OCCUPATION

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

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!

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.

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!

INSPIRATION

It comes in many forms, sometimes in the least expected arena, other times it is so in your face that it is literally impossible to ever forget. It forges the foundation for completion for many. It has a power unseen yet a force that beckons.  As I traverse these hills and trails here I am always in awe of the accomplishments of others in regards to running and life in general.  I ask myself how do they do that?  I am quickly answered. That is the most amazing thing I have learned to love about running. The answers that flow as easily as my legs that propel me. They do it because they have simply decided that to not do it would be selling themselves and sometimes others short. I have run for many reasons, including family members, other athletes, and the age old adage that in order to improve anything in life it takes work, hard work, hill work and trail runs, elevation that scare many and humidity that fights you the entire way. I run for the love of nature and the inspiration that a cascading ravine or flowering tree can provide. I am inspired, believe it or not, by the utter stupidity of the human race to think we can ever defy nature. As I run through the National Park here daily I am always reminded how insignificant we really are as a race and often think about what my surroundings will look like when we are gone, because we will be gone. Evolution of the species is something that will eventually take our roll out of the equation for sharing this earth. And since we do such an utterly disgraceful job in sharing it with other species our time will be shortened and our marks of civilizations will be forgotten. How dare us to hold this "Superiority Complex" over other living things, and by doing so it filters into our beings and politics and religions until we ask a "God" to do things for us at the expense of others. You see, there is balance in ALL things, I see it so clearly when I am running here, the beauty of an Island Paradise, that when the balance is upset we all pay and suffer and our time here as a species is thus shortened. Inspiration to overcome this idea that I am better than my Muslim or Gay peers, to use an example, simple undermines our ability to utilize the earth as a true home. When you disturb the balance of one, all suffer. "God Blesses America" at the expense of other races and cultures and for that there is zero redemption on the ecological and spiritual scales, both tipping way to far to one side.

As the oil slowly creeps towards the shore line we are reminded of the upset in the balance of nature. Lust for the power that drives this laptop, or the car that I drive has given way to the worst oil disaster on record. Funny that we have survived tens of thousands of years without the oil, but now we are addicted, and in doing so once again have upset the Eco system and hence shortened our time as a species here. With the passing of my Brother 2 months ago I have used the term "All things must pass" on a number of occasions and must do so again. We are our own worse enemy, not terrorism, not flooding, not counter cultural thought, not oil spills, not political dissent, and surely not  "unamerican" thoughts. No we are doomed because we have the worst disease any society can manifest, as most disease is self inflicted, that being "Superiority Complex" and as this cancerous form of thought permeates society, we are reduced to a constant state of sorrow and turmoil. We have a handful of generations to reverse this horrid plague or we will soon be gone for good. Laws were made to be broken, but solemn truths are embedded in the nature and survival mechanisms of our DNA.  Either we peel the onion now or say goodbye.

The nature of a run is just that, nature. Running in literally programmed into our DNA, and by doing such we can connect with our ancients and understand and respect nature in general and in its purest form. When we run we are stripped down to primal forms and forces of nature, communing and accepting our surroundings for what they are, not what we want them to be. Wow, what a concept, accepting things as they are. A simple truth as far as nature goes but oh so hard to follow for a society that is out of control trying to change the rest of the world, yet ignoring our own short comings. A familiar human battle that each of us toil over for sure, but when governments start to oppress at the expense of others we take a few more years off out time here. Be it 2012, as the doomsayers say or 3150, it doesn't really matter, because the way in which we are killing ourselves is so avoidable, yet so far out of reach. Do we have inspiration to take back our earth from the corporations and politicians? Of course we do, but it remains to be seen if that alone is enough. As the dominant life form here we have a responsibility to all the other species and our selves to become better stewards of Planet Earth. I am going to run once again in the morning and in doing so I will be reminded of what future generations will be missing as we slowly destroy our fragile ecosystem. I will also be reminded that renewal is also Natures way,  so it is up to us. A simple choice starts the process, then action must follow. Little things do matter, as they set examples and are sometimes influential on others.

I am following a fellow runner who is running from Amsterdam to Barcelona, the equivalent of 50 marathons in 56 days. He is my human inspiration for the next few months and beyond of course. My spiritual inspiration lays in the ancient rock formations and ravines I will traverse in the morning as my legs drive me across this ancient volcanic island that was here long before man arrived and will be here long after we are gone. Be Well

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.

