Labor Pain

Tomorrow is the Labor Pain 12 Hour run - this will be my longest timed event although obviously not my longest race. I love the freedom that's found within the restraint of the time limit - what is done within those 12 or 24 hours is entirely up to the runner. My hope is to break 50 miles but I will be happy with 40+ - it's basically a trial run for the Croatan 24 Hour run later in the fall. My plan is to use Tailwind Nutrition as my sole source of calories (perhaps some fruit to satisfy the urge to chew) and I'm looking forward to reporting back how it works. Stay tuned!

Peace,
Eric

Start Today

Generally speaking I am not a fan of guided meditations  - it's an added prop that will eventually have to be left behind. Yet any tool that helps relieve stress or begin meditation is a great tool. There are plenty of great sources to choose from and Sounds True offers many of the finest. If you're looking for stress relief or a way to quiet your mind than meditation is the means for you to do so - most people don't start though as there is a fair of not being able to do it or perform it correctly. Please understand - meditation is our birthright - we were meant to enter into silent realms of creativity and peace. All it takes is a beginning - and this is yours.

Peace,
Eric

Samskara

Old hurts die hard. We cling to our grievances even as we know they bring us pain. We play them over in our minds until a grove similar to record albums is built - we're programed. In Vedic philosophy this is called Samskara and is a mental and karmic pattern built through repetition of thought. This is why mindfulness is so important for forgiveness to happen. It is easier to offer forgiveness and it's easy to believe that we sincerely wish for peace yet the mental patterns hold and we find ourselves trapped once more. To break free from Samskara we need to built a new pattern based on love, kindness and compassion - the foundation of forgiveness. Don't fight free from the trap of negative Samskara as the fight itself will only strengthen it's hold. Recognize the minds powerful pull towards these thought trends. Be aware. Be mindful. Simply watched their power fades. As the old patterns lose their hold we build our new lives around thoughts that empower and embody the wisdom we wish to share. It takes time. And we have the rest of our lives to practice.

Peace,
Eric

Weekend Race

This weekend is the Labor Pain 12 Hour Endurance Run - this will be my longest timed event and I'm really looking forward to running. It will relatively low key and little pressure - 50 miles is the goal and breaking that would (of course) be even better but for the most part it's a training event for Croatan 24 hour run in the fall. I will be trying Tailwind Nutrition for a longer stretch than before (Catocin in 8 hours is previous) and I will be experimenting with different amounts to finally dial it in. As I've mention often before here - times races have always intrigued me - the mental aspect is key and I'm hoping the longer ones will help in my 100 mile efforts next years. I have some big things planed. Thanks for reading!

Miley and Art

I think a point that seems to be missed in the media hype of Miley Cyrus's performance is that it was actually just plain old bad. I wasn't shocked and I wasn't embarrassed when I saw it a day later - it's all been done before. And it's been done better by more talented performers. I would love to see young performers move towards a real artistic expression of themselves rather than try and shock. I guess I'm getting old but it seems that art is lost to the young performers these days. Of course there is a vibrant independent music scene now - a wild mixture of rock, folk, bluegrass and traditional country. Punk is still alive on the independent scene and it's a return to the original three chord, Garage Band sound. Art is being made and that makes me happy. There's always room for a catchy pop song - Robin Thicke's Blurred Lines and Daft Punk's Get Lucky are both great examples of Pop with a talented hook to it. I feel a bit sorry for kids and their pop idols these days - how do you shock someone who's seen Johnny Rotten in concert or dropped acid at a Dead Show? Madonna has showed it all and looked better doing so - the past few generations are a tough act to follow. I guess I can't blame Miley for trying.

Peace,
Eric

 

My Vegan Journey (A Story of Protein)

