Why I love TEDx! By Michael Rossney

I have been a raving fan of TED talks since I first downloaded the inspirational podcasts since they became free (online) to the public in 2006.  I heard about them through another performance coach who I met in Australia called Tony Robbins.  Tony spoke at TED in California and is an inspirational chap himself! When I learned that free live and simlucasted TEDx events were coming to Dublin I was delighted!

In 2008 after watching Dave Egger’s TED wish myself and my wife Cara decided to implement some of his ideas and we used them in a youth group we ran which we renamed Generation Text.  We were based in Rialto in Dublin and had dozens of volunteers get the vision and join us to mentor children in cooking, gardening, creative writing and other educational and fun activities.

I was finally able to get hold of tickets and attended a TEDx Tallaght talk facilitated by Tallaght library recently (I also dragged two family members along).  It was inspirational to be a part of the ‘live’ TED community - and being there in person was much more engaging than being a 'spectator' online.

The original culture of TED events are very action focused and almost elitist.  TED speakers such as Bill Clinton or Bono were expected to speak at an incredibly high standard and they queued up to speak at TED because they knew that TED attendees are players on the stage of life, movers and shakers who are passionate about influencing society for the good!

The point is that there is no drifting off asleep during a live TED or TEDx event when you are in the room.  People are excited, engaged and they want to know where you stand on an issue.  There is an assumption that each attendee has an agenda which they are passionate about.  Networking is actively encouraged and even facilitated through the TED wish where attendees chose a speaker to present an idea or ‘wish’ where the community commits to support the winner’s vision. One of the recent TED wish winners was Jamie Oliver with his food revolution vision.

In contrast, as someone who ‘attended’ TED by podcast I can sometimes drift asleep during TED talks or forget to follow up on a great idea that I learn online because I watch podcasts on my phone or computer and generally on my own.

I would like to be a part of making TEDx Tallaght’s culture one where as attendees we are encouraged to engage, take ownership of the events and where there is an expectation that we take and implement the ideas from TED talks whenever possible.

In short, I’d like TEDx Tallaght’s culture to be more like the culture of the original TED events where ideas are spread but they are also followed up on instantaneously, where networking thrives and where community and collaboration are expected.

I’m passionate about TED because it is a place where big thinking and creativity are cherished and nurtured.  TED is a place where passionate, productive and entrepreneurial people flock to share ideas, to fill up with inspiration and for fellowship.

In Ireland, with so much doom and gloom about the economy events and communities like TEDx Tallaght are oases to entrepreneurial types with great vision.  Great ideas need to be nurtured and their fruit should be celeb

rated.  Great entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders should also be nurtured, invested in and celebrated - especially during tough times.
I’d like to be a part of growing this vision for TEDx Tallaght and have a few suggestions below on how I might be a part of that growth.  If you like the idea of making the TEDx Tallaght events a little more interactive and crowd sourced then drop me an email and let's make it happen!

Warm Regards
Michael Rossney
Michael at theenergycoach dot ie
The Energy Coach Consultancy & Training

 

Posted via email from The Energy Coach Blog

Why I love TEDx! By Michael Rossney

I have been a raving fan of TED talks since I first downloaded the inspirational podcasts since they became free (online) to the public in 2006.  I heard about them through another performance coach who I met in Australia called Tony Robbins.  Tony spoke at TED in California and is an inspirational chap himself! When I learned that free live and simlucasted TEDx events were coming to Dublin I was delighted!

In 2008 after watching Dave Egger’s TED wish myself and my wife Cara decided to implement some of his ideas and we used them in a youth group we ran which we renamed Generation Text.  We were based in Rialto in Dublin and had dozens of volunteers get the vision and join us to mentor children in cooking, gardening, creative writing and other educational and fun activities.

I was finally able to get hold of tickets and attended a TEDx Tallaght talk facilitated by Tallaght library recently (I also dragged two family members along).  It was inspirational to be a part of the ‘live’ TED community - and being there in person was much more engaging than being a 'spectator' online.

The original culture of TED events are very action focused and almost elitist.  TED speakers such as Bill Clinton or Bono were expected to speak at an incredibly high standard and they queued up to speak at TED because they knew that TED attendees are players on the stage of life, movers and shakers who are passionate about influencing society for the good!

