Opinions And Gay Marriage

I don't understand the issue over "traditional marriage". Whci tradition? From what era? There really is no such thing as a traditional marriage in the strictest sense as it has been redefined for generations. Same with family values. Marriage is not the same as it was 100 years ago or even 40 years ago when inter-racial marriage was against the law in certain states. We redefined it. Because it was the right thing to do. It's okay to have an opinion in Gay marriage - although if we're not gay it shouldn't hold much value outside of our own heads - and we shouldn't expect it too. Yet once we decide that our opinion is valuable enough to force a whole group of people to live a life of denied rights - we have crossed a line. Keep opinions to ourselves, share them with others, discuss them, shout them, debate them - but don't force them. They're just opinions after all.

Peace,
Eric

Next?

So CAT has passed until another year and I'm thinking of what will come next (and I'm already training for next years CAT)
I think the Ben Moore Half Marathon will be the next race in two weeks. I have no doubt my legs will be ready for a good record if not an all out race. I'm a little worried about my smashed toe and how much pain it may cause with some faster running. By the way, for smashed toenails the local nail place (what are they called?) can really help fix a runner up for very little time or money ($5 for fake toenail) Worth a try if it keeps us running.
From the half I'll continue traiing for a marathon PR attempt in Dayton Ohio - the Air Force Marathon - a nice flat, fast course I hear.
Then it's my favorite little race from Hell - Conestoga 10 mile trail run. It sucks and it's fun. Take you're best 10 mile road run and double it and that's what you can expect to run it in. Like I saud - fun.
And then it's Baltimore Marathon which is going to be more of a training run for Stone Mill 50 - mostly site seeing (I love Baltimore) and running with friends. If it loks like a course PR is likely I'll go for it but it's not a priority. Looks like Stone Mill 50 will be the long race for the year although there's an off chance I'll look for a 24 hour run.
So far that's it - racing and lots of trainng in between.

Feel free to comment on what's ext for you guys!

Peace,
Eric

It All Started With An Olive - Race Report Catoctin 50k 2012

It all started with an olive. Okay it actually started several years ago when I fell in love with Maryland's nastiest race - The Catocin 50k - CAT. CAT is a throwback to the old days of ultras-  not thrills, no shirts, no give aways and no whining. Just finish the race - in under 9:15. The first year I didn't no that. The last two years I did. I'm planning on 10 more finishes - at least. And on being faster. Kevin Sayer is the Race Director and he's old school too - the race reflects his sensibilities - get out and run and do you best, finish and party, if you don't finish - enjoy the party anyway. This is reflected well in Kevin's pre-race instructions (don't get lost, if you do, don't whine about it) and simple shout of  -go! And abut 160 or so runners go and they go on a really nasty course. Many complain about the hills (small mountains actually in the Appalachian Range) but this year for me it was the rocks. There just seemed more of them. And there was a lot last year. It's a rocky, rooty, hilly trail - with a few nice runnable sections that never seem to last long. Anyone who has hikes the Appalachian trail through Maryland will know this well. It's known and the place where shoes go to die. And mine nearly did - New Balance -110's neatly shredded with less then 200 miles total on them. New pair soon. My feet were already beaten up from the Maryland Heat 25k two weeks prior and every ache and broken toenail came back to haunt me with a vengeance. That soon became the least of my worries.
I ran the first half (16.55) in just about 3:20 which put me way above pace for the sub 8 hour finish I really wanted. So much so that I figured even with the slight chance something went wrong I could cruise it in for a 7:30. I didn't count on the Death March. My fueling and hydration were on the mark - dates, watermelon, S-caps, and water - not too much. I was following Timothy Noak's instructions in his new book Waterlogged about drinking to the dictates of thirst and not overly hydrating and it was working fine. And then came the olive. Okay, maybe it wasn't the the olive's fault but something cued a stomach misfire and with six and  half miles to go I suddenly became extremely ill - vomiting several times every few miles. I guess the big question is why did I say to myself - "hey look, they have olives" and then try one? I have no answer.
With the stomach distress I couldn't take in any fuel or water for the last six and a half and that's when the dehydration started. It was also the rockiest part of the race and the fact that there was a lot of downhill made it worse - mentally and physically. You NEED to run the downhills in CAT and the fact that I couldn't do so caused me a lot of mental anguish. I watch my great time erode and then my goal time follow along with it. I still got a PR though damn it. 8:04:33. Of course this is torturing me as I'm thinking if I could have just found a few extra minutes of running I could have sneaked it in before 8. But I know I ran when I could - you run with what you have on race day from moment to moment and my first 3/4 gave me strong legs and some decent speed. The last 1/4 took them away. I finished and I'm happy. One more year until sub 8 and training starts today.
A death March teaches an ultra runner to persevere though and it was a valuable lesson for longer races. Be prepared for this and don't count on always having an iron stomach - it can disappear in a heartbeat.
After the race the nausea and vomiting continued and I could still not take in any liquids or food. And that ended me in the ER where I sucked down 5 bags if IV and they gave me something for the nausea. 10 minutes later I wanted to leave - hell 10 minutes later I wanted back on the trail and those 4:33 minutes back. That damn' olive.
As always a big thanks to all the volunteers (great seeing you Nick!) and a thanks to Kevin Sayer for once more keeping the spirit of ultras pure and torturous. You do it well.

