Last Saturday I had the unique opportunity of bringing Niamh's Dad down to Crosshaven with the kids! On a previous occasion we were discussing how big an event the Cork week had become and he happened to mention that he had never been to Crosshaven in his life. I couldn't believe my ears ...to have never gone down to Crosshaven...this was an alien concept to me!! This place has been part of the Daly family expedition for years "Where will we go...Sure Crosshaven is grand and near and of course they have the merries!!.." A spin down to crosshaven on a Sunday afternoon was a cherished event of the Summer holidays when we were growing up. We'd all hop into the old cortina and make the journey down! The journey to Crosshaven has changed dramatically over the years since I was a young boy. The roads to Crosshaven were winding, long and narrow, which always seemed to take forever! It was so long that we almost invariably stopped off at Carrigaline for Ice Cream ....maybe my mother had a secret addiction to Ice Cream that I didn't know about. In the 80's if you were to get an ice cream one always had to get a few extra empty cones to divide between the gang of us.....seat blets and seats covered in ice cream...screaming and shouting in the back seat...if you saw it happening now you would probably duck or hide !!!!!
When we did eventually get to Crosshaven, we always headed to the merries....we probably got 50 p each and that had to last us for the duration.....mind you this was pre-pre celtic tiger so 50 p lasted a long time in those pre Euro days!!! We were left run around the merries for an hour or 2 and eventually we'd head off on another spin up to Myrteville or Fountainstown, anything to fill up the long day that was in it!!
When your younger like that you don't stop and think of the beauty of a place ...the way the sun shimmers on the water towards the end of a day.....the smell of the ocean as the tide rises, with the beauty of the boats and yachts on the water. Crosshaven has come a long way since I was a boy, what with all the extra infrastructure in place to take the growing population....crucial elements for a growing village...the stuff that helps people have a better quality of life!!!
But some elements that were there when I was a boy are still to be found....those little landmarks that I'll always remember in my minds eye.....the little things that make 'Crosser' a special place in my memories. And walking with my father-in-law through the little village of Crosshaven with my children reminded me of what a beautiful place it truly is.....only 15 minutes from Cork city!! Admittedly, there has been a lot of new houses built since the early 80s but the village still holds onto the charming quaintness that it always had....not an easy thing to do sometimes!! There must be an inherent love of the place amongst the locals and you can see that in the way people maintain their gardens and houses as you stroll out the little walk towards the boatyards and on through the little cul de sac that houses some of the most beautiful structures that I have seen in a long time....Can you imagine looking out from a view like that every day!!
All I can say is that my Father-in-law was very much impressed by the whole place, especially the newly built walkway from Carrigaline to Crosshaven with its wonderful array of flowers and fauna in some sections.... a truly great asset to the city of Cork. Lets hope that respect will continue throughout this century and on into the next!!!!!
It must be amazing for some people arriving in to the port of Cork to come across such an oasis....as they slowly drift into Crosshaven to find to their delight the untold beauty of the place .....drifting up the river to their mooring ....settling down in the calm waters....at peace after a long journey!!!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Stepping it Up
Last Saturday morning was my first time doing that loop that I mentioned....4.9 miles long... and I'd like to think that it was alright!! I set out at 8:10am and got back for 9:00am.....well pleased I was with this result....a consistent 10 minutes per mile!!!
There was a bit of anticipation on my part due to the big hill in the first few minutes of the run but once I had conquered that I was comfortable enough after that. The other hills were only baby ones compared to the first one!! My fear was for nothing! I didn't think I would make such a good time on this run....my initial estimate being between 54-57 minutes but 50 minutes was outstanding in my books!!!!!
What made the run enjoyable was the fact that this was practically all new territory for me....I've never run this stretrch before...I did walk it once but it's different when you run ....just to be able to get a feel for the different parts of the route. And the best thing about the whole experience is, at that time of the morning there wasn't a soul out and about. The return part of the journey came from a different direction....there's nothing worse in my books than going over old ground....it's all about novelty in my books....or maybe I'm just nosey!!
For future runs I have a few routes planned out in my head, all I have to do is measure them in my car to get the exact distance!! I find that this helps me gauge the run...makes it easier to tackle the run when you know what your'e up against....again maybe its a sense of achievement!!!! My area is a country area with small boirins and very little traffic. The only thing you might come across is a tractor or a harvester. These little roads sometimes go on for ever but they always seem to loop back on each other...perfect for a novice runner like myself!! Plus the fact that its a pretty scenic area with lovely rolling fields that have views across the whole countryside. You can see as far as the Ballyhoura Mountains...great inspiration for walking or running...and its quiet!!
