Sometimes our occupations and families have the potential to inhibit us from running. I can assure that will only occur if you let it. Dedication pursued with passion has virtually no natural enemies. It is like a powerful creature grazing in the wilds, gently consuming the plants and shrubs that sustain its very life. These creatures are compelled to graze through millenniums of DNA programing. They are only manipulated into eating otherwise through the greed of man to turn them into a food commodity and view them as nothing more than pounds of flesh on the open market. Similarly, getting sidetracked with running can only occur when we allow ourselves to be manipulated by the false pretense of time and the self imposed panics that we do not have enough hours in the day or the week. It's a great myth really, one I struggled with over the summer when my running slacked off from the normally intense regimen I put my mind, spirit and body through on my daily runs. I am on day 19 of a running streak and very back on track. I have committed to a cause and tied it to my spirit. Once that occurs I am usually unstoppable. It works for me so I pursue that avenue of exploration for my running. We have choices, lots of them. Cows, pigs chickens and the rest HAD choices of sorts, until they were delegated to slavery for the mere amusement of the human palate. You see where this is going. I eat "Plant Based" and in doing so can say that I do not support the free will of animals to be raised for nothing more than mere flesh. As I run here I always see some sort of animal along the winding roads of this Volcanic Wonder know as St. John. These animals, although one day will be slaughtered for their flesh, at least get to live out their lives grazing and roaming and staying true to their DNA. When we as humans are given so many choices, especially in this country, we always seem to think they are entitled, when in fact they must be earned.
If your occupation and family require a lot of your time, as most people's do, then it is simply an intense regimented approach that you will have to give yourself, no matter what, 30-90 minutes a day to do what you know is good for your overall being. Running is the Holy Grail my friends. I use to literally question the sanity of people on St. John running these hills in mid day heat just 6 years ago. Why would anyone want to do that I pondered. After my first 8 Tuff Miles Road Race here I became a runner. Two months later in Chicago at a 10 miler I became a road racer. 5 plus years later, at 55, my mid life crisis has rewarded me on a multitude of levels. Time is not your enemy here, but the lack of managing it properly is. You are merely asking yourself for approximately 5% of your days time. Five Percent!!! Think very carefully and methodically about that. Lots of talk in the media these days about One Percent and 99%. Lots! So put it in perspective. Get up an hour earlier and counter balance that with going to bed an hour earlier. It's a simple wash. I will absolutely guarantee you that your life and thought process and sense of over all well being will soar after an early morning run. I could care less how fast you go. 15 minute miles or 6 minute miles are all still a mile. Repeat.... 15 minute miles or 6 minute miles are all still a mile. A lot of us value our occupation immensely, so much in fact it becomes a priority in our lives. Something that important to us should and needs to be enjoyed and reveled in and when immersed in should be rewarding. Running provides that sense; it instills purpose into your thoughts and before you know it you are enjoying your occupation to its fullest.
Occupation and Occupy, these are the thoughts that run through this runner's mind on these early morning scurries in the humidity on the hills here. I have worked my whole life to try to retire early, 60-70 hour weeks year after year, and the utter greed on wall street and around the world has greatly diminished the accounts I have set up for myself to live off of. I retired at 54 and in doing so rearranged some frivolous material fantasies from my being and replaced them with a practice approach to Life and spending. I drive a 13 year old car as an example. I am only asking for accountability in both the financial worlds on Wall Street and beyond and the banking systems that hold their clients as monetary prisoners. I am very Pro Capitalism, I only ask for fairness to employees and their families who works for companies who supply us with the products that drive a Free Market Economy. Free does not mean anything goes as some political pundits and CEO's want. Free means an inherent right to earn a living and prosper, but never and under no circumstance at the expense and livelihood of others no matter what Color, Race, Gender, Sexual Orientation, or Creed they may be. Free means the right to pursue your dreams and goals, all the while respecting the Earth's limited capacity to supply us with resources.
I have been waiting quite literally and emphatically my ENTIRE adult life for the youth of this country and beyond to stand up for what they believe in and not have to fear a NYPD police officer beating them with a baton or spraying mace into their eyes. I have been waiting for the people of all nations to stand in solidarity amongst ourselves and return the decision making process back to the people and take it out of the hands of the multinational corporations and their vile and malicious lobbyists that do the bidding for corporations that pay ZERO tax in this country. I commend this generation for using the Smart Phones and Social Networking Websites for something other than posturing and video games. There has not been a movement as widespread as this ever and it is going to rival what occurred for civil rights and ending the Vietnam War in the 60's and 70's. If you believe in the faintest notion that what the Occupy Wall Street movement is doing then find a way to lend a helping hand. There is lots to be done behind the scenes and fundraising is one of them if you do not want to Occupy the front lines.
We are at the crossroads on so many levels that it is starting to get scary what the societies of this World are going to look like in 50 - 100 years. Now is the time; this is the moment and you are a vital player in shaping this world and the way in which future generations will have to live. Running is not much different than any of this. It takes only a little time and the results are mammoth. It is spurred on by an overwhelming urge at times to change things and you will thank your mirror and world for making you look and feel better after you affirm your commitment. Are you the 99% in pursuit of 5% of your days time to better yourself and the world? Rhetorical question. Go out and run and make your voices heard in your local community and by doing so you will have given yourself and this world the ultimate gift.
Be Well and Run Free
Showing posts with label runners. Show all posts
Showing posts with label runners. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Sunday, March 6, 2011
ACHIEVEMENT
As I ran through the infamous crossroads in Coral Bay last week and within 1/10 of a mile from the finish line and on my way to completing my 5th consecutive 8 Tuff Miles Road Race I could not help but feel an overwhelming sense of achievement for myself and all the other runners who passed this otherwise sleepy intersection on the east side of this volcanic wonder we have all come to know as St. John. The Crossroads are many in life and have to be dealt with in a host of ways in order to maintain a sense of balance and well being. Learning how to run this race properly to maximize your full potential is much trickier than other road races. We ascend 1400 vertical feet in the first 5.5 miles and peak at 999 feet and the temperatures are usually in the low 80's with typically high tropical humidity. I personally will lose 5 pounds minimal on this run in training and a little more when I race it. There are 12 water stations and it is one of the best organized races I have ever run. We must then run back down to sea level and if you are not trained properly your Quads will hurt for days on end. Down hill running is not as easy as it appears to be, especially if you want to gain speed on your decent. This years field was as diverse as ever and it simply amazes me how many kids, my 9 year old son included, his second one, run or walk this race. They really bring a special element to the field, right along side the Elite runners who burn up Centerline Road.