Peace,
Eric

CAT Review Preview

Stay tuned for CAT race report tomorrow - started with a bang and ended with trip to ER.Nothing serious but certain events lead to stomach distress and then became a factor in dehydration. Never a dull moment on the CAT course! Congrats to Judith and Melissa for crossing the line!

Peace,
Eric

Be A Seeker

I was chatting with an attending physician today at a local Minute Clinic and she was telling me that she seldom worried about Patience who are vegans. She said that it was her experience that most vegans seem to learn as much as they can about nutrition before or while they are making the transition to a plant-base diet and if mistakes were made they were quick to correct them. Most, she went on, were very self-aware. This has been my own personal experience as well.  I find it rather amazing though that most people inherit their eating preferences and never feel the need to question their current diet. It strikes me that most live the (horrible) boiling frog analogy - that we're find with an ever so slight level of discomfort and dis-ease that increases daily, weekly, monthly, yearly and into a lifetime. And then we panic. Question what you eat now. Question why you eat it. And then search for answers. Even if you're a vegan there may be room to tweak the diet for even better health and vitality. Be a seeker...and you'll always find something.

Peace,
Eric

Working The Vegan Program

Yesterday I wrote about recovery and the need to "work the program" regardless of which program or path we chose to gain sobriety and insight. I actually began yesterdays post thinking of "recovering vegans" and their need to speak loudly against a dietary system they believe failed them. It seems to me that many of them (if not all) did not fail on a vegan diet but failed to work the program. Changing a dietary structure that one has been following for a lifetime is no simple or easy task to accomplish. It takes research, planning, foresight and determination that -I WILL MAKE THIS WORK - and it does work. Countless people have proven so and quite a few have been world class athletes. I believe that those who have been faced with an ethical challenge of meat eating will be the ones who may best succeed for the long haul. For them there IS no other option then veganism. As an athlete I feel very fortunate that it is an ethical issue for me - I no longer wish to be a cog in an endless wheel of suffering - and it has given me a tremendous boost as an endurance athlete. I have no doubt that I could make this diet work even if I returned to kettlebell sport, bodybuilding or simply heavy lifting - all activities I have practiced before on different levels. Mike Arnstein just ran 235 miles in less then a week - the Badwater Ultra through Death Valley and  just three days later the Vermont 100, hist wife won the Vermont 100k (her first ultra) Carl Lewis won several Gold Medals and Robert Cheeke is a competitive bodybuilder - they're all vegans. They know how to work the program. My point here isn't to disparage anyone who has failed on a vegan diet but to point out that the failure has more to do with them then it does the diet. If you want to make it work - for any reason be it sports, health, or ethics - then you will find a way past the challenges to the optimum way that works for you. Or you can give up and complain and make videos discouraging others from even trying. One choice pays more highly then the other. Choose wisely.

