This doesn't refer to athletes shaggin' in the village, although I'm sure that does go on.
The days of the Olypics being an amateur event about sport are obviously long gone. It seems to now be an odd trend between pointless ritual and money, with some events thrown in the middle somewhere. Let's face it, the games themselves are about 3 weeks? Just over? While the worldwide cash in campaign is months, if not years.
Companies (the partners of the title) will throw any possible amount of money at the organisers just to get their name associated with the event. Some of these just don't make sense. Two obvious one's stick out, McDonalds and Coca Cola, two things criminally bad for health, I enjoy partaking in both, but in no way do I think Big Mac meal with a coke, let's do some triple jump!Is unhealthy food really who the IOC want to be associated with? Of course, as they have the most money to give them.
Others on the list just make you think, why? P&G are on there and it's plastered all over their adverts. But once again... what's the association? Are the risks of Paula Radcliffe shitting on the pavement again so high, they've got the manufacturers of pampers in just in case? Or have they got some discount Ariel out of the deal and the athletes wash their (hopefully not shit stained) clothes in it?
UPS? Well I suppose if I was an athlete I wouldn't want to use bastard Yodel either, who would? Fucking Yodel.
Visa? Naturally the more active or accurate or... ummm, of the payment methods...
Nature Valley? Will those business people falling into the haystack on the advert be being replaced with water polo players?
There are some obvious matches, Airwave a radio supplier, going to need them. Ticketmaster, yep going to need someone to sell tickets, addidas, sportswear... yeah cool, technogym, running to techno music? I not sure but it sounds like something that makes sense.
Basically any company with enough cash and the urge to have their name associated with such a global spectacle of an event can become an Olympic partner, I don't like that.
Then there's all the pointless ceremony. Friday I've taken the day off work, the reason? A good percentage of Cardiff will be closed while people run through the streets holding the Olympic torch, so everyone can get to see it. Wow, a torch. Yeah, I'll hang round for that...
Then the bastard thing is following me and will close bits of Merthyr Saturday, for gods sake I've got things to do!The idea that this torch thing has to go within x distance of everyone's house baffles me. I understand it some attempt to involve the whole country, but I don't give a shit. I don't want to see the torch, I don't want a T-Shirt, I don't want a mouse mat, or a mug. I momentarily thought about getting tickets to the football, but as my beliefs are no Welsh players should be involved (Bale, Ramsey, Williams, Allen, etc this means you) I thought no, plus they were expensive!
There'll be an xbox game, it'll be crap, they're always crap, so I don't want that.
I also don't want to watch drug cheats such as Dwaine Chambers compete, but looks like I'm stuck with that too. I won't celebrate if he gets a medal, luckily he shouldn't.
I'll watch and enjoy the Olympics, don't get me wrong, but all the BS that comes with it, I can do without. I'm now resigned to however many decades of having this shit stuffed down my throat. It should be about the athletes, not cash.
Showing posts with label Football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Football. Show all posts
Wednesday, 23 May 2012
Wednesday, 2 May 2012
Merthyr Town FC Champions again
Saturday afternoon I took my semi regular trek through the gates on Penydarren Park to watch my beloved Merthyr Town play Infracombe in the knowledge a win would confirm they win the league and return them to the Southern League, now just 1 division below where they were when Merthyr Tydfil went bust.
They beat this side 5-0 away not 1 week before, surely it would be simple! When is it ever simple?
They beat this side 5-0 away not 1 week before, surely it would be simple! When is it ever simple?
After a considerable period of being unable to hit a cows arse with a banjo, eventually the significant proportion of the play Merthyr had paid off they scored and won 1-0 (Goal by Ryan Prosser), keeping them a point clear and with second place Bitton having no games left... game over. There was a nice trophy prsentation after and much sparkling white was sprayed around the field. Nice trophy too:
 |
| Western League trophy |
Two promotions in 2 years is nothing to be sniffed at any level and while the Western Football League wasn't exactly of blistering quality, it was entertaining at times! Next years return to the Southern League (in a regional division) should be a notable step up in quality and I doubt three on the bounce is really on the cards, but you never know! Next year will see the return to some more familiar teams such as Mangotsfield, Tiverton, Taunton... Still pretty obscure, but better!
I'll be there next year, and judging by the turnout at a few of the later games this year, there's potential for quite a few others to be there too, just need to carry on doing well to keep the crowds in. 725 my arse. Even got their mugs on sgorio. Da Iawn!
I'll be there next year, and judging by the turnout at a few of the later games this year, there's potential for quite a few others to be there too, just need to carry on doing well to keep the crowds in. 725 my arse. Even got their mugs on sgorio. Da Iawn!
Worst part is, despite the season being done, champions decided etc, 2 teams have not played the full 34 matches, Merthyr and Wells. The games been abandoned once and postponed once and now... doesn't matter much (Unless Merthyr score 5 to get their 100 goals for the season, or if Wells win they come 11th not 12th). It's now scheduled for the 8th, I doubt too many of the players will be up for the 4 hour round trip for little/no reason. Call it a draw?
Stuff like this just confirms to me even more, while an Arsenal follower I'll continue to be, I'm a fan of Merthyr.
Stuff like this just confirms to me even more, while an Arsenal follower I'll continue to be, I'm a fan of Merthyr.
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
Hi, I'm Andrew and I'm an underachiever
On a personal level, my life is pretty sweet, I have good friends, the kind of friends you can rely on, I have a lovely wife who I love dearly, I have Gracie who's a story on her own, I have family, I own a couple of houses (1 of which I live in obviously). Things are good! However, there's always been one level on which I frustrate myself royally, achievements.
Now I know everything above is an achievement, and some of them big ones, I'm talking about the little personal stuff. Not quite a bucket list, I'm not that old or (as far as I'm aware) in any immediate danger of kicking said bucket.
Back in school days I had a bit of ambition, but never followed it through, up until the age of 16, I wanted to write, I had a pretty good imagination, decent attention to detail, could put points across and was borderline creative, I thought I could write things people would be interested in. I wanted to be a journalist. Come 16 and A-Level options time I convinced myself I wasn't good enough for this and went down the safe, 'I'm a geek and I'm good with numbers and computers option' (which I am) took maths/sciencey A-levels and lacked enthusiasm for 2 years. (Apart from stats modules in Maths, I seemed to be reasonably good at them naturally and enjoyed them much, looking at my job now of course...)
This lack of enthusiasm carried through so I never actually wanted to go to university, but I did for a while as that was my next prescribed step, I did ok, but circumstances went against me and I dropped. I don't regret going, some of the people there were top quality and I made some good friends, I just wish I'd been there out of desire not duty.