This year some old business had to be attended to. The amazing Zuber/Lilly rivalry was back on and in full swing after a hiatus last year from the previous 3 years, when 6 time course champion Jeremy Zuber did not attend the race and was living off Island, and Court Lilly found himself facing even stiffer competition in Thomas Chorney who last year not only won the race but took 3:09 minutes off of Zubers previous course record of 49:35 set in 2009. All eyes were on Jeremy, hometown hero and all around nice guy as the runners lined up this year. Ironically this year Chorny was unable to attend. That however did not deter the resolve of one Cristoher Reis who not only won this years race but beat Chorny's course record by 26 seconds bringing it down to an amazing 46:00 flat and shaving 56 seconds off of his 2010 time that awarded him second place last year even with beating Zubers course record by 2:39 minutes ! Court Lilly finished in second place this year and it was the first time he beat his rival Zuber who finished 3rd. Congratulations Chris, that was some bar setting this year and food for thought for next years event. Last years #3 runner was not present due to an injury and quite arguably the future Dark Horse of this event to watch out for in the coming years. Brian "Wookie" Shonenbarger was missed also and at 26 and just coming off a 2:30 Marathon Victory looming at 6'4" and legs to his shoulders could very well be this races champion one day. He is also part of the "Cincy Posse" led up by the amazing Brad Dunlevy, an accomplished runner himself and 5 time competitor here in the 8TM who is responsible for the emergence of this running posse coming to St. John for the last 5 years, and taking 7 of the top 10 places in the field this year. His Love affair with one Jack Daniels seems to only enhance his running prowess as he finished 9th overall this year! Thank you Brad for keeping us locals "On our toes" and for not bringing any "Cincy Posse" runners down to St. John in my age group!!
Local runner Ruth Ann David did her magic once again and was the overall female winner with a time of 57:39, winning the race 3 out of the last 4 years as she was noticeably absent from last years race. 11 year old running prodigy Evan "Lil Pre" Jones ran an amazing 1:02:13 this year and is inching closer and closer to the "One Hour Club". He took another 4 minutes off of last years time and I use to try to use him as a pacer in our group "Tune up" runs here on St. John. Not in the last 2-3 years however as he is well out of sight in the first few minutes of these runs. He will undoubtedly become a top 10 finisher in the next few years and will become the youngest member ever of the "One Hour Club" either next year or the following. He has a slew of College Scholarship $$$ set aside as he wins his age group every year. 8TM donates $4600 in College Scholarships every year to the winners of the 3 age groups, both male and female in the under 18 categories. I have donated to that fund on several different occasions. Anyone wanting to help with the Scholarships can contact Race director Peter Alter at the 8TM website. Evan and 40 other kids 12 and under finished this incredibly grueling course. By the way, after the race all the kids are playing and running around and exerting tons of energy while the adults feel like they just got hit with a sledge hammer! 82 year old Yelma Pullen and two 5 year olds, Zach Edwards and Arjuna Morris also rounded out the finishers at this years 15th anniversary Run.
My personal run this year was more than I could have hoped for. Us runner are a very funny and ofttimes a whiny bunch and tend to complain about our times and training and our injuries and analyze it all WAY too much! Guilty as charged, as I felt under trained and did not do the Speedwork that is required to make us faster runners. I am often a LSD runner and just like to go out and enjoy myself and LSD will do that for me almost every time. I also realize I am getting older, but something deep down inside me keeps telling me I have not peaked yet with my times and I was made aware of that as I had a much better time than I anticipated, although not a PR (personal Record) it more than met my expectations for the day and I finished in the top 100 for the 4th year in a row and also placed in the top 3 in my age group for the 4th year in a row. Having run the race now back to back with my son is also very special. He ran the last 2 years and both years after I finished I went back up the mountain to meet him and finish the race with him. I was called a "Showoff" at least a dozen times out loud by other races as went back up to meet him but I will take the jokes and a few serious harangues any day to have that experiences with him. Next Year I will Don a large Camera and take Pictures on the way back up and I can be called a Paparazzi instead of a showoff, the lessor of two evils or not? This race that I did on a whim 5 years ago to challenge my self turned me into a year round full time runner the moment I crossed the finish line and I have been running an average of 5 days a week ever since. It has been transformational in my life to say the least.
What propels 1000 people to register and several hundred more to volunteer every year is really what the race is all about. Yes, I made a lot of times and rivalry's and placement here but the true nature of this unique sporting event is laid out within the realm of the community and the support so selflessly given to each years event. Achievement can not always be measured and it surely cannot always be seen in the everyday activities of all the participants and volunteers who make Race Day here so very special. It is the mixture of toil and the love of Karma Yoga that people practice either consciously or not. It is the sleepless nights long before the race that the Race committee must endure and it is the culmination of souls who share a Love for the community and the sport of running itself. The work for next years race has already begun in the physical sense and in the metaphysical sense. People are already talking about next year with great zeal and Peter Alter, the race director is making plans as you read this to insure you not only enjoy the run but walk away from it with a sense of awe and respect, respect not only for the event itself, but for yourself for participating on the many levels it take to pull this off every year. The next time you see a runner moving their body across the roads or trails remember how much it takes for that individual to enjoy a positive experience on any given race day anywhere in the world. It may takes a village to raise a child and but it also takes achievement to complete the journey, one that is much longer than 8.38 miles. Be Well All and if you are a runner, Run Free!
This year some old business had to be attended to. The amazing Zuber/Lilly rivalry was back on and in full swing after a hiatus last year from the previous 3 years, when 6 time course champion Jeremy Zuber did not attend the race and was living off Island, and Court Lilly found himself facing even stiffer competition in Thomas Chorney who last year not only won the race but took 3:09 minutes off of Zubers previous course record of 49:35 set in 2009. All eyes were on Jeremy, hometown hero and all around nice guy as the runners lined up this year. Ironically this year Chorny was unable to attend. That however did not deter the resolve of one Cristoher Reis who not only won this years race but beat Chorny's course record by 26 seconds bringing it down to an amazing 46:00 flat and shaving 56 seconds off of his 2010 time that awarded him second place last year even with beating Zubers course record by 2:39 minutes ! Court Lilly finished in second place this year and it was the first time he beat his rival Zuber who finished 3rd. Congratulations Chris, that was some bar setting this year and food for thought for next years event. Last years #3 runner was not present due to an injury and quite arguably the future Dark Horse of this event to watch out for in the coming years. Brian "Wookie" Shonenbarger was missed also and at 26 and just coming off a 2:30 Marathon Victory looming at 6'4" and legs to his shoulders could very well be this races champion one day. He is also part of the "Cincy Posse" led up by the amazing Brad Dunlevy, an accomplished runner himself and 5 time competitor here in the 8TM who is responsible for the emergence of this running posse coming to St. John for the last 5 years, and taking 7 of the top 10 places in the field this year. His Love affair with one Jack Daniels seems to only enhance his running prowess as he finished 9th overall this year! Thank you Brad for keeping us locals "On our toes" and for not bringing any "Cincy Posse" runners down to St. John in my age group!!