Peace,
Eric

Recovery

I have much respect for the Recovery Movement and those who have found hope and changed their lives through it's practice. I have struggled with addictions myself and know well the difficulties of finding a path that leads to peace. I was fortunate in finding my way and I wish this for others as well. For some AA is not the way it wasn't for me and I knew that in a short amount of time. Again I was fortunate that I found my path in short order - others are not so lucky. Whichever path is the right one however will demand commitment. Fairly often I hear that the Program didn't work for someone and I have to wonder if that statement may not be reversed - did the person work the program in an honest, committed fashion? Often times not. Yet the program is not to blame and truthfully the person isn't either. Blame has no place in recovery or on the path towards peace. Responsibility however is another matter - and asking ourselves to accept responsibility for issues that seem beyond our control is anther matter still. It's helpful to view the world as a mirror -it reveals all, the good and the bad, that which we hide and what is plain before us. We are both the hero and villain of our stories and the mirror of the world will allow us to see this yet only if we have the courage to own what we see and to accept all with radical honestly what is revealed.
In truth we are all in need of recovery from something - diet, dogma, opinions of ourselves and others. We have faced a host of conditioning throughout life and not all of it has served us well. A path to recovery will demand the asking of tough questions of all that we cherish and despise. Does what we hold dear serve? Does our bias expand our lives or limit? And most of all are we willing to let go what no longer belongs? When we are willing to ask these questions we will find that are feet are already firmly on the path to recovery.

Peace,
Eric

Pause

The pause is sacred - silence between thoughts and words that allow the voice of God to slip in heard amidst the din of our confusion. A pause to let thoughts scatter and listen to the void in its infinite wisdom. It's these moments that allow us to respond in place of a reaction. It's a call to holiness. Pause...and when silence tells it holy secrets...speak and share goodwill to others.

Peace,
Eric

Race Review - Rosaryville 50k 2012

The last two events have been perfect expressions of the very best of the trail running/ultra race scene. With last week being the MD. Heat 25k and this week the Rosaryville 10k, 10m, 25k and 50k - both races were on beautiful trails, excellent aide stations, and unique challenges -but what made both races special and so much fun is also the same thing you find in all of these local events - the people. From the Race Director to the runners and the volunteers - these were the people that keep these events alive and thriving. Each person who participated in any capacity added richly to the race. So a big thank you to each of you - one and all.
On thing about Rosaryville - you won't need sunblock. The trail is nearly all single track and beautifully wooded. It's also very runnable. Originally I was only going to run (not race) the 10 mile event to continue my taper for Catoctin. I wanted to be there to support Moca on her 50k run and several friends as well. I signed up for the 25k and figured I would change it race day. My feet are still beat up from the Rockfest at Patapsco the previous week and that left me (still has me) a little concerned. I did up for some heftier shoes with the NB 110's instead of traditional Vibram or Merrells. Turns out, with healthier feet, I could have run fine with my barefoot apparel. Theses trails are smooth - a bit rocky and rooty in a few spots - but very non technical for the must part. So smooth that I cruised in for a 2:45 finish and 22nd placing (4th in age group) Not bad for the effort and has me excited for a harder effort in the fall on the same course. Moca set a huge PR with 7:21:03 for her first sub 8 hour 50k-  like I said HUGE! Great job Moca and a big shout out to Judith Weber who ran the 50k as a pre-week prep for CAT and set the gold standard for strong, fast finishes. I want to see the same thing going up the steps next week Judith!
And a special thanks for The Women of The Grill - Paula and Pat! On a day filled with so much fun and energy you two were the examples of set the tone and pace. I can honestly say that your enthusiasm, cheering, friendliness and grill mastery was the highlight of the race for virtually every runner (okay -maybe second to Paula's Spring Rolls) Thanks for being out there guys!

Well, next week around this time I'll be writing up Catoctin - stay tuned and wish me luck!

