Marathons 13, 14 and 15 and Movember!!!!!

So, the last few days it has been fairly surreal – Radio interviews, News interviews/ stories, people asking me “if I’m Will”, people shouting “Run Forrest run” and “Good on ya, Bro!”, had stop-and-chats, had people ask me running Q’s like I’d know the answers. New experiences, but a hectic and thoroughly enjoyable twist of events.

Another new experience has been, despite the Forrest Gump comparisons is shaving off the beard. I LOVE MY BEARD. IT WILL BE BACK! But, as you’ll know – we’re coming in to November and it’s time to do good in the cause of Prostate cancer with MOVEMBER. I have a moustache pending – so will I be going to the thin Craig David? the Poirot pencil? The Tom Selleck? Curly Frenchman?? Who knows?? (suggestions welcome).

THE MARATHONS

Knowing a few people have recognised me (this won’t happen again past Tuesday, at the latest) I’ve focused better and I have ironic taken is slower. I’ve reduced the degrees of freedom in my technique and made sure my muscles have relaxed a little more around my hips.

I came home yesterday from number 14 and the wife said ‘It looked like I’d only walked around the block’. It was the same today. And that what it felt like. I’m getting better and feeling more and more comfortable.

The times for Marathons 13, 14 and 15 have been 3:37, 3:33 and 3:31

A cyclist asked me questions yesterday alongside me and asked my times and when I said what I’d averaged he was shocked. But honestly, you can get up good speed whilst being extra- conservative. A good time doesn’t necessarily mean you’re working harder.

One thing of note: For a change I've run more in the City as opposed to by the River the past few days and I've much preferred the added stimuli

Are there Superhumans and can Lactate levels be reduced during exercise?

I have attached the episode of “Superhuman” – a show created by Stan Lee in an attempt to find genuine superhumans.

Is Dean Karnazes a superhuman? A simple answer, “No”. He’s an incredible athlete – but not one of the fastest. For sure, he hones an incredible talent to go long distances but, I believe this is something Dean has worked for.

The one point within the video that suggests otherwise are the Blood Lactate Tests.

As you know (most people) Lactic acid (inducing these lactate levels) is to put it simply, ‘when sugars are broken down to create energy in the absence of Oxygen, the by-product lactic acid is formed!’

I can comprehend Lactate levels staying low, for sure, with perfect Biochemicals but, lactate levels lowering – that is a crazy find.

So can be run so efficiently that lactate levels are reduced or, Is Dean a Superhuman? Watch the video and do your research and comment with your thoughts or, if you’re going running try and focus on your running style to see if you can prevent the onset of Lactic Acid production and working hard to improve (maximise) your threshold

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTaLxY6iulQ

The New York Marathon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0gxOH2OTn0&feature=watch-vrec

http://skinnyrunner.com/2010/11/11/nyc-marathon-race-review/

I have attached both a video and a review of the NY Marathon from the perspective of a runner.

I have an obsession with the US, and I hope to live there for the majority of my years. There has always been something magical, too about the thought of NY and the NY Marathon.

Running past the idyllic and Iconic landmarks within each of the 5 boroughs, more commonly seen in a JAY Z Video or an Episode of Gossip Girl would be surreal and I don’t think I would get over the thoughts of crossing the Brooklyn Bridge with 45,000 other runners but, with that being said – I’m sure it would be insane. I guess it’s hard to enjoy the track with the human traffic spills but the energetic felt, with 2 Million spectators would certainly keep the festive-sense alive.

I would love to complete the NY Marathon for sure – but, I know it would be great for the reason of soaking up the City and the atmosphere as opposed to enjoying the course/ run itself.

Gaining acceptance to the run can be difficult an often, the best way of partaking is entering the event through a Non-profit Organisation, such as the Heart Foundation (see below):

http://www.heartfoundation.org.au/support-us/Whats-On/Pages/ing-new-york-city-marathon.aspx

An incredible transformation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ja9BFx5Mhqo&feature=related

This champ shows that with the right level of effort and dedication, the greatest transformations can be achieved. It’s a rather dramatic and inspiring video.

Nick Vujicic

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOzsjEmjjHs&feature=related

NO ARMS, NO LEGS, NO WORRIES!!!!!!!!!

Nick Vujicic is a legend. Both Zo and I believe everything happens for a reason. Nick personifies this philosophy.