The point is that there is no drifting off asleep during a live TED or TEDx event when you are in the room.  People are excited, engaged and they want to know where you stand on an issue.  There is an assumption that each attendee has an agenda which they are passionate about.  Networking is actively encouraged and even facilitated through the TED wish where attendees chose a speaker to present an idea or ‘wish’ where the community commits to support the winner’s vision. One of the recent TED wish winners was Jamie Oliver with his food revolution vision.

In contrast, as someone who ‘attended’ TED by podcast I can sometimes drift asleep during TED talks or forget to follow up on a great idea that I learn online because I watch podcasts on my phone or computer and generally on my own.

I would like to be a part of making TEDx Tallaght’s culture one where as attendees we are encouraged to engage, take ownership of the events and where there is an expectation that we take and implement the ideas from TED talks whenever possible.

In short, I’d like TEDx Tallaght’s culture to be more like the culture of the original TED events where ideas are spread but they are also followed up on instantaneously, where networking thrives and where community and collaboration are expected.

I’m passionate about TED because it is a place where big thinking and creativity are cherished and nurtured.  TED is a place where passionate, productive and entrepreneurial people flock to share ideas, to fill up with inspiration and for fellowship.

In Ireland, with so much doom and gloom about the economy events and communities like TEDx Tallaght are oases to entrepreneurial types with great vision.  Great ideas need to be nurtured and their fruit should be celeb

rated.  Great entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders should also be nurtured, invested in and celebrated - especially during tough times.
I’d like to be a part of growing this vision for TEDx Tallaght and have a few suggestions below on how I might be a part of that growth.  If you like the idea of making the TEDx Tallaght events a little more interactive and crowd sourced then drop me an email and let's make it happen!

Warm Regards
Michael Rossney
Michael at theenergycoach dot ie
The Energy Coach Consultancy & Training

 

Posted via email from The Energy Coach Blog

Part 3/3: Mini marathon tips for tomorrow: Drag queens, underwear and a definitive answer to the shorts versus track-suit bottoms debate!

The simple rule for a comfortable and safe 10k (or any other fitness event) is to never try anything new on race day.  Race day should be an exact replica of your last few training sessions in terms of what you wear, drink, eat, how you stretch and how you exercise. 

One huge variable is the crowd.  It is hard to prepare for running in a group as big as the Dublin mini-marathon.  It’s easy to get caught behind a big group of people who are walking but who start off the race in the jogging section which is desperately frustrating.  

Dealing with the crowd: 

It is easy to start off too fast with the excitement of running in such a big group, the encouragement of the crowd, the music etc.  It really pays off if you can be disciplined and go at your normal pace.  It takes discipline to slow down if you are caught up in the excitement (which is very likely) and have some space in front of you to run (which is much less likely).  If you are planning to jog or run a personal best time then you’ll need to fight to get towards the front of the crowd to avoid getting caught behind thousands walkers who unfortunately often start in the wrong section and slow everyone behind them down.

Footwear:

Don’t get new footwear the day before the event. They will take a while to ‘break in’ to get your body used to wearing them.  If it is a rainy day then bring some blister treatment as runners are more likely to get blisters in the rain. I use liquid compede. 

If you are buying runners then get a pair of cross trainers. This just means that they have lateral support so they support the sides of your feet too. It’s always worth spending money on a good pair of runners if you can.

Socks:

I’ve always found it worthwhile to invest in a pair of socks that are designed for running.  They have extra support and padding in key areas.  Remember the golden rule though - don’t do anything new on race day.  If you’ve a choice between a brand new pair of socks that cost you €20 on race day and your old smelly reliable pair then go with the old reliables! 

Shorts Versus Tracksuit bottoms:

If humanly possible then avoid wearing tracksuit bottoms. This is the one area that I encourage people to break the ‘golden rule’ of not doing anything new on race day. Track suit bottoms are very heavy and when they get wet through rain, perspiration, water from water stations it’ll feel like you are trying to run through a swamp!  

If you’ve never done a 10k before then have a search on google images.  You’ll find that almost everyone wears shorts so there is nothing to be embarrassed about.  If you are self-conscious about wearing shorts then you could buy a pair of leggings.  Running specific leggings are breathable and don’t get heavy if they get wet as they let the moisture through them.  You can get a pair in in Dublin for no more than €15 or you could invest two or three times that amount in a pair from one of the ‘brand names’ which will probably cost twice that but will last ten times longer.

