Mindfulness - Diet, Meditation, and Running

Diet, meditation and running - three different activities and yet very similar when practiced with a high level of awareness. Certainly eating is something we all do and most of us feed ourselves for immediate gratification with little concern on the impact our choices have on the environment and the wellness of the worlds population let alone our own well being. With a bit of mindfulness - that is simply paying attention to what we are eating and why we are eating it - we can bring great changes to our health and the conditions of others. As well as helping to create a society the supports the environment. A great change for such a simple act. We just need to be mindful - one meal at a time.
Meditation can bring lasting peace to our lives. And yet it seems that we often leave our seats and our peace gets left behind as well. The turmoil of the world can easily slip into our consciousness and cause us to lash out in our reactions. Or - with a mindful attitude towards our thoughts, feelings, and actions we be proactive in our response. Meditation, when practiced correctly, teaches us to be a witness to our thought process and creates an inner space that allows for a gentle response. This is the same mindfulness we must carry with us off the seat as well. A simple, mindful scan of our thoughts through out the day can serve as a check point to where we are - and where we may be headed. And even if  we react in a less than loving manner we have the inner space to quickly turn around and chose a more kind and loving response.
And running-  we can throw our feet, one in front of the other and still get the many benefits that running provides. Yet we will certainly miss the pure spirit of motion that running offers and we do so mindfully. To be aware of breath and the brush of the world that passes against skin and slows the mind to the pin point of a single action even in the midst of a billion different functions - that's the spirit of running. And it's only offered to those who feel, moment by moment what is being given - within and without-  to each and every running in the instant of their steps. Again it's about being the watcher, the seer of what is there to be seen and witnessed - whether that's the breath, the swing of arms of the fall of steps against the ground - open to it, watch, and accpet what is given. That's the mindful runner. That's running with spirit.

Peace,
Eric

Changes

By changing our diets we can become activist for some of the leading issues facing the world today. On a personal level we can help ease the strain on the economy but taking responsibilty for our own health care. 1.1 billion are overweight globally and our nation leads from the front on this issue. The toll on our health this extra weight places on our health care system is enormous. With some dietary changes and a loss of just a few pounds we would ease this strain and increase not just our health but the economy as well. On a global level  - the US is the leading producer of grains and other crops that could easily feed the world - there would not be a single starving person left. Anywhere. Instead they are used to feed cattle and poultry that we consume and that further the "diseases of affluence" that the industrial world is afflicted by - while large portions of the world suffer and die of diseases of poverty. Please consider this while consuming dinner this evening.
A few simple changes on a personal level - and the world would change along with us.

Politcal Rant - 2 (or maybe 3, or maybe more...)

I'm tired of Donald Trump. I'm sick of divesive politics. And we, as Americans, are part of this problem. Donald Trump has a platform because we have become his audience - even if we disagree with his views if we give him our attention we not only increase his range of divesivness but we directly become part of this growing problem. What we lend our energy to grows whether it is what we wan't more of or less - the media isn't the source of these issues it's a symptom and treating the symptom will not eliminate the source. Even discussing this on this blog lends just that much more energy towards an issue I wish to see dissapear - so I will keep this brief.
I don't care if you support President Obama or not, I don't care if you believe that Mitt Romney is the seond coming of Ronald Reagan. It's just politics after all - here's what I do care about - beneath the politics and the endless media (over) exposure of all things divesive and political - there are real issues that need to be addressed, real people that need help and comfort and real problems that need to be fixed. We won't do it alone - but only in a community. Lets lend our attention and energy towards a joining together to form such a community. One that allows for differences yet recognizes the whole.