BELIEF

They are as varied as the different bodies that roam our planet. They consume some and kill others. They define us in a global culture that seeks norms over distinct and unorthodox forms of thinking. They label us and place us in little boxes so we can be categorized and dissected by those who disagree with the way we choose to live. The masses follow the almighty corporations that have poisoned our food supply and perpetuated the biggest hoax society has ever fallen for, that being our utter dependence on pharmaceutical drugs to stay alive. Out of sight out of mind. The vanity factor plays so heavily here. If we could see what these foods and drugs do to out internal organs we would never induce them into out bodies. Being obsessed with vanity and how we are perceived greatly outweighs anything happening internally to what some deem "The temple to our soul". The signs of a failed approach to well being are everywhere. Just go to Wallmart and McDonalds and I rest my case. Our children are developing adult diseases at alarmingly younger ages and the adults wait for Big Pharma to create the next magic pill. Cause and effect is a simple science and ANY pharmaceutical you put into your body plays heavily on your overall balance and in a lot of cases does far more harm than good in the long run.

What does this have to do with running you might ask? Well this is my blog so I will ramble at will as I please and see fit, but beyond that everything. Running is capable of producing a dramatic change in one's approach and thinking and since it is initially a health related reason most people begin to run, they begin to see through the ever so subtle veil of corporate brainwashing and programing. Runners begin to change all forms of habits that have accompanied them in becoming clones in the supermarket lines and the prescription centers that are now everywhere. They obtain clarity as they run. There is a sound and systematic reason why there is a Wallgreens, a McDonalds and a Wallmart in virtually every sector of American society. Running slowly starts to improve  physical health while simultaneously unlocking basic human instincts that have been overshadowed by a lifetime onslaught of corporate programing. We ALL drink the cool aid when we sit in front of Television whether we agree with the product or not. When children are exposed to all this it then becomes literally life threatening. I challenge anyone to begin running and then tell me they do not start to make drastic changes to other aspects of their lives. The Magic pill is in the form of a belief system, one simply known as running. The side effects are many and the results so dramatic that the runner begins to peel the onion and understand that in this simplest form of human propulsion lies the answers to a lot of dilemmas that often plague our bodies and our Psyche.

My Brothers Belief was that of a Buddhist. He passed away last week and as I am sorting through his personal belongings and the garbage in my own mind that comes up in times like these I am reminded of how different we all are if we choose to be our own person. He touched many lives with the simplicity and kindness that he evoked in his day to day living, and that was his legacy. We were very different in many ways, but in some identical and that is what brothers ofttimes are. There are many reasons for his passing but in the long run he lived life his way. His process is now complete for this world according to what he believed. A sound belief goes a long way for many and in his case that rings true.

Running is a belief system in itself. A system that motivates and encourages people to go beyond what they thought they could ever do. I need to peel another layer so off I go into the Florida morning to see what comes my way as I run. I know one thing for certain . "I am a Runner"   Thanx and Be Well

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

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.

COMPLETION

What occurs to me most in running races is the never ending lust to do our best. It is driven inside most of us by our own self propelled vision of how good we can be. It knaws away at you as a constant reminder that there is something inside of us all that simple will not allow a shody performance to prevail. Yesterday's 8 Tuff Miles race was one such instance. In completing the course, and having the pleasure of watching my 8 year old son finish the race also, I realized that in the moment of completion we take the next step forward. The moment of crossing the finish line strengthens the resolve of not only all participants, but their friends, family and others who cross paths with them.

This years run was not a stellar one for me, I felt off before the first mile and struggled to climb hills that I owned in my training. I was very nervous and anxious at the start, as I am at any race I do, but as I began to run I could tell something was off. As I ponder what happened I am reminded of other races that I simply aced and went beyond what I thought I could do. No runner ever really want to have slower times of course, but it is a simple fact of running and racing. Regardless of the reasons for a slower run than anticipated, the fact remains that in any shortcoming in life the opportunity to improve becomes more prevalent and presents itself to us as if to say "ok, now what?" What we do with that gift of sorts varies greatly and make many of us better people and stronger runners. In completing the lesson of a race or run we then get to move on and take the next step or opportunity. It is up to each and every one of us to determine what that will be.

My legs were sore today as I did over 12 miles. The course was 8.38 miles of pure hell at the pace I tried to run and eventually ran. I do not ever run that fast in training. My time was good enough for a 3rd place finish in my age group this year. It was slower than the year before and that bothers me but also reminds me that this is like anything else in life, you never really know what to expect until you are in the midst of it all. As I ran and was being passed by runners I outpaced last year I began to feel despondent but in the end I realized I was only 2 minutes off the year before and it was actually a good day after all. After finishing the race I walked up the hill 2 miles and met up with my 8 year old son and we walked and ran back down to the finish line. He was awesome and really surprised me at how fast he can run down those hills in short spurts. I got to run down the finisher chute twice yesterday, and the second time with him was a blast as we both sprinted towards the finish line and me ducking out at the last 20 feet or so and letting him cross and get his medal. It was his first 8 Tuff Miles race and he was still full of energy after the race playing with all his friends at the finish line. So many kids do this race every year and learn lessons they do not even know they are learning. Learning while having fun is "Child's Play" plain and simple.

