It's Not Your Life

As poet John Donne stated truly - "No mans an island" and just as sure the life we live is not our own. We love the thought of free will and the hardy strength of the individual and these concepts have shaped great nations and greater men. They're not entirely true concepts however. Again the life you live is not your own. Nor is mine. We don't live in a vacuum - unaffected by thoughts and actions of others and no less do our thoughts shape the world at large. We each owe a responsibility to the whole - the organism that supports life and offers opportunity to expand in growth, love and compassion. That and only that is our purpose and mission - to live life as a full expression of the whole. And the whole is less without you.

 

 

No Man Is An Island

No man is an island,
Entire of itself.
Each is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thine own
Or of thine friend's were.
Each man's death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.

John Donne

Superior?

I'm often asked (ok, accused) if vegan feels they are morally superior then meat eaters. I came across a great quote the other day that summed it up nicely - "no, we're vegans because we don't feel superior to ANY living being". And that's true - mostly. But there's some honesty in the accusation too. And maybe with (a bit) of good reason. You see we all know that factory farming is wrong, no one wishes to debate the issue in a polite conversation let alone let discuss it over dinner. I don't blame anyone - it's disturbing. Who wants to discuss the mistreatment (horrible mistreatment) of an animal that may be as smart or smarter then the pet we're feeding under the table? Or that pigs have the emotional intelligence of a three year old human baby? Or cows mourn the separation of their babies? Here's the answer - virtually no one. Well, not entirely - vegans will - and vegans will often discuss this at great length and detail in order to provide a meat eater a chance to question his/her eating policy. And that may be the biggest issue right there - non vegans - don't really seem to have an eating policy. Oh, they may have diets and restrictions and preferences - yet their ethics seldom, if ever, touch upon their plate. And that's a shame and that's why there may be a (slight?) feeling of judgement and superiority there. You see very often vegans enjoy meat, they didn't grow up vegan, they consciously chose to give up the status quo and step from the main stream to ease the suffering of another being - a being that appears different then themselves - with full awareness that they will be mocked by this choice. Yet they do it anyway, gladly, happily so - and live better lives for it. Better then a meat eater? Health wise maybe so - we could debate that issue endlessly (medically speaking the facts are in though) How about ethics? The answer is definite and it's yes. Here's the thing - morals vary from person to person to nation and tribe. Ethics are a bit different. We all know and recognize cruelty - some turn their backs (tables) to it and continue onward, seemingly unaffected - others face it boldly, choose something different, maybe something harder, more difficult than the norm. And that makes all the difference - at least to the animals.

Peace,
Eric

Our Nature

Things come to pass. Sometimes we're aware of them - mostly we are not. It's a vast universe, infinite in scope and possibilities. Even in our personal lives events occur which shape our destiny with little awareness and no participation. It's scary and exhilarating - there are forces at play so large and so minute that it's a wonder we don't fly apart at the thought of the endless changes and choices that tug at the very edge of our consciousness. Yet we don't. We survive and thrive and carry on and when the time comes we change form to meet and merge with these great forces. And we too become endless, vast and infinite. It's our nature.

Peace,
Eric

Dancing With Myself

I was recently listening to one of my favorite Cd's - Billy Idol's Story Teller - his "unplugged" album a few years ago recorded from VH1. I'm a big Billy Idol fan way to to his Generation X days and I really love his classics done acoustically. Everything sounds better acoustic (I believe)
What struck me today however was probably not the intent behind his hit Dancing With Myself - I kind of took a mystical bent and began to meditate on that phrase - dancing with myself. At first thought it can seem romantically rejectional (my word) or perhaps selfish in a sense. I've never studied the words (just enjoyed the song) but today, just the title - dancing with myself - took my on a bit of an inner journey. In a sense we are all dancing with ourselves. We are dancing molecules, formless, made (by thought) to appear in given form. And larger still we dance within the beat and frame work of the uni-verse - the one song of creation that plays in constant rhythm. And further still the role of dancing is to merge in space until a union of rhythm is achieved - we are seeking to become one upon the dance floor (or as legally close as we are allowed) From the smallest to the largest sense we really are dancing with ourselves because there is no one else to dance with - union isn't achieved - it is - and there can be nothing else but the dance of creation.
Who knew Billy Idol was a mystic?