If you are planning to wear a new pair of shorts then try them out a few times first in case they chafe or don’t fit perfectly. Shorts that are designed for running tend to be small, light and gently lined to avoid chafing.  If you are concerned about chafing then put some vaseline in the affected area before the race. 

Underwear: 

This is probably the most important item on race day as the wrong choice can result in a lot of pain and chafing.  Make sure you are wearing underwear that is designed for sport. Cotton tends to get wet and chafe.  The wrong material can cause a lot of pain over an hour.  If you’ve ever experienced ‘joggers nipple’ then you’ll know what I’m talking about. - ouch!  Vaseline will only protect for so long so just buy proper underwear but like everything else it would be ideal do at least one dress rehearsal before the big day.  

PS If you are running in drag as hundreds of men do in the mini-marathon every year then you’ll probably want to avoid doing dress rehearsals (if you’ll pardon the pun!)  Make sure you bring some vaseline as costumes can chafe!!!  If you are wearing a wig and a heavy costume then make sure to read my previous blog on hydration...

Posted via email from michaelrossney's posterous

Part 3/3: Mini marathon tips for tomorrow: Drag queens, underwear and a definitive answer to the shorts versus track-suit bottoms debate!

The simple rule for a comfortable and safe 10k (or any other fitness event) is to never try anything new on race day.  Race day should be an exact replica of your last few training sessions in terms of what you wear, drink, eat, how you stretch and how you exercise. 

One huge variable is the crowd.  It is hard to prepare for running in a group as big as the Dublin mini-marathon.  It’s easy to get caught behind a big group of people who are walking but who start off the race in the jogging section which is desperately frustrating.  

Dealing with the crowd: 

It is easy to start off too fast with the excitement of running in such a big group, the encouragement of the crowd, the music etc.  It really pays off if you can be disciplined and go at your normal pace.  It takes discipline to slow down if you are caught up in the excitement (which is very likely) and have some space in front of you to run (which is much less likely).  If you are planning to jog or run a personal best time then you’ll need to fight to get towards the front of the crowd to avoid getting caught behind thousands walkers who unfortunately often start in the wrong section and slow everyone behind them down.

Footwear:

Don’t get new footwear the day before the event. They will take a while to ‘break in’ to get your body used to wearing them.  If it is a rainy day then bring some blister treatment as runners are more likely to get blisters in the rain. I use liquid compede. 

If you are buying runners then get a pair of cross trainers. This just means that they have lateral support so they support the sides of your feet too. It’s always worth spending money on a good pair of runners if you can.

Socks:

I’ve always found it worthwhile to invest in a pair of socks that are designed for running.  They have extra support and padding in key areas.  Remember the golden rule though - don’t do anything new on race day.  If you’ve a choice between a brand new pair of socks that cost you €20 on race day and your old smelly reliable pair then go with the old reliables! 

Shorts Versus Tracksuit bottoms:

If humanly possible then avoid wearing tracksuit bottoms. This is the one area that I encourage people to break the ‘golden rule’ of not doing anything new on race day. Track suit bottoms are very heavy and when they get wet through rain, perspiration, water from water stations it’ll feel like you are trying to run through a swamp!  

If you’ve never done a 10k before then have a search on google images.  You’ll find that almost everyone wears shorts so there is nothing to be embarrassed about.  If you are self-conscious about wearing shorts then you could buy a pair of leggings.  Running specific leggings are breathable and don’t get heavy if they get wet as they let the moisture through them.  You can get a pair in in Dublin for no more than €15 or you could invest two or three times that amount in a pair from one of the ‘brand names’ which will probably cost twice that but will last ten times longer.

If you are planning to wear a new pair of shorts then try them out a few times first in case they chafe or don’t fit perfectly. Shorts that are designed for running tend to be small, light and gently lined to avoid chafing.  If you are concerned about chafing then put some vaseline in the affected area before the race. 

Underwear: 

This is probably the most important item on race day as the wrong choice can result in a lot of pain and chafing.  Make sure you are wearing underwear that is designed for sport. Cotton tends to get wet and chafe.  The wrong material can cause a lot of pain over an hour.  If you’ve ever experienced ‘joggers nipple’ then you’ll know what I’m talking about. - ouch!  Vaseline will only protect for so long so just buy proper underwear but like everything else it would be ideal do at least one dress rehearsal before the big day.  