This race also taught me about the evolution of certain people and of the race itself. I have had the fortune of running 4 of these in a row now and it is simply awe inspiring to watch everyone finish and accomplish, in many cases, something they never thought they could or would do. I really feel lives are changed for the better out there on the course and that moments of utter clarity are achived for many as a result of their accomplishments. This event has grown to encompass way more than a road race for St. John. I have witnessed all the twist and turns over the years not only on the course but in the nature of the race itself. We now have a new champion and new levels are being set by runners who simply defy human limitations and show us all how good we can be when we are dedicated and focused. A new course record was set, shattering the old one by over 3 minutes and a new breed of runners is emerging from the hills of St. John on race day. We will all need to be ready next year if we are to stay competitive as the field simply gets faster every year, thus challenging us to be better at all we do. Running lessons are always all around us and show us how to deal with life at large.

The road to any race ends at some point in time. Completion is put into motion when we cross the finish line and is then propelled into our daily lives. We then disperse our success on the course into other avenues of living and life. All runners know that running is a Metaphor for life, and that in our accomplishments we build bridges and in our failures we rebuild that which becomes broken. Yesterdays race was way more than a road race and puts forth the premise that growth and change occur no matter what we do. The evolution of the 8TM's show us that nothing remains stagnate and "All Things Must Pass"

If you are a runner I feel a kinship with you and wish you Godspeed and if you have never run I can assure you if you start it will change you life for the better. It is really a powerful activity that goes way beyond a fit body. See you all at the finish line next year! Be Well

WASTE

The bi-product a cluttered mind surely produces it, as does our simple act of living on such a fragile Eco system such as Earth. It is a killer is so many ways that if it is not contained properly we begin to suffer as a species and as an individual. I produce lots of waste like any other. The key to reduction of such a needless and frivolous array of physical and mental muddle is simply to consume less and then reuse whatever we can salvage and then let the rest go!!

I have a very simple formula for releasing the chaos that creeps into my mind daily. Well this is a runners blog so you know where I am going with this or do you? Is it that simple to go for a run and clear your head? The laws of physics are at play here as are the laws of karma, or mental and spiritual cause and effect. Is it safe to say as we run and clear a negative thought or emotion that it must be replaced with something else in order for the balance we all seek to be maintained? Does something else fill the void we leave when we process and release that which previously enters our being and invades our well being to the point of having to exorcise such thoughts? As we run and ponder we also plot and chart. We plan our next move and see them often in a clearer arena than when they are presented to us under the guise of everyday living. I find as one thought leaves another always follows and the filtering of these is a true balancing act. Nowhere in my 53 years have I found a better stage to attempt this feat than in running. It is simply the most comprehensive mind adjuster I have ever found and it has physical bi products that are unmatched as far as cardiovascular health is concerned. It's funny that I now view the physical side of running as the bi product when in fact myself and most people start running for the physical improvements it most certainly rewards us with. I long, pun intended, for the run for my mind now and not my body. It has had such an effect on me that I, like many other runners, crave the run. An addiction for sure in my case, as is for many other runners, but the effects in this case are positive overall vrs. what occurs in more traditional addictions such as substance abuse and alcohol. The running junkie that I have become does crave his fix. Yes his fix, as that is what I attempt out there on the trails and roads, to fix that which is not acceptable to me as a person at this stage of my development.

Be it a 3 mile jog or a 20 mile long tempo run, the simple act of running produces an avenue of opportunity for anyone who tries it and will reward anyone who devotes to it. The greatest gift I ever gave myself was making the time to run. It's like being granted a wish and you wish for a thousand more wishes. When you run it becomes a constant flow of possibilities in which we are able to immerse in. Runners already know this inherently. Non runners ofttimes scoff at us and think us erratic or crazy to run in heat, hill, humidity and in the snow and in the mountains and on trails. I must concur because I thought the very same of runners before I became one. It won't take a non runner long once they begin to run to convert. I have a bumper sticker that says "Running is cheaper than therapy" Read between these lines and enjoy the ride of running as it will always take you to places you thought never possible. Remember, it is not the destination but the journey and waste must always be processed for anything positive to result from it. Thanx and Be Well.

The Beast Within

Perhaps the most haunting aspect of running is the fear of failure, the lapse of zeal, or just plain ole' athletic neurosis. What must we do to stay motivated? Where do we allow our minds to take us when our ambition to run is weighed down with the garbage we collect in our thoughts and sometimes our bodies? Who do we seek out to relieve us of such shortcomings? Ourselves of course! Every one of us has these days, some more than others, when we simply can not and will not allow ourselves to pursue something that is driving us. When the inner tenacity that propels us to go for a run is being slain by the beast within we know we are in trouble. I Love Nike, but "Just do it" sometimes simply is not enough. So what is enough? The scales will tip on this one depending on your approach.