Local runner Ruth Ann David did her magic once again and was the overall female winner with a time of 57:39, winning the race 3 out of the last 4 years as she was noticeably absent from last years race. 11 year old running prodigy Evan "Lil Pre" Jones ran an amazing 1:02:13 this year and is inching closer and closer to the "One Hour Club". He took another 4 minutes off of last years time and I use to try to use him as a pacer in our group "Tune up" runs here on St. John. Not in the last 2-3 years however as he is well out of sight in the first few minutes of these runs. He will undoubtedly become a top 10 finisher in the next few years and will become the youngest member ever of the "One Hour Club" either next year or the following. He has a slew of College Scholarship $$$ set aside as he wins his age group every year. 8TM donates $4600 in College Scholarships every year to the winners of the 3 age groups, both male and female in the under 18 categories. I have donated to that fund on several different occasions. Anyone wanting to help with the Scholarships can contact Race director Peter Alter at the 8TM website. Evan and 40 other kids 12 and under finished this incredibly grueling course. By the way, after the race all the kids are playing and running around and exerting tons of energy while the adults feel like they just got hit with a sledge hammer! 82 year old Yelma Pullen and two 5 year olds, Zach Edwards and Arjuna Morris also rounded out the finishers at this years 15th anniversary Run.
My personal run this year was more than I could have hoped for. Us runner are a very funny and ofttimes a whiny bunch and tend to complain about our times and training and our injuries and analyze it all WAY too much! Guilty as charged, as I felt under trained and did not do the Speedwork that is required to make us faster runners. I am often a LSD runner and just like to go out and enjoy myself and LSD will do that for me almost every time. I also realize I am getting older, but something deep down inside me keeps telling me I have not peaked yet with my times and I was made aware of that as I had a much better time than I anticipated, although not a PR (personal Record) it more than met my expectations for the day and I finished in the top 100 for the 4th year in a row and also placed in the top 3 in my age group for the 4th year in a row. Having run the race now back to back with my son is also very special. He ran the last 2 years and both years after I finished I went back up the mountain to meet him and finish the race with him. I was called a "Showoff" at least a dozen times out loud by other races as went back up to meet him but I will take the jokes and a few serious harangues any day to have that experiences with him. Next Year I will Don a large Camera and take Pictures on the way back up and I can be called a Paparazzi instead of a showoff, the lessor of two evils or not? This race that I did on a whim 5 years ago to challenge my self turned me into a year round full time runner the moment I crossed the finish line and I have been running an average of 5 days a week ever since. It has been transformational in my life to say the least.
What propels 1000 people to register and several hundred more to volunteer every year is really what the race is all about. Yes, I made a lot of times and rivalry's and placement here but the true nature of this unique sporting event is laid out within the realm of the community and the support so selflessly given to each years event. Achievement can not always be measured and it surely cannot always be seen in the everyday activities of all the participants and volunteers who make Race Day here so very special. It is the mixture of toil and the love of Karma Yoga that people practice either consciously or not. It is the sleepless nights long before the race that the Race committee must endure and it is the culmination of souls who share a Love for the community and the sport of running itself. The work for next years race has already begun in the physical sense and in the metaphysical sense. People are already talking about next year with great zeal and Peter Alter, the race director is making plans as you read this to insure you not only enjoy the run but walk away from it with a sense of awe and respect, respect not only for the event itself, but for yourself for participating on the many levels it take to pull this off every year. The next time you see a runner moving their body across the roads or trails remember how much it takes for that individual to enjoy a positive experience on any given race day anywhere in the world. It may takes a village to raise a child and but it also takes achievement to complete the journey, one that is much longer than 8.38 miles. Be Well All and if you are a runner, Run Free!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
TRYING
It's local race time again, the moment that rolls around once a year and starts to consume you. The nervousness and excitement blend and a feeling overcomes you that reaches further at times than you may like. We have control over many aspects of our lives, but other facets find us whether we are looking or open to them or not. Running this morning was no different in that respect. This will be my 5th consecutive 8 Tuff Miles Road Race on this Volcanic Wonder of St. John and the hills I traverse daily remind me of the splendor and sacrifice we all make to live here. Island life is the great trade off, for the better for most of course, but at times can most certainty be trying.
So what is so trying or better yet what are we trying to do. I am trying to stay in the top 3 in my age group like I have the last 3 years while simultaneously trying to stay focused on a plant based lifestyle. I have immense passion for both, passion being the cornerstone of success no doubt in all we do, and must work very hard to make both a reality. You see as a runner I am slowing down, for whatever reason... and there may be many, and it bothers me. Who wants to run slower races? Not many of us I can assure you of that. As a plant based eater It is troublesome at times to stay focused here as our food choices are 1/100th of what is available in the states, again the great trade off. I breath fresh air and swim in crystal clear warm tropical waters year round and I run through a national park that rivals any around the world, hands down! A running friend once said "You high Five Easter Rock, right?". Well I have every time since hearing that. Easter Rock is this amazing Rock that is 30 ft. high perched along the North shore Road and a stomping ground for my runs. There are times when I am running North Shore that I simply can not believe where I live and how utterly perfect Nature is. The flawed human cascading along the hills while observing the perfection in the grander scheme of life. The human mind soaring and opening and realizing that his species will most likely not survive due to out of control corporate and political systems that have become the status quo and have over taken the thinking and beliefs systems of the last few generations to the point that the insanity of how we really live becomes socially acceptable to the point of utter absurdity. Easter Rock always reminds me of this and keeps me grounded. I am guilty as charged, I drive a car and use products that pull resources from the earth that could be better served in other ways or simply left in the earth to begin with. I struggle with the modern day human lifestyle and run to put it in perspective and obtain clarity and understanding at this juncture of my life. Running for health and fitness have long become second fiddle to why I go out on the roads and trails as often as I do. What small and subtle changes can I make to do my part in shifting my thinking and ultimately my impact on the planet. Am I really who I truly want to be? Kid Rock said "Only God Knows Why" but my "God" is nature itself. I owe her ALL that I am as she withers due to our selfishness so too do I, as I lose my muse and the strengths upon which I draw.