Peace,
Eric

State Of My Workouts - 9/26/12

Just a training update today - I have been taking it easy with the kettlebells for the last few weeks. Actually going on a couple of month it seems. I still throw in swings but the majority of my weight work has been with deadlifts, presses, and swings. I add a little core work and some flyes on the Fit Ball but that's about it - basic and medium weight. That's where I struggle - I'm so conditioned to add weight or reps. It's not a priority when using weight to strengthen for running though - running is the first priority and "do no harm" takes precedent. I'm enjoying the movements though, it's been far too long since basic strength moves fit into my training. The heavy kettlebell work just covered so much ground and there was little room left over for much more - especially as the miles began to pile up with the ultra training. Right now I've adopted Pavel's Power To The People protocol which is two sets of five reps (2x5) with the heavier set being first and the second set reduced by 10%. 3-5 times a week works well for me and seems to allow proper recovery. Again I'm not pushing the wight but adding it as I can and when it feels fairly easy. I may repeat a cycle several times with the same weight scheme as the previous cycle before I feel the need to add more. I do miss jerks and long cycle though and will eventually cycle in a 2-3 week Kettlebell Sport (for conditioning) cycle.
Besides the lifting I'm adding in miles to prepare for Baltimore Marathon and then Stone Mill 50 Miler. Track work has been consistent since May, along with weekly tempo runs as well. Track and tempo work has been taken from Run Less Run Faster - a great book but one whose guidelines I'm following loosely right now - hey - I like to run. So I run more.
And that wraps it up!
Thanks for reading,
Eric

Contemplating Walls

As if alone...

We wish for distant
hands.

Yet even walls are embraced
by the space they seek to
part.

We stand as walls before
the night...

Caressed on every
side.


~
There is no distance in a reach - open to the stars and the
night presses soft against you.
There are infinite worlds existing
solely for your
touch

Goals and Guide Post

I have met many goals this year running wise and with a few more races to go I hope to meet the goals I have set for these as well. Yet honestly I won't be (too) disappointed if I don't and I would have continued striving even if I missed my other goals this year. I guess a proper way to describe this is not really a goal but a guide post. There are conditions I expect to meet with my current level of fitness, training and race conditions. Everything changes though and in a race can change quickly - just like in life. So to cling tightly to fragile terms will just bring misery - in life and in racing. So I evaluate, plan, train and evaluate some more. When the race ends I am really only left with one thing, one thought only - how well did I perform with what I brought to the day and with what the day gave me. Again - a lot like life.

Peace,
Eric

Race Review - Conestoga 10 Mile Trail Race 2012

Excellent run today! Great weather, good friends and a PR for me and several friends. Can't ask for much more. This was the 20th running of the race and for the first time in its history Race Director Bill Smith handed someone a crisp $100 bill - someone finally broke the record set by Ian Schouten back in 2002 at 1:30. Knowing how difficult this course is it's hard to imagine someone running a 1:28 - but the weather was perfect, the trails were dry and today was the day. Impressive and congratulations! I'll post the record setters name when the results are released on-line.
Those who have been reading my blog or chatting with me on FB now how much I love this race. It may well be the "toughest 10 miles on the East Coast". I have run 50ks that have felt considerably easier at times. Every year offers something different and every year brings the same - a well organized, fun, classic trail race. I'm proud to be part of it.
A big thanks to legendary Race Director Bill Smith and another thanks to the volunteers who came out and offered aid and enthusiasm. This year brought two big changes - finisher medals and massage therapist offer 15min massages for donations! Another welcomed change was a great friend (and runner) bringing a vegan feast for the after party. Thanks Judith and awesome run today!
 So next up is Baltimore Marathon on a few weeks and Stone Mill 50k in less then two months. The time spent out on the trail today will pay off for both.

Peace,
Eric

Conestoga Preiview

Conestoga 10 mile Trail Run tomorrow - billed as arguably the "toughest 10 miles on the east coast". It has my vote. This will be the fourth year running and it hasn't gotten easier. We have gotten faster though so it will make for interesting racing. You really can only run so fast on this trail - no one has yet broken 1:30 and I've only broken 3:00 once. I plan on running a little harder tomorrow although I will be running on tired legs. It's a great little challenge.
Stay tuned for race report.