It is mandatory to know WHY you run, what you are trying to accomplish, and what results you want. Before you go out on your run set the distance or time, set a pace, and know what type of run you want. Will it be an easy run or a tempo run? Will you go long or do speed work? Hills or flats? Defining the run prepares you mentally for it, you know what you are in for, and you are better prepared. The beast is smarter than we think at times so in order to prevail we must also have structure. Set the time you are going to run the night before and DO NOT deviate from it. It is like setting your watch, but you are setting your mind. You now know the type and time your run will take place hours before hand. The beast must sleep also you know, and as you both sleep perhaps a happy medium will occur when you awake to take care of the business of running, because it is just that. Ever wonder why everyone doesn't run or exercise? Sloth, that is why. We all know now about proper eating and exercise, no more excuses of blissful ignorance. We have become a nation of little, uh sometimes big, Sloths. We as runners are not such creatures, so why allow our minds to convince us other wise?

I can almost certainly assure you that after the first few miles the beast will be onto other victims, and you will be free to fly away in your blissful thoughts and feel your legs getting stronger with each stride, your heart and lungs pumping your body full of energy, energy that you burn to catapult your running to the next level. It is like having to walk a long way to the ice cream store, or waiting in line for that perfect slice of pizza. It is always worth the wait and in our running it almost always produces a feeling of joy once we get over the initial few miles. Of course there are the days when we leap out of bed and have no mental hindrance whatsoever. Many of us have lots of these days. We all will surely have days that will test our resolve and these will be most rewarding to those of us who prevail in overcoming the obstacles that we create in our minds. No one else put these thoughts in our heads and no one else can remove them except us. When we run we are masters of our own universe, the road opening our minds and allowing us to think clearly and definitively. Our runs become our daily dose of good will and inspiration and that in itself is enough to overpower any and all mental deterrents we create.

All of us are works in progress and the challenges that face us in life are no different than the ones discussed here. Overcoming a lack of motivation in running will do wonders for that OTHER thing we all do called Life. Enjoy your next run and Be Well!

MAN IN THE MIRROR

What has your running done for you lately? If like me you run for solace, then the runs will produce clarity and structure. We tend to self evaluate out there on the roads and trails, searching and at the same time evolving a little. Running is unlike any other physical activity I have ever done. It stands above the others because of my approach to it. On my runs I find myself looking way beyond the concept of who I think I am. It has been often said that Man(as in mankind) is 3 things. Who he thinks he is, what others think he is, and who he really is.

Much has been said the past few weeks about the Man in the Mirror. Tragic brilliance, the yin yang of all things. To truly celebrate one's life do we have to let go of the shortcomings or things even darker or just plain wrong. I have pondered the MJ question and on my run yesterday it was all I could think about. My 8 year old son is the only reason I am still living on St. John, and as I saw and listened to Paris Jackson speak about her feelings for her father I am reminded how fragile Life is and how I mask my feelings so often. Men don't cry so I am told, but millions did yesterday, not so much for Michael, but for the overwhelming feeling that the loss of any parent or child for whatever reason is one of Life's cruelest moments. One that can never be explained to make sense to the rational mind. At times I feel as fragile as that 11 year old girl, who will never have the comfort of her father again and has been dealt the lowest blow life can dish out. As an adult I may or may not have a higher understanding of these things, but to a child it should never have to happen yet it does daily. Some kids never get over such a tragedy. The JFK-JFK Jr. saga comes to mind. Why? I surely will never know and although I think about it, I do not want to pursue the answer in definitive terms because I believe there is not an answer that I will accept.

Looking in the mirror can be a tough process if you are looking for answers to why you are who you are. I can tell you that running will make your reflection an image you may be aspiring to. Running will unleash thoughts and ideas in the recesses of your mind. It will make you question the core of who you think you are. I don't run to enter these realms, they just happen. Whatever chemical reactions occurring in the brain on distance runs is the life force of evaluating the man in the mirror. I have demonized him for his bad choices and embraced him for the good ones. So I say if you want to make the world a better place then Run. You may just find that your running will allow you to stand in front of that mirror a little bit longer and just smile!

STREET SMARTS

The age old debate, street smarts verses book smarts. As I stare at a 2 ft. high stack of running books as I write this , I can only ponder what the information enclosed within their covers has and will do for my running. I have learned from them and at times have obsessed over them. Today I was clearly reminded about street smarts from my 8 year old son. His foray into street vending in front of my store and his dedication and enthusiasm for his stand is inherent and can not be taught in books. Anything in life, be it running or street vending or the multitudes of other activities we choose to involve ourselves in can not and will not serve a useful and positive purpose without passion. As runners we are constantly reminded that without passion what we do becomes real work. Once the joy of running fades we are left with very little to keep us going. It is like running with very heavy boots, we move forward but it is not with the grace and agility our passion provides for us.