The race this Saturday will be uncertain for me until I cross the finish line and upon doing so I will have accomplished something extraordinary in the sense of achievement. You can call it a mid-life crisis or just plain old reality setting in, but when I started running and racing in the 50th year of my life I had no idea how powerful it would be for me and provide the meditative time to reflect on life itself while the endorphins and blood pumps wildly through my body. In that altered state lies the answers to what I seek and come Saturday I promise you and myself that I will be leaving 5 plus pounds of sweat on the tarmac and I will run a "Pure Guts" race and if anyone is going to beat me, and there will be many, they will also have to leave their sweat and guts out on the road too. Saturday is not a spiritual training run, It is the 8 Tuff Miles, it was my very first road race at 50 years of age and the one the turned me into a "Runner" and morphed me into a competitive racer in the months that followed. So when you see me on the roads on my daily runs please note that even though I am a Godless Atheist, I am communing with what I know to be my source of energy and power, this Earth itself, and that in the end, we all have a choice to make as where our own version of God, religion or faith will leads us. Me, I am just a "Runner" and I always seem to be led to the North Shore. Be Well and Run Free.
So what is so trying or better yet what are we trying to do. I am trying to stay in the top 3 in my age group like I have the last 3 years while simultaneously trying to stay focused on a plant based lifestyle. I have immense passion for both, passion being the cornerstone of success no doubt in all we do, and must work very hard to make both a reality. You see as a runner I am slowing down, for whatever reason... and there may be many, and it bothers me. Who wants to run slower races? Not many of us I can assure you of that. As a plant based eater It is troublesome at times to stay focused here as our food choices are 1/100th of what is available in the states, again the great trade off. I breath fresh air and swim in crystal clear warm tropical waters year round and I run through a national park that rivals any around the world, hands down! A running friend once said "You high Five Easter Rock, right?". Well I have every time since hearing that. Easter Rock is this amazing Rock that is 30 ft. high perched along the North shore Road and a stomping ground for my runs. There are times when I am running North Shore that I simply can not believe where I live and how utterly perfect Nature is. The flawed human cascading along the hills while observing the perfection in the grander scheme of life. The human mind soaring and opening and realizing that his species will most likely not survive due to out of control corporate and political systems that have become the status quo and have over taken the thinking and beliefs systems of the last few generations to the point that the insanity of how we really live becomes socially acceptable to the point of utter absurdity. Easter Rock always reminds me of this and keeps me grounded. I am guilty as charged, I drive a car and use products that pull resources from the earth that could be better served in other ways or simply left in the earth to begin with. I struggle with the modern day human lifestyle and run to put it in perspective and obtain clarity and understanding at this juncture of my life. Running for health and fitness have long become second fiddle to why I go out on the roads and trails as often as I do. What small and subtle changes can I make to do my part in shifting my thinking and ultimately my impact on the planet. Am I really who I truly want to be? Kid Rock said "Only God Knows Why" but my "God" is nature itself. I owe her ALL that I am as she withers due to our selfishness so too do I, as I lose my muse and the strengths upon which I draw.
The race this Saturday will be uncertain for me until I cross the finish line and upon doing so I will have accomplished something extraordinary in the sense of achievement. You can call it a mid-life crisis or just plain old reality setting in, but when I started running and racing in the 50th year of my life I had no idea how powerful it would be for me and provide the meditative time to reflect on life itself while the endorphins and blood pumps wildly through my body. In that altered state lies the answers to what I seek and come Saturday I promise you and myself that I will be leaving 5 plus pounds of sweat on the tarmac and I will run a "Pure Guts" race and if anyone is going to beat me, and there will be many, they will also have to leave their sweat and guts out on the road too. Saturday is not a spiritual training run, It is the 8 Tuff Miles, it was my very first road race at 50 years of age and the one the turned me into a "Runner" and morphed me into a competitive racer in the months that followed. So when you see me on the roads on my daily runs please note that even though I am a Godless Atheist, I am communing with what I know to be my source of energy and power, this Earth itself, and that in the end, we all have a choice to make as where our own version of God, religion or faith will leads us. Me, I am just a "Runner" and I always seem to be led to the North Shore. Be Well and Run Free.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
DELUGE
As I ran here this afternoon I was inundated with transitional thoughts that seemed to blend perfectly with the shifting terrain and landscape. The magnitude of rain that has fallen here on this Volcanic Wonder that is St. John the past 3 days has been spectacular, and as I ran a pairing of sorts occurred. Nature was carving out a path through the ravines and guts that we do not get to witness very often unless one goes out in the torrential downpours. In order for the rains to descend downward towards the Seas they must shift the earth and change its facade. I am feeling something evolve in me the last few months and know that I have big changes on my horizons both at my business and within. As I propelled my self up and down these hills on these roads for 8 miles today in the pouring rain I felt positioned to move in a different direction, just as the water all around me was doing, roaring at times and taking back the roads and trails that belong to her, not us. I had to change paths and footing, be keenly alert to traffic, and slow down some to stay focused and balanced both within and without. Always having to be aware of my surroundings in order to understand that this run today was different on so many levels.
I have been Self Employed for nearly 35 years now and have already worked more hours than the average American does up to their retirement years and I promised myself something when I turned 50 over 4 years ago, that being I would slow it all down, and I did just that when I turned 50. I am semi-retired and work as little as possible. My business has suffered immensely because of that decision and my follow through on it, while simultaneously carving out a new direction for my life and my approach to it on a daily basis. Some forces are so strong, like tumultuous ravines flowing with rain water and carving out their path, that it is wise to just follow and listen than to fight and resist. Everyday when I run it becomes clearer and clearer what direction I need to take both in my training for foot races and my course in Life. One area is winding down and the other is just beginning. Becoming a stronger, wiser and intuitive endurance athlete is another goal I have set for myself and will begin to push myself harder and into other arenas of training and competing. I will be a better Father for it that is certain. Sharing wisdom as a parent is not always easy or well received but we do it nonetheless in hopes we can help our children along the rocky road of Life. Today being Fathers Day left me to ponder a lot. I am a Father and a Son and being such shows me just how much shifting occurs as time passes and Nature methodically carves its path.
In closing tonight I want to thank my friends and family for accepting me for who I am and the utter changeling that I am. Good Night. Be Well and Run Free!
I have been Self Employed for nearly 35 years now and have already worked more hours than the average American does up to their retirement years and I promised myself something when I turned 50 over 4 years ago, that being I would slow it all down, and I did just that when I turned 50. I am semi-retired and work as little as possible. My business has suffered immensely because of that decision and my follow through on it, while simultaneously carving out a new direction for my life and my approach to it on a daily basis. Some forces are so strong, like tumultuous ravines flowing with rain water and carving out their path, that it is wise to just follow and listen than to fight and resist. Everyday when I run it becomes clearer and clearer what direction I need to take both in my training for foot races and my course in Life. One area is winding down and the other is just beginning. Becoming a stronger, wiser and intuitive endurance athlete is another goal I have set for myself and will begin to push myself harder and into other arenas of training and competing. I will be a better Father for it that is certain. Sharing wisdom as a parent is not always easy or well received but we do it nonetheless in hopes we can help our children along the rocky road of Life. Today being Fathers Day left me to ponder a lot. I am a Father and a Son and being such shows me just how much shifting occurs as time passes and Nature methodically carves its path.