Peace,
Eric

Today's Crowd

A long day running through the woods. Okay, not too long of a day but long enough to get the best of it - 25k in around 2:35 or so. And then a few hours waiting for my 50k people to come in - that's when the real fun started. I love the local running community and it's so much fun to be part of. I'm not one for joining much and have always almost isolated myself along the edge of crowds. There was a time when I considered joining a Hermitage or Ashram in order to lead a quiet, contemplative life. But some crowds draw you in - and today's race crowd was one of them. I can honestly say it was as much fun, as enjoyable as the solitary time I had running in the woods. Maybe I need to join in more often?

Peace,
Eric

Race Prep Part 3

And continuing on with race reps for ultra comes the last part (for me) which is the pure mental and spiritual preparation. Step one - relax. The work has been done, I'm rested, nourished and it's time to ease mental tension and stress. That's step two - meditate. There are many effective ways to meditate and I've covered a few here on this blog. Do a little research, find one that appeals to your heart and mind. Most importantly - practice. Daily. We need to build a routine that lays a foundation that's there when we need it. Meditation works instantly but in order for it to have a lasting effect we need to have that foundation at ready and easy access. Meditation heals, relaxes and allows a unity of body, mind and spirit to develop. Meditate leading up to the race, relax, meditate and step three - pray. There is no wrong way or time to pray. Simply ask God, the Universe, Higher Self, or the Buddha Mind for peace, guidance the ability to run with grace, kindness and spirit. In running as in life that is really all we can ask for - if we get this we get success in racing as well as life. The final step is visualization. See the finish line in your mind, feel the swiftness of your steps carry you there, past it and the moments realization of success. Make it real. Imagine it in detail and it surely will be. Of course there will be issue we can't know of, there will be set backs - but the peace given by the following steps will help turn these setbacks around quickly for a sweet inner and outer victory on race day. Anyway - that's my prep and how it works well for those who try!

Peace,
Eric

CAT Prep - 2

My previous post I wrote about the spiritual and mental preparation for an ultra - specifically the Catoctin 50k for me. Here is a little bit on the how -
First is the knowledge that my body is ready. Without the training and dietary foundation in place I will not have the faith to know that my body will join the spirit when fatigue sets in. Negative self talk will effect everyone and the best way to combat this is to have faith in the training that we've put in, to know that the miles have been run and the body has been rested and healed with nourishing food. Vegan food is very spiritual - it is clean and comes from the earth, nourished by the sun and sky. In turn this is what I bring into my body - the earth, the sky and pure sunlight. The soul is strengthened as well as the body. Training and diet go hand in hand - to neglect one to fail the other. Training does not trump diet - it simply can't as we train on the fuel that we ingest. Eat clean, train hard and faith in how far the spirit can move the body will be a given.

Next post I'll talk a little more on self talk, visualization, prayer and meditation.

Peace,
Eric

CAT Prep - Preparing For Motion

Catoctin 50k is fast approaching-  just a little over a week away. As important as it is to get my legs ready (at this point mostly rest) it's equally and perhaps more important to get my spirit right. If I run purely a physical race I will surely miss the point of 31+ miles on a mountain trail in late July. The true mission isn't to see how many people I can beat or how fast I will run or even if I finish or not - all of these things are good and important - but they're not vital. The real purpose is to let go of all that is not motion emanating from a still point within. In our spiritual stillness we touch upon a strength that by far surpasses all physical limits. From stillness comes a body that is carried on a wave of pure motion. Herman Melville stated that silence is the only voice of God - when we run from stillness we become this voice and are God's expression put forth in joyful expression.
This is what I ready myself for - and this is why I run.