Eric

Autumn

It's a beautiful time of the year to run. Everything is in the processes of changing - as it always is - but the wonderful thing about fall and spring is that the change is so visible. In spring it seems so sudden - the world explodes in green and warmth. Fall is more subtle - leaves become crisp and begin to color in ever darkening shade until their time to fall arrives. Both seasons so dramatic. Yet spring is rebirth from the depth of darkened winter and fall is the final stage of a yearly life. Things prepare to slumber. It brings a bitter sweet taste to the season. I often run in a melancholy of beauty - fully aware of the temporary flash of life and color. It makes me appreciate days like these so much the more.

Peace,
Eric

A Wave

Such a small motion...

A wave before the final turn
of your goodbye.

And the night is split by the
intimate grace of your
hand.

There are two sides to my
infinity.

To suffer in your absence...and this
longing that binds us in the
confines of forever.

Such a small motion...

A wave on the edge of
infinity.

`


~
Every gesture tells a story and every movement becomes a ripple in a constant flow. There are no small motions and even words whispered once are heard
forever.
We are defined by the press of
heaven large against us.
And even lips parting warm in breath
cause the world to
listen.

No one is alone.

The Infinite is our connection.

I Can't - I Won't

I have become much more outspoken on my defense of animals and veganism in general. I have less tolerance for the opinions of others on these matters. Why? It's simple - their opinion causes and continues to keep animals in suffering. And more - it is taking a terrible toll on the nations health and health care system. Further - it is causing irreversible damage to climate and environment. And I'm told I should speak softly, that I should choose my battles more carefully in order not to offend or make others uncomfortable. I won't do it anymore. I won't be quiet. I can't. I think I just explained why. How much longer can you continue?

Peace,
Eric

Storm

Everything changes before a storm. There comes a stilled anticipation - a waiting - as if a sharp breath would pierce the air and draw rain. Abide in this space and let the wind carve its will against you - move only in response.
And the storm will rage
soft within
you.

Writers Write

I don't always feel like writing, I'm not always inspired. Yet everyday I sit at my desk and write - why? Because I think of myself as a writer and thoughts backed my action become reality. Writers...write. I made a promise to myself many years ago that I would write everyday. This was over ten years ago and I have kept that promise. A few times I have even gotten myself out of bed to write a few words - I took this promise to heart and honor it with my commitment. The words themselves are less important than the intent of laying them down against the page. It's what writers do. So even a few words, as long as heartfelt and given with grace become enough to fill my promise. Writers write. What promise have you made? And how do you honor it?

Peace,
Eric

Race Review - Gunpowder 50k 2012

Gunpowder 50k was my first ultra back in 2009. It wa an old school introduction to ultrarunning - throw $5.00 into a hat, bring a gallon of water and start when someone yells go. The race could be 29.5 miles or 37 - it was still called a 50k. No shirts, no medals, no whining. Three years and 20 odd ultras later and I'm back at Gunpowder. Nothing has changed but the course - it might be slightly harder. Still a Fat Ass though and still representing what's best about the sport - people who like to run. A lot.
So yesterday marked my eighth ultra for the year and twentieth something race. I had trained for the Air Force Marathon but circumstances kept me from traveling and by lucky chance Gunpowder fell on the same day. It might have been fortunate indeed I couldn't make it for the marathon as my legs felt heavy despite the taper and I'm not sure if I would have been able to hold the marathon pace I wanted. A 50k with some hill walking was just fine though. At one point I had hopes of a 5:30 finish but the day heated up and my legs just didn't have the pickup I needed at the end - I settled for a 6:00 and a fun day in the woods. And that's one of the great things about the Gunpowder course - lots of runs and lots of miles run along side the Gunpowder river. It's a pretty course and the day was beautiful.
I recommend these "Fat Ass" races as training runs but also as a great introduction to the sport. There is some racing - people are competitive but also it's low key enough that a beginner can make mistakes, test out equipment and ask questions of the more experienced runners. It's a wonderful opportunity to run, learn and have fun. And again Gunpowder is a perfect example of what a Fat Ass holds.

