On top of the world...

Well not exactly, but close. On February 27th we set off for the beautiful surrounds of South Armagh to take on the 'Twin Peaks Mountain Challenge'. The event provided an ideal chance to raise a few quid in sponsorship for the upcoming trip to Korea, more than that though, it was a perfect training session.

The challenge was an 18k trek across two of Armagh's most daunting peaks; Camlough mountain and Sliabh Gullion.
We headed in Camlough village for registration where we also met with all the other teams taking part. There was three teams from Dublin, one of them was team Red Star, which included Adam Quinn, Alvydas Jankauskas, Néidín Coulahan and Adam's mate Ciarán. This blog was attached to another team of experienced out door people, Gerry and Oisín. They craved the outdoors.

When we set out from the base I was unsure as to what to expect. I had prepared well, probably too well, I had too many layers on as I found out to my annoyance later on up the mountain. My pre-judgment had me believe I was heading for a stroll with a bit of a challenge. I was right, if you remove the stroll bit and upper case the challenge bit, add an exclamation mark -! -and were off.. CHALLENGE!

The beginning of Camlough is not for the faint hearted. It is an unforgiving sudden angle upwards. There was no warm up, just up. two or three minutes into the climb and the heart rate was well and truly at a pace, at this point I knew I was overly clothed, but there was nothing I could do except plough on.

The lads were hungry for the challenge, Adam and Alvy wanted to run it, I was content with the walk however.
Camlough was nearly vertical all the way to the top. It was a great relief to make it to flatter land, mission one was accomplished and no casualties.

Onto Sliabh Gullion now.

Armagh is an amazing county. Steeped in recent and not so recent history. The mountains we were trekking across were in the not so recent past inaccessible due to the British military being camped in spy posts across the region. The tops of these beautiful sleeping giants were out of bounds to locals and hill walkers alike. The spy posts are gone now and the walkers and locals of Armagh have made the mountains their own.
Unfortunately, a bit like litter bugs at the beach, the army left behind lumps of metal and barbed wire across the terrain. The locals don't mind though, for them the barbed wire is a symbol of what they campaigned to have removed, and now they can roam freely.

The views were spectacular. The snow was still intact on the peaks, the temperature dropped to -3 up there, but the body heat kept us all blissfully unaware of the circling wind.
A small winding road through some forest land led is to the beginning of Sliabh Gullion where waiting for us were Moore Streets finest mandarins. Nothing tasted so good. As we munched on mandarins we chatted with some local Armagh people who gave us some of the local history. We were told that on the top of Sliabh Gullion a small megalithic tomb existed. The druids of times long gone by burned the bones of the deceased in this ancient tomb. We headed on, excited of what lay ahead of us.

The lads on my team were a pleasure to have around. Both Gerry and Oisín were full of out door knowledge. There was plenty learned, new found knowledge ignited a possible new found love for the outdoors in this city dweller.

On the top of Sliabh Gullion my legs felt like they had taken part in two of Master Dalton's squad sessions, back to back. I was relieved to have made it. The fresh air up there was crisp and extremely clean. You could tell the difference. We were surrounded by nothing but clouds and it felt liberating.
We sought out the tomb and sat for a while as we loaded up with hot ribena, quinoa and simple carbs.
I took a moment or two to wonder at this marvelous structure on the top of the mount. It always amazes me that the people of a period over a thousand years ago paid such respect to their dead. Building this structure on Sliabh Gullion would have been no easy feat. Remarkable indeed.

We said our goodbyes to the tomb and to the Stewart's who were camped there for the day and we set off towards the ground. The descent was as challenging with most of the falls and tumbles happening as we clambered down. There was no serious injuries though, just damaged ego's and bruised rear ends.

About two hours later the ground started to level off and we were back near enough to sea level. Down through some small streams and across some knee deep soft ground and we had about 5 miles left back to the base.

On arrival we were timed, 5 hours 20 minutes it took us. We also found that the winners of the challenge did it in 2 hours 30 minutes. They ran it. I kid you not. Alvy reckons we could run it the next time. He's on his own.

After some soup and more mandarins we said a fond farewell to the folks that looked after us and headed back to the noisy polluted metropolis. Legs a bit weaker but minds a good deal clearer. Adam says we have to do this more often, I agree with him. And we will. I have now a new love for the outdoors that is tangible and not some pipe dream. The day was well worth it, and to make it even better it was a good days training.

