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.

The Top Ten of 2013 Part 2

The conclusion of my top ten of the Year of the Snake. Without further ado, I'll continue the countdown at number 5.

5: Pacing Duty and the Reading Half Marathon

Throughout the year, and I hope for many years to come, I've found myself assisting a lot of runners wanting to meet a particular goal when it comes to running and racing, whether it's a certain time or a big personal best. From parkrun, to the longer 10k and the more challenging half marathon. And I'm glad to say that almost all the runners I've helped have met their targets. But, in reality there's nothing special about my help; all that's needed is a runner who has trained hard and who is willing to respond under challenging situations quickly and decisively. And also, me being able to run that goal time without too much trouble on my part!

It's also redefined my definition of success. Success isn't always a podium finish, or a big contract, or a massive marathon PB; it's also being faithful with your gifts and finding a way to use them to serve others.

The Top Ten of 2013 Part 1

Out of all animals in the animal kingdom, the snake is right up there in my least favourite animals section. I am scared of snakes as much as other people are afraid of spiders. So, it's not a surprise that 2013, the Year of the Snake, turned out to be a very mixed year for me.

Last year, the Year of the Dragon, was a dream year as I flamed into life with big moves, assurance, passion and extreme ambitions..... and winning! But, flying high ultimately leads to come down and I spent most of this year crawling slowly on the ground, trying not to be swallowed up by the cracks.

2013 - the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac.

London Marathon 2013 - Race Report

Have you ever wanted something so badly, but you didn't get it? Well, that was how I felt about the London Marathon. After last year's dream period of running, it was time that I needed to be brought back down to earth. On a warm day, in the world's greatest city, I ran 3:39:18, a far cry from my 3:03:10 PB in Chicago only 6 months ago.

Don't get me wrong - I'm very grateful that I ran the London Marathon. I've dreamt about this moment for a very long time now - from those multiple entries in the public ballot where I didn't get chosen, to finally achieving a Good For Age time in early 2012, so I'm extremely happy to have fulfilled a major running goal of mine. But I also dreamt of that sub-3 hour marathon time and it didn't happen for me..... but that's the reason why dreams are big and they're hard to get.