The things he can do despite his disabilities are incredible. True legend!

So, Here's the appearance on the Channel Nine News!

http://video.au.msn.com/watch/video/brisbane-s-wragg-running-for-a-cause/x91wooz?from=sharepermalink%252cdest_en-au&src=v5%253ashare%253asharepermalink%253a

I’m truly thankful to the guys at Channel 9 for helping to spread the word about the Youngcare Cause. The experience was incredible and Phil  and Cameraman Tom were very Interesting guys – highly appropriate for the story.

Despite my singing, which can only be describe as dismal – everything else about the video is great and really hope it helps with the cause in the coming weeks. Thanks to everyone that helped make it happen

Marathon 12/ Day 12

So, I’ll start with work. I’m sat at my desk and it’s 10:15 am – I receive a call – ‘oh what a pleasant surprise – it’s Kathy the Marketing Guru of Youngcare’

“Will, what are you doing right now? Can we borrow you for a couple of hours? – Channel nine want to run the story with Phil Wilmington reporting”.

So off I went with Kathy and Amy from Youngcare (who I must say, are a couple of GEMS!) and we did the report at St Lucia Golf Links. Boy, Phil is a nice guy, as was the cameraman Tom.

It was excellent and I really had the opportunity to talk about what I was doing and how people can get involved and the amazing work that Youngcare do.

FOR THOSE INTERESTED – IT’S BEING AIRED ON THE 9 NEWS. TONIGHT WILL HAVE A SNIPPIT BUT, THE MAINS TORY WILL BE TOMORROW NIGHT, AS THERE IS MORE FILMING IN THE MORNING!......................SO CHECK IT OUT.

So, the run…………….I ran well, 3 hours and 33 minutes. My main intention was to stay focused (unlike yesterday’s run). The spirit was back. I Ran without groin pain and technique-wise – no issues.

One thing to note – I saw quite a few beautiful jumping fish, which was beautiful/ cool

Marathon 11

Day eleven, I genuinely saw a young lady driving to work whilst eating cereal. There are some safe drivers on the road, aren’t there.

Day 11’s run was not fast! With the 97.30 Interview I was a bit nervous and my concentration was so poor! And I never got going, really. I ran 3 hours, 47 mins but, I must admit – I felt pleased just finishing considering the poor mindset.

Robin, Terry and Bob seemed really nice. I mean, it seems like a bit of a blur (our chat) but I think I got the message cross about Youngcare quite well so I’m hoping that’s enough to get it played! Fingers crossed……..

Radio interview for 97.30 Tomorrow

Tomorrow will be epic, starting with a radio interview with Robin, Terry and Bob on 97.30 at 9:00am.

 

I'm very excited and it's going to be a tremendous opportunity to discuss the amazing work of Youngcare!

 

Hopefully it'll be aired ;)

 

About the NorthFace Blue Mountains 100

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeBHAPDGnNw

The picture above and this post is regarding the Australia Northface 100 held in the idyllic Blue Mountains in NSW.

Out of all of the Australia Ultra events, this race is the one that attracts the Internationals performers – with the likes of Ryan Sandes and the best Ultra runner out there, Spanish legend Kilian Jornet!

Applications open towards the end of the year and I shall be hot off the gun to guarantee myself a spot in a race that is held always the weekend following my Birthday (15^th of May)

Before then, I would love to be in peak shape. I hope to make my first competitive race the Dusk till Dawn 12 hour time run in February in Caboolture, QLD but between Feb and May my concern will be devoting my life for this race and planning an expedition later in the Year.

As you can see in the pic - there aren’t many places as beautiful as the Blue Mountains and the video attached shows clearly the sort of range and changes in terrain along the way!

Marathon 10 - 40 left to go!

The fastest run, so far. I ran today with a fastish tempo from the off, held a solid pace and even for a bit of a laugh at the end had a sprint, for the first time in the ten Marathons - running the final mile in 7 minutes.

I finished with a time of 3 hours, 31 mins - which is cool

Today, instead of the two 3.7 mile loops from Eagle Street, Southbank, Story Bridge and round I, instead, ran beyond Newstead Park (pictured above) and past the Gateway Bridge up to near the QLD Golf Club and I thoroughly enjoyed having a new route!

Again, I'm running well again today and I have no aches or pains.