Peace,
Eric

Race Review - Rotary Rembrance Run 5k 2012

Today was the Rotary Rembrance Run 5k - a local race that really packs it in like a much bigger race. The Howard County Striders certainly know how to run a race and along with the Rotary Club they provide an excellent opportunity to get out and race.
This is a fast group of people who show up for these races - the Striders show up in force and I'm always impressed with the times they turn in. I placed 73 out of 366 so for me that's a small victory. I had hopes of running in the low 22's and after turning in the first mile at 6:55 even toyed with the thought of hitting 21:00 something but the long hill in mile two and lots of miles in the past few weeks caught me in the second half of mile two and really hit me in mile three and I faded to a 23:48.51. A flater course or fhresher legs and who knows? I do feel a 22:00 shortly and have no doubt that I will one day flirt with a sub 20. Moca and Matt both ran and Moca Pr'd by 6 seconds and Matt ran strong. Dr. Randy continued his vegan PR streak with 20:51. We all have The North Face Endurance Challenge to look forward to this Saturday so today was a great way to kick off the week.
A big thanks to all the volunteers, The Rotary Club and The Striders for a meaningful event on an important day.

Thanks for reading,
Eric

5k's

Tomorrow is the Remembrance Run 5k - a local race in support of the rotarians. I really like 5k's and in many ways I find them more challenging than ultra's. An ultra is all about endurance and staying moving, time on your feet (for me - some ultra runners are putting in insane times now) but a 5k - when run as a race - is all about intenisty. It's not a sprint and yet speed is required. It's the perfect mix of athletic motion and grace. We'll see what I have tomorrow. I'm not fast - but I'm faster and eager to see how much so. Stay tuned!

Thanks for reading,
Eric

Whole Food Vegan

Whole foods vegan. That's the type of veganism to strive for. I look at the selection of vegan fare suggested in books or on the shelves of supermarkets and health oriented shops and the amount of process food is equal or greater than the non-vegan options. I like the term whole food vegan as it leaves room for raw, high raw, high fruit or startch based up to the eater - what is not optional is the source of where their food originates - whole foods. As in nothing processed. Now I'm not aganst the rare treat of processed vegan burger (better yet  - make your own) or the fare found in vegan resturants (on occasion) but the everyday routine of our diet should consist of whole food. Try it and see what difference it makes for you.

Peace,
Eric

Two Tools

I wish to live a prayful life - a life in which the surface seems to be filled with the concerns of the day but the depth is stilled by the singular reptition of the name of God. Repeating the mantram brings calm and the certainity of our connection to our Source. Focusing on the passing of the breath can bring this same quality of mindfulness and indeed has helped me reconnect with others as a sense of social anixety (from which I have suffered since a child) threatens to overwhelm. The breath is our holy source of life and again brings as to the Source. Two tools - the reptiton of the Holy name (of your choosing) and the mindfulness of the passing breath - use often. And watch your life change.

Peace,
Eric

Simplify

"Simplify, simplify, sinplify!" Thoreau wrote in Walden. If these words held true in 1854 imagine how much more they should be heeded in this complicated age. And indeed it is a complicated time where even the most mudane acts can become bogged down in needless matter. Yet there are still a few things where simplicity holds true. Exercise for one. There are fancy gyms with a host of new machnes with whisles and bells and a host of promises. And while all exercise is good - nothing beats running. Or walking. Pushups, situps, and barbells and dumbells are fine too. And it doesn't take much - a few reps, a set or two, and a couple of exercises - go for a run or walk after and call it a day. Simple.
Diet is the same. I won't discuss veganism right now (although it is simple) but I will leave you with words from Micheal Pollan -"Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants." Now that's simple. And effective.

Peace,
Eric

Anger

Anger unexpressed causes inner turmoil. Anger released without restraint causes pain. Anger calmed and channeled brings great change. Emotions by themselves are neither good or bad - they are simply expressions of our inner state at any given moment. How we give voice to them - silently or aloud -is a matter of choice. Too often it seems (or we feel) that we are choiceless in these matters - anger hits us sudden and with such force that we have no choice but to vent. Wrong. We have a choice - we simply do not have the inner space in which to recognize the right path. Meditation helps with this - it does not eliminate emotions but clears the lingering clouds of their energy to allow us to tap into the blue sky nature of our mind - our Buddha nature. The more we mediate the more space we recognize and the greater our ability to respond instead of react. Gandhi mastered this art well and used it to topple (through non-violence) an empire. His anger at being thrown off a train in South Africa for being brown skinned was channeled and expressed through the space of wisdom, forgiveness and love - and such a force was unstoppable. Yes, there was anger - and yes there was a choice. We all have this ability.
It's time to practice.

