About my blog

Hi, thanks for stopping by my blog and taking the time to check out what it’s all about.

As you can probably tell from the name of this site, I’m a runner.  Not a very good runner and not a very quick runner – but a passionate runner nonetheless.  I’m also an entrepreneur, business coach, adventurer, wannabe chef, wineglass philosopher and intrepid traveler.

I didn’t really find running until I was in my mid 40’s and got it in my head that I wanted to complete a marathon – one of those bucket-list moments.  Sometime earlier in my 30’s I had said to myself I would complete a marathon by the time I was 40…. didn’t happen.  So rather than abandon the goal, I just set a new one, to complete a marathon by the time I was 45.  Which I did.

Since then, I’ve completed numerous half marathons, marathons, ultra marathons and adventure multi-stage events – including a Marathon Des Sables.  I’ve racked up thousands of kms on my feet, churned through many pairs of runners, destroyed most of my toenails, completely changed my diet, endured physio/podiatry/doctors visits to address injuries and dropped around 15kgs and a few sizes in clothes.

I’ve also endured a hip surgery (twice), back surgery,  and moved from being king of the bbq to following a pescetarian or seagan diet and completely changed my outlook on life.

Running is no longer something I do – it is part of who I am.   When I run I can lose myself to running and everything else falls away.  Issues don’t go away, jobs don’t magically disappear of become less important – but it’s like I’ve pressed the “Pause” button so my body and mind can take a break.  And when I reconnect, I feel more empowered to tackle any challenge.

Haruki Murakami is quoted as saying “I’m often asked what I think about as I run. Usually the people who ask this have never run long distances themselves. I always ponder the question. What exactly do I think about when I’m running? I don’t have a clue.”

Haruki has pretty much nailed it.  I can’t always remember what I’ve been thinking when I run, but, at times I’ve solved many a problem when running (and I’ve created a few as well).  I guess it’s a bit like meditation.  I tried to summarise my thoughts on why I run in one of my posts – see the link below:

https://gpontherun.com/2013/04/12/why-do-i-run/

Initially I started this blog to help me in my training for my second marathon and more specifically raise funds for a charity that is important to me and my family.  You will find details about this on a separate tab of this website.  Since then, the blog has become an extension of my running – my chance to relive the experience and share what I have seen, learned and experienced with others (be warned I can be slack in getting my posts up in a timely manner).

Sometimes it’s people who simply don’t get it that want to try and understand why anyone would torture themselves by attempting endurance running who drop by the site.  Other times it’s people like me who have run, but want to see how much further they could go.  And then other times it’s just some of the amazing people you meet in the running community that want to check out runs that they should sign up for or share stories, tips and anecdotes about running.

A lot of people say to me that they are not a runner, or “I could never run that far” or my knees/ankles/back/feet/etc hurt when I run so I shouldn’t run.  If I said to any of these people “I will give you $1 million if you run 5kms without stopping” – how many do you think would have a crack?  So is not being able to run due to skill and capability? or is it motivation?

As Henry Ford said “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t–you’re right.”

I would have thought the same of myself once.  I have rheumatoid arthritis, I still carry old football injuries, I was overweight and I had a questionable diet.  I used to work insane hours and travel regularly preventing me from training.  Hey – I’m never going to win the New York Marathon – in fact I’ll probably never win any race I sign up for.  I run for me and I run against me – the competition is internal and the challenge is about self improvement.

Running is good for me.  I still get pain when I run and sometimes it’s hard – very hard.  But I wouldn’t give it up for anything and I think I’m better for running – I owe it a lot.

So if you would like to run a 10km race or half/full or ultra marathon, maybe you might find some inspiration on this site and can share your journey with me as I share mine with you.

As you will see from the dates on my posts. I’ve been really slack!  Life gets busy and work becomes demanding then before you know it – Whoof – you are a couple of years down the track and haven’t done the things you wanted to do!  I love running, and I love writing, so the blog (as of July 2018)  is going to expand its focus and subjects to include other stuff that inspires me, motivates me or annoys me – and is probably stuff best not posted on my business sites.  I’ll share those links though just in case you’re curious to see my alter-egos.

What you will find on my blog

• ramblings stories about me dragging my middle-aged butt through my training regime as I prepare for my next marathon, ultra marathon or adventure;
• travel stories associated with runs, hikes or just escaping the daily grind;
• tips and information on how to get the most of your training when you have limited time;
• recipes and foodie bits that I have discovered and like;
• interesting bits about managing your body during training and for a quick recovery;
• links to some of my favourite (and not so favourite) running trails and holiday destinations;
• race reports and ratings on races and events;
• book, movie, television and podcast reviews as well as my running playlists;
• philosophical musings about life, the universe and everything; and
• generally any stuff that amuses or interests me – and that could be anything!

I hope you enjoy and thanks again for stopping by.

Happy Running!!!