Running with huskies

About to navigate through a field of cows...

What better way to start the day than a four hour cross country run with dogs, even breakfast has to wait sometimes….

It is rare for me to plan a precise route before I head out the door.  I have a rough idea of how long I want to run for, but it matters not where we run or the actual distance we cover.  I have a very good sense of direction and know the Wiltshire/ Hampshire countryside well so have no fears about getting lost, plus the dogs and I have the ability to run for hours and hours on motivation alone…. But as a precaution I take a mobile phone and on the longish runs I take water, Shot Bloks & Clif Bars, just in case…..

I know where all the rivers and sources of water are for the huskies, so I need only take emergency rations for them.

Behave, otherwise I leave you here ;-)

As I was intending on running for several hours I opted to run the dogs in harness, attached to me on a human harness via a double lead – “Cani-cross” style for those familiar with that sport.  Normally I just run them on collars and long leads, which give them more freedom and space to “play” and allow us all to run naturally.  As soon as harnesses go on they jump into work mode, very focussed and keen to do the job that they were bred to do.  The one benefit of harnesses is that I have free hands and can eat, drink and take photographs as we trot along admiring the view….

We headed off Eastwards towards Hampshire, picking up a route that runs alongside the railway line that goes into London.  Meeting several dogs and their owners within the first few miles and I was delighted to find that owners and dogs were very polite, respectful and friendly – very different than some of the people/ dogs that we meet when we run Westwards….  One could assume that it has something to do with country people versus town people…. But I will not make the assumption as I know that there is more to it than that!!

Typical terrain on the route...

I love running with the huskies.  We have run thousands of miles together and spend hours upon hours each week running together.  We know each other well and have the utmost respect for each other’s needs.  I allow them to follow their hunting/ chasing instinct, and take advantage of their enthusiasm to do some impromptu sprint training.  There are always warning signs before the launch forward in hunt mode…. A flick of ears, and stiffening of body, little glances around them… they sense the animal close by and I know before it appears what it will likely be…. It may be a deer, a pheasant, a hare, or something else.  I prepare for the surge forward and when it happens and it is safe to do so, I issue the word “let’s go” and sprint forward with them.  I continue running for a short distance before asking them to slow down and stop.  If it is not safe to run with them, I perform an emergency stop and the animal appears and then disappears as we stand and watch.  

To train a husky to stand and watch “prey” involves a lot of hard work, but it has saved my life on numerous occasions!!  Huskies are very intelligent dogs and don’t just chase animals for the sake of it, they chase to hunt and to kill, when a kill is not possible, they reduce their enthusiasm – me holding them back means no way can they catch a deer, and they know this!!

YAY! We found Clarendon Way..

In return the dogs help me when I need help…. There are times when I need them to either sprint forward (crossing busy roads) or perform an emergency stop or run by my side (treacherous terrain when I am in danger of falling over).  I need them to respond without hesitation, there is no time for thinking or questioning what I am asking them to do.  They know the difference between me asking them to slow down because I am a little scared of running downhill too quickly and when I actually am in danger.  In nearly two decades of running with dogs there have only ever been two occasions of me being in danger and the dogs not responding.  Both times involved rescue dogs that I had not raised since pups…..

There are two demonstrations that stand out for me as brilliant examples of the relationships that I have with the huskies.  The first was during a 30 mile ultra with three huskies – the event involved running up and down Box Hill in Surrey, including running down the infamous steps – have you ever actually counted them?  I think there are 271 in total...  We did it in such a beautifully controlled fashion that I was in tears by the time we reached the bottom, so proud of my “boys” especially as a squirrel appeared at one point….

Buzzard taking off....

The other example was during an ultra on the South West Coastal Path.  Running with only Kez on this occasion, we reached the top of the steps near Lulworth Cove and I froze.  

I was petrified and too scared to go any further.  Since falling while descending a mountain during the World Ultra Trail Championships in 2011 I have become very scared of running down steep descents.  Kez had already climbed down two steps when I froze, but as soon as he realised, he reversed back up them and stood by my side.  He looked up at me and edged forward, before looking back at me.  I followed him down the first step and then the next as he continued forward, looking back at me every few seconds.  