Work wise, I always have been ambitious, I've always tried to push myself, try and get to a more senior level, but I must have been successful in around 10% of the internal interviews I've gone for. I've got a chance to try out a senior role now, I'm giving it my best but I still feel I'm the underdog long term, but we'll see. At times I've wallowed and as a result maybe missed chances, there are times I've felt frustrated, I'm not exactly known for my unshakable self confidence and at times I can be slow to recover from losing out. This is the year for moving on up I feel, I just have to make sure it happens.
It's not so much even about the money, yes I'd love a job which paid me royally, no more stressing about money, can have all the shiny things in the world, woo-hoo, nice, but not essential. Primarily I want to enjoy my job, have a feeling of responsibility. I'm not saying I don't enjoy what I have now, but I want... more. Exactly what I've been finding in my temp role. Worst thing could be if I do my 2 months then fail long term. Previously I assumed I'd enjoy such a role, but now I actually know that I do, back to before may be worse. Oh and reasonable money is a necessity I have a family and mortgage remember, I'm sure charity work would be rewarding, but I can't see it buying food!
The writing things hangs round too, and I've written stuff before, some I've posted on here, more I haven't, most I've never finished after convincing myself (probably accurately) that what I'm writing is shite, maybe it was a good idea to start but I killed it... I stuck the one short story on amazon, but it didn't sell (I didn't exactly push it either) it was horribly bad value for money anyway, but I thought the content was tolerable. But there must be an idea in there somewhere otherwise why would I have the continuing ambition to try. Self delusion? Distinct possibility, but seeing/reading some of the stuff on the kindle store, well let's just say there's hope for everyone.
I even have been writing reviews for amazon of late, just to see how people react to stuff I think. I'm ranked just inside the top 17,000 reviewers, so not exactly a write off, but not good by any stretch. But I'll climb over time, maybe.
I've always had ambitions to be fitter, I'm never going to be an athlete, I knew from the age of 10 and missing an open goal with a header for St Illtyds Primary team I was never going to be a footballer, or an athlete of any kind. But that's no reason to sit on my arse and be a fatty now is it. I've been thin, I've been 19+ stone and if I had to choose between the two... I'd choose neither, but more towards the smaller. I really like going to the gym, and I get a sense of relaxation from running, always have, my body however disagrees and breaks regularly, slowing progress to the point where it's an effort to get going again, like now. But I will be back gym count on it, and soon (Llanelli Half coming up in March!). Plus I'm getting quite fat again, well more fat than usual!
Well fuck all this wallowing in self pity, in 16 days I'm 30 and this year I'm going to do something about some of it. That's what new years resolutions are after all. Maybe not it all, and maybe I'll bomb at what I try, but as long as I do try, I can't do any more.
Oh and I'll also try writing here regularly again, it was doing OK and I neglected it, plus that writing thing I was on about...
Now I know everything above is an achievement, and some of them big ones, I'm talking about the little personal stuff. Not quite a bucket list, I'm not that old or (as far as I'm aware) in any immediate danger of kicking said bucket.
Back in school days I had a bit of ambition, but never followed it through, up until the age of 16, I wanted to write, I had a pretty good imagination, decent attention to detail, could put points across and was borderline creative, I thought I could write things people would be interested in. I wanted to be a journalist. Come 16 and A-Level options time I convinced myself I wasn't good enough for this and went down the safe, 'I'm a geek and I'm good with numbers and computers option' (which I am) took maths/sciencey A-levels and lacked enthusiasm for 2 years. (Apart from stats modules in Maths, I seemed to be reasonably good at them naturally and enjoyed them much, looking at my job now of course...)
This lack of enthusiasm carried through so I never actually wanted to go to university, but I did for a while as that was my next prescribed step, I did ok, but circumstances went against me and I dropped. I don't regret going, some of the people there were top quality and I made some good friends, I just wish I'd been there out of desire not duty.
Work wise, I always have been ambitious, I've always tried to push myself, try and get to a more senior level, but I must have been successful in around 10% of the internal interviews I've gone for. I've got a chance to try out a senior role now, I'm giving it my best but I still feel I'm the underdog long term, but we'll see. At times I've wallowed and as a result maybe missed chances, there are times I've felt frustrated, I'm not exactly known for my unshakable self confidence and at times I can be slow to recover from losing out. This is the year for moving on up I feel, I just have to make sure it happens.
It's not so much even about the money, yes I'd love a job which paid me royally, no more stressing about money, can have all the shiny things in the world, woo-hoo, nice, but not essential. Primarily I want to enjoy my job, have a feeling of responsibility. I'm not saying I don't enjoy what I have now, but I want... more. Exactly what I've been finding in my temp role. Worst thing could be if I do my 2 months then fail long term. Previously I assumed I'd enjoy such a role, but now I actually know that I do, back to before may be worse. Oh and reasonable money is a necessity I have a family and mortgage remember, I'm sure charity work would be rewarding, but I can't see it buying food!
The writing things hangs round too, and I've written stuff before, some I've posted on here, more I haven't, most I've never finished after convincing myself (probably accurately) that what I'm writing is shite, maybe it was a good idea to start but I killed it... I stuck the one short story on amazon, but it didn't sell (I didn't exactly push it either) it was horribly bad value for money anyway, but I thought the content was tolerable. But there must be an idea in there somewhere otherwise why would I have the continuing ambition to try. Self delusion? Distinct possibility, but seeing/reading some of the stuff on the kindle store, well let's just say there's hope for everyone.
I even have been writing reviews for amazon of late, just to see how people react to stuff I think. I'm ranked just inside the top 17,000 reviewers, so not exactly a write off, but not good by any stretch. But I'll climb over time, maybe.
I've always had ambitions to be fitter, I'm never going to be an athlete, I knew from the age of 10 and missing an open goal with a header for St Illtyds Primary team I was never going to be a footballer, or an athlete of any kind. But that's no reason to sit on my arse and be a fatty now is it. I've been thin, I've been 19+ stone and if I had to choose between the two... I'd choose neither, but more towards the smaller. I really like going to the gym, and I get a sense of relaxation from running, always have, my body however disagrees and breaks regularly, slowing progress to the point where it's an effort to get going again, like now. But I will be back gym count on it, and soon (Llanelli Half coming up in March!). Plus I'm getting quite fat again, well more fat than usual!
Well fuck all this wallowing in self pity, in 16 days I'm 30 and this year I'm going to do something about some of it. That's what new years resolutions are after all. Maybe not it all, and maybe I'll bomb at what I try, but as long as I do try, I can't do any more.