As for the Sunday session, we took a break today. The memories of the mountain yesterday are good enough to create a sudden sweat. That will do us for today.

Inspired

I love to be inspired. There are few people in this world who inspire me. Those that do will know I hold them in high regard. These are the people I admire as leaders and from who I honestly accept their advice. These people carry similar traits, successful coaches and leaders all carry similar traits. For me these traits are;

Honesty - It's inspiring to hear people who are in leadership positions being honest. Honesty is hard to come by these days.

Open minded - Without an open mind a person is going no where. When you hear someone in a leadership position with vast experience in their field take on board a point you've made and then say I'm going to incorporate that straight away, that is inspiring. Not the fact that they simply agree, but the fact that they hold an open mind to others is the inspiring part.

Integrity - The bed rock for successful leaders.

These are just some of the things we covered today, day 3 of a special course I'm on. The course which is run by the Irish Times and delivered by two professors from the University of Ulster and Trinity college is in itself, inspiring.

The list we made of examples of leaders that inspired us was a bit longer than that, none the less all the points raised on it were very relevant. It allowed me as a person to establish with scientific fact that people whom I may have thought were good leaders were in fact very poor leaders and the people whom I thought were weak were in fact very strong. Good leaders are recognisable by their achievements, but most importantly a good leader will have a high level of emotional intelligence or in other words good people skills.

I'm happy to realise now that I have these people around me. I'm a person that needs inspiration from time to time, other wise I can fall into a rut.

I've learned a lot about my own personality this last week also. Apparently I'm an introvert! Well I knew that. I like my own company. Nothing like silence and a good book, I don't like parties and I think socialising for the sake of it is a waste of time unless it's with one person with whom I share the same interests or similar open minded people, at least this form of socialising allows you to come away with a new point of view or knowledge gained. You don't need something to be 'alive inside' to enjoy this.

I'm also someone that acts on intuition, that gut feeling that has guided me up to now, I trust my instincts, I've learned some valuable lessons in the past about ignoring my gut, I'll try not to let that happen again. I don't like to humour people either, your mood won't effect how I react to you.
I also like to be thanked, so thanks to me!

It's amazing what you can find out about yourself when you have the right circumstances and guidance. Day 4 tomorrow and then two more days in March. I'm thankful for the opportunity to be inspired this week.

A week in review

Last week was good. Training is going well. The effects of cardio training are kicking in. The road work is now enjoyable as the legs are well up for it. The new weight set we got for the dojang is a great addition to the training. I run down to the dojang now and train there for an hour with the weights and then run home. Very enjoyable.

The Sunday session was equally as good. We did the colour belt patterns, then the first degree patterns with the lads and then I did the 2nd and 3rd degree patterns and they felt good. We also did some one step and some practice breaking. I'm going to have to start practicing my special break. I'm thinking about doing the twin directional kick from Juche/Kodang, although that may not be required, it might be something more steady like jumping reverse turning kick. Either way I need to have an array of special breaks ready to roll. The conditioning has kicked in now also.

I had the opportunity to participate in some 'leadership training' courses this week. We started on Monday. This stuff is very interesting indeed. This is training that leading executives get to experience. It's a real eye opener to see why some people behave they way they do. Thought patterns, meta programmes and perceptions, all extremely interesting and thankfully I now have a better understanding as to why people feel the need to make daft decisions, Even myself!

Towards the end of this week we cover the hot topic of managing people. That should be as interesting.

I'm looking forward to Korea. The whole event looks very exciting. There is a special training course with GM Choi Jung Hwa towards the end of the week in Korea in a special Taekwon-Do training centre, that I really am looking forward to. It will be a once in a life time experience. I never thought that the day I walked into Thomas Carthy's training hall that one day I would be heading to Korea to participate in a world Taekwon-Do event. Surreal in many ways. You know my home had an outside toilet up to when I was 17, now there's contextualisation, what was that about looking at the stars?? ;)

Sunday session

We gathered at the dojang this morning to go over some patterns.
The morning was freezing, you would think we would be used to the cold by now. I'll say it again - I hate the cold. It affects my enthusiasm. In the ice box we call our dojang it isn't uncommon to have the temperature of your toes drop to -1000 degrees farencelcius.

It's frustrating.

Anyway, we went over a number of colour belt patterns in detail. Do San, Yul Gok, Joong Gun and Hwa Rang. Then I went over Choi Yong. I'm not turning the wrong way anymore. I studied one of the video's of this pattern on the legacy DVD so I was able to pin point the moment I was turning left instead of right.