What a 2 hour, 3 hour, and 4 hour Marathon looks like

In case you were wondering what a marathon looks like and what my times are like – check it out for yourself with a treadmill study conducted at Sheffield Hallam University with a subject running at each of the three average speeds required for these three times!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTlmxYwiqw4

Marathon 9 - Change of technique, slightly!

Today was AMAZING!

Loved the run and I ran a time of 3 Hours, 38 Minutes! But, as well as the good time the big thing for the day was a slight change in technique.

Running Chi style I don't really get any lower leg pain and recovery is minimal. The only pain I ever get comes after about 25+ Km's and it's a slightly sore groin.

The groin, from my Ex Phys knowledge and research is likely to be due to my slight pronation (which comes with bent legs and flat feet) and a consequent strain appearing in my adductors.

As well as the slight groin pain, often my upper thighs come really close together and generates sever chaffage which i dislike, thoroughly.

I hate not enjoying the ends of runs so, today was about sorting this out! I did alot of Research and I focussed alot on taking inspiration from videos of Anton Krupicka. Similar to watching Ballet, dance or any sport I get a great level of enjoyment watching Runners in action. I love the fluidity of Anton's style (and Scott Jurek's) also, the tenacity of Kilina Jornet. But watching Anton Videos I decided I need to focus on keeping a distance between my knees and keeping my feet facing forwards.

Not only did i maintain my technique, my speed was great and general tempo, and overall I wasn't sore at the end.

All-in-all a great day and I couldn't help but think about running 100 miles today instead of the Marathon.

Boy it was hot and sweaty, though!

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR SUPPORT, SO FAR!!!!!!!

I just wanted to say a big thank you everyone for your well-wishes and donations and general response to what I'm doing and trying to achieve.
Doing things like I'm doing makes me realise just how people really are.

Thanks everyone!

WHY YOUNGCARE AMAZE ME!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsqlJndU4lA&feature=relmfu

My favourite Olympic video. Very inspiring

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbl6wt8kjJM&feature=fvwrel

The legend that s Derek Redmond.

A week in view - Running in Brisbane

So a week of Marathoning down and here’s what I’ve noticed around Brisbane and how, for those who have not seen Aus/ Brisbane, how it compares to the gorgeous running in the UK and even compared with the US.

One initial difference is how many parrots I see. Particularly when running Northside along the river up-and-around Newstead and definitely New Farm – Lorikeets galore. For those don’t know what a Lorikeet is, they’re quite like Parakeets and are truly beautiful.

 

 

Another difference – Seeing people Commuting to work in their Kayaks. Yes, you read it right – I have seen people hop on their kayaks with lunch in-hand and their bags with all their necessary goods, take off down the Bris River, passing alongside the CityCats (public transport boats down the river) and I can’t imagine a cooler/ more beautiful way to travel to work.

 

Another great thing is the sheer beauty. I have travelled to many Cities around the World but, Hands down – Brisbane for me, slightly ahead of Paris, is the most quaint at night. In particular the views from the Story Bridge at night looking down in to Eagle Street and Kangaroo Point. Absolutely Beautiful.

 

The final major difference is the energy. I set off to work or run after work and there are just so many people running and cycling, rollerblading and even Kick biking. One of the best things about living in Aus are the early starts and just how active people are in their spare time.

 

Oh, and if you’re about-and-about or plan on visiting Bris. One of the finest times of year is spring and the bright Jacarandas that pop up all around the city. Check out New Farm Park or UQ Campus for prime spots!

 

Marathon 8!!!!

What a killer of  day!!!!

Truly, today has been so humid but, despite the heat there was a subtle breeze that made it possible.

I ran pretty well today, in despite of my lack of preparations. I guess I was slacked and didn’t buy any electrolytes and didn’t re-fuel liquids well enough last name. So I set off, and with it being a Sunday, the day of rest, I thought I’d take it easy.

I ran 3 Hours 52 Minutes and that was pretty good, considering. This weekend I have set off late both days and I really have to get back to my 4:30am set off, from tomorrow and for the remaining 42 days, in order to meet the best possible times.

I loved the run though and today has been quite gorgeous, as well as sweltering.

I ran through a Bus stop this morning and Got a fright. I thought nobody was around so I’m just running and singing, as you do, and there’s was shocked that a teen was lying on a bench. I had not noticed her at all, so that gave me a fright.