Oh and I'll also try writing here regularly again, it was doing OK and I neglected it, plus that writing thing I was on about...
Monday, 3 October 2011
Welsh Cup football
The Welsh Cup is one of the longest standing club competitions on gods green earth. Wrexham won the trophy for the first time in 1878 and up until 1996, one of my favourite competitions to watch my beloved Merthyr Tydfil FC in. 1987 saw Merthyr win the damn thing 1-0 in a replay final at Ninian Park against Newport, they then proceeded to beat Atalanta 2-1 at penydarren park before getting done 2-0 in Italy in the 87-88 Cup Winner Cup. I was only 5 so can't really remember this, but it's all good.
Then to everyone's disappointment we were excluded from the cup as we played in the English System. Merthyr joined Cardiff, Swansea, Wrexham, Newport and Colwyn Bay as teams excluded from their own national cup competition. Booooo
Then news came out at the start of this year we (now of course Merthyr Town) we once again invited to join, along with the other 5! 3 accepted (Merthyr, Newport and Wrexham) and the excitement began. Now as Merthyr play in a very backwards league at the moment (and who knows for how long) we joined in the 2nd qualifying round, playing 2 games in 2 days and with a second string beating a small team 5-1. All good. The draw came out and Merthyr got Barry Town in the first round. Much additional excitement!
Merthyr and Barry had an awesome rivalry back in the day, yes now both teams have fallen on hard times and dropped down the respective league systems, but the rivalry was still there. This was potentially the tie of the round with the Welsh Premier and Blue Square Premier teams not joining for 2 more matches.
Game day came and Merthyr put their team on twitter and I went what? It was a second string. I knew at that moment we'd get beat against by all accounts a tidy Barry side. I'm very sorry but who exactly do Merthyr think they are playing 'fringe' players in a cup match against a team that'd give our first side a potentially even match.
What was the thinking?
Is the Welsh is (was) not a priority? Then why enter it, nobody had a gun to their heads.
Did we disrespect the opposition? Arrogance? Someone needs to have a long hard look at some of the players in the side, even the first team, then have a look at the teams who've beaten us in competitions so far this year and reassess how good they think we are again. Last years league wasn't a pub league, but it certainly wasn't high quality, had to be won, but don't get carried away.
Did the manager(s) misjudge the game? They both played in Merthyr v Barry games, they know the rivalry. Sounds a bit naive to me.
Anyway, Barry won easily and deservedly 3-0 and Merthyr sit out the business stages of the competition. Based on that as well looks like I'll be saving myself some £7's in the upcoming weeks, oh well!
Then to everyone's disappointment we were excluded from the cup as we played in the English System. Merthyr joined Cardiff, Swansea, Wrexham, Newport and Colwyn Bay as teams excluded from their own national cup competition. Booooo
Then news came out at the start of this year we (now of course Merthyr Town) we once again invited to join, along with the other 5! 3 accepted (Merthyr, Newport and Wrexham) and the excitement began. Now as Merthyr play in a very backwards league at the moment (and who knows for how long) we joined in the 2nd qualifying round, playing 2 games in 2 days and with a second string beating a small team 5-1. All good. The draw came out and Merthyr got Barry Town in the first round. Much additional excitement!
Merthyr and Barry had an awesome rivalry back in the day, yes now both teams have fallen on hard times and dropped down the respective league systems, but the rivalry was still there. This was potentially the tie of the round with the Welsh Premier and Blue Square Premier teams not joining for 2 more matches.
Game day came and Merthyr put their team on twitter and I went what? It was a second string. I knew at that moment we'd get beat against by all accounts a tidy Barry side. I'm very sorry but who exactly do Merthyr think they are playing 'fringe' players in a cup match against a team that'd give our first side a potentially even match.
What was the thinking?
Is the Welsh is (was) not a priority? Then why enter it, nobody had a gun to their heads.
Did we disrespect the opposition? Arrogance? Someone needs to have a long hard look at some of the players in the side, even the first team, then have a look at the teams who've beaten us in competitions so far this year and reassess how good they think we are again. Last years league wasn't a pub league, but it certainly wasn't high quality, had to be won, but don't get carried away.
Did the manager(s) misjudge the game? They both played in Merthyr v Barry games, they know the rivalry. Sounds a bit naive to me.
Anyway, Barry won easily and deservedly 3-0 and Merthyr sit out the business stages of the competition. Based on that as well looks like I'll be saving myself some £7's in the upcoming weeks, oh well!
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
Merthyr Town / Non league football
I took the bank holiday weekend to revisit the world of non-league football.
I support Arsenal as I'd imagine the vast majority of people reading this will know are not non-league, far from it (and no I don't want to talk about Sunday). But as much as I want them (and Swansea) to do well, my team has always been and will always be Merthyr Town (formerly Tydfil) FC.
The team has just returned to play in Penydarren Park, after a year in exile (which I didn't make a single game in) 20 or so miles away in Taffs Well. So I trotted down to the park yesterday to watch them play league pace setters, the undefeated Brislington Town (where??). It was then I realised I quite missed watching football like this, TV is comfortable, gives you replays, you can stop, rewind and all that shit, you have commentators telling you whjat to think any any given moment, stats popping up on screen, and generally speaking it's of a higher standard.
But being right up next to the pitch, taking it all in yourself, the experience is so much better.
The game itself was quite decent, Merthyr looked tidy passed the ball quite well, sometimes overly so and they could have done with taking a shot more. While at the back, but punts forward were a bit haphazard. Brislington had one or two tidy players, their left back looked good, while on the reverse their no4 looked like we was as likely to fall over at any given moment than successfully run in a straight line. Both keepers showed some... interesting positioning, but proved to be good shot stoppers when needed.
There was a few moments of marking (mainly the English side to be fair) that would I'm sure would give both sides coaches nightmares for a while. Even the ref had mostly a good game (although the away penalty was a bit of a mystery).
Happily Merthyr won 2-1 and moved 3rd in the table. Next week they have 2 matches in 2 days in 2 different cups (FA Prelim Round, Welsh Cup 2Q) and if I'm able I'll take the chance to pop down for the Welsh Cup game on Sunday.
Next week is an international break, no Prem games, no Championship games, which means come the weekend many football fans are at a loose end (Wales playing Friday). So if that applies to you, why not go see a team a bit further down the pyramid than you're used too? Go see Newport, Merthyr, whatever lower league teams are around, whoever's closer, you might like it! It's not always a comfortable as a sofa and sky sports, it's likely to be less conformable than a seat in the Liberty or CCS, but it's fun!
But speaking of armchair fans, the US Open started yesterday and I do love my tennis. I'll happily go see it in person if anyone wants to shout me flights and tickets. Please?