In closing tonight I want to thank my friends and family for accepting me for who I am and the utter changeling that I am. Good Night. Be Well and Run Free!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
RENEWAL
Recomposing our strengths and stamina as runners after we have lapsed is one of the harder aspects of this sport for me. It seems that March gives me the most difficulties, partly due to the busiest time of the year here on St. John, but also due to circumstances at times that are completely out of my control. I ran 5 times this week, my norm, for the first time since the 8 Tuff Miles race on Feb 27th. 5 times a week is my standard and it defines and sets the approval factor in my running. When I stray to less than that I start to question myself as to commitment and resolve. It's the proving ground for me that sets my self defined standard of excellence and approval. It renews me when I have strayed and it sets the course to begin to push myself to the next level. Every runner need structure and a schedule to adhere to in order to stay focused. When we set a benchmark for our own caliber of talent we then begin to achive the desired results and beyond.
I have dealt with 2 serious issues this month thus far, neither specifically running related, but nonetheless troublesome to my running. One involved the well being of my Son and his school and classmates and the other the unexpected death of my Brother. Both pulled hard at me of course and both were powerful enough to propel me off course, a runners nightmare! I ran a 10K last summer where I was heading for a sub 45 minute run, an elusive goal for a 53 year old of my talent, and missed it by 7 seconds because I went physically slightly off course during the run and it cost me the sub 45 minute run. Being pulled from our center usually always results in a compromised outcome. It seems to drain something out of me that at times is difficult to recapture. The renewal, when it does occur is a splendid feeling and is most welcomed. It is at times slow to return, but we must never give up nor can we let it interfere with the fact that we are runners. "I am a runner" and in this simple phrase I define in myself and to the world that nothing will ever come between me and the roads and trails, nothing! When I am flaying I always know that I will rebound, always, but I am never quite sure when. Life cruelest moments are often right around the corner and they elude no one. They are unbiased and often overwhelming. They can make or break us on many levels and they are at times as unforgiving as Cat 5 hurricane or the heart attack my Brother died of last week. It is paramount to me as a runner to simply run through them and stay the course until the seas subside. Next week I feel confident I will also log 5 days of running, possible even 6, and I will then know I have broken out of my mental funk and the renewal has taken full hold and the course will be set to achieve some personal best racing times this summer and beyond.
Renewal is like water at the oasis in the desert after a long trek or better yet the water at the end of a hard run 10K race where you do not even want to slow or deal with water stops. Renewal restores the Guts that is essential to a runners passion and the fodder that fuels the journey. Renewal is life's redemption and answers the age old question of "Why" and it always gives us the knowledge that "This Too Shall Pass" As I write this I want to go on another run today, perhaps at sunset, even though I ran this morning. This feeling is what makes me know that these temporary setbacks are just that, and Life in it's infinite beauty and cruelty will test anyone's resolve and make us stronger as we carry the experiences and pass them along to our children. It is my greatest hope that I can pass some knowledge onto my children to make their lives and the lives of others a little better. It is a work in progress of course and the renewal always helps me along the way. Thanx and Be Well.
I have dealt with 2 serious issues this month thus far, neither specifically running related, but nonetheless troublesome to my running. One involved the well being of my Son and his school and classmates and the other the unexpected death of my Brother. Both pulled hard at me of course and both were powerful enough to propel me off course, a runners nightmare! I ran a 10K last summer where I was heading for a sub 45 minute run, an elusive goal for a 53 year old of my talent, and missed it by 7 seconds because I went physically slightly off course during the run and it cost me the sub 45 minute run. Being pulled from our center usually always results in a compromised outcome. It seems to drain something out of me that at times is difficult to recapture. The renewal, when it does occur is a splendid feeling and is most welcomed. It is at times slow to return, but we must never give up nor can we let it interfere with the fact that we are runners. "I am a runner" and in this simple phrase I define in myself and to the world that nothing will ever come between me and the roads and trails, nothing! When I am flaying I always know that I will rebound, always, but I am never quite sure when. Life cruelest moments are often right around the corner and they elude no one. They are unbiased and often overwhelming. They can make or break us on many levels and they are at times as unforgiving as Cat 5 hurricane or the heart attack my Brother died of last week. It is paramount to me as a runner to simply run through them and stay the course until the seas subside. Next week I feel confident I will also log 5 days of running, possible even 6, and I will then know I have broken out of my mental funk and the renewal has taken full hold and the course will be set to achieve some personal best racing times this summer and beyond.
Renewal is like water at the oasis in the desert after a long trek or better yet the water at the end of a hard run 10K race where you do not even want to slow or deal with water stops. Renewal restores the Guts that is essential to a runners passion and the fodder that fuels the journey. Renewal is life's redemption and answers the age old question of "Why" and it always gives us the knowledge that "This Too Shall Pass" As I write this I want to go on another run today, perhaps at sunset, even though I ran this morning. This feeling is what makes me know that these temporary setbacks are just that, and Life in it's infinite beauty and cruelty will test anyone's resolve and make us stronger as we carry the experiences and pass them along to our children. It is my greatest hope that I can pass some knowledge onto my children to make their lives and the lives of others a little better. It is a work in progress of course and the renewal always helps me along the way. Thanx and Be Well.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
WILL
What is it that wills us to get up and put on the running shoes? The answers would have me addressing the subject much longer than I choose or you may want to read. Inner will expressed outwardly drives runners to do what most people believe they can not or "Will" not do. It propels them forward into the realm that they seek while they run. I know for a fact it is inside everyone of us, the tenacity that is capable of producing change and ofttimes well being. I should be running right now instead of writting this, but my will as of late has been tested. So I must write my way through it and then the run will occur.
I have been tested heavily 2 times this month alone and my will has been questioned by me and others. My 8 year old son told me something extremely disturbing about another student and what that student said to him. It kicked off a series of events that had me literally sick to my stomach and at times in tears. Deciding a course to do my daily North Shore runs on is in no way different than what I chose to do in this matter. It is of the essence that I run, no denying that, and it is of the utmost essence that I support and protect my Son. No sooner than a resolution was reached by his school, one that left no winners I must add, I was informed, the very same day, that my Brother had died rather unexpectedly. It is the worst kind of phone call to ever have to receive. It is one you cannot simply run from but must run directly into. What happens when we will something to not be, that simply cannot be reversed, is that we spin out of control. Death is the denier for many. We seem to be ill prepared for it as a society and often push the subject under the rug. My poor 8 year old, after all that his bravery put him through when he came forward with disclosure of what he heard, having then to be told his Uncle was gone, was too much too soon. Life's cruel moments occur no matter how insidious they may be. A family member gone, students and teachers gone, and my will to run taken from me.