The other day, too, I was running past the boats at the start of Eagle street pier and the biggest water dragon lizard ran about a cm from my shoe. I’m not scared of them at all, but to have the beast rock up basically on my shoe made me dance a country and western dancer.

All-in-all though, another good day. I’m feeling focused again moving in to the new week. Next weekend I am certainly intent on being a lot more on-my-game!

Marathons 6 and 7 - THE HEAT IS ON......

Today and yesterday have both been scorchers! Particularly Today, with highs well above 30 degrees centigrade and I checked the Weather on Google today which suggested highs of up to 39 imminent for Monday.

So, Friday the 19^th, October and today the 20^th I got times of:

Friday – 3 Hours 40 Mins

Today, Sat 19^th – 3 Hours and 34 Mins

I’m noticing so much about the city covering so much ground on foot. I’m enjoying seeing the city move and watching the sun rise and heat set in. Today I set off later at roughly 6am and it was already 25 Degrees and for the majority of the run I was running in temps of 32/ 33 degrees – uuurrrrgh!

 

The most horrible part of the run today was having my nipples so chaffed that I finished the run run and had blood dribbling from both nipples. I have a picture which I’ll post sometime soon. It’s proper rank!

I’ve noticed that with the runs I have become less and less hungry. The first Marathon I have three sandwiches and I could have nailed down a couple more. Today I didn’t get hungry once and could have gone the whole race without eating – but simply forced a PB sanga down for general Health Reasons.

I am now going to be reporting on what I’ve noticed running in Brisbane over the past year, but particularly over the last 7 Marathons!

Chi Running - if you want to run pain and injury free, check out this video!!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H26liWMDH8U

The video attached explains how easy it can be to make some small changes for some incredible improvements in your running style and energy efficiency. Listen with an open mind, take the tips on board and give it a go!

Marathons 2 to 5 -I'm feeling great!!!!!!!!!!!

I haven’t had the opportunity to update the blog each evening due to running the marathons after work (between 4pm and 8pm) so, later on in the week I switched over to running my races in the am. So How did they go?:

Times

Continuing on from my initial run of 3hours, 40 mins, my times have continued in a similar vein with the following times:

Day 2 – 3 Hours, 35 Mins

Day 3 – 3 Hours, 45 Mins

Day 4 – 3 Hours, 39 Mins

Day 5 – 3 Hours, 55 Mins

Nutrition, Sleep, Physical issues

You know what…I’ve been feeling great. From the off I have concentrated on Chi Running and making sure that my lower body has not been put to strain. As a result, I have continued extensive effort-free running which really has created the most relaxing week ever!

But don’t take this the wrong way…running a marathon isn’t easy, at all! But by running less means the 20 hours recover between runs has been more than is required and I’ve been able to set off feeling completely fresh each day.

And with a marathon always brings the mental strife and physical struggles you may think. But with a good attitude and correct mechanics, it can be a very achievable thing.

I’ve mainly been stuffing my face with avocados and Grain bread and boy, what a great snack. Not only is it filling and provides so many good fats, my wife is also being turned on my healthy looking, sexy toe nails!

For sure, the hardest part of the week were days 4 and 5.

It became apparent quite quickly that by running the nights would make organising and fundraising more difficult. So on day 4, Wednesday night, I decided to really relax my legs and take it slow – reducing my recovery time to complete another marathon the following morning. Having returned home just before 8pm, I was in bed within 20 mins and before I knew it, it was 4 am and I was off for Marathon number 5.

You probably think I’m a lunatic for getting up at 4am to run a marathon but stuffing your face with food in the early hours and feeling the adrenaline pumping through your body subconsciously in preparation really is an exciting moment.

Lucky for me, my concentration and race plan Wednesday evening made for a really enjoyable run on Thursday morning.

Badwater with Lisa Tamati - the equivalent of Running 5.5 Marathons in your oven

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3mcZxi-r9U&feature=g-vrec

Considered as one of the most difficult road races on the planet, Badwater is a 217 Kilometres foot trace starting at 85 Metres below sea level in temperatures that soar to highs of 57 degrees (centigrade).

Attached to this blog is a short Documentary following Kiwi Lisa Tamati through the tribulations and pain of the race.

Check out the video and see what it really means to test your body and boundaries of our physical capabilities.

Anyone who completes Badwater is an ultimate Legend!

Jesper Olsen - running around the World.

http://www.worldrun.org/m_introduction.php

Check the link out above. There have been various attempts to run around the World and I advise checking on reading worldrun.org to hear more about Jesper Olsen's adventure.