PS If you are running in drag as hundreds of men do in the mini-marathon every year then you’ll probably want to avoid doing dress rehearsals (if you’ll pardon the pun!)  Make sure you bring some vaseline as costumes can chafe!!!  If you are wearing a wig and a heavy costume then make sure to read my previous blog on hydration...

Posted via email from michaelrossney's posterous

Mini Marathon 2012: Part 2 'How can I tell if I am hydrated properly for the mini marathon tomorrow?'

If you are thirsty or if your pee isn’t totally clear then you are already significantly dehydrated….

 

How many times do you hear the word ‘tired’ when you ask people how they are?  Most of the population are significantly dehydrated and don’t even know it.  Dehydration causes tiredness.  A few glasses of water, some fresh fruit, a glass of freshly squeezed juice and energy levels soar.  Mitigating against dehydration is worth a try the next time you feel tired. There couldn’t be an easier (or more unpleasant) way to test if you are dehydrated!  

The next time you take a pee check out what colour it is.  If you don’t pee very regularly then you already have a clue that more water might be a help to you.  Water is the main solvent in the body to transport around minerals and nutrients.  If your body doesn’t have enough water then you simply can’t get the fuel to the engine because it can’t absorb the fuel.  Worst of all, when you are exercising if you don’t have enough water then your body can’t flush the waste products (like lactic acid) out of the muscles and the muscles start to cramp up which is agonising. 

 

Five simple ideas to help you get & stay hydrated for the mini marathon: 

• Get used to drinking water as you walk, jog or run.  You may still have one or two training sessions jog to practice this before the big day.  There will be water stations on the day of the mini-marathon.  Try to take some at each water station.  Sip it slowly into your mouth and then swallow it slowly.  Don’t gulp it down quickly to avoid discomfort, cramp and vomiting!

• Get used to getting fully hydrated and staying hydrated for the week to come.  It takes a bit of getting used to drinking so much extra water if you are used to living in a state of permanent dehydration.  Hydrating will be worth it for the general energy boost alone. 

 

• Try to avoid having a coffee, carbonated drink like coke on the day of the mini-marathon as they all have a diuretic effect which means that despite the fact that they are fluids you’ll be even more dehydrated after drinking them. Yes, some athletes drink coke at the end of an Ironman triathlon but that is flat coke, taken strategically and they are also taking on water for hydration. It is not a mini-marathon strategy.

• Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables as they are naturally very high in water content.  Freshly made smoothies and juices are an ideal way to do this.

 

• Carry a water bottle everywhere with you.  To work, training, to the cinema and remember to bring at least one disposable one on your way to the mini-marathon on Monday.

 

Enjoy the event, let me know how you get on and if you have any great tips yourself so I can pass them on! 

Posted via email from michaelrossney's posterous

Mini Marathon Munchies; ‘What should I eat before, during and after the 10k mini-marathon tomorrow?’

You should ideally take in carbohydrates 60-90 minutes  before exercise.  This can be a bit of a balancing act between making sure you have enough energy to complete the event and making sure you don’t eat too much or worse still - the wrong types of food.  So what are the wrong kinds of foods to eat before exercise?  If you eat foods that are high in fat or protein or foods with a lot of fibre in them a few hours before exercise then you are more likely to cramp up and to get a ‘stitch’ (which is an acute pain in the stomach. ) If you eat a huge meal before exercise you are likely to feel sleepy, sluggish and bloated so keep so keep it small, primarily carbs. 

 

I like fruit before exercise. Image above is what I'd normally juice (Carrots, apple and celery) and then I blend that with a banana on race day. After a race I sometimes eat the same smoothie but I'd also add an avocado for healthy fat and protein.

Fruit has plenty of carbs, is high in fluid content (to promote hydration) and fruit is easy for the body to assimilate.  I don’t like using sugary drinks or pouches of sugar gels during exercise.  Sugar shocks the body and then there is a low after the initial ‘sugar rush’. Fruit gives you fast burning carbohydrates: apples, bananas (even though they contain fibre), I often mix these fruits together in a smoothie on the morning of an event or a big training session (juiced hard green apples which have a low G.I. rating, juiced celery blended with a banana and/or avocado to thicken it up).  My body is used to this so I’m okay with it however if you are used to corn flakes every morning before your training runs then don’t do anything new on race day.  Stick with what works for you in training and never try anything new on race day (See entire blog on this.)  If you are making a change in your routine for example taking a banana instead of a bowl of cereal then introduce it slowly.  Perhaps start with half a bowl of cereal and half a banana to allow your body a chance to adapt to the change.

