July - What to put in the bucket list

July will be a tough month to achieve any really big bucket list events - the reason being is that I am working 12 hour days for nearly every day of the month, including weekends on a remote mine site. Also, when I have got weekends off, one of them will be spent running 96k as part of an ultra marathon event (Kokoda Challenge - next weekend) and my wife turns 40 the weekend after, so that will be a big night (I have not drunk much alcohol this year, as I have been training for these crazy events (see my other blog, if exercise and exhilaration is of interest). It will be all guns blazing when Julie turns 40 - look out, we will be painting the town all shades of colours, I would expect.

Anyway, onto July, and what can be done at night time, for example, and maybe in front of a computer. One thing I heard about recently was on line museums. Apparently, you can visit them,like you visit other museums. It is not a tough one, and should not take too long, but that will be the July challenge.

Actually, seeing it is so small, there needs to be another challenge for July. Got it! The one thing that I am getting into lately is Bear Grylls and Man vs Wild - how great is that show. Bring it on. I love Bear in some sort of very platonic man crush way, but there must be thousands of Bear Grylls out there that have that special forces background, and are just bad arses. I am going to find one, and interview them about their experiences. What an idea. I will post the interview here, or on my site (might even video record it). Can't wait. Yee Hah.

Stay tuned. It will be a great interview. Check out www.antonguinea.com.au for more motivational stuff.

Anyway, until next time, keep ticking things off your bucket list.

Anton

June Done

Well, the June challenge - to sell something on EBay, has been completed. Yee Hah. That is the first time that I have done that, and it is so easy to do. It is really quite painless, and something that I will do more of in the future. Again, what a great outcome of doing these 101 things each month, and of course, over the course of this year.

We got $16.50 for my wife's bike helmet, which she doesn't use anymore. Amazing, How many more of these things could we sell. Who knows.

I highly recommend it to everyone - look around your home for stuff that you can sell, it is all money sitting there ready to be auctioned. It really is only a 5 minute job, once you have an EBay log in, a PayPal account and the photos of the product. Go you good thing.

So, what will July be, I wonder. What should this month's challenge be? Not sure, as yet.

May Done

Well, it is mid June, and I have done the May challenge, which was quite inspiring, and I highly recommend it. It was what some people might call 'a weird one' - and I accept that, but it is quite amazing to really be thinking and planning your future. As a reminder, my monthly challenge for May was to go to an entertainment centre or theatre and write myself a cheque for $1M - what I want to earn each year from public speaking work (I don't currently, by the way - it is my dream to be an international speaker - and working towards it). Yep, a bit bizarre, but the story of Jim Carey always inspired me, as he did the same thing in Hollywood when he was out of work, and before his career sky rocketed.

Go to www.antonguinea.com.au for more info on my motivational work, if you want it.

In all honesty, it was a powerful experience, to commit to working towards future goals, to put something into my future that will be a life changer. Anyway, it was empowering, and I recommend something similar to people. May ... done.

June's challenge is a simple one - sell something on EBay - which I have not done before. We have heaps of stuff that could be sold eventually, so it is a matter of getting started and just doing it. The photos are taken, there is still heaps of time left in the month and it should not be a problem. The item is my wife's old push bike helmet.

So, what will July be. Not sure yet.

With the yearly 101 things to do list, one of the things on the list is to learn something new. That was going to be to learn to surf. I think that might still be a good thing to do, but something else that I am going to learn this year, is how to be a personal trainer. Yep, Certificate IV in Personal Training. I have always wanted to do it. As well as that, I want to learn to teach the Les Mills classes in Gyms (like Body Balance, Pump, Body Attack etc). That is also on the hit list for this year, too, now.

This is great doing 101 things all the time. It is all about doing something new, regularly. Great fun.

May - Missed it

Heaps of news for this edition of the blog, some good, some not so great. Let's start with the not so great first.