Go Vegan

Go vegan. That's it. That's my message. Go vegan and your life will change in drastic measures - all for the better. You will lose weight, gain energy, increase your health, lower choleserol and reach your athletic potential - at any age. Tall order? Try it. Try it and doubt the whole time - even as these changes begin and take effect. It doesn't matter what you believe - your life will change. Here's the catch - you have to do it right. Research, buy a few books and or go on-line - there is a great deal of information out there. Many vegans, even some who have been vegans for years, fill their diet with junk food and empty calories. This is as bad as it is for the non vegans who do like wise. Eat well - fruit, vegetables, grains. Again, your life will change. The world will change and you will be part of this great revolution. Try it/ Go vegan. Now. You won't regret it.

Ultraman And The Instant of Becoming

Today I picked up ultra endurance athlete Rich Roll's new book - Finding Ultra. Rich, a recovering alcholic, found himself on the eve of his 40th birthday, overweight, unhealthy and fearing he would never live long enough to witness his infant daughters future wedding. He was probably right. Yet in a remarkable moment of insight and clarity he choose a new life - he became an Ultraman - not just Ironman triathalons but mega races lasting days and hundreds of miles. And all this on a plant based diet (read - vegan) That's pretty inspiring. But that's not the message - one man making a life altering change is indeed amazing. But it's only one man. Here is what is truly amazing - we can all make that choice - right here and right now. In a single instant we can become the fulfillment of all potential. A single step, a change in eating habits, a new endeavor - and we are in the act of becoming. In that instant we are changed, reborn into the greatness of all our best wishes. And it only took a moment. What are you waiting for?

Peace,
Eric

Race Review - Endless Summer 6 Hour Run 2012

Yesterday was the super fun Endless Summer 6 Hour Run - this small affair (limited to 80 runners) has the support and energy of a much larger event and was very professionally run. I want to start off with a big thank you to the race directors - Mosi Smith and Tom Dekornfeld  and all the volunteers who came out on a warm day to lend their support, friendliness and enthusiasim - you guys rock! The race also benifitted the Semper Fi Fund and it's good to run for a great cause.
The race itself is held at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis and the really fun thing is getting to run past the dog parks and getting to see all pets with their families having a great time on a warm Saturday. Not to mention the deer and birds and glimpse of water - all of which lend a boost of energy to a tired mind and legs.
We arrived 6 minutes late for the start - no big deal for a 6 hour race (we thought) but by the end of the race those 6 minutes would ahve come in handy. The rules were different from last year we were told - not sure how it was set up then but the whole 6 hours counted - what you got in that time frame were your final miles for the day. This year only the miles up to your last completed loop counted so if a runner went out for one last loop and missed the final cut off those final miles would not be counted. I thought I might be able to get 8 of the 4 mile(.something) loops in within that time frame. The course itself is all on bike path with a few short and gentle hills thrown in - nothing too difficult and I set off on the first loop with Moca with a fairly easy and conservative pace. Each loop runners checked in at the start/finish and their time ws recorded - this was also the main aid station and it was fully stocked with water, Gatorade, fruit juice, fruit and all the other stuff I don't eat. There were also to mini aid stations that proved to be really handy along the way too (thanks for being out guys!) I started the second loop by myself and increased my pace - I hoped to catch up with Moca by my last loop and run it in with her but she proved to be too fast (no one wants to be lapped) and kept just ahead of my throughout. She finished with 6 loops and 24 miles for the day - great run!
I ran pretty strong and consitant throughtout and did a decent job making up those 6 lost minutes. I feel the trackwork has been paying off and felt very resiliant, especially as I did a tempo run two days before and a track workout earlier in the week. I ended the race at 29 miles (according to my Garmin) at the 5:25 mark and didn't feel like I could make the last loop in the time frame - maybe if I had those 6 minutes back - but maybe not. I did want to finish with 30 miles so after I checked out I ran another mile to even things out - since that mile was turned out to be at a 9:05 pace and I felt pretty good I immedietely regretted turning in my bib number. Maybe I could have made it. I'll find out for sure next year as this race is a keeper. Mocas's only complaint was that her long awaited Sangria turned out to be alcohol free.
So my 6 hour run turned out to be 5:34 fun filled hours. I really would have had to turn it on on tired legs to get that last loop in and I woke this morning feeling pretty good and ready to run (7.5) so I think it turned out for the best to hang back. I have North Face coming up in two weeks and plent of time to taper now after such a great run. I am definitely ready for more timed runs!
Again a big thanks to the race directors, volunteers and all the runners and their familes for coming out. It was a beautiful day!