Running 50 Marathons consecutively seems daunting I'm sure but, can you imagine this for multiple years?? I think it's would be so inspiring to do and gaining the energy wouldn't be all that difficult for all of the landscapes you would take in.

To create an adventure, however, you don't need to go around the World. Life goes at a hectic pace and I truly believe that running gives me the simplicity and the Green-space and feeling of adventure that allows me to function in such a complicated time.

So, if you're feeling like you need an adventure...honestly, buy some shoes or dig out your shoes, maybe get some tips on running and head to the nearest bushland/ hills/ valleys/ lake/ Ocean and run it to see what experiences come your way. And if you aren't up to running at this time, just hike...... it'll make you feel a whole lot better and so much more fulfilled!

Please read about or watch this documentary about Michael Arnstein : "The Fruitarian"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAQJCsrXVKU&feature=related

Fruitarian may be a new term, but certainly it takes being vegan to the next level.

Michael Arnstein however, not only lives of Fruits and Vegetables and raw foods, in general – he is also a 100 mile runner.

The thought of running 100 miles is clearly and almost-uncomprehend able feat but, add to this, running the entire duration and training pre-run eating only fruits and vegetables is certainly something you’d never think possible.

Please watch the Documentary – it’s an interesting watch and provides an interesting perspective on the concept of raw foods and a raw diet.

Particularly look out for the Raw Hoagie made during the video! Looks awesome.

Legend!

Ever thought about running 350 miles continuously?

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-239-567--13850-0,00.html

Though the 350 Miles is not the record - certainly, magazines/ sites have quoted it as this, it's a record actually held by Yiannis Kouros - who is a freak of nature.
It's still an amazing achievement and the thought of running without sleeping for three days, pushing your body to the final stages before death, pretty much, is a scary thought!

Not sure if it's a challenge I wish to take up at this point in time, or ever?

First Marathon complete! expect responding videos to be uploaded later on this evening!!!!

SO, THE FIRST MARATHON IS COMPLETE WITH A TIME OF 3hrs, 40 mins.

During the day yesterday – this sounds lame, but I could not wait to get going. I got on my bike to expel my inner butterflies due to the pent-up energy inside and cruised around the city. I ate some sushi and some bagels and was drinking liquids like it was my job.

It was fairly hot, but I decided I could not wait – setting off at 2:00pm. The snack I took were 4 electrolyte tablets, a bagel and a peanut Butter sandwich with multi-grain bread. You can never imagine how amazing those simple foods taste when you’re running a marathon, honestly – it feels like heaven. It’s so necessary, too. Without the foods my stomach can start to feel pains quite quickly.

I set off fairly quick on the run – just simply feeling good and with the nice weather. In retrospect, I should have slowed in down earlier on. I ran the first hour quite well, though and decided after an hour to give my bagel a munch. The bagel sat really nicely and over the next hour, or so, was a god-send (bagels are great because they’re fairly slow at breaking down/ slow released energy).

I find the hardest parts of marathons certainly come around Mile 15. This was the case yesterday and I attribute this to my taking too great a stride lengths when really I should have kept the legs a bit straighter, relaxed them more, with quicker steps throughout.

However, the peanut butter sandwich around mile 17 was good and got me through to miles 22 very nicely.

Psychologically, mile 22 felt nice and though due to the over-striding I had slight groin pain – I just relaxed, stood up straight, focussed on maintaining a smaller range of motion and I really enjoyed the final stages of the marathon.

Afterwards I guzzled a can of Lychee juice from a 7eleven – which is delicious! –  and a dollar coffee and the wife so kindly came and picked me up from BNE CBD. THANKS ZEUUUUUUUS!

I learned a lot from the first run – first of all and pun intended, “It’s a marathon not a sprint”. So I shall today be focussing on being a bit straighter and tightening up my technique quite significantly and to maybe take an extra “Sanga” (said with Aussie accent) for an extra energy boost.

I was pleased with the 3hrs, 40 mins and look to run the 42 k’s/ 26.3 Miles this afternoon in maybe 3 hrs, 50 mins? But, I’ll see how I’m feeling. It could easily be 10 mins faster, or slower.

I will be later be uploading a video from before the first marathon later and a video reflecting on the run and following the second marathon, late on this evening. Thank you so much to all the people to have wished my look and given me donations so far and to everyone – have a great day.