Saying that though, sometimes the roads can be slightly rough....the city has some advantages over the country in that regard. My next stretch in the city should take in the Lee Road area down to the distillery near the Mercy hospital ....nice flat runs to build up the mileage!!! This is truly a beautiful part of the city that too few people have seen ....a natural oasis of water with a history to boot! It's great to see the city council redeveloping all thes areas for the public to enjoy...areas in Cork that you couldn't access up until a few years ago!!! A real bonus for runners like myself...especially novice ones!!!
There was a bit of anticipation on my part due to the big hill in the first few minutes of the run but once I had conquered that I was comfortable enough after that. The other hills were only baby ones compared to the first one!! My fear was for nothing! I didn't think I would make such a good time on this run....my initial estimate being between 54-57 minutes but 50 minutes was outstanding in my books!!!!!
What made the run enjoyable was the fact that this was practically all new territory for me....I've never run this stretrch before...I did walk it once but it's different when you run ....just to be able to get a feel for the different parts of the route. And the best thing about the whole experience is, at that time of the morning there wasn't a soul out and about. The return part of the journey came from a different direction....there's nothing worse in my books than going over old ground....it's all about novelty in my books....or maybe I'm just nosey!!
For future runs I have a few routes planned out in my head, all I have to do is measure them in my car to get the exact distance!! I find that this helps me gauge the run...makes it easier to tackle the run when you know what your'e up against....again maybe its a sense of achievement!!!! My area is a country area with small boirins and very little traffic. The only thing you might come across is a tractor or a harvester. These little roads sometimes go on for ever but they always seem to loop back on each other...perfect for a novice runner like myself!! Plus the fact that its a pretty scenic area with lovely rolling fields that have views across the whole countryside. You can see as far as the Ballyhoura Mountains...great inspiration for walking or running...and its quiet!!
Saying that though, sometimes the roads can be slightly rough....the city has some advantages over the country in that regard. My next stretch in the city should take in the Lee Road area down to the distillery near the Mercy hospital ....nice flat runs to build up the mileage!!! This is truly a beautiful part of the city that too few people have seen ....a natural oasis of water with a history to boot! It's great to see the city council redeveloping all thes areas for the public to enjoy...areas in Cork that you couldn't access up until a few years ago!!! A real bonus for runners like myself...especially novice ones!!!
Return to the GAA grounds
Last night I intended to run my usual 3 miler to Newtwopothouse and back, but as I returned from work around 8:30 pm I noticed that it wasn't as bright as it normally is.....and traffic was a bit heavy because there was some kind of do on in the Hazeltree Inn! This could prove to be dangerous if oncoming traffic did not see you in time......you could end up in serious trouble with the tarmac!!
So I decided to take a trip out to the GAA grounds...they have a walkway that is 1 mile in circumference so it is a hndy run especially when its getting dark!! So I set out at a handy pace with my new climalite top that I purchased on Saturday in Lifestyle sport....light as a feather the thing is...a definite bonus for running in the heat!! Because the track is flat my pace was quicker than if I was on the road...this enabled me to do 4 laps in all...one lap more than I intended!!! The best thing about it is that I didn't feel the need to stop throughout the run, so this really inspired me.....I am on the way to major success...I can feel it in my bones!!
So I decided to take a trip out to the GAA grounds...they have a walkway that is 1 mile in circumference so it is a hndy run especially when its getting dark!! So I set out at a handy pace with my new climalite top that I purchased on Saturday in Lifestyle sport....light as a feather the thing is...a definite bonus for running in the heat!! Because the track is flat my pace was quicker than if I was on the road...this enabled me to do 4 laps in all...one lap more than I intended!!! The best thing about it is that I didn't feel the need to stop throughout the run, so this really inspired me.....I am on the way to major success...I can feel it in my bones!!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Radiohead
As I was driving home one night with the mist flitting across my windscreen I happened to tune into Red FM and lo & behold weren’t they playing a HERO'S hour, the album of choice being Radiohead's "The Bend's" from the early nineties! This may have no significance to you my dear but to me .........well lets just say the memories came flooding back of a more innocent time when pints were cheap and facial skin was tighter!!! As I listened intuitively, the music acted as a virtual soundtrack to my life as a young man heading out on a Saturday night for the first few times. We all remember what it was like....the first time you go out socially....it's a big event....what to wear, what's my hair like, do I smell alright, do I have enough money, I wonder will I get lucky tonight???