Thanks for reading,
Eric

Equanimity And The Buddha's Brain For Ultra Runners

I want the Buddha's brain (no, I'm not a zombie) I want a mind steeped in love, forgiveness, wisdom and compassion. Most of all I was equanimity. Nyanaponika Thera calls equanimity "unshakale balance of mind." What a find gift to offer the world - the balance of ones mind in the face of the worlds storms. Equanimity is warmly enagaing in the worlds affairs without becoming caught up within them. It's being aware of ones own thoughts without becoming confused by their identity - thoughts arrive and thoughts depart but the mind remain clear in their passing. The wise man never doubts that he is not these thoughts themselves. On a personal note - equanimity is an ultra runners best friend. When the mind is free to allow troubled thoughts and thoughts of trouble to pass - then tired legs are just tired legs and not the end of a runners world. Following the Buddha's path, the path of wisdom and the path of saints and sages of all traditons - it's possible, with a little effort, it's possible.

Peace,
Eric

State Of (My) Meditation

I once more seem to be drawn towards a focus on the breath during meditation - for years I practiced Vipassana meditation before once more taking up the practice of Primordial Sound Meditation and Passage Meditation. Truely all streams lead to the ocean and while some are more direct than others no stream is useless to follow. I will visit these forms again (and again) but a firm commitment for a period of time is needed for the seeds of peacefulness, wisdom and compassion to take root. So the breath - for now - is my reach for the ocean.

Peace,
Eric

Vegan Fast Food

There is no better fast food than vegan fast food - because it's real food. Fast food from chains have been a blight on the health of almost all Americans and now it has spread worldwide. The real shame (amidst an ocean of shame) is that we exported this aspect of our culture to formerly healthy nations that are now paying a heavy (literally) price for their trust in our food sources. Obesity and diseases of affluence have now reached worldwide proportions. We can do better. We can be better and we certainly can be healthier. And we can export our regained health as well! Lets start here at home - lets nourish ourselves, our familys and our neighbors. One person at a time - starting with oursleves - today.

Here's an idea for a "fast food" dinner. Most supermarkets now have microwaves "baked" potatoes. Ready in 8 minutes. Hummus can be made at home and stored for up to a week. Or it can be bought at all organic markets. Make sure the hummus is not full of unneeded oils (a little olive oil is ok - none is even better. Tahinni provides healthy fat and lots of flavor) Microwave potatoe. Put two tablespoons of hummus on top. Serve with a salad. Enjoy. Fast. Healthy. Nourishing.

Peace,
Eric

Simplify, Simplify, Simplify

Eating a vegan diet is the easist and simplist thing in the world. And it's not because of the fancy new "vegan wonder foods" that replicate and replace (and sometimes carry the same pitfalls) items we now avoid. If anything new vegan foods on the market have needlessly overcomplicated matters - and greatly so. Plant foods are complete foods. I could begin and end the blog with that statement alone and it would be as complete as a salad followed by a plate of rice and beans. I'll repeat this statement another way - we only need to eat plants. Anything else (meat included) is an add on. For me. high raw with an emphasis on fruit and greens are the order of the day. Somedays the emphasis is a bit more on the raw side and others a meal of cooked starches come into play. Sometimes both. I strive to keep my diet uncomplicted as well as my life and although I feel that raw, low fat, high carb may be the optimum order - right now it's not 100% feasable for me. Somethings I won't compromise on of course - I am a vegan. And I strive for low fat daily and mostly succeed. Yet if my wife wants to eat at a vegan resturant I will go out, I will eat and I will have a great time. And it's back to order the next day. The point here is that we complicate our meals by complicating our shopping. We don't need fake meat, vegan chips, and substitute cheese (not knocking this as a place to start if it's needed) We need fruit, vegetables, legumes, grains, nuts and seeds - and even some of these aren't needed in any great measure (fruitarians do fine with minimum nuts and seeds and no grains or legumes of any kind) And don't worry about food combining. Eat a wide variety of plants and your body will properly combine all on its own. I promise. Eat well my friends - eat plants.

