A Crazy Weekend

Yeah, I know it's not Sunday but it's worth sharing thoughts from this past weekend. Hope you enjoy this one!

Running Over 100km

It happened.

North Queensferry to Modrington on the border.

103km or 64 miles in old money.

For me, it still hasn't sunk in the distance covered. There were many tough moments to get through. From fighting being sick for 9km of the last 14km on the first day to waking up every few hours during the night.

I'll never forget the moment when I looked at my watch knowing I had reached 100km. Getting emotional was funny because there was still 3 km to run to the English border.

To think my running journey started with being terrified to run 10km to 10x that distance in 2.5 years still baffles me. It doesn't mean it's any easier. Ultra-endurance brings its own set of difficulties which I'll get into when I break this down further. For now, let's just say you're in your head for a long time and it hurts - a lot.

Speaking of which, my legs were in bits after 2 days which makes me wonder how Kieran was feeling after 10 days of 50km per day!

What makes me grateful, is the ability to do these sorts of challenges because I know so many can't, while many will find inspiration in it too.

Also for anyone interested, all the stats from each run are on my Strava.

One of the most incredible parts of this was running on roads through stunning scenery that hardly anyone was visiting.

The southeast of Scotland isn't where I usually picture hills and valleys however it truly is a beautiful part of the country.

The streams, lochs and rolling hills make it so.

It takes your mind away from the daunting task of running 50km and brings you right into the moment, appreciating the beauty of the land in front of you.

Am I A Baker?

When I was young, I loved baking cakes. It didn't matter what kind it was, cupcakes with pre-made cake mix or a homemade recipe, I always found myself waiting in anticipation for the finished product to come out of the oven.

Maybe it was the idea of having created something myself and with others that I found special. The memories of baking are engrained fondly in my mind.

As I have gotten older, it's something I've rarely done, purely because there hasn't been the need. However, in preparation for running over 100km this past weekend, I made a banana loaf.

cArBs bRo.

The recipe was simple enough and within no time it was baking away in the oven. I got compliments from Aimee on the smell as our kitchen did have an incredible smell to it.

While it baked away, I licked the remnants of the mix from the mixing bowl because who doesn't?

This whole process reminded me how important is it to do these sorts of activities for nothing other than the fun of it.

You can optimise your life for productivity, optimal living or for the pursuit of an outcome but if you don't stop to have fun along the way, you won't feel the satisfaction of reaching it.

What To Expect On From Self-Discovery

There's a YouTuber I've watched for quite some time now called Nathaniel Drew, who's a similar age to myself going through his own journey of life.

In his most recent video, his mum said what I've been thinking for a while:

in this mode of always self-exploration, the only thing you can predict is the unpredictability.

The uncertainty of what lies ahead of you can be scary. If the path was known would you choose to take it, despite the possibility of discovering your greater self?

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Speak soon!