As time passes these trivialities fade and we seem to take thing's a little for granted! But at the time these were serious issues for whatever weekend you were planning.......I wonder is it still like that for the youth of today? Do you have a certain song/album that would trigger a flood of memories of the past??
God that album was good though, every song a classic, not too long, contemplative song's, rockin' song's, all you could want in an album....I think Fergal lost it on me...have it on mp3 but it's not the same ....you have to hold it in you hand's ...get a feel for the music!!!
Saying that though, there are loads of albums that would bring back memories of yore but this is definitely top 5 stuff!!!!
One of these day's I'll do you a top ten of my all time favourite tune's.....
Yours in retro
Paudie
As time passes these trivialities fade and we seem to take thing's a little for granted! But at the time these were serious issues for whatever weekend you were planning.......I wonder is it still like that for the youth of today? Do you have a certain song/album that would trigger a flood of memories of the past??
God that album was good though, every song a classic, not too long, contemplative song's, rockin' song's, all you could want in an album....I think Fergal lost it on me...have it on mp3 but it's not the same ....you have to hold it in you hand's ...get a feel for the music!!!
Saying that though, there are loads of albums that would bring back memories of yore but this is definitely top 5 stuff!!!!
One of these day's I'll do you a top ten of my all time favourite tune's.....
Yours in retro
Paudie
Marquee Gigs
Marquee Gigs
There have been a lot of gigs in Cork over the years, some good, some bad!!! I've probably been to most of the bad ones but it's because of the Marquee midsummers festival that has been a staple for the last 3 or 4 years that the gig's have really stepped up!! Up until a few years ago the only big gigs were the ones where you had to travel to Dublin if you really wanted to see a decent band!! Now these events are on our doorstep and maybe, because of this starvation of big events over the years, when they do happen, the Cork people really do appreciate the significance of whats happening!! The younger people in the crowd take these gigs for granted....it's what they have grown accustomed to.....it's what they deserve, I suppose !!! However a lot of the people going to the gigs in the Marquee were over 30 ...the kinda crowd who had nothing in Cork for years...their favourite bands opting for the Pale in favour of Cork... Cork was a no-go area for most bands....any bands that did come to Cork in the 90s came because they wanted to sell albums...a lot of big bands did come though to give them there dues!!
One of the best gigs in my time to grace the Cork stage was "Manic Street Preachers" in the grand parade in the early 90s. This was a seminal gig for me ......a real live rock band playing right in our midst!! They really knew how to rock a crowd into a frenzy....a great live band at the height of their fame!!
There were a lot of gigs over the years ....small ones that only a few hardened few might turn up to see.....it always amazed me to see such a good band play to sometimes pitiful crowds...where was everybody?...how could they miss such a great band? Small bands starting off on their tour around Ireland landing on Cork turf on a thursday night playing their hearts out to 10 or 20 people.....breaks your heart to see it....
Then a few weeks later there would be a massive turn out for the likes of 'Tom Robinson' who did a comeback tour....playing Nancy Spains to a capacity crowd!! Boggleds the brain!! The people were there for the gigs alright but they just didn't turn up....opting for the bigger names ...not bothering to show their faces at the smaller gigs!!
So why are there such big crowds at the Marquee gigs?.....the small crowd from Cork is supplemented by the Dublin crowd...a lot of Dubliners travelled down to Cork for these gigs!!! "The Point" may be good but the Marquee is 10 times better for atmosphere....the sound may be shite but who cares!!!! Whoever graces the stage seems to play better...it's a unique place to do a gig. .....5000 people in a circus tent.....unusual to say the least......they get sucked into the whole sense of occasion ....they can feel the crowds anticipation from the side of the stage...they can't wait to get up there and play to an appreciative crowd!!!
I saw this when 'Paul Weller' strode on stage with his band....he was up for it from the get go.....that first rockin tune to the very last .....he gave his all for the crowd..!!! This is a fella who's been gigging for over 30 years and he still gets up on stage every night playing as if this is his last gig!!!!! What a performer....consistent to the very last .....familiar songs mixed with the new ....all sounding fantastic!!!