Peace,
Eric

Racing and Training

This weekend is the Endless Summer Annapolis 6 Hour run - this will be my first timed event, although I have run for 6 hours and more in some races and even on some long training runs - this race will be a different test of mental endurance as well as physical. There is something very zen like in the simplicity of covering the same ground over and over again in a circular manner. The mind becomes either our best alley or worst enemy and sometimes both in the same race. I know on some of my long runs where I have covered a 2.4 mile stretch around a lake 10+ times takes a certain commitment that's not (as) needed for a long trail run with it's changing scenery and beauty. Of course there are certain advantages - a stable location for aid, rest and bathroom brakes. You certainly don't find many restrooms on the trail (although it can be said they may not be needed - I still appreciate them though) So I'm very excitied - I think my GS (kettlebell sport) training will play a hand in my racing. Nothing builds mental strength like this sport. It's worth a search on YouTube to view it although it is not the most exciting sport to watch (I enjoy it though) It's a grueling sport and has paid hugh dividends in my running. Training along the lines of GS is on hold a bit right now as I do some speed work and increase my milage in preperation for a busy summer (and fall) of racing. It's never far from my thoughts though and it will always be a staple in my training in some form or another. Soon I will post a video and explain what direction my training has taken. So Stay tuned and thanks for reading!

Eric

The Starch Solution - By Dr, John McDougall

I just picked up Dr. John McDougall's new book - The Starch Solution. I really like Dr. McDougalls earlier work and this new book seems to be just as consistent in its stance on plant based nutrtion and just as enjoyable to read. While my own diet is more fruit rich then McDougall's starch based model I can easily see myself adopting his recommendations for at least part of the year - I do enjoy more cooked foods in the winter and will often have rice or a potato after my green salal for my last meal of the day. As the infamous Durianrider (founder of 30Bananas a Day) has said - beans and rice are the dates and bananas of cooked food - meaning that they are a healthy staple with a great calorie to nutrition profile. And as McDougall has states in his book a high starch diet will satisfy WHILE providing nutritents that other diets lack. Of course to call this a diet is misleading - this, and other (healthy) vegan options is a lifestyle that is meant for the long haul. Healthy weight is the by-product of healthy choices and long term means a lifetime commitment to these choices. Our weight, our health and our enviorment will all reflect the choices we cosistently make. They all ready do. So if you or someone you care about is looking for an enjoyable, tasty, healthy (vegan) option, look no further then The Starch Solution. It's laid out in concise language fully explaining not only the how of this lifestyle but the why as well - which is important because without this knowledge it is easy to make the lesser choices that lead to ill health, enviormental damage and the mistreatment of animals. And although the facts the Dr. McDougall presents are often strongly worded he never ceases in his friendly, sincere presentation. And on a final note - the menu and recipes offered by his wife may be worth the price of the book alone. Dr. McDougall offers new hope and new beginnings to those who choose health, wellness and fitness. I hope you all choose wisely (and kindly) my friends.

Peace,
Eric

State of (My) Diet

A little slip in my diet lately - a few extra meals eaten at a vegan restaurant, a little hummus on Ezekial bread after my evening salad. Not bad but maybe not optimal for a hard training athlete. The original plan was eating out after a race for celebration and of course that kicks off a craving for cooked food throughout the week. Again not bad - especially of fat is kept to a minimum - and I think perhaps my body responds well to a little extra protein and fat (very little extra) so I'm not stressed about it. But it is something to pay attention to as any dietary slip can be the begging of a more damaging binge if we don't bring a certain sense of awareness to it. So with the addition of speed work and more races of late I think my body has been craving more calories in general and more carbs specifically - and of course the answer is two fold - more fruit and more greens. So that's the plan which is really going back to square one - the basics - and the path to optimum performace. There's still room for a vegan slurge - but minimal is the key.