Being self employed over 30 years now has taught me a simple truth. Love what you do and you are doing what you love. Luca, my son, exemplifies that as I watch him set up, sell, tear down and do all the little things involved in running a business. He is astute and attentive, and also rewards himself and his friends with ice cream and slush puppies towards the end of his day. That natural rhythm of work hard and reward is the cornerstone of any success and kids seem to know it without the 2 ft. high stack of books. What is it that you really love to do? Then do it after your run. A self congratulatory approach to your accomplishments is as much a part of your training as the long runs and the daily workouts. Rest too is actually training. What a great sport, we are actually training when we are resting and in my case eating pasta and pizza! Talk about the best of both worlds.

Runners are a clan that will persist through almost anything to get their runs in. For example I will be running tomorrow afternoon, in the middle of the day, in 88 degree heat with high humidity on hills! Why you might ask. I only have control over which time of day I run, not the elements or the terrain. St. john is volcanic, thus the hills and it is summer time. I cannot run until 2 pm because of family commitments. So I will run, and It will be hot, but I will pace my self and let the passion provide the foundation for the run. There is very little that will keep me from running tomorrow. I have geared myself up and mentally prepared for a tough, hot mid day run. Knowing ahead of time why you are running and where and how long or far gives the mind and body an alert, thus making it feel easier. I have said before always know why you are doing a run and what you are expecting from it in terms of training. I have identified my next Marathon in early October so my training now begins to shift towards that goal. As much as I loved running my first Marathon in Portland last fall, I do not want the same outcome or experience. I must train with that in mind if I am to alter my result. My respect for the 26.2 mile distance is immense. No amount of book smarts could equal the knowledge gained during that run last fall.

Perhaps street smarts mean so much to me because of my inner city upbringing and the survival mode you must go on at times to get by. Instinct is essential for all types of survival and running and marathoning are no different. Listen very closely to your thoughts while you are out on the trails and roads and you will know what works best for you. The 2 ft stack of books will always be their to assist you but your gut and your heart will always lead you best. Be Well and enjoy the summer runs and race season!

ASCENT

Today I ran trails, I love them, so serene and unforgiving at the same time. The volcanic nature of St. John makes these runs very challenging, just what I want and need out of a good run. 700 ft. ascent in the first mile will test the resolve of any runner and at times will question ones mind as to just what and why we are doing this. On this eve of Fathers day I reflected on the trails, and my status as a father and as a person. Both works in progress and both being fueled by these runs. Running has allowed me to process the vast insanity that is sometimes life. It acts as a filter and sorts the waves of thoughts and reactions to the world at large. I am driven to run far more for the mental and spiritual aspect than for the incredible result on the physical level. My heart and lungs may thank me, but my spirit and soul applauds me. Running is simply the glue holding my life together and as long as I am physically able I plan on running.

I have not posted in 3 and a half months here. I have written an entry on every single one of my runs." Letters in my mind" I use to call them as I have written thousands and thousands of them but they rarely seem to make it to paper or fruition. Life side tracked my writings this season as it has been quite a ride this winter. I often wonder what a runner is thinking as I see them traverse by. Are they as deeply engaged as me in life's alluring nature or are they just happy to be exercising and planning activities for themselves or their family? Whatever the reason we run it is apparent there is something to it as it a wildly popular activity and sport. An undertaking as simple as running produces so much joy for people simply because it is just that, simple. Look at the kids on a playground anywhere on the planet and my point is proven. A natural movement that balances the complex nature of our beings. A motion so routine that it brings us back to the fundamental basics of what our lives are meant to be and edges us towards what is important and what we must cast aside.

I will tell you this much about running, it is the simplest form of exercise and offers the most results on all levels. Your ascent into running will prove this. A solitude sport that produces an outcome of clarity and well being. You can do it ANYWHERE and it requires minimal financial resources. Focus your thoughts on the passion within you and apply it to running and you will soon be thanking yourself for the gift you bestowed upon yourself and the example you are setting for the masses who are slowly killing themselves through inactivity and over eating. In closing please know that running is a simple activity with very complex results. See you on the roads and trails and Be Well!

AFTERMATH

Another stellar race on Saturday, highlighted by local running legend Jeremy Zuber's 6th consecutive win and weather from the running God's! Well weather for the spectators anyway. A warm morning with sunny skies graced St. John as 800 plus runners traversed Centerline Road from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay, 8.38 miles, with an elevation gain of 1400 feet in the first 5.5 miles to compete in one of the toughest road races in this sport. Everything fell into place as the field of athletes competed in the 13th annual 8 Tuff Miles road race which has now become a major event for St. John. "The Zube" held off arch running rival Court Lilly in a close race to keep the title on St. John.