I support Arsenal as I'd imagine the vast majority of people reading this will know are not non-league, far from it (and no I don't want to talk about Sunday). But as much as I want them (and Swansea) to do well, my team has always been and will always be Merthyr Town (formerly Tydfil) FC.
The team has just returned to play in Penydarren Park, after a year in exile (which I didn't make a single game in) 20 or so miles away in Taffs Well. So I trotted down to the park yesterday to watch them play league pace setters, the undefeated Brislington Town (where??). It was then I realised I quite missed watching football like this, TV is comfortable, gives you replays, you can stop, rewind and all that shit, you have commentators telling you whjat to think any any given moment, stats popping up on screen, and generally speaking it's of a higher standard.
But being right up next to the pitch, taking it all in yourself, the experience is so much better.
The game itself was quite decent, Merthyr looked tidy passed the ball quite well, sometimes overly so and they could have done with taking a shot more. While at the back, but punts forward were a bit haphazard. Brislington had one or two tidy players, their left back looked good, while on the reverse their no4 looked like we was as likely to fall over at any given moment than successfully run in a straight line. Both keepers showed some... interesting positioning, but proved to be good shot stoppers when needed.
There was a few moments of marking (mainly the English side to be fair) that would I'm sure would give both sides coaches nightmares for a while. Even the ref had mostly a good game (although the away penalty was a bit of a mystery).
Happily Merthyr won 2-1 and moved 3rd in the table. Next week they have 2 matches in 2 days in 2 different cups (FA Prelim Round, Welsh Cup 2Q) and if I'm able I'll take the chance to pop down for the Welsh Cup game on Sunday.
Next week is an international break, no Prem games, no Championship games, which means come the weekend many football fans are at a loose end (Wales playing Friday). So if that applies to you, why not go see a team a bit further down the pyramid than you're used too? Go see Newport, Merthyr, whatever lower league teams are around, whoever's closer, you might like it! It's not always a comfortable as a sofa and sky sports, it's likely to be less conformable than a seat in the Liberty or CCS, but it's fun!
But speaking of armchair fans, the US Open started yesterday and I do love my tennis. I'll happily go see it in person if anyone wants to shout me flights and tickets. Please?
Monday, 15 August 2011
Football season has properly begun, 'mon the Martyrs
So we're into the Premier league season, and this one could potentially quite interesting. Don't get me wrong I've written Arsenal off already, I think 4th is a pipe dream and 5th more likely, chances are Man Utd will win it, Chelsea and Man City close behind and maybe a bit of improving Liverpool rounding off the Champs league spaces. But I don't think I'm most interested by the top this year.
As everyone probably knows who has any interest in the sport, Swansea were promoted. Oooh a Welsh team in the Premier, and, as I've said before, a Welsh team I quite like (sorry Cardiff, you could be playing in the Champs League final and I wouldn't give a rats ass and everytime I'm told by Cardiff fans I 'should' support them, and it's great for the whole of Wales when they win stuff, it makes me care just a little bit less.) so I find myself quite interested in how they do, to the point where I may even watch them tonight (while I still have sports).
Obviously I think they'll struggle and while I'd never say I 'support' them, I'd like them to do well. I think they've made some decent, not overly high risk signings which could be enough, could being the word. Just get to 40 points and the rest will sort itself out.
Going down the odd step, Merthyr are playing in Merthyr again, and I have a feeling this is where most of my football related time will be devoted this year. I didn't go Saturday as there was stuff on, but I'm quite fancying a few trips to Pen Park this year to watch them. They went up last season and are now playing in the Western League Premier, not exactly stuffed with footballing giants but you can only play what's infront of you. They started off beating Odd Town (I have no idea what's so odd about it) 7-1 which is a hiding at any level, so we may have a shout again this year, who knows.
Also the new kit is very nice
So if you see me wet and looking p'd off in Penydarren Park, say hi!
Oh and the bloke sitting behind me looks the spit of Leonard Nimoy...
As everyone probably knows who has any interest in the sport, Swansea were promoted. Oooh a Welsh team in the Premier, and, as I've said before, a Welsh team I quite like (sorry Cardiff, you could be playing in the Champs League final and I wouldn't give a rats ass and everytime I'm told by Cardiff fans I 'should' support them, and it's great for the whole of Wales when they win stuff, it makes me care just a little bit less.) so I find myself quite interested in how they do, to the point where I may even watch them tonight (while I still have sports).
Obviously I think they'll struggle and while I'd never say I 'support' them, I'd like them to do well. I think they've made some decent, not overly high risk signings which could be enough, could being the word. Just get to 40 points and the rest will sort itself out.
Going down the odd step, Merthyr are playing in Merthyr again, and I have a feeling this is where most of my football related time will be devoted this year. I didn't go Saturday as there was stuff on, but I'm quite fancying a few trips to Pen Park this year to watch them. They went up last season and are now playing in the Western League Premier, not exactly stuffed with footballing giants but you can only play what's infront of you. They started off beating Odd Town (I have no idea what's so odd about it) 7-1 which is a hiding at any level, so we may have a shout again this year, who knows.
I did miss every game last year, but the trip to Taffs Well was a pain in the arse.
So if you see me wet and looking p'd off in Penydarren Park, say hi!
Oh and the bloke sitting behind me looks the spit of Leonard Nimoy...
Friday, 3 June 2011
Andy Murray
OK this is only partially about him, it's also partially about the attitudes towards him especially with Wimbledon on the horizon.
Yes, today he lost, he lost 3 good sets to arguably one of the greatest clay court players that has ever been, he lost to someone that in 7 Roland Garros appearances has ever lost 1 solitary match (take a bow Rob Soderling), he lost to (until later on tonight at least) the #1 ranked player in the world. He enjoyed his best ever run in RG, playing on a surface he enjoys about as much as he enjoys major surgery, won himself 720 (up from 180) ranking points and pulled further away from #5 ranked player in the process.
Then why is the general public's reaction to pan and criticise? There's a good proportion of people who love seeing Murray fail. They probably be gutted if he did win anything. These people generally watch tennis when it's occasionally on BBC 2 (when Murray indeed gets to a decent round of a major), Queens and Wimbledon, they know of few other tournaments but think they are an authority and what they see is all there is.
Having something to have a good rant and moan about is far more fun than saying unlucky to a gallant loser and this brand of people lap it up with honours. They spout comments about his mental strength, but made no such comments when he was pretty damn excellent to come back in the 4th round from 2-0 down. They say he'll never win anything, but have never seen him win one of the 6 masters series titles he's won, at that level he's only ever lost 1 final. They say he's winy and moans... but generally the same people idolise footballers so let's say no more there.