Peace,
Eric

The breath

There is no easier path to peace then following the breath - just a simple note of in and then out and a gentle focus on where the passage is felt - a brush of air against the lips or the light rise and fall of the belly. Noticed even for a moment we are again contaced with the very source of life and followed through the completion of several cycles - in and out and then again and still more - and we are traveling a sacred pathway home. Try it. Anywhere. Anytime. The breath beckons....

Peace,
Eric

State of My Running

The state of my running is - strong. 7 races so far this year, 3 PR's and many of these races have been run on back to back weekends - really stressing the importance of diet in active recovery. And I do feel that it has been primarily my diet that has allowed me to not only recover but to progress as well (yeah, I know, I've stressed this before) It has caught up with me a little though - recently there has been some lingering soreness in my calves and I think this is mainly due to the speed of the last few shorter races. They seem to be me up a little more than the long stuff. As for changes - I'm adding in a "trackless, treadmill track workout" taken from Run Less, Run Faster as well as incorporating their tempo trainig although I will likely make a few changes (longer on the long days) And I will be running more than the authors call for as volume really seems to help with the ultras - at least for me. I'm excited about the speed work. I do want to PR in both a 5k and a marathon this year along with a strong (sub 8 hour?) performance at CAT this July. A little extra speed along with the resiliency that comes with speed work certainly won't hurt. Well, as long as I'm careful as speed work can be trickey on recovery and this program does up the intenisty. So careful monitoring is in order.
And coming up?
Next weekend is the Annapolis 6 hour times run with The North Face Endurance Run (50k) two weeks after - both will be low pressure races - the timed run for training and NFE will most likely be a pace run for Moca and Matt. The big race for the summer will again b CAT and then prepping for the Air Force Marathon in September. After that it's training for Stone Mill 50 again in November. It's a great time to train and to race!

Peace,
Eric

Peace

After I day of frustrations I am now writing my first blog and a brand new Dell computer. It's an "all in one" model which is pretty cool. I was afraid that I was going to be unable to post a blog today - my first "miss" of the year but someone came through for me today with this rmarkable gift and I am much indebted - a big thank you to Moca! Being unable to blog earlier in the day made me realized what a source of creativity blogging has opend for me. I don't need to write "great" or insightful everday (occasionaly would be nice) bu I do need to write often - as I have stressed here before. It is akin to meditation in bringing me a sense of peace and I do believe that we are all creative beings and need to connect or reconnect with this source often. Daily is best. So a simple blog tonight - but one filled with a lot of gratitude and no little sense of peace.

Eric

Gay Marriage - Who Cares? (And Why We Should)

During an on-line discussion this morning I was asked how I could presume to speak for the mind of God. Interesting question coming from someone who wa defending the right to ban gay marraige as "against the laws of nature". My response was that I was sure God did not have a vested interest in keeping gays apart let alone in their marriage concerns. My own belief is that God does not concerm Him/Her self with the political affairs of man and even less so sexually. Being told that homosexuality is against the laws of nature makes no sense to me - it happens - and it has since the dawn of the erection. Therefore it's part of nature if it exist in the mind of man - we are a species after all. I also believe that when we speak of unity (in any form) and love from our deepest truth we are speaking the language of God and that our true mind, our Buddha nature is not seperate from the mind of God. Now having said all this - I don't care if one is anti gay marraige or not, I don't wish to change someones mind or views on the act of gay sex - my one and only concern is when people wish to oppose the act of commited love between two adults. This is not political and the issue should not even be debated in politcal circles unless it's between two gay politicians who are planning their wedding. It's a matter of love, respect and the dignity of a recognize union - yes, in the eyes of God and man.