After the opun sulkut tulgi, it's the right leg that pulls up into narani sogi as you perform the sonbadak golcho makgi, then instead of left leg, it's right leg. So it's all right, which makes it alright!

That was the only bug bear I had with my final three patterns. I've known them now for two years so the movements and the diagram shouldn't be a problem. I really want to pull off a nice Juche/Kodang. I love this pattern, it presents all the relevant problems to an 88kg guy but when I'm warm I can do a nice one.

Master Brendan O'Toole said in 2007 that I had the dexterity and the grace to do a really good Juche, he was right in 2007. I just haven't practiced enough.

I look forward to grading in Korea. At least it will be warm and I won't feel so stiff! O how I'd love a warm dojang. Anyone any ideas??

Stay tuned.

As I read some place before, situations and circumstances change.

The directions of this blog has changed also. Circumstances.

The date and venue have now been set for this blogs grading, and all going according to plan this blog will test in July, in the belly of the beast, the birth place of Taekwon-Do. Korea.

And so it will be.

Your man was right, I better get the finger out!

Your man says I better get the finger out. I tried telling him that the last few weeks have been complicated. "Excuses, excuses" he says back to me.

Things change. Situations and circumstances are constantly in flux.

"Here we go again" says your man. "But it's true", I told him.

He sits down beside me and calls for two more of the same. Mine's a tonic water and lime, "I'll have something stronger" says he. He's interested now.

"Circumstances?" he asks. The bar man lands a pint of Guinness in front of him and he rubs the condensation off the cold glass with his thumb.
"What circumstances would that be?" he continues.

"well" says I. "You know the way sometimes you throw yourself into a project, and everyone in it has great ideas, everyone says the future is bright and the road will rise with us?

"No" says he, "can't say I have, the only project I threw meself into was PROJECT 1, but I got meself threw out of it just as quick" - his eyes light up as the Guinness has finally settled and he slurries a fine mouth full.

Project 1 was a pub off Clanbrassil Street back in the day, apparently.

"I don't remember that place" says I. "anyway, I threw meself into a different kind of project, one that promised resources a plenty, it was a grand project with a fair amount of potential"

"yeh I get where you're goin' alright. Dya want a bag of crisps?". Your man is hungry.

"Go on sure, I may as well, salt and vinegar" says I.

"So what happened?" He elbows me to continue.

"Nothing" I replied.

"Nothing?" says he. Your man is easily confused.

"indeed" i nodded. "Nothing."

"Ah jaysis" says he. "Have you been sneakin' shorts into that tonic water?" He second glances the bar man.

"I love salt and vinegar crisps" says I. "There's not a taste on the earth that equals it"

"will ye get on with it" says he, his mouth stuffed with cheese and onion.

"Are you still workin' with the window cleaners?" I asked.

"sure am" says he, just finished Carnlough this mornin', why dya think i'm in here now?"

"right, well imagine you decided to leave your window cleaning business for another. The other business promised you a much better way of doing things, they offered you certificates of approval and identity badges. New buckets and new ladders and new rags and more business, how would you feel?"

"Well" says he. "I could do with a few more rags, that's for sure, I'd suss it out for meself anyways"

"I'm sure you would, sure you're a man after me own heart, you'd suss out any project that promises you more than what you've got, wouldn't you?" I asked with interest.

"defo would yeh, i'd be mad keen I reckon" - He's half way through his pint now and he's well and truly settled for the day.

"Yeh course you would" I agreed. "You'd obviously get stuck in and help the project succeed"

"ah yeh, I would, I'd use all me local resources to get it off the ground, especially if it offered me a few new windows"

"you mean avenues?"

"well I do them as well, but I prefer cul de sacs, at least you have a starting point and finishing point with them"

I shakes my head with a smirk.

"So" says I continuing. "imagine that you've thrown your lot into the new window cleaning business, but nothing happens"

"ye mean, no new rags and stuff?"

"yeh no new rags, no new ladders no new avenues"

"ye mean windows?"

"Them too!" I quips back

"Well I'd be a tad confused alright" - he sits upright on the stool and places his fists on his hips. "Cos ye know, when I threw me lot in, I give it everything. I'd be profiling the business, telling everyone about it, supplying people to manufacture logo's and websites, jaysis I'd even offer me own house to meet up for business meetings"

"I've no doubt ye would" says I. keeping an eye on his dwindling Guinness.