Some people don't like him for a football related joke, I've made that joke too so they must hate me as well! If I look bothered, it's wind...
Was Murray perfect today? No, of course not, he wasted more break points than some people get in a season, but look at the company he was keeping. There's little doubt he made errors, but also, playing to the standard he was there's little doubt he'd have battered most players on the tour today. He should feel gutted he lost today, as he lost and if he was happy losing... well that's just not the right mentality, but he should also be happy with the performance, he did well. It was straight sets, but god they were long, so many games were deuce, it was close.
Wimbledon is coming and once again Murray will be on a hiding to nothing. Win it, yay! Don't win it, even if he loses 65-63 in the final set of the final and he'll be a bottler, mentally unstable, perennial loser all over again.
Yes, today he lost, he lost 3 good sets to arguably one of the greatest clay court players that has ever been, he lost to someone that in 7 Roland Garros appearances has ever lost 1 solitary match (take a bow Rob Soderling), he lost to (until later on tonight at least) the #1 ranked player in the world. He enjoyed his best ever run in RG, playing on a surface he enjoys about as much as he enjoys major surgery, won himself 720 (up from 180) ranking points and pulled further away from #5 ranked player in the process.
Then why is the general public's reaction to pan and criticise? There's a good proportion of people who love seeing Murray fail. They probably be gutted if he did win anything. These people generally watch tennis when it's occasionally on BBC 2 (when Murray indeed gets to a decent round of a major), Queens and Wimbledon, they know of few other tournaments but think they are an authority and what they see is all there is.
Having something to have a good rant and moan about is far more fun than saying unlucky to a gallant loser and this brand of people lap it up with honours. They spout comments about his mental strength, but made no such comments when he was pretty damn excellent to come back in the 4th round from 2-0 down. They say he'll never win anything, but have never seen him win one of the 6 masters series titles he's won, at that level he's only ever lost 1 final. They say he's winy and moans... but generally the same people idolise footballers so let's say no more there.
Some people don't like him for a football related joke, I've made that joke too so they must hate me as well! If I look bothered, it's wind...
Was Murray perfect today? No, of course not, he wasted more break points than some people get in a season, but look at the company he was keeping. There's little doubt he made errors, but also, playing to the standard he was there's little doubt he'd have battered most players on the tour today. He should feel gutted he lost today, as he lost and if he was happy losing... well that's just not the right mentality, but he should also be happy with the performance, he did well. It was straight sets, but god they were long, so many games were deuce, it was close.
Wimbledon is coming and once again Murray will be on a hiding to nothing. Win it, yay! Don't win it, even if he loses 65-63 in the final set of the final and he'll be a bottler, mentally unstable, perennial loser all over again.
Truth is allot of people love a 'failure' as they then feel better about themselves, that's nothing Andy's done, that's just a bit of human nature.
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
BBC 606
Today sees the closure of 606, the BBC's 99% football but pushed as a general sports discussion board. Apparently killed due to cuts in the BBC's online budget, effectively leaving them without a discussion board.
Not a great loss if I'm honest.
Generally it always seemed to be filled with angry morons with little knowledge about what they were trying to 'talk' about, and no interest in trying to find out or take others points on board. In fact you could easily say the majority of the posts were intentionally aimed to wind up other users. As a result very little if any constructive debate ever went on. Users were permitted to set up multiple accounts and (particularly on the tennis board) would do so, pretend to agree with themselves to start arguments.
This made the board home to some very very weird (reclusive?) people.
Yes, some people on there tried to have genuine discussions, but it usually ended up boiling down to a slagging match whatever the topic. Whether it was Cardiff v Swansea fans, Spurs v Arsenal, everyone v Man Utd, Nadal v Federer, and so on.
The BBC introduced tighter moderation of posts, and the ability to delete posts from threads you set up, but only retrospectively, and while all this crap was being spouted it was never going to be money well spent. It's a shame the BBC will not be offering this kind of service any more, but to say it's a loss, or a tragedy as some posters have tried to do, is just not realistic.
So the confirmation of the closure went out yesterday and come middle of today it'll be gone. Already there are about 50 'alternatives' banging round, none of which I'll name as they'll be filled with smaller populations of the same no doubt, each new forum 'owner' hoping he'll make some decent advertising revenue from the closure no doubt.
So it's farewell 606, good riddance!
Not a great loss if I'm honest.
Generally it always seemed to be filled with angry morons with little knowledge about what they were trying to 'talk' about, and no interest in trying to find out or take others points on board. In fact you could easily say the majority of the posts were intentionally aimed to wind up other users. As a result very little if any constructive debate ever went on. Users were permitted to set up multiple accounts and (particularly on the tennis board) would do so, pretend to agree with themselves to start arguments.
This made the board home to some very very weird (reclusive?) people.
Yes, some people on there tried to have genuine discussions, but it usually ended up boiling down to a slagging match whatever the topic. Whether it was Cardiff v Swansea fans, Spurs v Arsenal, everyone v Man Utd, Nadal v Federer, and so on.
The BBC introduced tighter moderation of posts, and the ability to delete posts from threads you set up, but only retrospectively, and while all this crap was being spouted it was never going to be money well spent. It's a shame the BBC will not be offering this kind of service any more, but to say it's a loss, or a tragedy as some posters have tried to do, is just not realistic.
So the confirmation of the closure went out yesterday and come middle of today it'll be gone. Already there are about 50 'alternatives' banging round, none of which I'll name as they'll be filled with smaller populations of the same no doubt, each new forum 'owner' hoping he'll make some decent advertising revenue from the closure no doubt.
So it's farewell 606, good riddance!
Tuesday, 3 May 2011
Championship football
Not often I hit on sport that isn't tennis but here I go.
I believe sports should be decided on the relative abilities of the sportspersons playing it, and based on what I've seen of the English 2nd tier this year (not much) QPR are the best of a not particularly amazing bunch. However, there's a distinct possibility the league will be decided on an FA decision on if they are to be docked points for a back room offence in 2009.
They signed a player but the image rights were a third parties, which after the West Ham , Carlos Tevez debacle was made illegal.
Yes, it appears they have broken the rules, but does the player ownership affect the way he plays on the pitch, the rule breach is a financial one and therefore I think so should the punishment. Yes make it significant, yes make it hurt the club, the players have played within the 'on the pitch' rules and earned promotion, this should be how that promotion is decided.