See, the reason that I do this blog is to keep me honest, and keep me achieving things that I would not usually do. Great idea. To that end, I have three lists, one is the 101 things to do in life list (high level), I have a 10 things to do in 2010 list (mid level), then I have one thing to do each month (low level). Occasionally (more so this year, I have ticked off some of the 101 things - actually about half a dozen so far, so that is good. I have done about a third of this year's list - going well. But, in May, for the first time this year, I missed the monthly thing to do. Bummer. It was to visit an entertainment centre, or similar, and write myself a cheque for one million dollars (like Jim Carey did, when he was a struggling actor) for the motivational speaking work that I do. I got slack and did not do that in May. I will carry it over to June.

For June, I have come up with something simple, and that is to 'sell some stuff on eBay'. I have never done that, and it has always been on my to do list. It is time, I reckon, to do it. Nothing major, but something. It can't be that hard. And, I will make a little cash on the side. Not sure what to sell, as yet, but hey, it is something new and different.

The other thing that I have changed is - as well as learning to surf this year - which is one of the things on my yearly list, I am going to learn to be a Personal Trainer, and even learn how to be a fitness instructor of Les Mills fitness classes. Sounds like fun, hey. Will keep you informed.

So, in short, missed May, will make it up, will sell something on eay in June, and become a PT and fitness instructor in 2010. Very exciting.

Reply

Hey, I got a reply from Mitch Albom, the author that I emailed to tell him how good his books are - it was short and sharp, though, but a reply is a reply. Shows he is interested enough in the feedback to respond.

Here is his response:

Hi Anton,

Thanks for the kind words.

A reply is a reply, though.

Now I have added to my 101 things to do in life to meet him. That would be just outstanding. He is the man - if you have not read his books, don't wait another minute

Update

So, how am I going for the year, so far, now. Here is an update.

1. Travel overseas - Planned for August 13, 14 and 15 to Thailand (and December) - all good
2. Learn how to do something new (surf) - No plans as yet
3. Do an endurance sporting event - Done on May 15 and 16 - Yee Hah - What an effort

4. Do an extreme sport (parachute) - Nothing planned - very scared
5. Achieve an unrealistic goal (buy a General Lee Dukes of Hazard Car) - Nothing planned
6. Meet someone famous Done on May 20 - Gordon Tallis (Go the Maroons)
7. Put something on You Tube - Nothing planned as yet
8. Change someones life - Nothing planned as yet
9. Have sex every day for a week - Can't wait
10. Give up alcohol for at least one month - Done - twice, leading up to the Mooloolaba Triathlon and leading up to The North Face 100 - easy peasy

So, 3 down, 7 to go.

I might have to book in a parachute jump now, to make it happen, then some surfing lessons.

Will keep you posted.

Live the dream

Anton

Another one down

Well, that is another one done. And, thank god it is over. I have completed an endurance event - my first 100k ultra marathon.

In the end, it turned out to be a 30k run and a 70k walk, as I cramped up at the 30k mark. That was never going to stop me, and even if I had to crawl, I was going to get to the finish line in 24 hours. The North Face 100 has been conquered.

I highly recommend, at some stage in your life (or every year), that you do an ultra marathon. It is a rewarding experience, and it is one of those; ‘if I can do that, I can do anything’ things that you achieve along your journey of life.

The other thing that I can tick off my list for this year is the meeting someone famous. And, surprisingly enough, it did not happen at the North Face 100, which I thought it might (thought it might have been a famous ultra runner), but it happened on a plane trip from Sydney to Brisbane in the week following the event.

If you are Australian, you will know very well that Gordon Tallis is a hero for many Queensland rugby league fans. He is the epitome of being ‘as tough as teak’, he struck fear into opposition sides and we loved to watch him take the ball up, and through, opposition defensive lines. He was a state of origin hero (if you are reading this outside of Australia, state of origin is one of the biggest events on the sporting calendar in Queensland and New South Wales, as the two states play 3 games to win the title of state of origin champion for the year). Gordon Tallis was one of Queensland's best.

With the first state of origin match less than one week away, it was timely to meet Gordon, who was a wonderful bloke.

We chatted briefly, and the conversation went something like this:

Me: Gordon, would you mind signing something for my two boys, please?

GT: Mate, I would love to, you should have asked me on the plane, as I would have signed my boarding pass for them!