One thing I have learned about running is that when you feel you cannot or will not be able to run for reasons other than a physical injury, it is at that very moment that you need the run the most. Running while physically injured occurs all the time, runners at times are not smart beings, and we set ourselves up to fail further down the road, but running through the mental baggage is of the utmost essence. Heading right into your obstacles always makes you stronger and restores a sense of balance, even if it be a temporary one until the next run occurs. I do not profess to know the exact science of just why this is but it is. I recall an old Bob Dylan song with the lyrics "You don't need a weatherman to know which way the winds blows" I just know as does any other runner reading this. The roads and trails offer solace to the weary and answers to the seekers. They offer guidance and structure and frame our lives with a routine that produces a canvas of our choosing and a clarity that helps us wind our way through life's more trying moments and helps us to enjoy the simpler more pleasurable ones.
My Brother most likely did not leave a Will and that will make the process of his estate a bit more complicated, but he was a "Simple Man" without a lot of worldly possessions, so a little time and patience will work it all out. I am going to the states to pack up his apartment and "Will" remind myself that life chooses certain situations and I am just a cog, one that will be running through it all. It is about 4 pm and by 5 pm I will have my running shoes on and be heading up the North Shore. If you see me tonight running or any other day for that matter, please know that as I run I am at times in a state of devotion, not unlike others flocking to churches and religions or the medicine cabinet for "Mothers Little Helpers". I have found my drug and it is available to me for free wherever I roam. Thanx and Be Well
I have been tested heavily 2 times this month alone and my will has been questioned by me and others. My 8 year old son told me something extremely disturbing about another student and what that student said to him. It kicked off a series of events that had me literally sick to my stomach and at times in tears. Deciding a course to do my daily North Shore runs on is in no way different than what I chose to do in this matter. It is of the essence that I run, no denying that, and it is of the utmost essence that I support and protect my Son. No sooner than a resolution was reached by his school, one that left no winners I must add, I was informed, the very same day, that my Brother had died rather unexpectedly. It is the worst kind of phone call to ever have to receive. It is one you cannot simply run from but must run directly into. What happens when we will something to not be, that simply cannot be reversed, is that we spin out of control. Death is the denier for many. We seem to be ill prepared for it as a society and often push the subject under the rug. My poor 8 year old, after all that his bravery put him through when he came forward with disclosure of what he heard, having then to be told his Uncle was gone, was too much too soon. Life's cruel moments occur no matter how insidious they may be. A family member gone, students and teachers gone, and my will to run taken from me.
One thing I have learned about running is that when you feel you cannot or will not be able to run for reasons other than a physical injury, it is at that very moment that you need the run the most. Running while physically injured occurs all the time, runners at times are not smart beings, and we set ourselves up to fail further down the road, but running through the mental baggage is of the utmost essence. Heading right into your obstacles always makes you stronger and restores a sense of balance, even if it be a temporary one until the next run occurs. I do not profess to know the exact science of just why this is but it is. I recall an old Bob Dylan song with the lyrics "You don't need a weatherman to know which way the winds blows" I just know as does any other runner reading this. The roads and trails offer solace to the weary and answers to the seekers. They offer guidance and structure and frame our lives with a routine that produces a canvas of our choosing and a clarity that helps us wind our way through life's more trying moments and helps us to enjoy the simpler more pleasurable ones.
My Brother most likely did not leave a Will and that will make the process of his estate a bit more complicated, but he was a "Simple Man" without a lot of worldly possessions, so a little time and patience will work it all out. I am going to the states to pack up his apartment and "Will" remind myself that life chooses certain situations and I am just a cog, one that will be running through it all. It is about 4 pm and by 5 pm I will have my running shoes on and be heading up the North Shore. If you see me tonight running or any other day for that matter, please know that as I run I am at times in a state of devotion, not unlike others flocking to churches and religions or the medicine cabinet for "Mothers Little Helpers". I have found my drug and it is available to me for free wherever I roam. Thanx and Be Well
Thursday, March 4, 2010
RESOLUTION
How do we rectify our ongoing inadequacies in ourselves and society at large? How much time do we dwell or ponder before we simply overwhelm ourselves and drain the exact energy we are trying to protect and conserve? How far does a runner push themselves before it begins to have an adverse affect on their performance and race times? Sounds a bit like "Who am I and why are we here" doesn't it?
Conflict resolution is a subject dear to me. I often wonder what is the right course of action to take in a given situation. How far to push the envelope or raise the bar and what approach will produce the desired results. When I run I am always thinking about the proper amount of miles or strides or pace to accomplice the desired result from that days workout. When I am confronted with a social issue or a situation with a family member or offspring I am doubly convicted to obtain the right course of action. My upbringing is always in constant battle with what is suitable now. It is a tug of war inside me and it pulls me into darkness and it is hard at times to make a rational decision when I am compelled to take the path of my "Familia".
It is often said there are many paths to the top of the mountain and the path of least resistance is the wiser choice, but I also know there are times when I simply can not and will not take that course. I can run the flats and more easily traversed roads and trails, but I opt for the brutal North Shore runs and volcanic trails that sometimes elevate 700 ft. in the first mile. There is a part of me that will not take the easy road simply because of sheer brute stubbornness. I also have been reared as a child in a very old school system of conflict resolution that simply relays on force and violence to obtain a goal. It is a cycle I am trying to break in the rearing of my son. I have never hit him and do not, under any circumstances use corporal punishment as a means of discipline and expect the same in anybody I entrust to be his care givers or educators. Breaking destructive cycles in my estimation is the only way we can evolve as a species and garner a better world for our children and beyond. I have broke the cycle of sloth in my running and visits to the gym and am trying to deal with certain situations in life differently than I was taught as a child from my family, either directly or by example.