We made it safely to the bottom – without Kez there I would have simply turned around and quit the race.

Anyway, back to our little fun adventure yesterday.  It was only Kez, Kroi and I - Ian had taken Krofti running with him.  Heading East we soon entered Hampshire and were running on trails that I used to run and ride upon many years ago.

We passed the stables where I used to keep my pony and we passed the field where I first learned how to mud ski courtesy of a herd of baby pigs – no pigs live there anymore so we passed through uneventfully…

It was shortly after this point that I started making up the route as I had never before run down the bridleways that we were now on.  

My instinct was correct and by chance our distraction of following the Red Kites also happened to lead us down the correct path back into Wiltshire.  

I wanted to pick up the Clarendon Way and head homewards upon it – we found it rather too easily if I am honest as I had quite liked the idea of pretending we were lost for a little while… would have had to run further!!

Once on the Clarendon Way it was a simple case of following it until we reached Pitton and then head up towards Figsbury Ring.  We had some fun with teenage campers/ hikers along the way, plus some “downtime” chasing mice…..

Safely home after nearly four hours of running and time for a hearty breakfast……

Krofti.... pictures speak a thousand words...

Integral member of the team during the Lightning 12 hour race - love this photo!

Krofti has seen it all, and done it all...

I have spent nearly 12 years with this very special boy.

He has shared his life with 7 other huskies, accepted and helped all of them in some way.

A husky with a fabulous sense of humour and an ability to win over the coldest of hearts...

I have learned so much by watching him and his approach to life....

I love this little guy and I don't think that I am the only one....

Waiting patiently as I "faff"...

Puddle jumping with kids.  Children are his true love :-)

With earned trust, you are allowed certain privileges - walking free in Newborough Forest...

Krofti in "Heaven" - being cuddled by a little person...

Last minute stand in for a friend in need in the European Canicross Championships in Belgium 2010

Fame!! On Belgium television!!

Leading the Winchester kids into the stadium as part of the Track2Track relay...

My most favourite photo - Olympic Torch Bearing husky.... a very worth Kobi stand in :-)

What he does best... sleeping and looking cute...

Protecting Colin - another cute sleeping one...

Pin up boy...;-)

The most special one of them all.... :-)

The day I met Krofti..... less than 24 hours old... I will be with him until the day he falls asleep for the last time..... :-)

(photos courtesy of Ian J Berry, Katie Jarzyna, RTV television, Sandra Bowers)

The boy husky forever in my heart....

Dear Kobi,

This will be the last time that I ever write to you.  I will continue to remember you forever and a day, you live in my heart and that will never change.

So much has happened in this past year.  Every day I have thought of you and every day I have wondered “what if”…. But I know in my heart of hearts that the answer will always be the same.

My last words to you were “go find him” and I choose to believe that you did.  Somehow you found him and now you watch us from above, forever watch us from above.

I will never forget the day we said goodbye.  You somehow knew what was happening and what it meant.  You never questioned as I led you into the car.  For the first time ever you walked in without hesitation.  And as you fell asleep in my arms, you never resisted and never questioned.  You just knew that it was okay because you trusted me.

Loving life!!

Others have judged and others have their opinion.  We know the facts and we made the decision that was best for you.  The most painful decision ever made, but the one that we had to make. Any other decision would have resulted in eternal turmoil and potential pain beyond comprehension.

As I write the tears are rolling down my face, I remember so much and wish so much that it could have been different.  You continue to come to me in my dreams, for that I am eternally grateful.  He brings you to me, my forever protector even in death he continues to help me.

But, I do not want to write to you in a negative mind, so much positive has come out of the past year and it is that I want to share with you.

Do you remember the promise that I made to you?  Well I did it, we saved another and she is now about to begin her new life…..