As I mentioned in anothermini-marathon blog you should drink plenty of water before during and after every exercise session.  The longer your training session the more likely you will be to need more carbohydrates during it.  If you are doing a very long exercise event or training session then you may also want to get some salts in as you’ll lose plenty through perspiration.  This probably isn’t necessary for a 10k run for most but if you sweat a lot then it might be worth considering. 

After exercise it is ideal to give the body some protein and to replace carbohydrates in immediately.  Fruit again is ideal straight after exercise. Fruit is also very high in water content so it naturally supplies the body with water as well as carbohydrates. Carbs immediately after exercise allow the body to recover quickly and start to restore itself.  If you exercise and forget to nourish the body afterwards then your body knows it is running on empty and can go into shock to protect itself as it will feel like it is ‘starving’.  Protein is also necessary straight after exercise to repair muscle damage.  Protein is vital because the muscle fibres take a hammering during a run and need protein to repair themselves.

Enjoy the event, let me know how you get on and if you have any more tips please send them on so I can re-post them! 

 

Michael T. Rossney

The Energy Coach Consultancy & Training

Email:        michael@theenergycoach.ie

 

Posted via email from michaelrossney's posterous

Mini Marathon Munchies; ‘What should I eat before, during and after the 10k mini-marathon tomorrow?’

You should ideally take in carbohydrates 60-90 minutes  before exercise.  This can be a bit of a balancing act between making sure you have enough energy to complete the event and making sure you don’t eat too much or worse still - the wrong types of food.  So what are the wrong kinds of foods to eat before exercise?  If you eat foods that are high in fat or protein or foods with a lot of fibre in them a few hours before exercise then you are more likely to cramp up and to get a ‘stitch’ (which is an acute pain in the stomach. ) If you eat a huge meal before exercise you are likely to feel sleepy, sluggish and bloated so keep so keep it small, primarily carbs. 

 

I like fruit before exercise. Image above is what I'd normally juice (Carrots, apple and celery) and then I blend that with a banana on race day. After a race I sometimes eat the same smoothie but I'd also add an avocado for healthy fat and protein.

Fruit has plenty of carbs, is high in fluid content (to promote hydration) and fruit is easy for the body to assimilate.  I don’t like using sugary drinks or pouches of sugar gels during exercise.  Sugar shocks the body and then there is a low after the initial ‘sugar rush’. Fruit gives you fast burning carbohydrates: apples, bananas (even though they contain fibre), I often mix these fruits together in a smoothie on the morning of an event or a big training session (juiced hard green apples which have a low G.I. rating, juiced celery blended with a banana and/or avocado to thicken it up).  My body is used to this so I’m okay with it however if you are used to corn flakes every morning before your training runs then don’t do anything new on race day.  Stick with what works for you in training and never try anything new on race day (See entire blog on this.)  If you are making a change in your routine for example taking a banana instead of a bowl of cereal then introduce it slowly.  Perhaps start with half a bowl of cereal and half a banana to allow your body a chance to adapt to the change.

As I mentioned in anothermini-marathon blog you should drink plenty of water before during and after every exercise session.  The longer your training session the more likely you will be to need more carbohydrates during it.  If you are doing a very long exercise event or training session then you may also want to get some salts in as you’ll lose plenty through perspiration.  This probably isn’t necessary for a 10k run for most but if you sweat a lot then it might be worth considering. 

After exercise it is ideal to give the body some protein and to replace carbohydrates in immediately.  Fruit again is ideal straight after exercise. Fruit is also very high in water content so it naturally supplies the body with water as well as carbohydrates. Carbs immediately after exercise allow the body to recover quickly and start to restore itself.  If you exercise and forget to nourish the body afterwards then your body knows it is running on empty and can go into shock to protect itself as it will feel like it is ‘starving’.  Protein is also necessary straight after exercise to repair muscle damage.  Protein is vital because the muscle fibres take a hammering during a run and need protein to repair themselves.