Many of you will disagree with me on my next series of thoughts here. I have embraced a very counter cultural approach to life, starting in the late 60's, 1968 to be exact, and have basically lived my life with these principles, straying immensely at times, but inherently understanding that this path is mine and the status quo is theirs. "War" in my estimation is the result of total and utter ignorance, complicated by our obsession of having to be better than everyone else. Yes, the hypocritical runner speaks as he guts it out to place as high as he can in the standings whenever I race and settle for nothing less that my best least I beat myself up afterwords for slacking. I am very far from a perfect citizen, and border on what the status quo would define as treasonous. How can we ever teach our children to use peaceful conflict resolutions when we are obsessed as a country and society on being number one? Patriotism and Nationalism are the death of any free thinking society. The glorification of War and our superiority complex as a society clearly sends the wrong message to our youth and it is backed by our government and the corporations that control it. Telling a child not to be violent when we bomb countries for not playing by "OUR" rules is the spiritual equivalent of genocide. It is not possible to advance a peaceful agenda when we use violence to obtain it. Guns permeate our culture and have slowly crept into our school systems and as students are taught to strike another to resolve a conflict, be it by cultural war mentality or the ever present use of Corporal Punishment in our school systems, we lose the ability to foster good will in our children and the cycle of war and violence continues. The 2nd. Amendment will never be addressed or stricken as this country is run by corporations and not the people, and until the day that guns are banned once and for all we will never know peace nor will our children learn to respect the rights of ALL other beliefs and ways of life. Being the worlds' police department comes with a very heavy toll and price to pay. That price being the decay of our most precious resource, that of our children. I live in what is deemed a "Paradise". As beautiful as it may be here, the fact remains that we have a 47% failure rate in males going into the 10th grade. 47% will not go beyond the 9th grade here at out local public school. That is in itself a direct result of a war mentality government and a local public school system that uses Corporal Punishment as conflict resolution on our children. When that same kid comes back to school or the playground or a party or a sporting event or wherever with a gun, you can be rest assured he learned that violence solves his problems from his educators and the government itself. "Paradise" has a very dark side and as these kids filter into society and have kids of their own the cycle starts all over again.
Resolution can only be obtained when we begin to realize that the current system of global dominance and staunch patriotism is not working and is morally reprehensible. We have robbed our youth of too much for far to long and time is running out. As a runner time is of the utmost importance to me so in closing I will say to you, find a destructive cycle in yourself and in this lifetime promise wholeheartedly to break it. When I race and run it is literally one stride at a time in the completion of my journey. Thanx and Be Well.
Conflict resolution is a subject dear to me. I often wonder what is the right course of action to take in a given situation. How far to push the envelope or raise the bar and what approach will produce the desired results. When I run I am always thinking about the proper amount of miles or strides or pace to accomplice the desired result from that days workout. When I am confronted with a social issue or a situation with a family member or offspring I am doubly convicted to obtain the right course of action. My upbringing is always in constant battle with what is suitable now. It is a tug of war inside me and it pulls me into darkness and it is hard at times to make a rational decision when I am compelled to take the path of my "Familia".
It is often said there are many paths to the top of the mountain and the path of least resistance is the wiser choice, but I also know there are times when I simply can not and will not take that course. I can run the flats and more easily traversed roads and trails, but I opt for the brutal North Shore runs and volcanic trails that sometimes elevate 700 ft. in the first mile. There is a part of me that will not take the easy road simply because of sheer brute stubbornness. I also have been reared as a child in a very old school system of conflict resolution that simply relays on force and violence to obtain a goal. It is a cycle I am trying to break in the rearing of my son. I have never hit him and do not, under any circumstances use corporal punishment as a means of discipline and expect the same in anybody I entrust to be his care givers or educators. Breaking destructive cycles in my estimation is the only way we can evolve as a species and garner a better world for our children and beyond. I have broke the cycle of sloth in my running and visits to the gym and am trying to deal with certain situations in life differently than I was taught as a child from my family, either directly or by example.
Many of you will disagree with me on my next series of thoughts here. I have embraced a very counter cultural approach to life, starting in the late 60's, 1968 to be exact, and have basically lived my life with these principles, straying immensely at times, but inherently understanding that this path is mine and the status quo is theirs. "War" in my estimation is the result of total and utter ignorance, complicated by our obsession of having to be better than everyone else. Yes, the hypocritical runner speaks as he guts it out to place as high as he can in the standings whenever I race and settle for nothing less that my best least I beat myself up afterwords for slacking. I am very far from a perfect citizen, and border on what the status quo would define as treasonous. How can we ever teach our children to use peaceful conflict resolutions when we are obsessed as a country and society on being number one? Patriotism and Nationalism are the death of any free thinking society. The glorification of War and our superiority complex as a society clearly sends the wrong message to our youth and it is backed by our government and the corporations that control it. Telling a child not to be violent when we bomb countries for not playing by "OUR" rules is the spiritual equivalent of genocide. It is not possible to advance a peaceful agenda when we use violence to obtain it. Guns permeate our culture and have slowly crept into our school systems and as students are taught to strike another to resolve a conflict, be it by cultural war mentality or the ever present use of Corporal Punishment in our school systems, we lose the ability to foster good will in our children and the cycle of war and violence continues. The 2nd. Amendment will never be addressed or stricken as this country is run by corporations and not the people, and until the day that guns are banned once and for all we will never know peace nor will our children learn to respect the rights of ALL other beliefs and ways of life. Being the worlds' police department comes with a very heavy toll and price to pay. That price being the decay of our most precious resource, that of our children. I live in what is deemed a "Paradise". As beautiful as it may be here, the fact remains that we have a 47% failure rate in males going into the 10th grade. 47% will not go beyond the 9th grade here at out local public school. That is in itself a direct result of a war mentality government and a local public school system that uses Corporal Punishment as conflict resolution on our children. When that same kid comes back to school or the playground or a party or a sporting event or wherever with a gun, you can be rest assured he learned that violence solves his problems from his educators and the government itself. "Paradise" has a very dark side and as these kids filter into society and have kids of their own the cycle starts all over again.
Resolution can only be obtained when we begin to realize that the current system of global dominance and staunch patriotism is not working and is morally reprehensible. We have robbed our youth of too much for far to long and time is running out. As a runner time is of the utmost importance to me so in closing I will say to you, find a destructive cycle in yourself and in this lifetime promise wholeheartedly to break it. When I race and run it is literally one stride at a time in the completion of my journey. Thanx and Be Well.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
X-MAS EVE RUNNERS TRIANGLE
I had not planned a sunset run on the eve of X-Mas but one occurred nonetheless. That is what makes this sport so appealing, especially to a lone wolf like myself. Anytime is the time, barring other commitments of course. Many celebrating these holidays believe in the Holy Trinity. A fierce Agnostic like myself dismisses religion and believes it, along with over zealous Patriotism and Nationalism is the death of any free thinking society and the major contributor to disharmony in our lives.
The runners triangle is a lot simpler, yet pulls at us sometimes as aggressively as the Evangelicals trying to save our souls while they themselves live their lives of smug superiority over us lost pagans! Balancing running, work and family is the tightrope act we try to create even-handedly. Someone recently said to me, during a disagreement and in an emotional moment, your mantra now is "I gotta get my run in". It was true. I run 5 days a week and sometimes have to rearrange my schedule to do so. I have had a lot of weeks where I ran 6 days. I simply love it. It is categorically a part of me now. I refuse to change that for a host of practical and useful reasons that will appear in a future blog. This triangle, which must be equilateral in order to flourish, must be balanced and that, at times, takes a lot of planning and sacrifice to accomplish.