"two more!" I shouts at the bar keep. He gives me a nod.

"Is there many window cleaning business out there like that?" I asks.

"There'd be a few alright. Most pretend to offer you everything you need, pffff never happens" he shakes his head.

"What would be the defining moment that tells you, you've made a mistake?" I asks, with genuine interest.

"Well, there'd have to be a few I reckon"

"go on" says I.

"Well if all your work went without a simple thanks at christmas time, that would make me think. If nothing that was promised came about, that would also make me think. The icing on the cake would be if the new company decided it was going to use your own ladders, buckets and rags to do it's business instead of buying it's own"

"well that's a bit rich isn't it" says I. Thinking he's exaggerating a bit.

"It can happen I'm tellin' ye. While the polit bureau keeps you distracted with red tape, the workers are up using your ladders. When ye go to look for one yourself, they're not around."

"Sure that's not on"

"Better believe it!" says he. He's animated now. Good job that second Guinness arrives.

"Well" says I. "I'll let you go"

"are you not staying on for a few, shakey will be down later"

"No I won't bother" says I, "I've plenty to be doing"

"right you are so, don't let those projects get you down"

"I won't don't worry" I says as I pat him on the shoulder.

"Their loss" - In more ways than one, I think to myself.

"Listen" he catches me by the arm before I set off.

"Will ye keep an ear to the ground for a bit more work for me, maybe ask Margaret Daly up on Viking Place if she wants her windows done"

"I will" says I. "Not a bother, but it'll cost you" I winks at him and leaves.

"Not you as well!" he laughs.

"Good luck to ye!"





"

This blog had a busy weekend. In the course of three days we have covered the length of the country, from the beautiful green hills of Armagh to the steep San Fransisco like streets of Cork city.

Cork is a hub for Taekwon-Do, us Dubs may refute suggestions from those Cork boyos about it being the real capital of Ireland, but we'll give them one thing, it is the Taekwon-Do capital of Ireland.

The trials for the ITF world championships took place in Mayfield in Cork on Sunday. All the major players in ITF circles were there. All the groups attached to ITF Ireland including ourselves, all the groups attached to ITF Éireann and the lads and lassies from the MO (member organisation) Imp. Irish TKD Association under Micheal Flaherty were all there to pit their skills to find a slot on the national teams heading for South Korea this July.

The opposition was tough, it was never going to be any other way. Red Star had three competitors trying out. This was our first time trying out for the worlds and the guys didn't fail to impress.

Néidin, Adam and Alvy all qualified. Bhí bród mor orm. They're a good bunch, and it's imprtant now that they bond and I'm sure they will.

I know he gets mentioned alot in this blogs ramblings but Alvy never fails to impress. Since he went senior this year he is taking the big step up in his stride. On Sunday he met the fiercest of them all. Padraig O'Connor, former two times ITF World Champion. An incredibly strong guy and aggressive to boot. Before Alvy went in, I didn't tell him who Padraig was or what he had achieved, Alvy needed to know that he could take this guy. I said - "Alvy this guy is strong, he's tough and he'll come at you. You need to be sharp on your toes, counter him and move as fast as possible"

Alvy was up for the battle. And a battle it was. Although Paudy had the upper hand Alvy was holding his own, moving well, jumping double punching and angling off... then wallop!

Alvy was caught with a beautiful Sharp left hook. Alvy went down. Paudy is a hyper weight, Alvy's a middle weight he would have felt every pound of it. When I went over to him, he was aware of what had happened, but he kept saying "I'm out, I'm out" - this told me he was fine, if he wasn't saying anything that would have been different!

I told him "sit up" , he didn't move and he said "I'm out" then that Irish mentality kicked in, I grabbed him by the dobok jacket and stood him up to "oohhhs" from the crowd. It was quite funny in hindsight. In that moment Alvy came back to himself. I said "your going to finish this, you're doing too well not to" he said "I am going to finish this" he said in his very direct Lithuanian blás.

I knew he would. And he did.

What a performance. Afterwards I asked him. "you know who that was don't you?" "not really no" he says back to me. "That's Paudy O'Connor, two time ITF world champion, both junior and senior" - "really?" he says back to me with a smile. "I will beat him next time" he said as he was holding his jaw. You know what, I believe him.

Exciting times lie ahead for Red Star, not only this blogs impending grading but these World Championships and the new colour belts that are starting to come through, Dara, Erika, Lauren, Alisha, Leon, Cian to name a few. Exciting times indeed.