Her name is Lara and she is another like you, but with a difference….. A little Lady Husky she is, and a little character she most definitely is…. We have worked hard following all that you taught us and as a result we have helped her more than I thought possible.

Creating your own magic

She left us today, to go and live with her new family.  We nearly did not let her go, wanted to keep her here and cuddle her forever…. But then I thought of you and the promise that I made to you. 

She has gone and I return to having only one shadow.  I will miss her terribly as will Ian and all the boy huskies.  It hurts Kobi, just like it hurt when we said goodbye to you.

As this special little Princess leaves us, a baby boy joins us for a few sleepovers before moving onwards to be with his forever family.  He is a little husky puppy and sad circumstances allowed me to enter his life.  I was driven to help him by thoughts of you.  But I hesitated in my actions, thinking I could make good out of his sad situation.  I nearly failed in my quest to help him.  Kez was the one that comforted me as I wept by the roadside thinking I was too late… 

But my belief was indeed true and "good" triumphed over "bad".  For a short while this little baby will be welcomed into our home and nurtured by the “K” Pack.  He now has a bright smiling future ahead of him, thanks to you.

Biggest tongue competition...

Krofti, Kez and Kroi send you their love.  They have forgotten the stuff that I also choose to forget.  Their little scars are reminders of our life together, nothing more and nothing less.

Kade left us shortly after you did, but I believe you know that already.  The One I sent you to find was his father and my forever protector.

So where ever you are, I just wanted to say that I think of you every day and I thank you for all that you gave and continue to give.  I wish it could have ended differently, but I accept that for so many reasons, it had to end as it did.

For one year I have slept above all that remains of your precious husky form. I have in that time fulfilled my promise to you and saved another.

Do you remember that you and I were to carry the Olympic Flame together?  I have never forgotten.  Kobi, my little Olympic Spirit you will rest forever in the very place where I carried the Olympic Flame in your memory.

And in a strange twist of fate… do you remember when I used to hold you and dream of finding your mum?  Well, I may have found her now.  If it is her, she is well and she is safe.  She endured a lot of suffering but others stepped in and helped save her and now she needs worry no more.  I will never be able to prove that she gave birth to you, but I choose to believe that this is your birth mum.  I have seen a photo of her and she reminds me so much of you….

The overall female course record (with huskies...)

And do you remember how you taught me to run very quickly?  You, me and the two brothers?  Well we continued running quickly in your memory and were rewarded by achieving the overall female course record at parkrun.  It has since been deleted from official records, but we do have the memories, plus a little keepsake...

The sub 4 minute mile moves ever closer, another dream for us to chase....

Taking a bow after our 12 hour run

My forever protector, his son (Kade) and grandson (Krofti)

I will continue to dream of “Kobi’s Legacy”, where together you, Ian and the “K” Pack help huskies and children alike.  Help them learn to love life through running and all that it brings.  We have made progress, but asking people for money is the hardest part and I haven’t quite mastered that art.  Until then we will continue to give as we can.

My Dear Kobi, I bid you farewell.

I love you, forever and a day.

Sandra xx

(Photos courtesy of Ian J Berry & Linda Green)

Farewell to a Princess...

Fearful and cautious, the first few days...

Dear Lara,

This is the letter that I have dreamed about writing and had nightmares about writing.

Our time together is coming to an end and we both now must learn to live without each other.  All around us people will help us adapt.  For many weeks there will be doubt and uncertainties, but ultimately we will both grow and thrive in our separate lives.

Before you, there was another.  The boy husky that you see in your dreams used to live amongst us.  He was a very special boy that taught me so much.  He prepared me for you and how I could help you learn to love and trust humans after such a sad start in your young life.

Nearly one year ago today I held this special boy husky in my arms as he fell asleep forever.  I made a promise to him that I would save others like him and send them out into the world as happy, healthy and adaptable huskies ready for a new and forever life.

When you leave us to live with your forever family my promise to this special boy will have been fulfilled.  Thank you for allowing me to fulfil that promise.

Snake games with Sally....