Peace,
Eric

Races (So Far)

Gunpowder 50k is in the books. I've done a lot of races this year and have set PRs in all distances. Not sure if I'm ending the year as strong as I would have liked though and perhaps the frequent racing has been a mixed bag. I have enjoyed it though. Here is a list of the the races so far -
Nelson's Fat Ass 50k
Mid Maryland 50k Championships (PR)
Hawasha Hills 50k
Seneca Creek 50k
Clydes 10k (PR)
Hills of Milltown 5k
Triple Crown Trail Event (Half Marathon/10k/5k)
Fredrick Half Marathon (PR)
Anapolis 6 Hour Endurance Event
Rotary Club Remembrance Run 5k
North Face Endurance Challange 50k
Baltimore 10 Mile (PR)
Arbutus 10k
Maryland Heat 25k
Rosaryville 25k
Catoctin 50k (PR in event)
Ben Moore Half Marathon (PR in event)/ Sneaks Come Out At Night 15k
Rouge Runners 5K (PR)
Gunpowder 50k

And coming up -
Conestoga 10 Mile Trail Run
Baltimore Marathon
Stone Mill 50 Miles
Fredricksburg Half Marathon

Plus anything else that looks fun and doable.

Fixing Our Nature Deficit

I think maybe that the majority of humans are suffering from a nature deficit - there seems to be a lack of stillness in our modern lives, a silence of between. Nature is full of sounds yet there is a silence, a holy pause between notes. It's the sound the Rishi's and Sages heard in their contemplative practice amidst the natural world. It's the sound of Aum. In The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success (a modern spiritual classic) author Deepak Chopra urges those who wish to channel the natural laws of prosperity to emerge themselves in nature - at least for a few hours a week. It has a cleansing affect on the mind, body and spirit. I see people all the time crowding this natural space and stillness with cell phones, and iPods - they're bring their world to the reality of nature. It doesn't work - healing only takes place when we are immersed and part of the whole and any object that excludes is a burden and a hindrance to ourselves in returning to this wholeness.
Take a walk, a trail run (unconcerned about speed) or just sit and enjoy a stream, or the wind blowing soft against you. Spend time in nature.
You won't regret it.

Peace,
Eric

Blind

Is a vegan diet right for everybody? Yes. Unless one plans to subsidize their diet with meat hunted or raised by themselves or a small, local farm. Same goes for fish. Factory farming and the current fishing industry must end for the planet (and it's people) to survive. There's no need to take my word for this or to offer arguments to the contrary. It's the truth and the right research will reveal to anyone who is interested. Here's a little help - http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/27/weekinreview/27bittman.html?pagewanted=all

As for commercial fishing -
http://www.ewg.org/fishing-subsidies

Enjoy your seafood dinner now.
It may not be available by 2030.

Hunters, waterman, individual fisherman and small farmers are for the most part custondiams for the land and animals - they have a vested interest in the health of the species and the environment. When meat is bought packaged and without thought or regard to the animal that gave its life to you - there is no interest, no care, no concern - only blind appetite.
That's sad.

Peace,
Eric

Holy Waters

We move beyond the simple
pleasures of our bodies.

Yes...the thickness of desire
still hangs humid in the
air.

We taste it on the words we
speak.

And the weight of fingers pressed
warm across the flesh...thrills
to a deepness past the
bone.

This will never change.

Yet we have opened doors that
lead to higher worlds.

We have glimpsed the
ocean.

And now nothing else
will do -

But to swim in holy
waters.

Here's Why

And here is the number one reason I'm a vegan - animals smile, they feel pleasure and bask in a kind touch, they experience pain and terror and the loneliness of close confinement. In short - animals are a lot like us. No, I'm not saying they are the same - but they are similar. I don't wish to be a link in the chain of cruelty that is modern farming. I don't need to eat meat. Sure I enjoyed it at one point in my life. I even thought I needed it to be healthy or at least satisfied appetite wise. I didn't and I don't. It's that simple - we eat meat because we choose too. The great shame it that we choose to eat tortured meat. At least those who hunt or work a family farm are participants in the death of their meals. Most are aware of what goes on in factory farm and the shame that's on our plates - but we ignore it, make jokes at their pictures saying "how tasty" they are, and continue to feed on the cruelty that has been handed to us. And God forbid if this is mentioned or pointed out - the poor vegan who stands for the all that's good and kind and compassionate about people is condemned, scorned and ridiculed. I'll tell everyone something - it's worth it. Look into the eyes of the pig above - a pig that science tells us has the emotional intelligence of a 2-3 year old human child, a pig that is smarter than our beloved dogs and cats - look into his eyes and tell me it isn't. It is for me. And that's enough.

