Photography

In my line of work I'm really fortunate to come across many skilled and brilliant photographers. My dad is a very keen photographer so I was brought up to appreciate great photos and the art of photography. Our Creative Director here at work is kindly giving me lessons in photography, right from the very basics. It's such a joy to learn about different styles, processes and tricks of the trade type stuff. I really feel for great photographers because generally everyone rates themselves as a bit of a photo guru, myself included. Learning about all these basics, etc is really helping me identify the styles and types of photography I enjoy, and more importantly what distinguishes an exceptional photographer from an average one.

A mate, Al, who works in banking sent me some of his photos the other day after a 3 month long stint crossing Africa. I have to admit I was expecting the normal holiday snaps but man was I wrong. His photos are brilliant and I would happily frame some of them and put them on my wall. It was awesome to come across some brilliant photography where I never expected it. What made it even more special was that coming from the dark continent myself, his images captured exactly what Africa's all about. The people, the poverty, the amazing mix of cultures and that raw energy.

Allow me to introduce you to the photography of Alastair Maher - click here

Al's photo above sums up Africa in one click of the shutter.

I can't get enough of photography.

The Tour

Ever since I was a kid, I've loved watching the Tour de France. I still think it's the world's toughest sporting event, even if it has been plagued with cheats and doping. For those 3 weeks in July it becomes a complete addiction and my life revolves around it. My highlight so far has been going to watch the final stage in Paris a couple years ago. Last year the first 2 stages were raced here on the mud island so I got to see it up close and personal once again. So, the only box not ticked, is a mountain stage. Enter 2009. The course has just been released (here)...and it's crazy! Particularly the second to last stage, finishing on Mont Ventoux (never in the history of the event has a mountain been on the programme the day before the finish in Paris). Added to the mix is Mr Mellow Johnny, who's come out of retirement. Whether he makes it to the start line or not, time will only tell, but for me it's a once in a lifetime chance to watch the world's greatest athlete race an iconic climb in an event I've turned into an obsession.

It's time to start saving tin so I can be on the side of that mountain in 2009. Who knows, I may even get to witness a duel like Lance V Marco in 2000. Maybe Lance V Alberto?

Bring on the Tour!

Dublin Marathon

What an awesome experience. Running with Barbs' was truly special. She has said it will be her first and last marathon but hopefully her mind will forget the pain and suffering it went through. That's the beauty of a marathon. Things go so well and then all of a sudden the body just says 'stuff this, I need to stop!'. That's when the race gets interesting. It's at this point that all the training and mental toughness kicks in to push yourself further than you ever have before and keeps the legs ticking over. It's also known as 'The Wall' in running circles and pops it ugly face up around the 18-20 mile mark. Barbs now knows 'The Wall' intimately. Watching their relationship blossom was rather interesting.

So after months of training and many sacrifices she did it in 5h11m. And I can't tell you how proud I am of her.

A Few Days Off and then a Marathon

I'm off for the next few days to Croyde with Timo and some of his mates. It's something that was started 3 years ago and involves a bunch of us going down the coast to get some surf (hopefully) and sit around the fire drinking a few beers. This year is a little different as we'll be celebrating Tim's Gold medal at Beijing. I sadly won't be having many beers as I'm off to Dublin with the girlfriend on Sunday to do a small run.

Clearly I'm only kidding when I say small because as the title states, we'll be running the Dublin Marathon on Monday. It's a first for Barbs but she's put in the miles and I can't wait to run the 26.2 miles by her side.

I'm really looking forward to trudging around the streets of Ireland's capital. You'd be amazed at the sights we take in over the course of the race. Race course

We'll catch up on Tuesday.

Marketing Week Awards

The results are out. See all the winners here

Magazines

I heart magazines. What I love even more than magazines is magazine subscriptions. It's like getting a present every month. And because most of mine come monthly/bi-monthly I forget they're coming so arrive home to a nice surprise. So tonight it will be reading my new Surfer mag with legendary surfer and musician Donny Frankenreiter as the Guest Editor. Stoked.

Respect

This ad gives me goosebumps. The 'tap' of respect at the end is what's needed in all sports, and life actually. Respect Wieden + Kennedy, Portland.

New Cervelo P4

I got back from a great 1.5hr run with the girlfriend to find the latest edition of the 220 Triathlon magazine in the post box. I ripped the packaging open and found this new beauty featured on page 22. Drool...

You've got to love the new bottle design. For a closer look, click here

Welcome!

I've decided to give this whole blogging story a go. I enjoy reading other people's blogs/websites and often find interesting things that I'd like to share with others. I guess this will be my way of doing it.

Enjoy the ride.