Morrisey and Massive Attack were good .....I enjoyed them immensely.....but Weller just proved to me that here was a guy who really gave his all......smiling at certain points throughout the gig....enjoying himself just as much as the crowd were!!! He enjoyed that gig.....the crowd were in the palm of his hand!!!! He could have easily crushed us but instead he chose to lift up with a sensational gig!!!!
It's not often you get a buzz like that from a gig but when it comes it makes all those thursday nights listening to shit bands in Nancy's & De Burca's worthwhile....those carefree student days when we didn't have a care in the world!!
It's all such hard work ....looking forward to next years lineup!!!!
There have been a lot of gigs in Cork over the years, some good, some bad!!! I've probably been to most of the bad ones but it's because of the Marquee midsummers festival that has been a staple for the last 3 or 4 years that the gig's have really stepped up!! Up until a few years ago the only big gigs were the ones where you had to travel to Dublin if you really wanted to see a decent band!! Now these events are on our doorstep and maybe, because of this starvation of big events over the years, when they do happen, the Cork people really do appreciate the significance of whats happening!! The younger people in the crowd take these gigs for granted....it's what they have grown accustomed to.....it's what they deserve, I suppose !!! However a lot of the people going to the gigs in the Marquee were over 30 ...the kinda crowd who had nothing in Cork for years...their favourite bands opting for the Pale in favour of Cork... Cork was a no-go area for most bands....any bands that did come to Cork in the 90s came because they wanted to sell albums...a lot of big bands did come though to give them there dues!!
One of the best gigs in my time to grace the Cork stage was "Manic Street Preachers" in the grand parade in the early 90s. This was a seminal gig for me ......a real live rock band playing right in our midst!! They really knew how to rock a crowd into a frenzy....a great live band at the height of their fame!!
There were a lot of gigs over the years ....small ones that only a few hardened few might turn up to see.....it always amazed me to see such a good band play to sometimes pitiful crowds...where was everybody?...how could they miss such a great band? Small bands starting off on their tour around Ireland landing on Cork turf on a thursday night playing their hearts out to 10 or 20 people.....breaks your heart to see it....
Then a few weeks later there would be a massive turn out for the likes of 'Tom Robinson' who did a comeback tour....playing Nancy Spains to a capacity crowd!! Boggleds the brain!! The people were there for the gigs alright but they just didn't turn up....opting for the bigger names ...not bothering to show their faces at the smaller gigs!!
So why are there such big crowds at the Marquee gigs?.....the small crowd from Cork is supplemented by the Dublin crowd...a lot of Dubliners travelled down to Cork for these gigs!!! "The Point" may be good but the Marquee is 10 times better for atmosphere....the sound may be shite but who cares!!!! Whoever graces the stage seems to play better...it's a unique place to do a gig. .....5000 people in a circus tent.....unusual to say the least......they get sucked into the whole sense of occasion ....they can feel the crowds anticipation from the side of the stage...they can't wait to get up there and play to an appreciative crowd!!!
I saw this when 'Paul Weller' strode on stage with his band....he was up for it from the get go.....that first rockin tune to the very last .....he gave his all for the crowd..!!! This is a fella who's been gigging for over 30 years and he still gets up on stage every night playing as if this is his last gig!!!!! What a performer....consistent to the very last .....familiar songs mixed with the new ....all sounding fantastic!!!
Morrisey and Massive Attack were good .....I enjoyed them immensely.....but Weller just proved to me that here was a guy who really gave his all......smiling at certain points throughout the gig....enjoying himself just as much as the crowd were!!! He enjoyed that gig.....the crowd were in the palm of his hand!!!! He could have easily crushed us but instead he chose to lift up with a sensational gig!!!!
It's not often you get a buzz like that from a gig but when it comes it makes all those thursday nights listening to shit bands in Nancy's & De Burca's worthwhile....those carefree student days when we didn't have a care in the world!!
It's all such hard work ....looking forward to next years lineup!!!!
Training Days
Running gets easier the more you do it! I have definitely increased my fitness levels over the last few weeks but the only thing that keeps me from going forward is the drink. I was doing so well until lately, what with the holidays and all the time off. It is nice to have an auld can now and again. But you definitely feel the effects of the drink on your training over time!! I have to reduce my alcohol intake over the next couple of weeks. I did go off it for over 3 months so that did help me on the road to fitness!