2 days left!

It's two days left before the first Marathon of the 50, and I have to say, I'm feeling quite at ease.

I work at North Quay in Brisbane and from my office, looking out towards the Kurilpa Bridge and South Brisbane is a view of Mount Cootha. Even though the runs are so close I just want to set off and hit the hills right this second!!!

Tomorrow is the final day before take off and to be honest - though I said I wasn't running, the weather is so clear and crisp it might be rude not to.

Either way, this weekend is about spending some quality time with the wife who is on Prac (She's studying Primary Education) as with the weekend will bring a much warranted and required reprieve for her as well as spreading the word about my blog and the event and sending it around for as many people as possible to take a read.

For anyone that checks out the blog - I really appreciate it!!!!

OH, AND IF YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO MAY BE INTERESTED IN DONATING OR SIMPLY IN READING WONDERFUL STORIES ABOUT RUNNING AND COURAGEOUS ACTS IN GENERAL, PLEASE FORWARD THE BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Minimalist Running with Anton Krupicka

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3lhdeLrjZs

Minimalist running is an ideal that people say has been only recently been introduced to Running Techonology but, clearly this is the contrary.

Minimalist Running is about going back to basics. Going back to the old times in effect, running with a barefoot motion.

If you have juicy "Supportive" trainers and consequent Injuries and niggles, do yourself a favour and throw them away. Resorting to a Minimalist or Neutral shoe will be the greatest change you'll ever make to your health. Along with adopting the correct running motion.

Shevaune Conry

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/tributes-for-youngcare-found
er-20120817-24dlv.html

Please read about Shevaune Conry. Shevaune was an inspiring woman who, whilst suffering with Multiple Sclerosis, Kickstarted fundraising for Youngcare in 2005 for Health - Specialty accommodation for young people of High Needs before sadly losing her battle with MS.

7500 Young people are currently living in Aged Care Facilities - A statistic which we can change through the support of all.

Shevaune will never be forgotten for everything she achieved in creating such a wonderful organisation.

Sharon Cohrs

http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2012/07/03/226505_print-version.html

Since starting to blog over the past week, I have on the look out for true survivors. This blog is about Sharon Cohrs.

Sharon is a true fighter who, following her battle with cancer after being diagnosed in 2007, managed to fightback and in the process became the first cancer survivor to successfully climb Mount Everest.

Please read on about Sharon and her amazing achievements.

Yiannis Kouros - The Greatest Ever runner

http://yianniskouros.com/records.html

When people think of Ultramarathons and Ultrarunning they think Dean Karnazes.This is the only real Ultrarunner to have made his way in to the public eye. However, there are many runners greater than him out there, with no disrespect intended, who far-exceed his ability.

The GREATEST RUNNER OF ALL TIME can surely not be contested as being Yiannis Kouros. I only stumbled across the heroics of the Greek God recently and reading his feats, I literally could not believe it.

Please check out his website and particularly his records section and the number of World Records he holds, it's scary.

Not only has he achieved the long distances, he runs them much faster than anyone else.

He is famed for saying, 'The Difference is when people get tired they stop, I DON'T. I tell my body I am not tired and he listens to me'.

Complete Legend.

scott jurek

http://scottjurek.com/

I have attached information about Scott Jurek as, not only is he arguably the best ultra runner of all time - shown with his repeated triumphs at the Western States 100 but als, alot of the abilities of Scott and his triumphs, came about due to changes to his Diet and Daily Lifestyle. As an outright vegan, Scott has continued to perform in the lite fields, whilst maintaining a protein intake consisting of Beans, Legumes, Tofu and Tempeh.

Scott Jurek also seems like a great guy and watching him run, you can see an incredibly graceful technique. Please check him out at www.scottjurek.com.

Quick Intro

So, I’m William Wragg. Despite growing up as a Soccer/ football player I have, over the past year, evolved as a Trails/ Ultra Runner.

I grew up in Lea, Derbyshire, England in a quaint Village, stacked with awesome inclines and running terrains aplenty.

Between the start of 2008 and the end point of 2011 I suffered with chronic Shin splints and ITBS (Iliotibial Band Syndrome) and no treatments had been successful in reducing my symptoms. However, one day I decided I had to find the solution or a change that would reduce/ cure my injuries.