Me: Are you looking forward to next Wednesday night (Game 1, 2010)?

GT: Shit yeah!

Me: Do you get involved, and get the boys all stirred up before the games?

GT: Mate, they don;t need me, they can get themselves stirred up for games like these!

Me: Go the Maroons (Queensland)!

GT: Go the Maroons!

Gordon was quite a big unit. He was tall, not hugely built, though he appears to have kept in shape since he retired.

I haven't told the kids yet, that I got his signature for each of them, but they will be wrapped.

So, there you go, in 7 days, two things ticked off the list. Bring that on.

Oh, and also, in May, I am going to go to an Entertainment Centre and write out a huge cheque, like Jim Carey did. I will be putting it out there into my future.

As well as that, for May, I have contacted my favourite author, Mitch Albom.

Here was my message to Mitch:'

Hi Mitch,

I am an Aussie who picked up one of your books in a second hand shop in Perth (Tuesdays with Morrie). I read it in a day, as I have all of your other books, which I purchased as soon as I had read the first one. I have loved all your books, and I just wanted to say thank you for all of the stories, for the challenges, for the stimulation and for the tears.

You are an amazing author, and you have some great stories to tell. Keep up the great work, and I wish you all the best.

PS, I just finished reading Have a Little Faith, and like the others, it was a great read. It has prompted me to spend more time with my parish priest and to discuss the finer points of the teachings of my faith.
Thanks again. Love your work.

I hope to receive a reply, and will let you know if I get one.

For more information on either the ultra marathon or the book reading that I do, go to www.antonguinea.com.au

Update

So, how am I going for the year, so far. Here is an update.

1. Travel overseas - Planned for August 13, 14 and 15 to Thailand (and December) - all good
2. Learn how to do something new (surf) - No plans as yet
3. Do an endurance sporting event - The North Face 100 Run - Planned for May 15 - all good
4. Do an extreme sport (parachute) - Nothing planned - very scared
5. Achieve an unrealistic goal (buy a General Lee Dukes of Hazard Car) - Nothing planned
6. Meet someone famous (was Dean Karnazes - long distance runner - now Diane Van Deren, another famous ultra marathoner) - Planned for May 15
7. Put something on You Tube - Nothing planned as yet
8. Change someones life - Nothing planned as yet
9. Have sex every day for a week - Can't wait
10. Give up alcohol for at least one month - Done, and doing it again now

So, one down, 9 to go. Of those 9, 3 are planned - it is May already - gee, I have got some work to do.

I might have to book in a parachute jump now, to make it happen, then some surfing lessons.

Will keep you posted.

Live the dream

Anton

Looking to May

Well, as a recap, I have got a list of things to do this year, as part of a 101 things to do list, which I am blogging about.

As well as that, I am choosing something each month to do, as something different, generally that I haven't done before. The last few months have included a Jazz concert, an expensive bottle of red wine and romantic time with my wife, amongst others (I spent one month alcohol free, also, and am doing the same right now - another month alcohol free leading up to a 100km run). So, what is May going to be.

Well, here is an idea. Being an energetic, goal driven individual, I was inspired by Jim Carey's story of when we was a struggling comedian. He was living on the bones of his bum, and not getting anywhere, He had an idea - he went and sat under the Hollywood sign, and wrote himself out a cheque for $10M, and said, I am going to earn that money in this place doing what I love (the story might be marginally different, but just get the jist of what he did). So, with that in mind, could it be possible for me to do that same, and get the same results as Jim has. Heck yes, I say.

So, in May, and given that I am a motivational speaker and author, I am going to find a Convention Centre in a capital city (or more than one - a big stage anyway), and write myself a cheque for $1M dollars, trying to imprint on my subconscious what is achievable. Then, I will do the same at a major bookstore, to cover the authoring. I know this all sounds corny, but it is something that I have never tried, and who knows, it might just work. Bring it on, I say. So, in May , that will be the challenge. As well, as ticking other things off the list, of course.

Go to www.antonguinea.com.au for more motivation stuff, or products.

Anyway, that is what this is about - keep setting goals, challenges and achieving things.

Bring that on.