Over the weekend I think I've run at least 10 miles....We stayed with Aine over the weekend so that gave me the opportunity to go running Friday evening. I ran from Rostellan to Whitegate and back...I think it's a 5.5 mile round trip maybe.....tough but good....flat all the way so it was an easy run overall.....I completed that in around 56 minutes which wasn't too bad....
On Sunday I ran from Aines down the hill to Saleen church doing what they call the loop....a few long hills ....difficult run it was ....took a lot of effort but worth it for the hills....strenghtens the legs you see!! This route brings you back the road that Tom drives to the "Ferry".....I think its about 4ish miles.....so roughly about 10ish miles in 3 days....not a bother!!!
It's actually a great stress buster....not that I get stressed out or anything but it makes me feel invigourated....a sense of achievement you might say! So my goal for the next few weeks is to gradually increase the amount of milage I am doing.....not kill myself....real slow now...tip away at it like! I have to be able to run 10 miles without collapsing at the end of it like... I know its possible to do but I would like also to be able to do it in a good time.... between 1hr 15mins and 1hr 30 mins........with a long term goal of achieving 10 miles in 1 hour.....now that would be good...real good!!??
I have given myself the challenge of beating the 3 brothers in the Ballycotton 10, so there is plenty of time to do this! I'd love if you could see me finishing th race with the lads slowly trailing after me!!!! I dont think it's that much of a challenge ....even if I get a reasonable time I would be quite proud of myself. And the best thing about is that Niamh is leaving me off to do my runs in the evening....practically encouraging me...maybe she has a fancy man!!! She doesn't verbally encourage me as you and I know she would never do...not her style....but there is that little hint in the eyes that she approves of what I am doing......maybe silently she gives a little yelp of joy every time I go out the door.....glad to see the back of me for even a short period!!
Hopefully over the the next couple of months I should acquire the necessary gear to achieve my goals .....Say a little prayer for me every week just to give me the extra strength needed........Next year I will definitely consider doing the Cork City Marathoner...you may laugh ....watch this space or check it out on my blog www.returnofabsentfriends.blogspot.com . I'll try to log my training schedule to keep you up to date!!! I know deep down you care about my training plans for the future.
Over the weekend I think I've run at least 10 miles....We stayed with Aine over the weekend so that gave me the opportunity to go running Friday evening. I ran from Rostellan to Whitegate and back...I think it's a 5.5 mile round trip maybe.....tough but good....flat all the way so it was an easy run overall.....I completed that in around 56 minutes which wasn't too bad....
On Sunday I ran from Aines down the hill to Saleen church doing what they call the loop....a few long hills ....difficult run it was ....took a lot of effort but worth it for the hills....strenghtens the legs you see!! This route brings you back the road that Tom drives to the "Ferry".....I think its about 4ish miles.....so roughly about 10ish miles in 3 days....not a bother!!!
It's actually a great stress buster....not that I get stressed out or anything but it makes me feel invigourated....a sense of achievement you might say! So my goal for the next few weeks is to gradually increase the amount of milage I am doing.....not kill myself....real slow now...tip away at it like! I have to be able to run 10 miles without collapsing at the end of it like... I know its possible to do but I would like also to be able to do it in a good time.... between 1hr 15mins and 1hr 30 mins........with a long term goal of achieving 10 miles in 1 hour.....now that would be good...real good!!??
I have given myself the challenge of beating the 3 brothers in the Ballycotton 10, so there is plenty of time to do this! I'd love if you could see me finishing th race with the lads slowly trailing after me!!!! I dont think it's that much of a challenge ....even if I get a reasonable time I would be quite proud of myself. And the best thing about is that Niamh is leaving me off to do my runs in the evening....practically encouraging me...maybe she has a fancy man!!! She doesn't verbally encourage me as you and I know she would never do...not her style....but there is that little hint in the eyes that she approves of what I am doing......maybe silently she gives a little yelp of joy every time I go out the door.....glad to see the back of me for even a short period!!
Hopefully over the the next couple of months I should acquire the necessary gear to achieve my goals .....Say a little prayer for me every week just to give me the extra strength needed........Next year I will definitely consider doing the Cork City Marathoner...you may laugh ....watch this space or check it out on my blog www.returnofabsentfriends.blogspot.com . I'll try to log my training schedule to keep you up to date!!! I know deep down you care about my training plans for the future.