Peace,
Eric

An Adventure With Words

There's a lot to write about - an almost infinite list to fill a blog and give voice to a subject that may or may not need expression. I have expereinced writers block with my poetry and in some ways may still be struggling with this now. Poems come to me now (on the occasion that they do) almost fully formed and there is just a small amount of tinkering on my part. For years I would sit at my desk, invoke the muse and craft a poem from a gift of inspiration. I feel that I have somehow closed myself off from this inspiration and now I wait for its return - there is no forcing the grace of a gift. So this blog has become my medium of choice - when there is poetry flowing through me, I write poetry, when there is something I feel the need to express - from running, meditation, diet or animal rights - then I sit and write with that subject in mind. And often I come to the blog empty of agenda and write for the sake of writing. Like right now. I had no real sesne where this entry would take me but I knew there was something to write about - it's just a question of being open enough for the subject to whisper in my ear - this - and so begins the flow. I like that - an adventure with words into the unknown. And today-  this is what I found.

Peace,
Eric

13 Seconds

13 seconds. Not a lot to ask for is it? I ran Frederick Half Marathon yesterday in 1:50:12 - that's actually a PR for me my previous best was 1:52:49 - so not bad. And not to make excuses but it was my fourth race in four weeks and my eight race total for the year with the previous four being 50ks. So not bad at all. Still  - :12.1 seconds would have put in into the 1:40's. That's a whole other level of racing it seems to me. And on reviewing the race I can clearly see where I could ahve shaved precious seconds off the clock - the slow first mile, an adjustment on run/walk ratio, an unschedule walk through at an aid station for water, slowing down a bit too much on the later hills,  and not pushing the last quarter mile as hard as I should have. On a good day I can run that course in 1:46 - and next year I will and even better. There will be other half marathons this year as well and I will break 1:50 for sure. Until then I have a 6 hour ultra to run and two 50ks to looking forward to - not too mention 13 seconds to think about.

Peace,
Eric

Race Review - Frederick City Half Marathon 2021

Frederick City Half Marathon is a very enjoyable race - from a fairly "fast" course to scenic surroundings and enthusiastic volunteers the race really brings a small town flavor is a major event. It was a toss up for me this year between Frederick and Maple Lawn Half which we ran last year - this too is an enjoyable race although the course is definitely hillier then Frederick. Not that that was a deciding factor - no the great looking warmup jacket was the deciding factor. Oh, and the chance to do the Maryland double when we run Baltimore Marathon in the fall. Warmup jacket and an extra medal - those were deciding factors.
I didn't have a definite goal starting the race - sub two and I would be satisfied, break 1:55 even better and pr (1:52.49) and I would be really happy. Ok, I pr'd but feel a little unsatisfied -1:50.12 is over a two minute pr but I can't help but feel that if my legs weren't beat from last Sundays Triple Crown then this course could have given me a sub 1:50 - maybe even 1:46. My legs failed me a bit on the hills (speed wise) and my pace dropped a bit in the middle to late miles. Not unhappy - but still.
Danny had a big race with a 7:00 pr and has reason to be proud. As does Moca who had a 6:00 pr despite the fact that she was taken to the medical tent after the race. She strained her upper back somewho and we both think that maybe it was more kettlebell related then running. Still she went out after the race for a 3 another 3 miles - North Face 50k is less then a month after all. Our great friends Judith ws cheering the runners on as was Thomas who lives right by mile 9 on the course. Really helped to see (and hear) from these guys - thanks! And heal quick Judith, we miss you out there! Matt was missing in action due to work duties but will be back for North Face as well (if not sooner) Lots coming up!
So it was a successful race al the way around - and very enjoyable. Excellent weather to run in with just a hint of mist to help keep things cool(er). On a side note I wore my Vibrams (Bikilas LS) and used the Galloway run/walk/run method with a 6:00 on/:30 off ratio and hit several of the early miles in the low 8:00's. I think I could have took it a bit easier in those miles and finished stronger but who knows, maybe not. Maybe next race will be a 5/1. Either way I enjoy the method and dount I could have run much faster without it (didn't use it last half when I hit 1:52).
So that's a wrap - stay tuned for the Endless Sumer 6 run in two weeks!