Pre race jitters always get the best of me and this race was no different. I ran hard at times, especially the last 3 miles of downhill road, but tried to conserve energy on the unforgiving hills in the middle part of the race. I divide the race into 4 parts as I run it and train for it, and part three, The Hills, as they are known can make or break a runner. They are loathsome at times and can be a physical and psychological barrier to a successful race. Although I still consider myself a newbie to this sport I am starting to get some experience and confidence under my running shoes. I believe our minds are our biggest obstacle to overcome as race day approaches. Many a runner has been shot down by the tricks played in the psyche at the start line. Mastering the mind is a whole other beast to slay and is always a work in progress. We can condition our bodies to peak performance and still have a bad day on the tarmac. Take a look around you at all the runners just before the starting gun is fired and you will see a congregation of deep thinkers with utter resolve.

I ran 1:10:47, 34 seconds slower than the year before. I place 60th overall. I have to pinch myself sometimes when I realize I am running in the top 10% of the field as I never considered myself an athlete before, but I do now. I run 5 days a week year round and train in the Gym also. I am committed to this running lifestyle and hope I am able to continue it with the same zeal I have for it now 10 to 20 years in the future. I never really fully understood why people ran in all types of weather and the distances they covered until I got out on the roads myself and then it ALL made perfect sense. The rewards of a good run, whether it be in a race or in training or in leisure cannot be measured in any said terms. It is something that must be experienced to fully understand the transitions that occur in one's mind when you are out on a run. I like to stay out minimally an hour because it sometimes takes 2-4 miles to find that zone, the one that provides mental clarity, and the best part of the journey is when that state is entered. There are so many times when I am running that I want to just keep going but I stop myself to avoid injury and over training. The first book on running I ever read clearly stated, know why you are running each training run, always know what you want to accomplish that day. I set my goals for my runs prior to their start and usually stay with them. My goal for this race was 68 minutes and I missed it by 2 minutes. My run nonetheless was still a major success but I want to do better, and I will, as I have identified what needs to occur to run a 68. Time will tell next year. Time is the runners friend or enemy depending on the situation. We all have a hidden athlete in us and I am glad I was able to find mine as it has smoothed out some rough edges in my life and for that I am eternally and utterly grateful.

I have stated before that the 8 Tuff Miles and the hills of St. John are a metaphor for life. In most cases this holds true and we make or break it come race day and every day of our lives. Thanx for being part of my journey and Be Well.

R n' R

We all long for it, we all need it, yet we forget that it is not a given. It must be earned. Rest and Relaxation are a reward, not an entitlement. I rest only after I have put my miles in. Resting before I put my miles in can often lead to slacking, and that is just not an option. I know, I know, you do not have to be so serious about the running, but sorry, where the passion nestles the fury thus flies. Without the compulsion the journey somehow has less meaning and impact. The Chef who produces a meal without his inner zeal looks for work elsewhere. I will fully rest a day or two after the 8 Tuff Miles race that is coming up this Saturday, the one I will run in 68 minutes or less if I have the kind of day I have trained for and have focused on, well deserved rest as I will push my body and soul like I have never pushed them before. I am on a mission to challenge myself to becoming a better and stronger runner. The sooner I can get to the finish line the better as I also enjoy seeing other runners enter the racing chute and complete their convictions.

R n' R , Right and Wrong, Reading and Arithmetic, the cornerstones and foundations of our children's trek into the world of adulthood. As responsible adults who have chosen to have kids, it is our mandated undertaking to steer them in the direction of a better world. It is beyond my wildest comprehension that so many people think we can accomplish this by LITERALLY beating them. A child does not have the physical or mental capacity to challenge their abusers and thus the ignorance of the perpetrators of Corporal Punishment think that their ways are working. My son loves to chew sugarless gum, he is ardent about it. I am going to start to save all those pieces of chewed gum as a reminder of the unenlightened masses that believe in this band aid approach, this gum in the dike solution of correcting the behavior that us adults have deemed unacceptable. Please note that I understand children need guidance and discipline and that they are no better than what we nurture them towards and teach them. I am raising a son who has never been stricken by me or his mother. Perhaps our attempts at discipline will not produce the swift results that the paddles and beatings produce, but I can assure you that the patience in our approach will yield hundred fold results over the barbaric and archaic practices of Corporal Punishment that is rampant in our society at large. It is very similar to compounding interest in the world of finance. Put a little in now and reap the benefits for decades to come. Teach them that conflict resolution does not have to entail violence and you will be rewarded with a young adult that can navigate their way through society with the tools that are necessary for their survival in a convoluted world. . Many of you reading this know me quite well and are probably thinking I am being hypocritical here. I actually have to agree on some level. I have had a very violent upbringing that has resulted in me resorting, at times, to violence to resolve certain situations or at least propagating it as a means of outcome. I have often gone the way of Machiavelli or LaVey. I make no excuses for my actions nor do I ask for your understanding or forgiveness. I am Guilty as charged. Our lives are works in progress. We can all choose our paths. We can right our wrongs most of the time. We most certainly can break the destructive cycles that cripple our families and society for generations upon generations. So that is my answer to my own hypocrisy. Break the f@#%ing cycle once and for all. I am living proof that striking a child has tremendous negative ramifications on one's life during childhood and beyond. Our children deserve better and it is time we joined the rest of the world in banning Corporal Punishment once and for all.