Cork Greetings
That famous familiar greeting on the streets and lanes of Cork City....the one that can apply to any moment in time, the one that saves you from remembering that persons name that you are saluting....a salutation that brings the smallest of smiles on the lips of the receiver...something to jog the memory of people from your past who may have used the same expression. These are those Corkonian expressions that will always remain timeless, yet remind us of a time gone by....days when life was simpler!!
"Get up outta that!!"; "Dowtcha Kid"; These are expressions that can only be learned on the streets, by carefully listening to the friendly banter between passing acquantances, usually shouted across the street from a man walking to some place so important that he cannot stop to chat!!!
The perfect street to learn all these colloquisms is the "North Main Street", the heart of Cork for centuries, a place that has had many changes over the years!!!
Next time your strolling through the streets of Cork at your leisure keep an ear out for some strange expression you might not have heard before! It might amaze you in some way to find a new language that has been lurking on the streets for years!!
"Get up outta that!!"; "Dowtcha Kid"; These are expressions that can only be learned on the streets, by carefully listening to the friendly banter between passing acquantances, usually shouted across the street from a man walking to some place so important that he cannot stop to chat!!!
The perfect street to learn all these colloquisms is the "North Main Street", the heart of Cork for centuries, a place that has had many changes over the years!!!
Next time your strolling through the streets of Cork at your leisure keep an ear out for some strange expression you might not have heard before! It might amaze you in some way to find a new language that has been lurking on the streets for years!!
Me & the Road
For years I was one of those people who never excercised for pleasure! I did absolutely nothing...nada...not a blip.....not even in school! I think once Mr. Philpott gave me a go at training for the school football team but after the first training session that was the end of me!!!
I just never bothered with that kind of thing. I always hated team sports growing up....never followed any soccer teams like the other kids in school. I always hated their stupid fanaticism with soccer....drove me crazy it did ...that taunting of rival fans in the classroom on a monday morning...WHY? Just didn't float my boat...there were other fellas like me who disliked this kind of fanatic behaviour...so they ususally were the ones I hung out with!! I was never encouraged to do sports as a kid....not that I was awkward or anything like that ....sports just never entered into my world!!
I could have been a great sportsman if I was given that chance...encouraged to achieve....shown what it could be like to be the best at something...no, it never happened in my house...Jack never bothered with sport in our house ...it was up to us!!! Maybe he probably knew it didn't excite me...saw my reaction as a young child to this stupid game.....maybe he knew my limitations in that regard!!
But one thing that never, ever, ever was encouraged throughout my time at school was athletics....not a sausage!! It was usually the GAA fellas who were chosen for these events!! To think that now I have this insane drive in me to run is amazing...It's like a drug...maybe it comes as a suprise but its like I've discovered a whole new way of life!!
It all seemed to take off when I discovered that my brothers actually were decent enough runners at the Ballycotton 10 mile race in April 2008...Since then I've been on a mission to get up to speed with them and if at all possible surpass their efforts!! Hopefully by April 2009 in Ballycotton I will not be afraid to step up and be counted!! Hopefully I will be just as good as my brothers and maybe do well in the process!!
Apart from all that, running makes you feel good ...it makes want to get out in the open...go to places you wouldn't normally go....last week I went running by the river Lee in places I hadn't been in years!! Before running came along I was lost...I had no hobbies of worth really. I never thought that running would be one of my hobbies in life. And it might just save my life. This is something that I will hopefully be doing till the day I die...God willing!! .....................Who would have thought that at 35 years of age I would be jogging up to 6 miles with a view to doing 10 miles in the next 2 months!! Life IS full of suprises!!
I'm suprised because I never contemplated doing anything like this before....it must come with age....definitely an older coming of age kind of thing....Now, if I see other people running on the road I want to be there with them....I'm jealous...especially if I haven't run for awhile! I seem to notice more people running on the roads....maybe these people were always there plodding away but I never noticed them until now ...weird I know...it's as if I'm Alice looking through the looking glass for the first time.....Chritopher Columbus on that famous voyage of discovery.....Hillary on the highest peak....."here comes Daly around the long corner...I'd know that style of running anywhere...he's left the main pack well behind...not long to go in this 2010 New York City Marathon...he looks so comfortable even at this stageand what a time......this man is a champion in the making.........!!!!!"
Maybe????