I am fearful of the future as I can no longer protect you, but I know in my heart that you no longer need me and need something else that your new family will give you.  With them you will have all the attention that you desire.  You will not have to push boy huskies out the way or squawk at older boy huskies when you are jealous of human attention bestowed to them.

I so wish that I could tell you what to do in the forthcoming weeks as you adjust to new people and a new life.  I know you will sometimes be scared and will look for boy huskies and all the other things that have become familiar to you in your time with us.  But tell you I cannot, you will need to learn and will need to be big and strong – just like you were when that scary dog tried to hurt you yesterday.

When I met you for the first time I knew that your time with us would not be long.  Although you looked unsure and fearful, you were curious and determined.  A mind of your own some might say, or perhaps a strong sense of self survival derived from a previous life full of sadness and neglect.

We were worried for a while with the little “love triangle”… Kez loved you, you loved Kroi and Kroi just wanted to be with his human “mum”.  There was tension for a while between the two brothers, but not long and soon they were best friends again and you accepted that perhaps young Kroi was not yet ready for Lady Huskies….

Chasing the love of your life...

You were curious right from the start.  You wanted to see and experience all that was happening around you, wanted to know and to understand.  You became my shadow as I took you on a whirlwind tour of life, assisted by a Man Human and three amazing boy huskies.

Together we ran for miles, we played for hours and we ate so many exciting foods.  We were not supposed to eat Garmins, but I guess you just wanted to understand why the Man Human was so obsessed with this little gadget and all that it did….

You brought light and humour into our lives.  Watching you collect underwear, toys, cushions and tea towels and hide you treasures in muddy holes was funny and yet sad at the same time.  We knew what was driving your appetite for such behaviour that was the sad part, but you did look like you were having so much fun at the same time!

Your fascination with wooden spoons was another little quirk that we loved.  I know now just how much you love oatmeal and as most spoons were used to create a bowlful, I guess I understand why they were so attractive….

There were so many things that you did that brought tears to my eyes.  Your first wagging tail in recognition of my voice; the way you leaped around when I said “Ladee Husky”; the first time you “whoo, whoo’ed” - a noise that once echoed around our house when a certain boy husky was in residence; the way you always followed me into the bathroom and was fascinated by the bubbles in the bath; the excitement you showed the first time you sneaked onto our bed…. The list goes on and on, so many things to remember and cherish forever.  And thanks to the Man Human we have so many photographic memories to remember you by…

Our first parkrun & my love of pink about to commence....

You amazed me with your aptitude for running.  Like a true husky you took to it immediately and the smiles upon your face were a delight to see.  With each week you became stronger and faster and able to run further.  Last week together with the boy huskies and Man Human we ran faster than I have ever run in my life.  15:06 for 5k is rather fast and I know given more time we could have gone even faster…

The photo of a lifetime..
1,024 likes & 166 shares so far...

In two decades of living with huskies you were the first lady husky that I ever lived with.  Any eye opener you certainly were, your intelligence and ability to achieve your objectives were quite simply awe inspiring.  I think I may try the bum wagging technique next time I want to steal a chip from Man Human’s dinner plate….

I went on a quest to find you a home worthy of the princess that you are.  I wrote and I created and I shared, and it worked.  There were a great many people that fell in love with you, just like I did.  But there can only be one home for you and I believe that the one chosen for you will give you all that you need, and a little bit more….

Help them understand you and learn about Siberian Huskies.  Your breed is very special and so many people fail to understand what you need to live in contentment.  The life blood that pulses through your veins needs to belong to a pack, needs to run and needs to hunt - well at least pursue the act of hunting if not the actual “killing”.  Given time your new family will give this to you, always remember that and when they drop your lead or open the car door before you are secured to them.  The outside world is scary and threatening place for huskies that love to run, stay with your family and let them protect you from it.  Remember your beautiful sister Vanya and how she now watches over you from above.  Remember that you belong in our world for many years to come……

Bed for a Princess

I made you a special bed to take to your new home and remember us by.  They very bed that you now love and scolded Krofti about for daring to sleep upon…

And so as the tears free flow I ask only one thing of you.  Remember all that I have taught you and never forget.  Look to your new “mum” as you once looked to me, she may not have my Scottish accent but she wants for you all that I wanted for you.