The other point is clubs who have failed to earn promotion could benefit from this, 3rd placed side Cardiff (quite local to me, but I'm not a fan by any stretch) could be elevated to 2nd place and go up. Considering how well they've played when I've seen them this doesn't seem right, particularly the way they played yesterday on Sky! There's a chance that the 4th placed side Swansea (equally as local, bit more of a fan) could pass Cardiff on the last day, but it's highly unlikely, but even though I prefer them, it wouldn't be right. I can't honestly think any of the fans of the club would want to go up essentially 'by default'.
Therefore I hope the FA punish QPR, they broke the rules and I think they'll struggle to argue that aspect of the charge, however don't decide the league on it!
Saying that I primarily support Merthyr FC, who as Merthyr Tydfil (Now Merthyr Town) avoided relegation from the Conference (what would be now National) a couple of times on technicalities in the 90s. So maybe it's OK sometimes, when it suits me!
Right Blue are about to be on the TV in the break room, so I'm off before they start trying to sing/mime.
I believe sports should be decided on the relative abilities of the sportspersons playing it, and based on what I've seen of the English 2nd tier this year (not much) QPR are the best of a not particularly amazing bunch. However, there's a distinct possibility the league will be decided on an FA decision on if they are to be docked points for a back room offence in 2009.
They signed a player but the image rights were a third parties, which after the West Ham , Carlos Tevez debacle was made illegal.
Yes, it appears they have broken the rules, but does the player ownership affect the way he plays on the pitch, the rule breach is a financial one and therefore I think so should the punishment. Yes make it significant, yes make it hurt the club, the players have played within the 'on the pitch' rules and earned promotion, this should be how that promotion is decided.
The other point is clubs who have failed to earn promotion could benefit from this, 3rd placed side Cardiff (quite local to me, but I'm not a fan by any stretch) could be elevated to 2nd place and go up. Considering how well they've played when I've seen them this doesn't seem right, particularly the way they played yesterday on Sky! There's a chance that the 4th placed side Swansea (equally as local, bit more of a fan) could pass Cardiff on the last day, but it's highly unlikely, but even though I prefer them, it wouldn't be right. I can't honestly think any of the fans of the club would want to go up essentially 'by default'.
Therefore I hope the FA punish QPR, they broke the rules and I think they'll struggle to argue that aspect of the charge, however don't decide the league on it!
Saying that I primarily support Merthyr FC, who as Merthyr Tydfil (Now Merthyr Town) avoided relegation from the Conference (what would be now National) a couple of times on technicalities in the 90s. So maybe it's OK sometimes, when it suits me!
Right Blue are about to be on the TV in the break room, so I'm off before they start trying to sing/mime.
Wednesday, 6 April 2011
OK then, don't keep on running, it's up to you
I honestly don't know whether I'm accident prone, unlucky or my body has some kind conspiracy against me. I'm guessing it's the first, but no guarantees.
No sooner as I signed my name on the (digital) dotted line for the half marathon and good cause bit I so lovingly blogged about Monday, than I manage to injure myself! I'd been playing 5 a side for what must've been 35 or 40 seconds when I get a pain in my right thigh. No, that can't be great I thought, but I carried on and before I knew it kicking the damn thing became a remarkably sore experience. That's right, I'd done a muscle in my thigh. Highly annoying! I played on, but with little ability to kick, run or stick my leg out you can imagine how useful I was.
You think my body has some kind of problem with me becoming fitter. It felt the cardio about to be pushed and went, "Screw that fat boy, you aint taking my McDonalds off me." I would like to reassure my body, the McDonalds will be a constant, although overtaken in the preference scale by a Dominos American hot with no onion and extra pepperoni. mmmmmmmmmmmm
It's only now the second day and the pain is better and I'm already not walking like quite the weirdo I was yesterday, I honestly think I'll be fit to go back to the gym on the weekend, but it's still annoying as it's put me behind where I wanted to be before I've even started.
I've got 4 months and I'm not exactly starting from scratch so I think I'll be OK. But if this happened just at the wrong moment, what's going to happen next? It's been a few years since I broke anything... I'm sure it'll be fine.
Regardless of no training I am today going to start my fundraising efforts in earnest. I'll start with work. Generally people in work with me a good people and generous ones too, I'm hoping that has continued into the current questionable economic climate. They should be used to me by now by generally do 1 charity thing a year, such as the Excalibur Challenge last year in which me n 3 others raised £1,300 or so for Velindre. I'm not going to manage that solo obviously, but its good as it shows I can do it.
I'm not sure whether to stick to, 'will you please sponsor me' stuff or expand a little. In that £1,300 was the proceeds from a quiz night, once again much harder to do anything with solo than with 4, but if I ask nice maybe they'll help!
No sooner as I signed my name on the (digital) dotted line for the half marathon and good cause bit I so lovingly blogged about Monday, than I manage to injure myself! I'd been playing 5 a side for what must've been 35 or 40 seconds when I get a pain in my right thigh. No, that can't be great I thought, but I carried on and before I knew it kicking the damn thing became a remarkably sore experience. That's right, I'd done a muscle in my thigh. Highly annoying! I played on, but with little ability to kick, run or stick my leg out you can imagine how useful I was.
You think my body has some kind of problem with me becoming fitter. It felt the cardio about to be pushed and went, "Screw that fat boy, you aint taking my McDonalds off me." I would like to reassure my body, the McDonalds will be a constant, although overtaken in the preference scale by a Dominos American hot with no onion and extra pepperoni. mmmmmmmmmmmm
It's only now the second day and the pain is better and I'm already not walking like quite the weirdo I was yesterday, I honestly think I'll be fit to go back to the gym on the weekend, but it's still annoying as it's put me behind where I wanted to be before I've even started.
I've got 4 months and I'm not exactly starting from scratch so I think I'll be OK. But if this happened just at the wrong moment, what's going to happen next? It's been a few years since I broke anything... I'm sure it'll be fine.
Regardless of no training I am today going to start my fundraising efforts in earnest. I'll start with work. Generally people in work with me a good people and generous ones too, I'm hoping that has continued into the current questionable economic climate. They should be used to me by now by generally do 1 charity thing a year, such as the Excalibur Challenge last year in which me n 3 others raised £1,300 or so for Velindre. I'm not going to manage that solo obviously, but its good as it shows I can do it.
I'm not sure whether to stick to, 'will you please sponsor me' stuff or expand a little. In that £1,300 was the proceeds from a quiz night, once again much harder to do anything with solo than with 4, but if I ask nice maybe they'll help!
Wednesday, 10 November 2010
Rugby, football, tennis and a request
I'm Welsh so I love rugby yeah? Well no, not all that much.
