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.
Showing posts with label Virgin Islands. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Virgin Islands. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
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
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
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
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
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
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
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