Thanks for reading,
Eric

Breeze

Against....and then continued on the
curve of every angle -
you are the point of every
breeze

Meditate

I can't think of a single thing that has changed my life in such a postive extent as meditation has. And amazingly enough much (most) of the changes have come through little effort on my part - almost like a plucking a string of intent in which my whole universe was connected to. From quiting drinking, meat and dairy to adepting to food that I once shunned-even exess weight seemed to melt off as if it were a sheild I do longer needed to gaurd my inner self. My life has unfolded in a miraculous (not always easy and not pain free) manner. There are several paths of true meditation and my only recomandations are to find what that resonates within on a very deep level (try many out - you'll know which is the one) and one that has a time honored tradtion behind it - they have stood the test of time and are still viable today for a reason. Oh, one more tip - begin. Now. And be consistent. And stay with it. Lastly - enjoy.

Peace,
Eric

No Purpose

No clear purpose or intent with todays blog - just words on a page. Or maybe there is an intent here - perhaps words wish to be organized and expressed or the page longs for words to lay against its empty holdings. Or maybe still the urge is mine and the need to fill my own emptiness with words expressed. I think at this point there is a convergence of page, words and writer - all yearning to fill and be fullilled - meeting in a clear embrace.

Why I'm (almost) Always Right

I'm (almost) always right. Or so I think. And this has been pointed out to me recently and to be honest - I won't deny it. Not only do I think I'm always right - I almost always am. Or at least on the issues that I care to speak passionately about. On other topics - being right or wrong is not an issue and my oppinion will be held loosely and my tongue will be (mostly) silent.
There are certain issues that go beyone oppinion - they are a universal truth that is known deeply by the soul and (all) too often disregarded by the rational(izing) mind. The topic I discussed yesterday is an example - I am right that these animals are suffering and deserve (much, much) better. The heart doesn't debate this - maybe the mind of few will do so but their heart will know the truth. Now please don't get me wrong, I'm saying I'm right but that's not entirerly true - I'm right not becuase I say I am (ego) but because my spirit alignes itself with a self (soul) evident truth. It's easy to be right when the world is viewed from the heart. It's not always to live this truth though. You see when you're right it may appear that you are attempting to make others wrong - if I do so I apologize. Ego does (often) get in the way of almost every message. It's the ego that debates right vs. wrong and picks the side that wins or loses. It's spirit that awakens. Yet sometimes strong words, words that may seem harsh even, are needed to help spark the light of awakening. So does this mean that one is more "advanced" then another? Or on a great spiritual plane of existence? No. It only means that by grace and by privledge one has been granted a moment of clarity on a certain matter - and wishes (compelled) to share it. Honestly I could care less about being right or wrong (but it's fun to debate)  - I only care about being true to myself and my path to the best of my ability. I care about helping others and helping them on their path. And in the end - if the path we each choose has heart - we'll meet maybe somewhere in the middle - and together reach the end.

Suffering Is Not Subjective

Veganism is not subjective. It is not one persons oppinion being forced on another nor is it a thought shared by many with an agenda to covert others to a particular view. Here is a fact -



This is where your meat comes from. Eggs and dairy are no excpetion and I will spear you the video - please look it up if there is any doubt. The torture of animals is not subjective. There is no oppinion on this matter there is only suffering and the desire to end it. Now which camp do you fall into? Armed with even a little bit of information do you really wish to be a participant in this cycle of cruelty? Because make no mistake if you eat meat, dairy or eggs you are an ACTIVE participant. Yet no one wants to hear that and no one wants to see where their food comes from and no one wantys to change - and then they say it's just my oppinion that my diet is superior. Today I was called an elitist by a good friend because of my attempt to state these facts. I don't take these comments personally. I'll keep speaking out and writting post such as this one. Watch the video again (if you can or if you even dared to view it once - most will skip it as it will spoil their appitite and they'll have to "forget" what they saw before they eat dinner tonight) Yes, watch the video and you tell me - is it only my oppinion that there is real suffering involved? And tell me if I should keep my mouth shut to make others comfortable? They don't want to hear me anyway so why bother? The answer is in the video above. The answer is in my heart. The answer is in your heart.

~
Disclaimer:
If you hunt, if you buy from local cruelty free sources or raise livestock yourself in the tradition of animal husbandry I BELIEVE there is a better way and I THINK a vegan ot vegetarian diet is a better choice. But that's for you to decide. That's subjective. I applaude you for your effort, your thoughtfulness and wish you health, peace and longevity (as I do for all)

Eric