Previously, in 2006, I had read Dean Karnazes’ Ultramarathon Man book and I became obsessed with envisaging myself running long distances. I knew that should I gain the ability to run long distances, that I basically would not stop.

I came across Chi Running, a running technique developed by Danny Dreyer and bought a pair of Vibrams to learn the technique in a barefoot, minimalist approach.

Straight away I went from running 30 minutes (before the onset of pain) to running for 3 hours pain-free.

During the past 12 months, since starting to Chi Run, I have run well over 100 miles a week and this year dabbled in Ultramarathon competition. Next year however, I’m ready to take on the elite runners, and feel ready to really show what I’m made of.

I decided to compete in the 50/50 Multi-Marathon because a) I wanted to test myself physically and mentally, and really condition myself as a runner and to inspire people to get up and make things happen for themselfbut most importantly B) MY PASSION FOR CHARITY/ NON PROFIT WORK. PLEASE READ IN MY NEXT POST……

Trent Macleod - Symbol of Courage

http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/cancer-survivor-gives-back-in-kilometres-20120617-20hth.html

The link discusses the story of Brissy local Trent MacLeod. Read his story to gain an extra spring in your step for today

Ricardo Abad: Current consecutive Marathon record with 607 Marathons in as many days!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricardo_Abad

The best runners in the World - The Tarahumara

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnwIKZhrdt4

The Tarahumara are the greatest runners on this Planet. Over time, as humans have lost their desire and need to run, losing their abilities physically, the Tarahumara have remained conditioned to continue in “Persistent Hunting” for their food. A process that requires the tribe to run after their prey until they basically pass out of exhaustion. I suggest reading more about Persistence hunting and the Tarahumara hunting techniques. Alternatively, if you haven’t already, get yourself a copy of “Born to Run” by Christopher MacDougall as there’s a wonderful section in his book. The link in this post is an incredibly interesting watch.

Western States Dream

Another goal of mine is to become good enough to test myself at the Western States in Auburn, California. If you’re an ultra runner/ Trails runner/ Mountain Runner/ adventurer, the Western States is an elite field of the greatest athletes in the sport matched together on an incredible diverse and challenging course – where only the most determined competitors will thrive. Watch the Trailer of the Western States documentary below and take a look in to the sport and race for yourself and be inspired!

Western States 100

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4a26xp28jm0

Inspiration

The next time you ever think to yourself, “I’m too old”, “I’m out of shape”, “I can’t run a marathon”, “I’m not a runner”…any of these types of thoughts. Try and picture Fauja Singh – the 101 year old Indian Born East London Resident. You can do whatever you put your mind to…it’s all your state of mind.

101 year old marathoner!!!!!

http://news.runnersworld.com/2012/09/27/worlds-oldest-marathoner-in-action-this-weekend/

Youngcare

Please take the time to check out Youngcare.com.au. Youngcare provide an incredible support-base for so many young people and individuals requiring high care in the attainment of a better life. Help Youngcare to create a better future for all!

Charity of choice: Youngcare

http://www.youngcare.com.au/

What I'm doing. 50 Marathons, 50 Days. Difference: I'm doing it whilst working full time. If only I could do it and be paid. I'm looking forward to it so much. Starts Sunday, 14th October until December 2nd!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brVLrdF8yOM

A little bit of Heaven. Running in the French Alps.

UTMB - Chamonix

http://www.ultratrailmb.com/


One of my dreams is to one day run the Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc - Chamonix.

Maybe in two years??...... something to inspire to.

Envisions of this race are one my "Ultra" Incentives (play on words)

Read about the race. It sounds truly epic

Kurt Fearnley

Please read the link below.

Kurt Fearnley is one of my biggest heroes. A multiple Paraolympian and to crawl the Kokoda is one of the greatest feats. He is my main motivation when running. His strength puts everything in perspective!

http://www.news.com.au/world-old/kurt-fearnleys-kokoda-track-crawl/story-e6frfkyi-1225795528804

First Blog

I haven't finalised my blog. In fact, I've not even started but I thought I'd blog ASAP to state that this Blog with be about Running. What I see along the way, my running experiences, the things that I see and any particular events/ expeditions.

At the moment, I'm planning my Ultra-Marathon : 50 Marathons in 50 Days That I am starting on October the 14th, finishing on the 2nd of December in the Aid of Charity. I'll be posting more about the cause and the event shortly.

Running free