Enjoy the event, let me know how you get on and if you have any more tips please send them on so I can re-post them! 

 

Michael T. Rossney

The Energy Coach Consultancy & Training

Email:        michael@theenergycoach.ie

 

Posted via email from michaelrossney's posterous

Suffering for the sake of something Special!

Report on the last 10 miles of the Challenge126 run from Limerick to Dublin in aid of Special Olympics Ireland

I only heard about Mike Sheridan and Brian Maher’s epic 126 mile running challenge three days before the event on Twitter.  These two guys decided to run from Limerick to Dublin in aid of Special Olympics Ireland. I should mention that they also decided to attempt doing the run in one go! No overnight sleeps, no non-essential stop-offs along the way, just a non-stop run from Limerick to Dublin which was going to mean a long, long time spent suffering in the battlefield of the mind!  

 

I absolutely love hearing about these kinds of events because they are close to my heart. They lift my spirits and I think they lift everyone’s spirits a little. People need regular inspiration. We need people who like Mike and Brian, like Gerry Duffy and Ken Lawless of 32 marathons in 32 days fame to remind us to get out of the stagnant waters that we can sometimes wade into in life. 

 

Life is a bit like a river. Sometimes we are right in the middle of the flow; life feels challenging, exciting. At other times we can drift into stagnant, murky water; things get stale and if we stay there long enough things life can lose its excitement. Events like the Challenge126 are like racing a jet-ski down the river of life and giving everyone a splash of inspiration and hope. They remind us that there is a bit more to life, a bit more to us as human beings than we sometimes settle for. 

I decided to have a look at the website and keep an eye on the proceedings on Twitter with a view towards jumping in with them for a spin on the bike or a maybe a jog along the route. 

Three days later I was cycling under the M50 bridge at about 7pm on a Friday night wondering what kind of shape the two guys would be in. I  met a cavalcade of vehicles manned by an exhausted support team, a film crew and some runners who were running alongside the guys to encourage them. The lads themselves looked like they were fairing pretty well but I knew from my experience of a few marathons and long distance triathlons that they were probably putting on a brave face and distract themselves from the pain. 

 

The next three hours or so were a surreal experience. I was inspired by the levels of support the guys received from friends and strangers alike. I struggled with being the supporter rather than one of the runners.  I was dumbfounded by the dedication of Special Olympics CEO Matt English who, after hours of running still enthusiastically spoke to runners about the work of Special Olympics Ireland and why the organisation is so important not only at Olympic games level but even more so at as a grass roots organisation. 

We eventually made it to Stephens Green where a crowd waited to greet the guys. I think that people couldn't really imagine what they had been through. I got out of there quickly to stay warm but I'm glad my path crossed with these inspirational guys and I'm excited to learn how much they raised for Special Olympics Ireland. If you feel like making a contribution to the cause then you can do so here. I hope they inspire you to do something that will surpass your own expectations!

 

Posted via email from michaelrossney's posterous

Free Half Day of Inspiration in Dublin this Monday...

This Monday morning brings one of the most inspirational, motivational and uplifting events on Dublin’s calendar. Being an encourager at the Dublin Marathon is a wonderful way to recharge your batteries if you are feeling a bit low, burned out or like there has to be more to life. It commences at 10am from Fitzwilliam Place near Merrion Square and finishes again on Merrion Square.

 

 

Watching people strive, stride, suffer and sweat, on the surface, sounds like vicarious sadism. The marathon, when examined cerebrally, isinadvisable if not insane. However, if you give yourself (and the athletes) the gift of being present along the route you’ll start to get a sense of what this event means to each competitor. You simply have to be there to appreciate it. These individuals really suffer towards the second half of the race. There is the physical an indescribable mental and physical fatigue that sets in when athletes hit the infamous ‘wall’ - each athlete gambling that it will be worth the elation of the finish line. 

 

There are first timers, age group competitors, clubs competing against each other, internal club rivalries, friends, fundraisers and of course the old battle hardened veterans. Each competitor has somehow convinced themselves that not only is this event worth getting up early on a Bank Holiday but that the training was worth trading social time for suffering, the  risk to joints was worthwhile etc etc. Their actual marathon run is just the icing on the cake of their actual commitment.  

 

But is it worth getting out of bet on a precious Bank Holiday Monday to be a spectator?...