Anton

Another one off the list

Well, it is only two weeks until I tick the next one for this year off the list.

It is an endurance event, where I am going to run 100ks in a day, actually, hopefully 20 hours. It is called the North Face 100.

Here is some information from the web site for the event:

The highly-anticipated 100km endurance running test-piece, staged in heart of the rugged and spectacular Blue Mountains National Park, is set to return. Lock it in the calendar, lace-up your running shoes, it’s time to start training!

For the third consecutive year, The North Face invites runners of all kinds to step up and take on one of the toughest running events of the year, The North Face 100. An event that is certainly not for the faint hearted, or only elite runners, but is open to all those brave and willing enough to submit their selves to the ultimate endurance running challenge.

A glance over the starting line of The North Face 100 reveals a mixed bag of runners from ultra-marathon aficionados in search of the ultimate test-piece, to seasoned road marathoners making the transition to off-road trails, and probably the biggest bunch of all - recreational runners with an adventurous spirit, a desire to explore their personal limits, and achieve something incredible.

It is a really exciting event, and one that I can't wait to get through. Pumped.

To save me blogging too much about it here, see below the information from another blog that I write about the endurance events that I am completing.

Go to www.antonguinea.com.au for more blogs, or more motivational products.

Here it is:

Well, yesterday, it is only 14 days until we will be running 100 kms as part of the North Face 100 trail running event on May 15 and 16. So, the big question is, am I ready. I think the answer to this question is very philosophical. Are you ever ready to run 100 kms (and walk some, of course)?

I think the answer lies in - well, what are you trying to achieve? See, there is no way, that I would be ready to win the race - 5 weeks training probably is not enough time for that. The next goal that the organisers set is a 14 hour mark. So, if you win, you get a gold belt buckle, if you finish within 14 hours, you get a silver belt buckle. Then, the clincher, if you finish within 20 hours, you get a bronze belt buckle. Apparently, they are a sought after item, these things.

So, the question really is not whether you can finish or not, but what time you can finish in. It might take you 28 hours (the cut off time) - but you have still finished.

To be even more specific, my question is - am I ready to finish this thing in 20 hours and get a bronze belt buckle. I think yes. Actually, it is a big yes. I am quite confident that the work I have done will get me over the line. Also, Marc is going to run all the way with me, to make sure I don't die trying. That will be very handy, for sure.

This week, working at a remote mine site, restricts the training time. Last week involved a 35km run on Sunday, in 3.38 (not too bad), then 5 x 10 km runs from Wednesday to Sunday at average pace. I had one ride with Julie (wife) which was fun, but then, two mornings on the exercise bike was very uncomfortable, and tightened up my legs. I regret then, now, but hey, you can't look back.

Next week will be some 15 km runs, and 10 km runs, through to Sunday, where I will do 40 kms and test my nutrition plan for the North Face 100, to make sure it will work.

Overall, how is my body travelling:

1. Mentally, yep, all good, very positive, and ready for the challenge
2. Physically, average, not as good. Hammies are tight, but that can be fixed with stretching. Knee is playing up, under the knee cap - more stretching required. Slight blistering from my inserts last night. Nothing major. Overall, nothing physical to stop the run, that is for sure. NO EXCUSES.

By the way, Marc did a 110 km run overnight, as part of a Relay for Life event in Kiama, NSW. He is a machine (and 50 years old by the way). Go the boy. Very impressive.

So, what happens after the North Face 100 - well it is about 9 weeks then until a 96km walk, as part of the Kokoda Challenge on the Gold Coast. That will be a little bit of running, also, so the training will help there, too. Two weeks later, it is up for an 18 run as part of the Gladstone, QLD, Relay for Life. This year, I aim to run 100k as part of that race. Last year, I ran/walked 80 kms, so want to go 20 km better this year. Bring that on.

Then it is triathlon season, with a half ironman and ironman down for later in the year, with an Olympic Distance triathlon in between them. Pumped. Bring all that on. It is certainly panning out to be a big year of endurance.

Marc and I are actually looking at the Racing the Planet series over the next four year. Pumped about that too. That involved 5 x 50 km runs in 5 days at different places around the world. Very excited.

