arriving in the UK in 2008 (which was the inaugural year of the Indian Premier League (IPL)) to start a new life. 

Reading it through again today almost 6 years later, I couldn't believe I wrote this one so well! So, I posted it here. Based on true events, enjoy the humour in this, especially mentioning the serious issue of the "brain-drain" affecting NZ.