Thank you for all that you have given me and our pack.  We believe again thanks to you.

I will never forget you and will remember you, forever and a day…….

The Lady Human xx

(Photos courtesy of Stuart March, Ian J Berry & Sandra Bowers)

Retiring from parkrun

parkrun with Ian and Kade

In a week that has finally given me a glimmer of hope that I will one day return to being my former self, I have made a decision that makes me very sad.  

Running my highest mileage week since November has given me the opportunity to do a lot of thinking and planning for myself and also for the huskies.  Three of our huskies have thrived on the increase in exercise, whilst one of our team members has sadly struggled.

Retiring on a high, big happy smile..

preparing for his final run with the team

Krofti will be twelve years old in a few months.  Throughout his lifetime he has run thousands of miles ranging from fast 5k’s to ultra distance events.  He has run in 6 dog teams pulling rigs and bikes and run alongside many different dogs.  Although he has done all of this, mostly with a smile, Krofti has never been the greatest fan of running.  He has always liked to take part, to doddle along admiring the view.  Never a puller and with a questionable working ethic, I have always accepted him for who he is and our runs have fit around his needs and desires.  You can only run as fast as your slowest team member, so when Krofti is on the team we simply run at his pace.  The youngsters may object to this, but they do accept it with some encouragement!

Sadly as Krofti gets older, his ability to run continuously is changing and in the past few months he prefers to jog, stop, walk for a bit and then jog a bit.  Sometimes he just stops dead, and refuses to move until we turn around and head for home.  When we return home, he looks relieved to get to bed and have a sleep.  He does sleep a lot, always has done.  He is still capable of running at a fast pace, but just prefers not to!  Oh yes I have spied him charging around at galloping pace when he thinks no one is watching….

Anyway, the facts of the matter are that he is happiest when he is not expected to run, but he can chose to run or he can just doddle along, muttering to himself and stopping to sniff as many blades of grass as possible.  Sadly this is not what parkruns are for.  parkruns  are continuous walking/ running events where the objective is to get to the finish as quickly as one’s ability allows.   

Our amazing parkrun with all the team

I have lost count of the number of different people that Krofti has run with over the years, in particular at parkrun events.  A dog that we can trust with the smallest child, he has brought smiles and joy to many people.  Adults and children alike have taken great pleasure in running with him in Great Britain and also further afield.  In 2010 he ran in the European Canicross Championships in Belgium.  He was a last minute stand in for the injured dog of a person that Krofti had never previously met.  They ran together and finished together with huge beaming smiles.

I used to say that Krofti was “never much of a worker”, but as I reflect on all that he has done over the years I now know that is not true.  He was not born to be a puller, to lead a husky team tirelessly across miles of frozen tundra.  He was born to bring joy and happiness to all that met him.  His job is to make people smile, through running, walking, cuddling or even just by experiencing his sense of humour.  I now apologise for all those times I spoke negatively about Krofti’s “working ability”.  If you consider his role in the pack, his working ability and ethic is exemplary. 

A very special day....

And so, with all of this in mind, we have made the sad decision that Krofti will no longer take part in parkrun events.  He will still run and he will still go on little trips with the rest of the pack, but it will be on his terms.  He will attend parkruns for cuddles and attention, but will no longer be asked to run round the course.  No pressure for him to perform and no worries for us as to how he is coping.  It is time to give this very special boy the sedate, relaxing life that he richly deserves.

Protecting Colin Caterpillar

Dear Krofti,

Thank you for all the joy that you have given to so many.  I am sorry for the times I removed you from your bed and made you run when you wanted to sleep.  I guess now you are having your revenge by singing when we want to sleep…..

Your sense of humour makes us smile and your ability to deal with unruly and disrespectful teenage huskies is nothing short of amazing.