R n' R, reasoning and resolution, the path to a better outcome for our disagreements. The future is right now. The reasons we have accepted Corporal Punishment into our society no longer hold merit. I often tell my son Luca, "today is the tomorrow you where thinking about yesterday" We must teach our children the proper reasoning that will produce the desired result, one that entails zero violence. We are at this point still teaching them that if something is not going your way or someone is not behaving in the manner you deem acceptable then striking them is a valid resource. The choice is ours. As Spike Lee said and put forth so candidly in his film "Do the right thing".

In leaving you tonight I can only hope that when my son reaches adulthood that this practice of Corporal Punishment will be banned globally. Over 100 countries have done so all ready. As leaders of the so called free world we are setting a very bad example. Be well

FOLLOW THROUGH

It is important to know why we are running each day and what we are expecting to accomplish with each run. A purpose defines our goal and brings the run into perspective. Our training is only as suitable as the goal we are striving for. The big race here is drawing nearer and nearer and as I define my remaining training runs I am aware of what I am expecting from myself. Nothing short of the desired result will be acceptable and I will use these last 10 days to define such an outcome. Giving it my all is the only option I have. I am a runner because I have passion beyond the norm for many things in my life. The running simply acts as a catalyst for what yet lies ahead for me.

I returned home tonight after attending a forum on "Expectation for Education" and raised my concerns to the Department of Education and the public at large on the Corporal Punishment being administered in the public school system here in the U.S. Virgin Islands which is legal and alive and well. I was compelled to do so and as nervous and anxious as I was I simply had to follow through on this issue. It did not go as planned on many levels, it never really does, but the issue was brought forth to the public by me and for what it's worth it sparked an emotional response from the attendees to say the least. My follow through on this issue is as spirited as my running. It simply has to be done. I am driven to do so at all cost. Passion is the fire that ignites one's drive and thus my resolve to bring this issue to the light of the public at large.

The fervor that is my running now co-exist with my tenacity to see that one day no child should have to live in fear of being paddled or hit in ANY school system anywhere. As I partake on this journey of running I am becoming more and more aware of what it means to be an advocate of change both within myself and for the world at large. Change to me was way more that a buzz word in Barack's Campaign and in his current administration. So I run to change, change myself and the world at large. I will not simply wait for the world to transform, I will be a spark for it in both my running and in my life.

So as I follow through on some of my convictions and when the path gets cloudy, I will simply go on a run and wait for an answer. Be it mile 1 or mile 20 it always comes, I just need to be still within my movement and listen.

Be Well

68

The amount of minutes I have allotted for myself to complete the 8 Tuff Miles on Feb. 28th. Our local running event will sell 838 racing bibs as the actual distance is 8.38 miles. It will sell out, it always does now that it has become the largest foot race anywhere in the Virgin Islands. 68 minutes of pure guts. It is a lofty goal for a newbie runner as I have only been running a little over 2 years. This will be my 3rd 8TM race, and even more noteworthy of a time due to my age of 52. Numbers do mean something. With math being an exact science their is little room to fall off pace. Last year I ran it in 70 minutes. I totally surprised myself, along with a slew of other local runners, with my time and on that given day last year it was good enough to win my age division of 50-54. Now I must defend my title. That old sports saying "On Any Given Sunday" holds steadfast. You simply never know in local road racing who is going to show up and how it will affect the standings. Last year if I had been in the 55-59 age division I would of not even been in the top 3, and one race last summer stateside I did not even place in the top 3 but if I had been in either of the 2 Lower age groups I would have placed 1st. So the time is really the way runners measure their improvements. I would like to think that since I started at such a late age, 50, that my accelerated growth, ones ability to improve over time, is still in play. Mostly all runners my age are slowing as they have been running a lot longer than me in regards to the amount of years. 68 will be my mantra come race day. I want to still be running when I am 68. Perhaps a 68 someday in a 10 miler, my current PB, personal best, is 73. Oh the magic of 68.