Peace,
Eric

Badwater

Bad Water Ultramarathon is a 135 mile road race across Death Valley. In July. Temperatures exceeding 120 degrees are all to common. It's a legendary race run by legends and legends in the making. One of whom is Mike Arnstein, the "Fruitarian" who inspired me to fully commit to a vegan lifestyle that I had been flirting with for several years in the past. I owe Mike a big thanks for this - everything about my life has changed by that one decision. The legend of Mike the ultrarunning fruitarian is growing - 16th place in just over 30 hours of desert running at Badwater and three days later Mike will be defending his last years win at Vermont 100. Crazy. And Mike credits his diet for his ability to even attempt such a thing. I first read about Mike in Dean Karnaze's blog in which he was featured. Of course Dean needs no introduction in the ultra world but added to the list of extraordinary achievements is his 12th place finish at this years Badwater at the age of 49 - his tenth completion of the race. And that brings to the point of today's blog - 49 is young in the endurance world. Mike Arnstein is 35 - just a kid! Just one place below Mike was another legend Pam Reed - previous winner of Badwater and 51 years old. Marshall Ulrich-  Mr. Badwater himself - completed this years race AFTER circumventing
the course unaided. He's 61. Several years ago he ran across America - for fun. The list of this years finishers is filled with numbers past 50 - all the way to 70!
I'm inspired. A lot is possible and the door just swung wide open. I am to step through and see what lies beyond.
Join me.

Eric

Storms

Some storms pass
Sudden –
Belonging only to the
Moment of their
Giving.
And some linger…as if touching two
Points of stillness and raining
Motion in between.

We are at once both sudden and
Lingering…a flash of desire
Held long against the
Flesh.

We are storms...raining holy for
Each other.

~
There's a beautiful intimacy between the earth and sky in subtle moments just before a storm - everything grows so still in anticipation of a opening that showers violence against the ground and yet gives life as well. It's a Shiva's dance that lays waste to the arid waiting of all that longs for renewal. A storm is what we all wait for - our own road to Damascus - struck down and then to rise blind to the past and renewed by heavens rain. Take your chance in any storm.

Race Review - Maryand Heat Trail Race And Hike 25k 2012

Yesterday was the very first 25k Maryland Heat Race (and yes it was hot) and first time  Race Director Nick Yeates pulled off a grand success by every means. Let me start the review off by saying thank you and congratulations to Nick and his wife and all the volunteers who made this even such a wonderful experience. Great job guys!
This was actually the second of two in new races being held on the the Patapsco trails - the first being Phil Lang's (Bulls Eye Running) Mid Maryland 50k held back in February - otherwise known as the Great Mud Run of 2012. Nick's race lacked the knee deep mud but made up for it with a river (yes, the river not a stream) crossing, several small stream crossings, hills, rocks and fallen trees and limbs. Even trade? Really this was a tough 25k - I have been running these trails for years and am quite familiar with them - however Nick (the evil genius of RD's) strung them together in such a way to inflict maximum punishment on the runner. Okay, yes, Nick is an evil genius but there was more to the trails then punishing terrain, there was a real flow to the run and it's obvious that some careful planning went into the details. I was impressed. Also impressive was the care in which the trails were marked for the race - knowing them well gave me an advantage but even if I were a first time runner here I would have been very happy with the markings and how easier it was to stay on track. As a matter of fact knowing the trails may have worked slightly against me as I had a previous bias on which way to go and it seemed by feet would take me there automatically if I wasn't mindful. I strayed - but not for long (and thanks to all the runners who yelled at me!)
My shoe choice was a bit unfortunate. I have run the course in my Vibrams before with little issue so figured my Merell Trail Gloves would be fine - however I failed to take into account that I have never RACED (or run hard) through the rockier sections and that it had been a little while since I've covered that ground in my Vibrams. My feet were soft, my shoes were light and the trail was rocky! Even before midpoint they were complaining and I knew what was coming (Pigs Run!) and knew it would be painful. It didn't help matters when I took a fall on a root and split my big toe nail down the middle - and I still love trail running! So my hoped for sub 3 hour finish became 3:15 with a slight limp in. Worth it.
The aide stations were all nicely stocked with friendly, cheerful volunteers helping out - I'm always amazed by the dedication of people who come out on a hot or cold day to lend their support and they not only have my thanks but my respect and admiration as well. Thank you all!
Not only does Nick plan a terrific race but he throws a great party as well! The after party was a great opportunity to meet fellow runners and their families, chat with old friends and rest, refuel and relax as well. I really appreciated the vegan options as even some high financed races don't always provide for us - nice touch Nick and thank you. And whoever made the Tofu BBQ - it was perfect after the long miles. Thanks!
I'm really hoping that Nick is planning this as a annual event - races like this only grow in reputation and status (while retaining their charm - much like Conestoga) so with such a great start from the beginning this race should easily become THE even of the summer for locals and non locals alike. I'm already looking forward to next year!