Anyway, until next time, keep ticking them off the list.

April taken care of

Well, after a week at home last week, I was able to place some focus on my lovely wife, and make her feel loved. The three things were a moonlight beach walk, a nice dinner for two and a love letter. Well, the moonlight walk was taken care of by an evening drive along the Gladstone foreshore (not quite a beach, but similar). Dinner for two was lovely, at the Library Square Brasserie in Gladstone. The love letter has just left my email, and it was very nice, and I await a reply tomorrow. I hope she likes it. In summary, April was love month at the Guinea's, and I really enjoyed being home and connecting emotionally with my wife Julie (and the boys, Toby and Zac). I really hope Julie enjoyed it as much as I did.

So, what will May be? Not sure as yet, stay tune. I am thinking that I might contact one of my heroes (or authors). I love reading, and have read some amazing books recently. For a blog about book reading, check out: http://reading52booksin52weeksin2010.blogspot.com/. Contacting my favourite author sounds like a great idea.

Anyway, what else is happening in May. Well, the 100k run in one day will be out of the way in mid May. Only 3 weeks away now. That will be tough. I am not sure if the 5 weeks training will be enough. Anyway, time will soon tell. Looking forward to getting it out of the way. For more information on how that event goes, check out: http://enduranceandexhilarationin2010.blogspot.com/.

Life is great, really.

If you need anymore lfe improvement ideas, check out: http://www.antonguinea.com.au/.

Keep ticking things off your list.

Anton

Easter

We really did have a great weekend. We spent Easter on a little Island off the Queensland coast (Curtis Island), where my parents have a Holiday home. It was great, we were joined by friends, and we fished, swam, walked, four wheel drove and generally lived the dream.

I must say though, that I missed the opportunity to do anything really romantic with my wife, and given that April is romance month for me - with the 101 things to do in life for 2010 - I probably should have made more of an effort. My excuse is that we only really had one day together, as we had friends for the other two days, and Monday was spent travelling home and cleaning up after the weekend. I will think about it this week, and make up for it next Saturday or Sunday night. Julie will love it. Maybe romantic dinner at a nice restaurant, or an evening walk up town or something similar. It will be great fun, what ever we do. The kids will be cranky, as we will probably leave them with Uncle Joe, or at home. They will be fine, as they are now 10 and 12, and big enough and ugly enough to look after themselves.

It was though, nice to share the nice bottle of wine that I bought after the Mooloolaba triathlon with my wife. She actually said that it was nice - she rarely drinks wine - so that was a nice moment last week. We have not finished the bottle, and we may not for a while, as I am thinking of doing another six week stint without drinking. I have another sporting event coming up, so might go alcohol free for six weeks. The sporting event is the North Face 100, which is another one of the 101 things to do (a 100k run). At that event, I should meet Dean Karnazes, too, who is a superstar in the field of long distance running, and that will be two things ticked off the list in one weekend. Yee hah.

In relation to other 101 things to do this year, we are looking at surf boards on ebay (given that we did not purchase one when we were away last weekend. I think surfing lessons are not far away. I am really pumped about that, as I have always wondered what the secret with surfing is. I have always loved Occy and other great surfers, and admired their skill levels. We will end up getting lessons at Agnes Waters, I am guessing, so that will be fun just going down there for the weekend.

I am not really sure how to know that I have 'learnt to surf' and to be able to tick it off the list for this year. I am guessing that lessons might be enough. Maybe being able to stand up is the real test - not sure, and I will let you know when I actually have a go. I will keep you posted.

The other thing I am starting to think about is parachuting. Now that sounds scary, and I am not sure why I signed up for that this year. I have never done it, and it scares the crap out of me, but other people seem to be able to do it, so it can't be that hard (my life motto, when it comes to crazy stuff to do). I will have to ask Professor Google where I can do it, and line it up for a weekend later in the year. Actually, if I plan it soon, I can lock it into the calendar now. Maybe Julie will like to do it, too. I will ask her - will be a good bonding experience. More to come.

Until next time, keep ticking the things to do off your list.

Anton