What a year it was for a young impressionable boy of 12 who had spent his first 11 years in a cauldron of social chaos and the familia lifestyle of an Italian American upbringing in South Philadelphia. Coming of age in 1968 for me was an accelerated learning process on social mores. Traditions at the time I thought normal and acceptable defined one part of me, and the social and political landscape and upheaval defining another. Chicago rioted that summer at the DNC and Bobby Kennedy was shot dead, fresh on the heels of the MLK assassination. Our country, along with my impressionable mind tried to sort out the unfolding scenarios and decide who we were and what direction would we as individuals take and what path the country would be driven towards. Who can ever forget Tommy Smith and John Carlos at the 68 Summer Olympics. Moving to southern New Jersey in 1967 with my family was like going to Disney. Who ARE these people with their white socks and lawn furniture! Farmers is what us city folk called them and a one horse town now defined our new home with my Spanish Grandfather, a man with a fist of iron and a heart of compassion. I did not realize it at the time of course but he saved my life. South Philly had all ready chewed up and spit out other family members and the hillbilly ways of Jersey would allow me to calm down somewhat and enjoy some nature and smell the roses. It was a rough going at first but my street smarts from Philly carried me through. The summer of 68 in Jersey was like viewing the social unrest from a private box at the opera. Aware but protected. Gone where the riots a half a block from our Philly row house, no bloodied and beaten bodies walking by, no car windows smashed out. Forgotten was the constant threat of a beating by a rival gang simply because my skin was the wrong color. Ended where the detours home to avoid being in the wrong hood at the wrong time. Oh sweet Jersey where the picket fences were white and the cheese steaks were loathsome! I learned a lot of things about a lot of situations in those years and ran with 2-3 different groups at a time and although never really feeling at home with any of them they all had merit and pulled me in and taught me the ways of life. A handful of close friends added to my adjustment and I grew to become one of them for the 9 years I lived their. 68 produced some of the best music ever recorded and in my darkest hours I would find the necessary solace to move forward and notch out a place for my self in this utterly confusing and indifferent world.

As a runner I have become aware of a lot of things buried in the recesses of my mind. Avenues have opened that other wise would have remained blocked had I not pursued this sport. 68 will have special meaning come race day this year. I have done the training and the work to make 68 meaningful in my life. Be well

COMPULSION

I Ran the 8 Tuff Miles Course early today on a misty and overcast morning with a cool breeze and a heavy load of thoughts. The race is coming up in less than 3 weeks and I have set some lofty goals for myself, both on and off the course, to say the least. I am compelled to run now. For what ever the reason, it is deemed in me to run. Compulsions of a positive nature need not be analyzed and dissected. The wind to my back says it all. The wind in my face notes even more. I have shunned most overly analytical approaches to lifestyles and social anthropology. Better we flow along and be who we are, as long as we do not disturb the solace of others. As we enter this new age of social and political awareness with our new leader Barack, one may call into question just what it is that we are to do to better our existence. Your guessed it, RUN, well for me anyway. The basic primal movement of running serves as my gateway to personal and social change. Lots has been written and discussed about what occurs in the brain on a longer run. I will leave that for another entry. One thing is certain, the clarity I obtain on a host of subjects while on a run simply could not be achieved for me otherwise. On a 60-90 minute run I have sorted out the days quandaries, answered nagging questions, and made decisions that normally would occupy way more of my time. So I run. And as I run I am compelled to act.

Since my last entry I have been struggling with a very disturbing social issue that was recently brought to my attention. It involves our most precious resource and shapes the future of all things to come. As all things must pass, I proclaim they pass with dignity and honor. It is clear to me that damaging this resource has a direct effect on our own lives whether you be young or old, black or white, able or disabled. I am now compelled to protect this resource and let it flourish to find a place in the sun.

Imagine a 8 year old boy shaking uncontrollably in his Mothers arms, tears streaming down his face, having to once again relive the trauma of yet another day in our Public school system, both here in the US VI, and in the 21 states where Corporal Punishment in schools is still legal. Envision his fear and distrust of his educators, and conceptualize his horror that was bestowed upon him by the very teachers we have entrusted his well being to. Just picture him as he reveals to an astounded Mother the abuse he has been receiving at his school, the Guy Benjamin School in Coral Bay on the island of St. John, since his enrollment in the fall. Paddling, spankings, rulers on the hands and knuckles, and duct tape on his mouth! Now imagine it being your own child. What would you do? How far does one go to protect their children? Simple answer, all the way!

Thus my compulsion to do something. I was physically abused in both Catholic and Public school up to the age of 13 or 14 in the 60's. I could write volumes on that but I will not. What I will write is that I will not rest until this territory of the US VI takes a stand on this issue. I will devote my time to seeing that every child has an equal and fair playing field at school and is not stifled by the fear of being hit. My compulsion is fueled as I run and gather both physical and mental strength to summon up the resolve to see this through to the end. And no other end will suffice other than a complete ban on ALL forms of corporal punishment in our school systems.

Please know that children are our most precious resource and their well being is an inherent right. Why are they one of the last groups to be given true equality. We do not own them, we nurture them, and we DO NOT have the right under ANY circumstance to strike them, or other wise engage them in activities that are detrimental to their overall well being. I am a parent so therefor I am compelled. Be Well