Swept Aside

And then at once I am
The wind,
Having swept aside
Illusion’s form –
And joined my spirit to the
Breeze.

`

~
This falsehood of self...carried to a
letting go.
And then the faith of
new becomings.

Removal Of Things

Spirit is what is left with the removal of
things.
To run with spirit we simply allow all concepts of
what running is to fall wayside.
We start with the run and pared down to
essential motion - spirit - we give
ourselves to breath, to steps striking earth and long
repeated. We give ourselves to the brush of air against
skin, and muscles taut and bones strong in
form and function.
We give ourselves further to sky and sun and
rain and all that air offers.
We give each thought to distance - what's before and
all that's after- only space that holds no
answers.
There are no questions -
only giving.
Until no trace of self
remains...and still
we run.

Training Update

In the next two weeks I will be repeating the first two races of my life three years ago - Gunpowder 50k followed by the Conestoga 10 mile trail race. My enthusiasm for running remains high, my health is strong and I have come to greatly enjoy racing. I used to feel a bit tense before race and uncomfortable in pre-race crowds. Now it pretty much seems par for the course and even pre-race nerves have come to be viewed as part of the process of racing - almost enjoyable. I have lost some strength within the last three years - understandable as I was coming from a strength/strength endurance back ground to a (almost) purely endurance field. It's strange to find myself in what I consider a strength deficit as I was always one of the stronger runners in a field and that was a great asset for me. I'm working in fixing that with a return to some basic, heavy(ier) lifting - deadlifts, presses, swings - all down low volume, moderate weight to allow me to increase strength but not interfere with running itself. I'll also be adding some rowing to the mix to round out my endurance with less impact than Kettlebell Sport training allows. I feel I owe a great deal of my success (how I measure it) to Sport training but at a certain point it became to much to maintain and get the miles in - at least for ultras and marathons. It brought me here and perhaps modified in the future when I feel I am back to a decent level of strength it can take me to new, higher grounds. We'll see.
That's it - just wanted to update my training and racing!

Thanks for reading.
Eric

No Umstead

Well, I didn't get in Umstead 100. It's a hard race to get into these days - filling up in a matter of minutes on-line. I'm afraid more and more ultras may become difficult for runners to get into. Race popularity is growing and due to the nature of the events fields must be limited. I do have a Plan B though - the New Jersey Endurance Festival is a three day event at the end of March and offers  50 mile, 100k and 100 mile options. I can do the 100s. I feel like I need a big event to dedicate myself to right now. A Spartan winter of training and good diet and a new beginning in spring. I like that.

Upgrade

I often hear that life is full of disappointments. Perhaps that true and perhaps it's not life that is full of them but our expectations and attachments to a particular outcome. Key Keyes a self-help author in the 1970's wrote that the key to happiness is to upgrade our addictions to preference - that gives us a little breathing room. An addiction is constricted breathing, a tightness in the chest and anxious feeling - and this occurs even if it's just the thought that our needs may not be met. A preference is a deep, peaceful breath, released with ease and drawn again without anxiety. This is a Buddha breath - in the moment, content. What I like about the upgrade to preference is that it does not diminish our desires - we still have our wants and goals - no, a preference brings us to the point where we can accept all possible outcomes. We may still be disappointed that our preferred outcome wasn't met - but we are no longer crushed if it isn't. We have breathing room.
By the way - Ken Keyes was confined to a wheelchair through much of his adult life. There's no mention of this in any of his books. He would have preferred walking I'm sure - but it wasn't the issue he chose to focus on. He lived his message. For the record - I'm still working on it.

Vision Quest

Saturday is the day I put my name in for the Umstead 100 - it's a difficult race to get in, filling up within minutes of registration opening. But I will try. Umstead is said to be one of the best races for a first 100 mile event and it's been on my list for a few years now. If I am fortunate enough to be one of the 250 who makes it in my training will take a sharp focus towards more miles, longer long runs and even some pure walking sessions. I aim to be prepared and not just physically. I want to enter that magical state of flow and transcendence that outside of meditation and life threatening events, only distance brings. Endurance is the entrance to magical world - the Native Americans of both North and South America knew this. Running was a tribal right into manhood and a way to seek visions. Visions can still be found and long distance it the path to find yours. And mine. Hopefully come April - I'll be seeking.