Thanks for reading,
Eric

Just a Race Note

Tomorrow will be a race recap and review - so tonight is just a little blog saying that once again it was a race where the gathering was equal to the event. Friends, good trails and a hot sunny day made for one of those special moments that won't soon (or ever) be forgotten. I am always reminded that this is what racing is all about  - the gathering and not the placing or the medals (okay, maybe the medals and definitely the shirt) it's the people you find yourself with that count most. And if it happens to be on a rocky trail trudging uphill - then all the better still.

Peace,
Eric

Pre Race

I have grown more and more relaxed the night before races. There is still a bit of anxiety lingering but not so much as to be an issue. Some of this is expereince of course - I have raced more so far this year then in the previus two years together I believe. But even more so is trusting in my training - have I done all that I could up to this point? Yes, or no the answer is all I have at this moment. There is no going back in time and changing what is now. So I trust my preparation and relax - or I trust that I have the expereince to see things through to the best of my ability with whatever level of training I do have - either way I relax. I meditate, I write, I eat right - all things that bring me to a sense of peace and ease. Tomorrow I race - tonight - I'm writing this. Stay tuned.

Peace,
Eric

My Message

Gandhi once responded to a reporter who asked about his message to the world - his succinct response was "my life is my message" and surely this is true for all of us as well. Yet not all of us are as fortunate enough as the Mahatma to be so clear with the message we send into the world. That's why I feel very fortunate indeed to be a vegan and why it is so vitally important to share this message with others. By the simple means of changing my diet I have eased a possible burden on health care and the economy. I have dramatically decreased my carbon footprint and helped to create a larger food supply for the worlds hungry. No animals must now suffer for my pleasure. My life has become my message - and it's one I am proud to spread.

To Run With And Not Against

Why race? I had this discussion with a friend today and we both admitted that it can be a real ego boost - and mostly not in a positive way. The ego is great at giving itself a boost (and very often tearing others down in the process) but the price we pay for this boost weighs heavy on the spirit. Racing often becomes a game of separation - us against them, me versus you, and even ourselves pitted against ourselves. It is a game where for every winner there has to be a loser. That's the ego's game and to be honest I find it less in running than in other sports. Running is a more insular activity but the inner competition we place upon ourselves can be just as fierce - maybe even more so. Again it becomes ego driven- only it's our selves we're tearing down in the name of setting a personal record, of being faster today then we were just yesterday. There is another way - and it still allows for the healthier aspects of competition. It was this alternative way that caused me to fall in love with ultra running - where you very often find the race leader pause and help another runner after a fall, or smile and give encouragement to the last place runner as he/she loops them for the second (or third) time. That's running with spirit - it's running as the best version of our self. It only takes a gentle shift in perspective to achieve this - a single intent to run with instead of against. Run with the trail, or road, run with others (be it fast or slow) and run with the grace, speed and power that we find ourselves blessed with on race day. Run for the sheer joy of motion and company of others. Run with and not against. We will cross the finish together - no matter the distance between us.

Peace,
Eric

Eating Out

I have to say that I mainly eat out now for the company and social outing. Taste wise and over all general feeling I'm better off cooking simple, vegan fare at home. I have more control over what I'm putting in my body and it suits my taste more so now then fancier fare at vegan restaurants. Occasionally I will find a dish that's very appealing but for the most part even vegan restaurant offerings are overly processed and leave me feeling less then my best afterwards. Eating whole foods, fresh and simply prepared are the best way to go in my opinion and my performance in training and racing seem to bare this out as well. Food for though...literally.

Peace,
Eric

A Passage From St. Teresa of Avila

Here is another prayer I have used and found to be trans- formative when used in Passage Meditation -

Let nothing disturb you;
Let nothing frighten you,
All things pass away.
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
He who has God,
finds he lacks nothing.
God alone suffices.