I don't dislike rugby, I do like it as a sport. I like to watch international games, I support my nation, I'd even go as far to say I know a good % of the rules and can spot infringements. I'll get carried away in the moment when they are playing, I'll shout at the TV and a rugby day is always a good excuse to meet some friends in a pub. But there are sports I would rather watch.
I didn't get overly excited when Admiral announced they were the new WRU sponsors, while other staff members were almost rolling round on the floor in excitement. I haven't bought a shirt, as I don't really like them although the all blue training top is pretty snazzy, I haven't entered competitions and raffles for the steady stream of tickets that seem to be going round, and I have no intention of starting. Thinking about it the 20,000 empty seats for the (highly expensive) Australia game on the weekend seems to hint at the chance other people like me exist. Or at least at £60+ a ticket in places it's dropped down peoples priority lists.
I like football, I follow my home town club and Arsenal, but honestly if they lose, I don't get upset or worried. Of course I want them to do well, but when Arsenal got done 1-0 by Newcastle, my reaction was, "D'oh, oh well..." I'm not the kind of supporter that wants reflected glory from choosing a team, and believe me I know a fair few who do. I personally don't see how a team I support (Arsenal) beating a team Bob from number 44 supports (lets say Eastborne Borough for arguments sake) is any kind of personal victory for me. I wasn't there, I didn't play, I didn't coach I didn't even pump the balls up.
Although saying that, i do want to get back to reffing. I qualified a few years ago, did half a season then was in a crash and had to stop for a while. Never really got going again, seems such a waste now, I fricking aced the exams too.
I even don't like referring to the team as 'us' or 'we' but I do sometimes find myself falling into that habit. Must do better!!
Don't get me started on some of the local rivalries.. the Cardiff Swansea game on the weekend, some of the vitriol coming out of (mainly Cardiff to be fair) fans was laughable, and I was happy when Swansea won, purely down to that fact!
Honestly, if there was some funked up new rule that came into force tomorrow that dictated I could only ever watch one type of sport again, I'd choose Tennis. I enjoy Tennis far more than Rugby, Football, etc and by quite a distance. I would also love to be a participant in the sport, but unfortunately (weirdly??) the Tennis club sessions in Merthyr Tydfil leisure centre are 2-4 Tuesdays and Thursdays, work dictates that I can't attend as a result! I mean who can go then??
I also quite fancy playing squash, but have nobody to play with (any fellow novices who want to try, comment or find me on twitter!!)
How many people do you think were disappointed Alex Bogdanovic lost in the first round of a 80 point challenger tournament in Germany yesterday, well apart from him, his coach etc, prob only me! To be fair he got to a semi the week before, and lost to the same guy!! At least he took a set this time! Andy Murray plays the 2nd round of the Paris Masters today, I'll be watching with keen interest. Well I wont be watching I'll be in work but there's be something on the BBC site to tell me the result.
Oh and of course I love the dodgeball, how could anyone not??? Go Hoffmesiters!
Oh and as a footnote, any twitter users I have a suggested follow. QRistmas. A Christmas single is coming out sung by former xfactor winner Steve Brookstein with the proceeds going to UK homeless charities, got to be worth a quid download of anyones iTunes cash? I believe it's a Peter Gabriel cover, I do love Peter Gabriel, maybe we could convince him to do Solsbury Hill, Shock the Monkey or Games Without Frontiers as a b-side?
Anyway, til next time...
Oh and the woman sat opposite me has a pink kindle... didn't know you could get them, they look quite snazzy! (Yes I've used snazzy twice in an blog, my vocab is the same as my daughters, head hung in shame)
I don't dislike rugby, I do like it as a sport. I like to watch international games, I support my nation, I'd even go as far to say I know a good % of the rules and can spot infringements. I'll get carried away in the moment when they are playing, I'll shout at the TV and a rugby day is always a good excuse to meet some friends in a pub. But there are sports I would rather watch.
I didn't get overly excited when Admiral announced they were the new WRU sponsors, while other staff members were almost rolling round on the floor in excitement. I haven't bought a shirt, as I don't really like them although the all blue training top is pretty snazzy, I haven't entered competitions and raffles for the steady stream of tickets that seem to be going round, and I have no intention of starting. Thinking about it the 20,000 empty seats for the (highly expensive) Australia game on the weekend seems to hint at the chance other people like me exist. Or at least at £60+ a ticket in places it's dropped down peoples priority lists.
I like football, I follow my home town club and Arsenal, but honestly if they lose, I don't get upset or worried. Of course I want them to do well, but when Arsenal got done 1-0 by Newcastle, my reaction was, "D'oh, oh well..." I'm not the kind of supporter that wants reflected glory from choosing a team, and believe me I know a fair few who do. I personally don't see how a team I support (Arsenal) beating a team Bob from number 44 supports (lets say Eastborne Borough for arguments sake) is any kind of personal victory for me. I wasn't there, I didn't play, I didn't coach I didn't even pump the balls up.
Although saying that, i do want to get back to reffing. I qualified a few years ago, did half a season then was in a crash and had to stop for a while. Never really got going again, seems such a waste now, I fricking aced the exams too.
I even don't like referring to the team as 'us' or 'we' but I do sometimes find myself falling into that habit. Must do better!!
Don't get me started on some of the local rivalries.. the Cardiff Swansea game on the weekend, some of the vitriol coming out of (mainly Cardiff to be fair) fans was laughable, and I was happy when Swansea won, purely down to that fact!
Honestly, if there was some funked up new rule that came into force tomorrow that dictated I could only ever watch one type of sport again, I'd choose Tennis. I enjoy Tennis far more than Rugby, Football, etc and by quite a distance. I would also love to be a participant in the sport, but unfortunately (weirdly??) the Tennis club sessions in Merthyr Tydfil leisure centre are 2-4 Tuesdays and Thursdays, work dictates that I can't attend as a result! I mean who can go then??
I also quite fancy playing squash, but have nobody to play with (any fellow novices who want to try, comment or find me on twitter!!)
How many people do you think were disappointed Alex Bogdanovic lost in the first round of a 80 point challenger tournament in Germany yesterday, well apart from him, his coach etc, prob only me! To be fair he got to a semi the week before, and lost to the same guy!! At least he took a set this time! Andy Murray plays the 2nd round of the Paris Masters today, I'll be watching with keen interest. Well I wont be watching I'll be in work but there's be something on the BBC site to tell me the result.
Oh and of course I love the dodgeball, how could anyone not??? Go Hoffmesiters!
Oh and as a footnote, any twitter users I have a suggested follow. QRistmas. A Christmas single is coming out sung by former xfactor winner Steve Brookstein with the proceeds going to UK homeless charities, got to be worth a quid download of anyones iTunes cash? I believe it's a Peter Gabriel cover, I do love Peter Gabriel, maybe we could convince him to do Solsbury Hill, Shock the Monkey or Games Without Frontiers as a b-side?
