When Russell Brand met the Dalai Lama...

Yesterday a group of us went to see the Dalai Lama talk at an event called Stand Up and Be the Change. I'm not particularly religious (my Catholic upbringing kind of fell by the wayside once church was no longer a mandatory Sunday activity) however, with free tickets for under 25's, this seemed like too good an opportunity to miss. Plus as soon as I heard that Russell Brand was acting as compere I was sold (he's my guilty pleasure, what can I say?).

I must admit I was a little apprehensive. I think I was half expecting to be preached at however there was a refreshing lack of religious terminology and the principles explored were not particularly controversial (such as the importance of forgiveness and how we all have the right to find spiritual happiness). The general consensus on our way out was that a lot of what was said made perfect sense however I did feel that the event lacked practical advice. It's all very well telling a group of people to 'Stand Up and Be the Change' however I'm still not quite clear about what I'm supposed to be changing and how I should go about doing so. Either way, I liked the focus on empowering young people and it did hit home that it is now our generation's turn to do our thing (no pressure...).

All in all it was a great way to spend a Saturday, especially the parts were Russell Brand attempted to interpret the Dalai Lama's advice on spiritual wellbeing (there's a sentence I never thought I'd write!).

Mersey Tunnel 10K

Last Sunday I ran the Mersey Tunnel 10K. I'd heard about it a while ago and vowed to take part, mainly for the novelty factor of running through the tunnel (for similar reasons I also want to run the London Zoo 10K). Having completed a half marathon in the past I knew this distance was certainly do-able however, as I've been somewhat lacking in motivation, felt it would still be a decent challenge.

The race itself didn't disappoint. Sure parts were tough (I wasn't counting on the sun making a rare appearance) and negotiating my way through fellow runners at the beginning was a pain, however the great atmosphere meant that I genuinely enjoyed myself. Crossing the finish line in just over 53 minutes, I was reminded of why I am so determined to make running a part of my life.

I wish every run felt like a race (and not just because I'm weirdly competitive). I love the shift in attitude that race day brings. Of course the crowds spur you on however there's also that constant voice in your head telling you that stopping/walking just isn't an option. Sometimes it takes a certain kind of environment to really push yourself and lone training runs don't always cut it. When I'm jogging around my local park I will use any excuse to stop for a breather (my ipod needs adjusting, I need to tie my lace, I have to stretch... you get the picture) despite the fact that I know my body is more than capable of carrying on.

My next step is to join a running club. Having briefly dabbled in the past, I think I now need to make the commitment and find somewhere that won't let me stop unnecessarily as soon my legs get a little achy! I also need to work on my general overall fitness however the longer I can put off attending circuit training during my lunch break the better.