There was a reason why I chose you to run with me in the Olympic Torch Relay.  A very special day forever etched in my mind.

You have taught me a lot in our time together and no doubt you will continue to teach me further more. 

Thank you, for being you.

Sandra xx

(Photos with kind thanks to Pete Aylward, Ian J Berry & Katie Jarzyna)

The Lady Husky and the Sea Bass

Practising her leap and pounce technique

She was a Lady Husky living with three boy huskies and had gone eighty-four days without eating a fresh fish.  For forty days she had shared mackerel with her favourite Boy Husky, but now he preferred smoked salmon and would not share with the Lady Husky.

The Lady Husky was small and finely boned, with silver fur that reflected the sun’s rays as she lay basking in a sunbeam.  With bright blue eyes that sparkled and smiled, and black eye-liner that showed off her beauty.  She knew she was pretty and played on that fact, teasing the Boy Huskies but still it did not bring her fresh fish.  Instead she lay upon her bed dreaming of fresh fish.

She thought of her new life, although far from the sea, sometimes there was fish.  Fish in a can and fish in a pot all chopped up into little bits.  Lots of fish, but not the fresh fish that she did so yearn.

As she lay sleeping, the humans did return.  From deep in their bags she could smell the fresh fish.  Hidden from view, she knew it was there.  The Boy Huskies were distracted by the returning humans and did not smell the fresh fish.  They went to the Humans and demanded some cuddles.  The Lady Husky dared not risk a sneaky peak into the bag with the fresh fish instead she quietly sat and waited, whilst watching the bag.

The Boy Huskies soon absconded to their bedroom, the Man Human to the room with the box that speaks and shows pictures.  The Lady Human remained in the room with the bag that had the fresh fish, the Lady Husky watching her every move.  The Lady Human removed the stuff from the bags, into the cupboards it did go.  The bag with the fresh fish was last to move, the fish gently removed and placed into a big dish.

The Lady Human spoke to the Man Human and walked into his room, the Lady Husky edged towards the fresh fish…..

The Lady Human returned too soon, still speaking to the Man Human in the other room as the Lady Husky slunk back to her space on the floor.  The Lady Human picked up the fish and into the room with the Man Human she did walk.  Speaking of the insides of the fish, something was missing.  As she spoke she placed the fish in front of the Man Human, asked him to peer inside.  Disappointed she did sound, perhaps she no longer wanted the fish….

Waitrose Anglesey Sea Bass

The Lady Husky could contain herself no more.  The smell and the sight of this fresh fish, flapping before her eyes was a temptation to much.  With a leap and a bound she covered the ground and seized the fresh fish between her teeth.  She spun round and ran as fast as she could.  The Lady Human shrieked and used a bad word, but the Lady Husky was too far away to be grabbed.

She ran straight from one room to the next, her quest was to reach the outside where the fish would be hers to keep.  It would never again come inside or be placed in a dish.

The brown bullet....

Then suddenly, like a bullet from a gun a brown furry blur came at her from the left.  At full force it hit her left side, causing her to yelp and she dropped the fresh fish.  She continued to run with the brown furry Boy Husky in hot pursuit.  She made it into the garden as the Boy Husky returned to the Lady Human who retrieved the fresh fish, whilst still using language not befitting for a Lady.

"Jailed" for crimes against fresh fish...

The Lady Husky returned to her place on the floor from where she did dream some more.  Her dreams were happy as she relived the moment that she outwitted the Lady Human.  She had finally caught her own fresh fish and no one could dispute that very fact.

(With special thanks to Ernest Hemingway for the flash of inspiration in telling this tale.  Photos thanks to Ian J Berry & Waitrose)

Sunwise sunglasses - for running & for life...

The photo shoot that introduced me to Sunwise...

For as long as I can remember, I have worn sunglasses when I run.  

Be it training or be it racing, I can normally be seen hiding behind my trusty Sunwise Sunglasses.