I just never bothered with that kind of thing. I always hated team sports growing up....never followed any soccer teams like the other kids in school. I always hated their stupid fanaticism with soccer....drove me crazy it did ...that taunting of rival fans in the classroom on a monday morning...WHY? Just didn't float my boat...there were other fellas like me who disliked this kind of fanatic behaviour...so they ususally were the ones I hung out with!! I was never encouraged to do sports as a kid....not that I was awkward or anything like that ....sports just never entered into my world!!
I could have been a great sportsman if I was given that chance...encouraged to achieve....shown what it could be like to be the best at something...no, it never happened in my house...Jack never bothered with sport in our house ...it was up to us!!! Maybe he probably knew it didn't excite me...saw my reaction as a young child to this stupid game.....maybe he knew my limitations in that regard!!
But one thing that never, ever, ever was encouraged throughout my time at school was athletics....not a sausage!! It was usually the GAA fellas who were chosen for these events!! To think that now I have this insane drive in me to run is amazing...It's like a drug...maybe it comes as a suprise but its like I've discovered a whole new way of life!!
It all seemed to take off when I discovered that my brothers actually were decent enough runners at the Ballycotton 10 mile race in April 2008...Since then I've been on a mission to get up to speed with them and if at all possible surpass their efforts!! Hopefully by April 2009 in Ballycotton I will not be afraid to step up and be counted!! Hopefully I will be just as good as my brothers and maybe do well in the process!!
Apart from all that, running makes you feel good ...it makes want to get out in the open...go to places you wouldn't normally go....last week I went running by the river Lee in places I hadn't been in years!! Before running came along I was lost...I had no hobbies of worth really. I never thought that running would be one of my hobbies in life. And it might just save my life. This is something that I will hopefully be doing till the day I die...God willing!! .....................Who would have thought that at 35 years of age I would be jogging up to 6 miles with a view to doing 10 miles in the next 2 months!! Life IS full of suprises!!
I'm suprised because I never contemplated doing anything like this before....it must come with age....definitely an older coming of age kind of thing....Now, if I see other people running on the road I want to be there with them....I'm jealous...especially if I haven't run for awhile! I seem to notice more people running on the roads....maybe these people were always there plodding away but I never noticed them until now ...weird I know...it's as if I'm Alice looking through the looking glass for the first time.....Chritopher Columbus on that famous voyage of discovery.....Hillary on the highest peak....."here comes Daly around the long corner...I'd know that style of running anywhere...he's left the main pack well behind...not long to go in this 2010 New York City Marathon...he looks so comfortable even at this stageand what a time......this man is a champion in the making.........!!!!!"
Maybe????
Monday, July 14, 2008
Time Machine through Time?
Today I have returned to my place of work to find that the job is going to the dogs...woof, woof!!
Manufacturing as we know it is changing fast in Ireland. What's it changing into I hear you say....the invisible man my friends ...never to be seen again.
Ireland is in a terrible state of flux at the moment in relation to the its economic decline. Historians will dedicate great volumes of work to this period in Irelands history. A great change is a comin' and it aint' really that good. I sometimes get broody about what my future will be in the short term...will I still have a job this time next year? The future is uncertain and I am not a fortune teller!! It's up to my inbuilt instinct to figure out the next steps to take in this life I have been given.....not only mine but for my wife & kids. So often throughout my life these decisions were easily made for me by circumstance or just pure ignorance!! But now as I grow older, one definitely needs a sense of what the future will bring...what is to become of Irelands future?? No longer can I depend on the carefree attitude that may have been so prevailent in my youth.....
All I can say is please bare with on my path through this life I lead and hopefully you will be suprised and challenged in the journey ahead!!!
Manufacturing as we know it is changing fast in Ireland. What's it changing into I hear you say....the invisible man my friends ...never to be seen again.
Ireland is in a terrible state of flux at the moment in relation to the its economic decline. Historians will dedicate great volumes of work to this period in Irelands history. A great change is a comin' and it aint' really that good. I sometimes get broody about what my future will be in the short term...will I still have a job this time next year? The future is uncertain and I am not a fortune teller!! It's up to my inbuilt instinct to figure out the next steps to take in this life I have been given.....not only mine but for my wife & kids. So often throughout my life these decisions were easily made for me by circumstance or just pure ignorance!! But now as I grow older, one definitely needs a sense of what the future will bring...what is to become of Irelands future?? No longer can I depend on the carefree attitude that may have been so prevailent in my youth.....
All I can say is please bare with on my path through this life I lead and hopefully you will be suprised and challenged in the journey ahead!!!
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