Plans changed on the morning of X-mas eve and my run for that day would now be at sunset rather than the afternoon one I had previously mapped out. X-Mas, in my humble, Pagan(LOL), opinion is all about the kids. Santa is pure magic and congers up a host of merriment and wondrous recollections that last a lifetime. My most memorable moments as a child stem from all the activities that surround the holidays and are now being passed on to my children. So I donned a red running singlet and a Santa hat and made my way from my house on centerline road to the North Shore for a 7 mile X-mas eve sunset run that included a rainbow as I approached the Trunk Bay overlook. My pace was brisk and I felt very strong and happy knowing my son would be ecstatic on X-mas morning and that this run added some joy to the host of onlookers in their cars and jeeps and trucks on the road that night. A very lean Santa, economic times have been tough, running up the Northshore in the Tropics was enough to evoke a multitude of shouts, waves, thumbs up, peace signs and abundant smiles from the onlookers inside their vehicles. Normally I pay little attention to what is going on inside the cars, rather I am monitoring them for safety reasons and road logistics. But on this night my eyes where fixated on the smiles and good cheer from the passerbys, especially the carloads of children that passed by. A run is usually a very solitary event, steeped in deep thought and solace, but tonight was a shared event and one I will always remember.
Be us Christians, Jews, Muslims or Atheist or any one of the multitude of other organized religions, we all share a common responsibility in leaving a better planet behind for our children and through running and physical fitness I am doing just that. Perhaps if we all kept our religious views to ourselves this might lend for a better world, but what do Godless running junkies know anyway.
The runners triangle is a lot simpler, yet pulls at us sometimes as aggressively as the Evangelicals trying to save our souls while they themselves live their lives of smug superiority over us lost pagans! Balancing running, work and family is the tightrope act we try to create even-handedly. Someone recently said to me, during a disagreement and in an emotional moment, your mantra now is "I gotta get my run in". It was true. I run 5 days a week and sometimes have to rearrange my schedule to do so. I have had a lot of weeks where I ran 6 days. I simply love it. It is categorically a part of me now. I refuse to change that for a host of practical and useful reasons that will appear in a future blog. This triangle, which must be equilateral in order to flourish, must be balanced and that, at times, takes a lot of planning and sacrifice to accomplish.
Plans changed on the morning of X-mas eve and my run for that day would now be at sunset rather than the afternoon one I had previously mapped out. X-Mas, in my humble, Pagan(LOL), opinion is all about the kids. Santa is pure magic and congers up a host of merriment and wondrous recollections that last a lifetime. My most memorable moments as a child stem from all the activities that surround the holidays and are now being passed on to my children. So I donned a red running singlet and a Santa hat and made my way from my house on centerline road to the North Shore for a 7 mile X-mas eve sunset run that included a rainbow as I approached the Trunk Bay overlook. My pace was brisk and I felt very strong and happy knowing my son would be ecstatic on X-mas morning and that this run added some joy to the host of onlookers in their cars and jeeps and trucks on the road that night. A very lean Santa, economic times have been tough, running up the Northshore in the Tropics was enough to evoke a multitude of shouts, waves, thumbs up, peace signs and abundant smiles from the onlookers inside their vehicles. Normally I pay little attention to what is going on inside the cars, rather I am monitoring them for safety reasons and road logistics. But on this night my eyes where fixated on the smiles and good cheer from the passerbys, especially the carloads of children that passed by. A run is usually a very solitary event, steeped in deep thought and solace, but tonight was a shared event and one I will always remember.
Be us Christians, Jews, Muslims or Atheist or any one of the multitude of other organized religions, we all share a common responsibility in leaving a better planet behind for our children and through running and physical fitness I am doing just that. Perhaps if we all kept our religious views to ourselves this might lend for a better world, but what do Godless running junkies know anyway.
Friday, November 14, 2008
VARIATIONS
I have been wondering as of late where all this will lead. The intensity of my runs are heightening and the state of our nation and world seem to be on a rabid, fluctuating , and out of control joyride. I control each stride as my legs propel me, and I can literally feel them strengthening at times as I push the limits of my mind and body to reach the next level. Change and progress are not always sought after but occur nonetheless. Seeking them however allows us to be involved in the process that we solely answer for. So where will my legs take me in these runs, now that the training can be amped back up after my first marathon last month. Where does one set the bar? We have done something for ourselves and for the generations to come, something people said would never happen in their lifetime. The dust settles after my feet disturb the ground below me on my nightly journeys up the north shore, rearranged only to settle elsewhere. So I say to myself and to all of the people who actively participated in the election process and also to those on the sidelines that are beginning to realize they too must partake 'WE must take back what has been eroded over the decades and participate in our democracy'. Give this a chance, the dirt will settle, and then begin to shape it.
There are as many reasons for running as there are for any other activity in life. Great runners and elders of my sport knew that each stride was a straw in the hut, a block in the pyramid and an antidote for their mind. Variations, in respect to class and culture, will be as diverse as the thoughts meandering from my brain as I glide along the roadways and trails, but will all arrive at a common yearning to better ourselves and leave the next generations with the comfort of breaking the cycles, both personal and political, that have crippled this world for my lifetime and then some. It is really quite simple, either participate and change what you do not like about yourself and our world or do nothing and blame yourself, not your government or your brethren, when it all comes crashing down. I blamed myself as I was dry heaving at mile 24 of the Portland Marathon for not being fully prepared for my undertaking, no pun intended, but I finished and learned from it. With all the vast experience of all the people in this country and abroad it behooves me think we can not obtain societies that work for the vast majorities of people. Variations offer multitudes of ways to the end, and the means are as diverse as the clouds that grace the sky at sunset over my head, and as my nightly runs define my being, I will relish and never languish in knowing we can all change and make a change.
There are as many reasons for running as there are for any other activity in life. Great runners and elders of my sport knew that each stride was a straw in the hut, a block in the pyramid and an antidote for their mind. Variations, in respect to class and culture, will be as diverse as the thoughts meandering from my brain as I glide along the roadways and trails, but will all arrive at a common yearning to better ourselves and leave the next generations with the comfort of breaking the cycles, both personal and political, that have crippled this world for my lifetime and then some. It is really quite simple, either participate and change what you do not like about yourself and our world or do nothing and blame yourself, not your government or your brethren, when it all comes crashing down. I blamed myself as I was dry heaving at mile 24 of the Portland Marathon for not being fully prepared for my undertaking, no pun intended, but I finished and learned from it. With all the vast experience of all the people in this country and abroad it behooves me think we can not obtain societies that work for the vast majorities of people. Variations offer multitudes of ways to the end, and the means are as diverse as the clouds that grace the sky at sunset over my head, and as my nightly runs define my being, I will relish and never languish in knowing we can all change and make a change.
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