 

Yes, you can watch it live on RTE and it’ll still be inspiring stuff,  but if you do it’ll cost you! The real inspiration happens along the sidelines where you can participate by feeding athletes encouragement, energy and enthusiasm. It is an incredible moment when you realise that these athletes really are relying on your words of encouragement. Last year I wrote an entire blog about ‘The Power of Encouragers’ after a complete stranger convinced me (with one yell!) to run the last few miles of the marathon shortly after I decided to give up and walk to the finish. 

 

People pay lots of money for motivational books like the new Steve Jobs biography, they pay to watch inspirational movies and speakers. Participating in the marathon as an encourager is free, it gives you a chance to interact with the athletes, the costumes, the unlikely competitors and the shockingly inspirational folk who limp, walk, jog or run all 42 kilometers. 

I love these types of events because they remind us that being human is more than just being a logical being. Marathons mirror the trials of life, they remind us who our supporters are, they give us a chance to test ourselves and give us an opportunity to experience that elusive ‘Yes, we can!’ feeling. Is it logical to get out of bed on Monday to shout at a gang of egotistical athletes? Certainly not! And yet, it would be such a tragedy to miss it if you need a bit of a lift this weekend. 

 

Moments of inspiration only come by occasionally unless we plan and pursue them. New Years Eve will come along exactly two months after the marathon and we’ll wonder what happened to 2011! Why not step  yourself the gift of a half day of free inspiration between now and then?

 

Posted via email from michaelrossney's posterous

Free Half Day of Inspiration in Dublin this Monday...

This Monday morning brings one of the most inspirational, motivational and uplifting events on Dublin’s calendar. Being an encourager at the Dublin Marathon is a wonderful way to recharge your batteries if you are feeling a bit low, burned out or like there has to be more to life. It commences at 10am from Fitzwilliam Place near Merrion Square and finishes again on Merrion Square.

 

 

Watching people strive, stride, suffer and sweat, on the surface, sounds like vicarious sadism. The marathon, when examined cerebrally, isinadvisable if not insane. However, if you give yourself (and the athletes) the gift of being present along the route you’ll start to get a sense of what this event means to each competitor. You simply have to be there to appreciate it. These individuals really suffer towards the second half of the race. There is the physical an indescribable mental and physical fatigue that sets in when athletes hit the infamous ‘wall’ - each athlete gambling that it will be worth the elation of the finish line. 

 

There are first timers, age group competitors, clubs competing against each other, internal club rivalries, friends, fundraisers and of course the old battle hardened veterans. Each competitor has somehow convinced themselves that not only is this event worth getting up early on a Bank Holiday but that the training was worth trading social time for suffering, the  risk to joints was worthwhile etc etc. Their actual marathon run is just the icing on the cake of their actual commitment.  

 

But is it worth getting out of bet on a precious Bank Holiday Monday to be a spectator?...

 

Yes, you can watch it live on RTE and it’ll still be inspiring stuff,  but if you do it’ll cost you! The real inspiration happens along the sidelines where you can participate by feeding athletes encouragement, energy and enthusiasm. It is an incredible moment when you realise that these athletes really are relying on your words of encouragement. Last year I wrote an entire blog about ‘The Power of Encouragers’ after a complete stranger convinced me (with one yell!) to run the last few miles of the marathon shortly after I decided to give up and walk to the finish. 

 

People pay lots of money for motivational books like the new Steve Jobs biography, they pay to watch inspirational movies and speakers. Participating in the marathon as an encourager is free, it gives you a chance to interact with the athletes, the costumes, the unlikely competitors and the shockingly inspirational folk who limp, walk, jog or run all 42 kilometers. 

I love these types of events because they remind us that being human is more than just being a logical being. Marathons mirror the trials of life, they remind us who our supporters are, they give us a chance to test ourselves and give us an opportunity to experience that elusive ‘Yes, we can!’ feeling. Is it logical to get out of bed on Monday to shout at a gang of egotistical athletes? Certainly not! And yet, it would be such a tragedy to miss it if you need a bit of a lift this weekend. 

 

Moments of inspiration only come by occasionally unless we plan and pursue them. New Years Eve will come along exactly two months after the marathon and we’ll wonder what happened to 2011! Why not step  yourself the gift of a half day of free inspiration between now and then?

 

Posted via email from michaelrossney's posterous