Seasonal Answers

I ask the Spring
leaves...

"Why do you cling?"

And the answer later falls to
me...in Autumn shades of
wonder.

`



~
soon...given weight to their
desire -
a moments flight in
letting go.

and so the grace of Autumn passes

The Path

Above all else I value peace of mind. When my mind is at ease my life flows with the currents of life- mishaps, mistakes and mayhem included. Without peace of mind even the smallest task becomes a major chore and life becomes a struggle up a never ending stream of issues.
I don't always immediately find this peace - but I (almost) always find my way towards. There is a path to peace and it's a simple path - yet not easy. We can't travel this path with a heavy burden, So the more we carry - the more anger, hate, bitterness and resentment we carry - the farther from our destination we will find ourselves. So we need to sort through these heavy bags and dismiss the weight of their disturbance. We need our arms free to welcome and not to hold a lifetime of luggage. Let go. Let go. Let go. Recognize the weight of these issues, acknowledge it, and forgive it - it served a purpose of protection that is no longer of any need. Let it go. One item at a time, one issue at a time, free ourselves from accumulating more weight for the heart. Let go even as it comes to pass. Forgive.

Peace,
Eric

Race Review -2012 Labor Day Rogue Race

This was our second year running the Labor Day Rouge Race - a 5k fund raiser for the Eldersburg Road Runners. They're a great crew who seem to really care about their community and it's a pleasure to help them raise money while at the same time enjoying their hospitality. This has definitely become our end of summer event and kicks off the upcoming fall marathon season. It's a tough course with a killer hill at the end but the good thing is you can build a little steam and momentum before you get there. Unfortunately I seemed to be without a whole lot of steam today - I ran an unofficial time of 23:43 - the hills and deadlifts of the weekend took some of that much needed momentum. I'm not sure of my official time yet as the race organizers were swamped by the addition of 100 more runners then expected - a great surprise for a fundraiser! I'm happy to see that they had such a large turnout and they handled that extra pressure with grace and patience. Great job guys and thanks for all your effort!
This really is a fun, community based race that welcomes all comers. There's some serious fast runners here - from little kids to an 81 year old women who rocked the course. Everyone inspired.
 Today's race has reaffirmed by commitment to speed - I need more of it - in short burst and longer tempo's. When I come back here next year - I'm looking for a major PR. Stay tuned and thanks for reading!

Marathon Lies - Do They Matter?

Do Small lies matter? Is it really important that Paul Ryan fudged his marathon PR by a bit? My answer is yes and in a very important and profound way. Now the stock I answer I continuously hear is that every politician lies and more so - everyone tells a little white lie now and then. And I won't deny this. I try to be honest and know that I have failed at times. So I try harder all the more. I write this not to judge Mr. Ryan but to point out that just because something maybe commonplace doesn't mean it should be acceptable. As a public figure who is actively seeking our trust Mr. Ryan should be holding himself up to a standard we should all be to strive for as well. All politicians should and we should accept nothing less.
As runners we all know the hard, work and sacrifice that goes into even the shortest distance let alone a marathon. And even more so for a fast time or personal best. To lie about this, and by such a large margin seems, to me, to trivialize the hard work and effort of others. Our race and training struggles form a bond among athletes and that bond allows a 4:00 marathon runner to state with pride his/her achievements right along side the 2:55 runner - they share the bond of their struggle. There is respect between the faster and slower races and that respect is diminished through the actions of a told lie. Be proud of your time - through blood, sweat and tears - you earned it. And it matters.

Tapering, Patience and Life Lessons

Tapering for a race is hard. But it teaches patience. Since I always have another race on the horizon I feel guilty for tapering for a single race - won't I miss the training miles? So I have to pull back a bit, trust my training and again - Patience. Another aspect is that on race day my legs will be fresh, strong and ready to push the pace. There's a great temptation to abandon the race plan and go out fast - especially when it feels so good to move so fast so early in the race - big mistake. A crash will certainly come and usually it's around mile 18 to 20 for me - and there's still a long way to go - especially after a crash. Patience. Before the race, during the race and even after the race when I'm eager to throw myself back into training. Just a little patience, some rest and easing back into the run - counts for a lot.
So tapering - a life and racing lesson.

Peace,
Eric