St. Teresa of Avila

St. Teresa was a Christian mystic and contemporary of St. John of The Cross (another poet who has written timeless pieces for meditation) This little prayer has an almost Buddhist or Advaita feel to it - a non duality recognition that in the passing of all things that are not real - only the real remains. St. Teresa could have been an early channel for A Course in Miracles with these words. What brings me comfort is her gentle encouragement to look away from the things of the world that are not lasting but to search within for the real and ever lasting world of God. That's the peace that we can bring outward and offer to others in all of life's distressing arenas, that's that joy that we can bring to the world - the joy of knowing our timeless nature in a world of constant change. It's a beautiful prayer to meditate on.

Peace,
Eric

The Prayer of Sain Francis

I love the prayer of Saint Francis - it's a concise guide for  peaceful life. I first learned of and memorized this prayer after reading Eknath Easwaran's guide to passage meditation. In this book - Meditation (now titled Passage Meditation) Easwaran outlines his preferred method of meditation - namely to memorize a prayer or inspirational passage of timeless wisdom. He recommends beginning with the Prayer of Saint Francis not only for it's beauty but for its transformational powers. Easwaran states that we become what we meditate upon and what better to become then an instrument of peace? The act of passage meditation itself is to slowly, internally recite the prayer with each words falling inwards into a still pool of consciousness. And that's where the transformation occurs.
Here's the prayer -

The prayer of St. Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Even reading softly to ourselves, or simply glancing at it and allowing the words to find us has power and magic. It's a wonderful prayer to keep near by - especially when in need of comfort. Through the years I have used passages and prayers from the Buddha, Jewish Sages and Sufi masters - yet I always return to this simple, beautiful little prayer. It's changed by life and its power will do the same for you as well.

Peace,
Eric

A Little Note on Hope

In his famous prayer St. Francis asks that he be given hope in the face of despair. On the surface this could seem to be a shallow gift against the ocean of despair we are often confranted with. Even the currents of everyday life can often carry us to these waters. Yet St. Francis is not asking for the hope of better days - he is asking for hope to be a better man, a man to brave the storm with courage, compassion and above all love for those who suffer beside him. That's the nature of hope - that our true essence will emerge in troubled times and guide others to edge of hope - to edge - and back again to offer more.

Heat Training

Heat training takes a lot of care, commitment and mindfulness. It shouldn't be approached lightly. The past week or two the temperatures have reached the upper 90's to 100 degrees everyday. It's hard to run fast in this heat and on long runs a mistake can be severe. I have been training once to twice a day to acclimate to the heat for Catoctin 50k held at the end of this month. They'll be no escaping the heat there and it will be a very long day. So the more I run in the heat the better - the smarter I run in the heat is even better. Unfortunately I am somewhat notorious for under nourishing and hydrating and I'm seeking to change that this year. Hydration is first  - not only can poor hydration (and electrolyte consumption) cost a race - it can cost a life. And on the flip side excess water consumption can create an electrolyte imbalance and be just as deadly as dehydration. It's a fine line to run. So electrolyte tablets (S -caps)are a most along with the frequent water breaks.Most importantly is the mindfulness of what my body is doing in a given moment and monitoring my performance. Poor performance for a well trained athlete spells trouble - it's a sign something is off and to fix it sooner rather then later. Again mindfulness. Electrolyte repleacment drinks work fine as well with my favorit being my Vega - but in a pinch even Gatorade will do. I avoid most of these products in general but in heat it is better to take no chances - if that's all they have - drink it.
So that's the plan for now. Stay tuned for more hydration and fueling issues to be addressed!

Thans for reading,
Eric

Hope, Glen Campbell and My Mother

Glen Campbell is suffering from Alzheimer's disease. He is aware of this and has decided to end his career on his own terms - with dignity and grace. Here is a track from his last studio album - a beautiful song by Guided By Voices. The song is Hold On Hope and it has been a personal favorite since I first heard it on the television show Scrubs several years ago. I like songs about hope. I like anything that has to do with hope. Here's Glen - 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvZGU-5W2zs&feature=related
Beautiful. And very poignant. My mother suffered from Alzheimer's and I was witness to her daily struggle to hold on to dignity. She never failed. Through the most trying and difficult times she never failed. It was amazing and heartbreaking to see. And I saw it daily. And it was also a gift. I now knew what courage is. I know what grace is and I know what true dignity is. And I hold on hope.

