Too Young

It was with great sadness to hear of John (Crazy John) Ilhans sudden death earlier this week.

I never knew the guy, and never bought a phone of him, but I feel very sad that this 42 yo father, with a young family, is gone, never to return.

Life is so precious at times that it scares me. How does someone, a non-smoker, who seems reasonably fit and active, die from a heart attack while walking the dog?? At 42 it seems to be such a waste!

Now I have to admit that I haven't run anywhere for about four weeks. I have no excuses apart from laziness and I'm feeling mighty guilty about that. Oscar and I have done some long 6km/50 minute walks and occasional bike rides but it hasn't stopped the weight and lethargy creeping on.

Due to Crazy Johns untimely death I am now scared to start up strenuous, long distance running again. Even though I would recover my heart rate would always average around 190bpm on a long, 50 minute run.

For a 36 year old male this high heart rate going for over 50 minutes can't be good!!

I am the type who only goes to the Doctor if there is something wrong. Usually then I put a visit off, hoping that what ever ails me will get better. But I think for my own peace of mind, I should get the whole health check service before attempting a return to running.

I am no longer as young as I once was and I feel I do have weight, eating and health issues that have to be resolved.

While speaking of health issues it is timely to mention that I am participating in Movember again this year.

(Pardon me as I copy and paste).

During Movember (the month formerly known as November) I'll be growin a Mo. That's right I'm bringing the Mo back because I'm passionate about changing men's health and the fight against male depression and prostate cancer. Why...

Depression affects 1 in 6 men...Most don't seek help. Untreated depression is a leading risk factor for suicide.

Last year in Australia 18,700 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer and more than 2,900 died of prostate cancer - equivalent to the number of women who die from breast cancer annually.

Men are far less healthy than women. The average life expectancy of males is 5 years less than females.

To sponsor my Mo please go to

http://www.movember.com/au/donate, enter my registration number which is 65449 and your credit card details. Or you can sponsor me by cheque made payable to the "Movember Foundation" clearly marking the donation as being for my Registration Number: 65449. Please mail cheques to: PO Box 292, Prahran VIC 3181. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

The money raised by Movember is donated to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and beyondblue - the national depression initiative, which will use the funds to create awareness, fund research and increase support networks for those men who suffer from prostate cancer and male depression.

For those that have supported Movember in previous years you can be very proud of the impact it has had and can check out the detail at: Fundraising Outcomes.

Last year I raised over $300 with $160 proudly coming from people who read this blog.

I know I haven't been the most faithful blogger lately but for the month of Movember I promise to do my best with witty postings and more silly pics.

Remember all money raised goes towards a great cause.

Let the mo begin!

RACE REPORT PLEASE...

After I missed out on a half marathon entry for the Melbourne Marathon I settled for the 10km race.

But due to too much red wine the night before, the morning of the Melbourne Marathon I was a DNS (did not start).

This is the first event that I have paid for and missed and I am feeling pretty shit about it (especially as it was for such a self indulgent reason as drinking too much ).

Then again maybe this feeling of disappointment is the 'kick up the arse' I need. I have found the motivation for running and any exercise lately very lacking. Those rare times I have gotten out the door have been rewarding once done but such a struggle to get there.

I can't believe I have let myself go so much since last years Melbourne Marathon.

In an attempt to get back to where it all started, Oscar and I went for a 6km walk yesterday, and I have just returned from a 10km bike ride today.

I'm not feeling very good about my current weight and feel I am overdue for a bit of detox from the alcohol (three bottles of cab sav in 24 hours and I NEED detoxing).

I want to feel good about exercise again.

Maybe Spark Driver 3.0???