Pay it forward.

On my run in this past Monday morning, i passed a cyclist standing next to his bike, and he was on his mobile. I stopped and noticed his back tyre was flat and asked him if he had a spare tube or puncture kit. He said he's used his last tube the day before.

Now, there's a bit of a background to my next action which needs elaboration first; I have made a regular habit of cycling to and from work and was struck at how aggressive cyclists were compared to runners, and it was rather off-putting, but i decided to persevere and try a social experiment. I started by saying, "hello, how're you doing?" when i passed other cyclists or when i was passed (easier when you're passing), and have had a mixed response. Most people say, "hello" back when you pass them, but not many the other way.

It was about two weeks in to trying this when i ran in to the cyclist with the flat, so i thought i'd be extra nice and stop and offer help. My good intentions were founded on solid ground as i had my cycling stuff in my running bag, which included a spare tube, which i offered to the guy (whose name i had now learned was Jono). I gave him my number and said he could replace the tube if he had the time. I got to work and had received an sms from Jono saying thanks and asking for my address which i duly supplied.

So it get's to Friday and i think, typical, i do a good deed and i don't even get a replacement tube, and i'm now taking a chance riding to work and back with no spare, so i decided i'd go buy myself a replacement today (Friday).

Well blow me down, if i don't receive (just before i leave the office to go buy the tube), a package with two spare tubes and a thank you note! Awesome.

It has restored my faith in humanity (slightly) and vindicated my social experiment that you can create a better world by starting with yourself. I'm sure it doesn't always turn out this way, but with such a good response, i think i'll keep it up. Worth a try, why not give it a go?!

Hazards of trail running in Sydney

Having been sick for 8 weeks, i was super keen to get back to some exercise, and took to my local trail run this morning. It was a beautiful morning for a run, with the sun just hitting the trail but not too hot.

I was about half way round my trail (which is also the Spit Bridge to Manly trail) when i almost stepped on a two foot long lizard! Turns out these Eastern Water Dragons are sluggish that time of the morning and just park in the sun patches and don't move out the way! I stepped over the first one and then almost immediately ran on in to another. The next 100 metres were like stepping between puddles, but they were lizard hazards! Must be mating season or something!

At least they're harmless, but it did make me start to keep an eye out on the trail, which could be helpful considering there's brown snakes around this time of year...

Sex shopping in South Africa

My chess playing mate Ronnie.

Triathlons rock

In prep for Aconcagua, reckon a level of super fitness will help. It's also good karma. :-)

SA holiday good times

A good pizza and sunset is good for the spirit.

SA Holiday more pics

Here's some more pics from the holiday.

Holiday in SA 2

We then popped off through Swaziland down to St Lucia, then down to Drakensberg, then down through the Bloukraans (for a bit of a Jump), down to Oudtshoorn, through my farm and to Cape Town. Paddling, climbing, surfing and a bit of a catch up with family and friends. Holidays are good.