Peace,
Eric

Race Review - Arbutus Firecracker 10k 2012

The Arbutus Firecracker 10k is a smalltown race with a big time crowd, attitude and enthusiasm. It really has the feel of a small town gathering, a time when locals would gather to test themselves in a friendly competition and neighbors would cheer on and aid the athletes. This race really seemed to bring out the best in people and it very well may have been my favorite race of the year. But not my fastest - at least not by about six seconds. This is a tough hilly course - technically there's really only three hills I guess but they seemed quite draining and along with the heat made for a tough run. In that respect I'm fairly happy with my run, especially coming to it with tired legs from Catoctin (50k) training.
The hills didn't seem to affect everyone as there were some very fast runners out there. Again this may feel like a small town race but the quality of runners was on an entierly different levels.Great to be part of a crowd like this. And the crowd included some grat freinds as well which only added to the fun - and competiton (unfortunetly I have fast friends!)
This was the 30th year the race has been held and with the crowds, racers, volunteers and neighbors all participating and enjoying themselves I can see it going on for another 30+ years. And I hope to be there - maybe I'll have caught up to my fast friends by then!

Peace,
Eric

Flirting

There are days when I feel uninspired, I don't feel like writing or leaving a blog post - after all it's just words on paper right? Right. It is just words on paper and for the most part the words are fairly meaningless. Yet there is something deeper here, deeper than the words and their meaning and deeper for sure than just a blog post. What's happening is Intention - tapping into a greater source that carriers us towards inspiration. Sometimes a poem or post will make it all the way - most often not. But if we don't tap into this source, if we don't court the muse - we'll never make it there at all. So for today - I'm just flirting with the muse and marking my place within the power of Intent. The effort will be recorded, and remembered. And maybe next time - I'll make it all the way.

Peace,
Eric

Success in Life and Racing

Tomorrow is the Arbutus Firecracker 10k - a local race that's been held every 4th of July since 1982. It's nice to be part of something like that. Since I'm training for a 50k at the end of the month I decided not to taper for this race but to run it hard in the condition I find myself in on race day - it maybe fast or it maybe slow - very slow. Yet the biggest part of racing and life is showing up. From there it's all about relaxing, letting go of expectations and having fun. Do those things and success in racing and in life are sure to follow.

Peace,
Eric

100 Mile Seed

Since I began ultra running 3 years ago the 100 mile seed was planted, nutured and now may be coming to fruit. I'm looking at a race in early November in Florida. Swamps, deserts and mountains have always appealed to me - extremes. And my first 100 in a swamp, with abundant wildlife and a flat course sounds ideal. Training is my strength but logistics is my weakness and that can make or break a runner in any race but especially in an ultra where so much can go wrong. That's the reason why I haven't tried a 100 yet - 50 miles and 50ks are just so much easier to plan. I always tell myself it's just a long day in the woods. I used to work retail and double shifts where all too common and nothing is worth then 12+ hours on linolium floors and flouresent lights. So 10+ hours in the woods is a piece of cake. Not so for 24-32. So I can make this happen. I can train for it and more importantly I can plan for this. Stay tuned.

Eric

Running - In Its Best and Purest Moment

In its best moment, its purest essence - running offers itself as a prayer. Yet there is no far off enitity to which the moment supplicates to - for in prayerful awareness there is only God and the moment is full of holy meaning. From the first brush of wind against the flesh to the heart falling into the natural rhythm of the world - there is only the message of motion - our breath matched in union with the breath of life itself. It's one moment stretched to infinity - the flow of motion played across a subtle stillness that hums holy both day and night. In our best moment, in our purest essence - we don't run, we are not runners - we move in sync with the will of God.

Peace,
Eric