Anyway, til next time...
Oh and the woman sat opposite me has a pink kindle... didn't know you could get them, they look quite snazzy! (Yes I've used snazzy twice in an blog, my vocab is the same as my daughters, head hung in shame)
Thursday, 7 October 2010
An early morning jog
I'm shocked but somehow not surprised how unfit I've become. It's been a while since I did anything like training, my body has once again conspired against me to ensure the waistline expands.
I was looking in quite good shape, for me, up until about 7/8 weeks ago, covering 6 or 7 miles at a time in the gym with no real hassle, ready for a 10k building up nicely for my 2nd attempt at a half marathon (all in aid of Velindre) then late one Saturday night I developed a pain in my side, a trip to the hospital and an operation later and I was sans appendix.
This left me unable to stand without looking like Quasimodo for weeks, thanks to a few complications, unable to train for longer. In fact to this day I'm still on doctors advice to 'take it easy' after my knee also went a bit funny moving house.
But this morning my current condition was brought into sharp focus, I was sauntering round the corner near Pentrebach train station when I saw the train pull in. Panic kicked in and I broke into a full on sprint (thankfully you can't really see me running from the platform). Thanks to an understanding train guard, who luckily did manage to spot me I made it, but I was shocked that a sprint of what could me no more than 150m left me absolutely knackered. Yes, it was uphill and twisty (the way up was along a disabled access ramp so went round a bit) but I know 3 months ago I would have done it faster, and been able to speak when I got on the train.
This has made me think, I need to get back into it, I can see already I've put on weight and that's a bad start, and somewhere I've been before (18 1/2 stone at my peak, and I look back at photos.. aghast sometimes). So first chance I get, back to the gym it is. Yes I know some people will think if it's only weight is the issue, diet. I'm of the opinion dieting doesn't work, or at least doesn't work alone, just as exercise wouldn't. Dieting is essentially partially starving yourself of certain things in order to force your body into a reaction, I'd rather eat properly (not stupidly) and work my body too, that's what we were designed to do, that is what I shall do.
Not tomorrow night though, tomorrow night I've gone and acquired nice seats to watch my blessed homeland get beat at football by Bulgaria, at the 'lovely' Lego Brick Stadium. Should be a good laugh and a few pints. But after that... gym all the way!
This time next year, I'll deliberately be late, just so I can sprint to the train and show it doesn't bother me! OK I wont, that would be stupid but I know what I mean! Hopefully next year I'll be able to do what I planned this, Swansea Bay 10k, Cardiff 10k, Cardiff Half Marathon. I'll be making my comeback to sports hopefully on the 24th in the Welsh dodgeball open, I haven't been arsed to sort the entry yet, but it's on my to do list. GO HOFFMEISTERS!
I've always had these crazy ideas of wanting to do more as well, to do exciting things. The woman I sit next to in work is climbing Kilimanjaro next year and it sounds horrible, cold, hard, etc and I find myself borderline jealous, I'd love to do that. I've always wanted to do the 24 hour version of the three peaks. I could never do any of these in my current condition of course, I can't even run for the bloody train,and one thing I'm not getting is any younger, but they are things I want to do.
But even the longest journey must start from where you stand as Lao Tzu once said, and he wasn't a stupid man. Stay tuned to this blog if you want to know how I'm doing, or even if you don't I'm not about to turn the blog into some kind of rocky style training montage. I'll still write about whatever's on my mind at the time... with no discernible pattern or structure...
I was looking in quite good shape, for me, up until about 7/8 weeks ago, covering 6 or 7 miles at a time in the gym with no real hassle, ready for a 10k building up nicely for my 2nd attempt at a half marathon (all in aid of Velindre) then late one Saturday night I developed a pain in my side, a trip to the hospital and an operation later and I was sans appendix.
This left me unable to stand without looking like Quasimodo for weeks, thanks to a few complications, unable to train for longer. In fact to this day I'm still on doctors advice to 'take it easy' after my knee also went a bit funny moving house.
But this morning my current condition was brought into sharp focus, I was sauntering round the corner near Pentrebach train station when I saw the train pull in. Panic kicked in and I broke into a full on sprint (thankfully you can't really see me running from the platform). Thanks to an understanding train guard, who luckily did manage to spot me I made it, but I was shocked that a sprint of what could me no more than 150m left me absolutely knackered. Yes, it was uphill and twisty (the way up was along a disabled access ramp so went round a bit) but I know 3 months ago I would have done it faster, and been able to speak when I got on the train.
This has made me think, I need to get back into it, I can see already I've put on weight and that's a bad start, and somewhere I've been before (18 1/2 stone at my peak, and I look back at photos.. aghast sometimes). So first chance I get, back to the gym it is. Yes I know some people will think if it's only weight is the issue, diet. I'm of the opinion dieting doesn't work, or at least doesn't work alone, just as exercise wouldn't. Dieting is essentially partially starving yourself of certain things in order to force your body into a reaction, I'd rather eat properly (not stupidly) and work my body too, that's what we were designed to do, that is what I shall do.
Not tomorrow night though, tomorrow night I've gone and acquired nice seats to watch my blessed homeland get beat at football by Bulgaria, at the 'lovely' Lego Brick Stadium. Should be a good laugh and a few pints. But after that... gym all the way!
This time next year, I'll deliberately be late, just so I can sprint to the train and show it doesn't bother me! OK I wont, that would be stupid but I know what I mean! Hopefully next year I'll be able to do what I planned this, Swansea Bay 10k, Cardiff 10k, Cardiff Half Marathon. I'll be making my comeback to sports hopefully on the 24th in the Welsh dodgeball open, I haven't been arsed to sort the entry yet, but it's on my to do list. GO HOFFMEISTERS!
I've always had these crazy ideas of wanting to do more as well, to do exciting things. The woman I sit next to in work is climbing Kilimanjaro next year and it sounds horrible, cold, hard, etc and I find myself borderline jealous, I'd love to do that. I've always wanted to do the 24 hour version of the three peaks. I could never do any of these in my current condition of course, I can't even run for the bloody train,and one thing I'm not getting is any younger, but they are things I want to do.
But even the longest journey must start from where you stand as Lao Tzu once said, and he wasn't a stupid man. Stay tuned to this blog if you want to know how I'm doing, or even if you don't I'm not about to turn the blog into some kind of rocky style training montage. I'll still write about whatever's on my mind at the time... with no discernible pattern or structure...
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