I haven’t always worn Sunwise sunglasses.  For a number of years, one of my most prized possessions in the world was my Oakley Radar Path sunglasses.  I “won” them courtesy of doing rather well in a race and receiving vouchers for Alton Sports.  Being a member of the fantastic club that is Winchester and District Athletics Club (WADAC) the very kind people at Alton Sports also gave me a fantastic discount, which enabled me to purchase a pair of Oakley’s without taking out a mini bank loan…..

For years my Oakley Radar Path accompanied me on almost every run, either upon my face or on the top of my head (if I was running in the pouring rain or in darkness).  I expected to spend the rest of my life with Oakley, and had even set my sights on a gorgeous pair of blue Radar Paths, to compliment my Great Britain & Scotland kit – and also match Kez’s blue collar and harness…..

And then I was seduced by the wonders of Sunwise….

I had been asked to do a photo shoot for Runners World to complement an article that had been written about my ankle and how I had refused to give up when I was told that I would never run again.  The photo was also to feature the dogs as my training partners. 

Tony Aries at Sunwise offered to send me some sunglasses for the photo, which I was delighted to accept.  I was very happy to promote a British company, raise their profile and provide further opportunities for them in a rapidly expanding market.  Thanks to their generosity, I received a pair of Sunwise Crusader, and a pair of Sunwise Waterloo.  I chose to wear the Crusader model for the photo shoot, as they were blue!  

I fully expected to wear the sunglasses for the photo and then return to my Oakley’s for the business of running….

That never happened and four years later, Sunwise sunglasses have become another one of my running friends.

So why am I such a fan of Sunwise?  What makes them so special? 

There are a number of reasons, in no order of preference:

1.       Sunwise are British, just like me…

2.       They have a huge and diverse range with frame styles to suit all face shapes and personal preferences

3.       The quality of their lenses and frames is very good, and exceptionally good value for money

4.       Prompt and efficient customer service

5.       Many models have interchangeable lenses providing options for whatever the British weather/ sun throws at us…

6.       Their frames are smaller and more comfortable than some brands I have worn – also more flattering if you are style conscious….

Odyssey Black in action

Odyssey Gold - a very special event

My favourite model is the Odyssey, which is similar in style to the Twister.  I normally wear the Odyssey Black for racing, but wore a very special pair of Odyssey Gold when I ran with the Olympic Flame.  The frame of the Odyssey sits comfortably on my cheek bones, allowing just enough air flow to prevent the lenses from misting.  They also sit tightly on my head during the times when I don’t need the protection of sunglasses or if I am trying to prevent excessive “panda eye” syndrome during a very long run in the sun.  There was even this one time, at the start of a marathon, when someone very kindly remarked that I “looked hot” when I wore my Odyssey Black, so they must have magical qualities too… ;-)

Although I wear all models running, I tend to wear the Waterloo Silver mostly when I am driving or walking around trying to pretend that I am cool.  I love the lenses on the Waterloo as it feels like there is nothing between my eyes and the open sun, no obvious tint or shading.  Crystal clear vision, with perfect protection!  I do find that the Waterloos don’t stay on the top of my head as well as the Odyssey and Twister, but this has never caused me any problems – if I take them off when running I will either pop them in one of my pockets or carry them.

Having fun with Waterloo Silver

I love the freedom that comes with wearing sunglasses.  You can tell so much from a person by looking at their eyes, how they are feeling etc.  I don’t always want people to know where I am emotionally when I am racing.  I may be in pain, I may be grumpy or I may just be in another world…  When I am running and wearing sunglasses I can go into my own little world but still be fully conscious of the outside world all around me. 

Wearing sunglasses also helped me overcome some of the paranoia about my eyes, resulting from a childhood of hurtful words from bullying kids, to ignorant to understand the pain that their horrid words caused.  It no longer matters what they said, that was then, this is now J

Another huge advantage when wearing sunglasses.... I don’t have to worry about those black bags under my eyes as a result of never getting enough sleep!

You can find out more about Sunwise here all about Sunwise

No, it wasn't Kobi that said I "looked hot"...

(photos courtesy of Runner's World & Ian J Berry)