I became a vegan for ethical reasons. My beginning in sports was from a bodybuilding interest. as a kid I was active but never stood out in any sport - n fact due to poor hand/eye coordination team sports were quite difficult for me. Things changed though when I discovered bodybuilding - suddenly I was bigger and stronger and when did manage to hit the ball it flew! Bodybuilding and all types of weightlifting were my love for many decades to follow.
Of course the Golden Rule of bodybuilding nutrition is protein, protein, protein (and more protein) and I followed that rule through my 20's, 30's and early 40's. By my mid 20's however I also discovered meditation and with a sense of growing compassion by meat consumption tapered through the years until I eventually found myself a vegetarian - still, fish, eggs and dairy - but I drew the line at eating meat. Little did I know then that the above foods were still health damaging and just as cruel in their production. And I still consumed protein in great quantities - shakes, bars and all kinds of sports nutrition concoctions. For those who may not  know the Worlds Health Organization has stated that our total need for protein is around 5% of our total daily calorie consumption - for an average size man, fairly active that may come to be around 58 grams (for a 165lbs man) I was consuming in excess of 200 grams a day. Even in my early 40's when I had shed a large amount of bulk and developed an interest in endurance sports I kept my protein intake high - and this showed in a routine physical when my Doctor told me I had high cholesterol - any higher or if I were a bit older and she said she would recommend medication. She wished to wait a few years and then put me on medication. All the while my cholesterol ( and the host of medical issues that surround high cholesterol) would only increase - this seemed wrong on many levels to me. It still does and I believe it's a symptom of the medical industry and their relationship with the large pharmaceutical companies.
I decided to change. All the while my meditation practice deepened my compassion until I came to the point where I just knew that I could no longer participate in the cycle of cruelty that is modern farming. This also coincided with my new love for ultrarunning - running at all distance from marathon to 50 miles and beyond (the dream being the 100 mile distance - I'm working on it)
Change came surprisingly easy - there is so much information at our fingertips - from the Internet to great books such as the China Study and films like Forks Over Knives - I chose a great time to turn vegan!
The hardest thing to eliminate also had the highest impact on my running performance. Dairy. Within days of being dairy free my running improved and not just noticeably but drastically. It was as a weight were taken from my chest (that I didn't even realize was there) One of the great things about running is the measurable success that can be witnessed. Getting faster and going farther are quantifiable. My 20+ mile training runs were easier, I breathed better and best of all - my race times were (and are several years later) dropping. Every race became exciting as I just knew another PR (personal record) would fall. They still are - at age 48 I am faster than ever and run further every year. This year alone I have raced 5k through 100k (over 20 races for this year alone)
Is all this contributed solely to diet? Yes and no. My diet allows me to train harder and longer and recover faster then previously when I consumed what I thought of as a sports orientated diet. My health is greatly improved (no cholesterol issues by the way) and with the better health I have more time to train. Even better - I'm happier. I am no longer participating in a dietary practice that brings unnecessary cruelty to other beings. I'm convinced that a happier runner is a faster runner - or at least a better runner. And really at this point in my life being a happy runner is enough.
So what does my diet look like?
Fruit. Lots of it. Vegetables. Lots of them. A few grains. Potatoes, legumes, lentils. I eat tofu - but not a lot. I indulge in some of the vegan "meats" and "cheese" from time to time - not too often though. The fruits, vegetables and the rest keep me pretty full - and pretty fueled too. As for protein - I have no idea how much I take in each day. I no longer count. As long as my calories support my energy needs I know that I will also get enough protein to repair and recover.
So at age 48 I find myself an athlete. I'm fit and able to run long distances and still lift weights (kettlbells for the win!) and I'm fairly competitive not just at my age group but at the longer distances with the younger crowds as well. I don't see this changing anytime soon. Nor will my diet - as I mentioned - I'm a happy runner.

Eric McCarty

Forgiveness and Me

It's not always easy to forgive - old hurts seem to come back and haunt the mind once more and new ones find their way to pile on. It's not easy. Maybe it's not supposed to even be easy. But it's what we do - it's what we need to do for our own peace of mind. My own issues will often rush again to throw me off course - and that's ok - my true north points to inner peace and I'm seldom thrown for long or very far. Yet every throw still hurts. Perhaps I am blessed with a large forgiveness lesson to help me teach others, to teach myself, to break the final ties that bind me to a hurtful past once and for all. I don't know. I just do what I can - I forgive, I release, I surrender - and repeat. It's a journey. A long one. But I have no where else to go.
Peace,
Eric

Mindfulness of Thought

Spiritual thought holds that every thought is a prayer - we are connected to the universe in an intrinsic manner with no separation between our minds and the Mind of God. So what we speak to ourselves is communicated to not just the universe at large - but to the Infinite. Yet it's not the random thoughts that flitter through our minds that we need to worry about - it's the repetition of thought that we tell ourselves in a continuous manner. These are the thoughts that make us ill, that keep us imprisoned in poverty, and allows us to lead lonely lives in a universe that is filled with love. These are the thoughts to be mindful of - simply mindful - not worry, no strenuous effort the change our thoughts - just mindfulness of the attention we are placing on these thoughts. Once mindful we can allow them to pass safely through our minds with no investment of energy - and send them on their way with a more positive affirmation. With this mindful approach - soon the negative prayers we speak to ourselves will simply cease - or pass like clouds leaving nothing in their wake. Until then - be careful what you pray for my friends.

Peace,
Eric

Mindfulness, Forgiveness, Kindness and The Act of Letting Go

Along with mindfulness - kindness and the act of letting go are crucial to forgiveness. Mindfulness bring to our awareness that we are holding issues that keep us from truly, deeply forgiving. Once aware we can offer a mindful response - a response steeped in kindness and even gratitude that this issue has finally been brought to the forefront to be dealt with and now let go. The path of forgiveness is an ineffable one - for every step taken is then released into a field of kindness and insight. Once let go there is no issue to resolve - we are forgiven and have forgiven and now walk free.

Peace,
Eric

Mindfulness And Forgiveness

There seems to be a forgotten element with forgiveness that keeps us trapped in a negative state of mind and unable to fully utilize the gift of peace that forgiveness offers - and it's mindfulness. Mindfulness is about becoming aware of our thoughts and the negative trend they are setting. It's about noticing the effects - both small and large - that our unforgiving thoughts are having on our minds and bodies. Forgiveness produces peace and if we are not experiencing peace than certain issues remain unresolved. Our minds and bodies will tell us as much if we listen with a degree of attention. Mindfulness is the language of self love and it is a silent communication that recognizes our wholeness. We are not separated from our bodies and any dis-ease is a clear sign that we have failed to recognize this fact and have not listened to the best wishes of the body. We are not separated from our minds and stress and lack of peace are the minds attempt to reconnect in the wholeness offered through forgiveness. Mindfulness is clear listening and loving kindness and forgiveness is our response in return. It works - if we listen.

Peace,
Eric

Mindfulness And Long Distance Running

Training is shaping up very nicely for Croatan 24 Hour run in November. Next week is Labor Pain 12 Hour run and that will give me an idea on pacing, fuel and other concerns. The real issue (as ever) is mental and making it through the night. I suppose there are things we could do that may aid in this regard but honestly I think they best approach is practicing everyday mindfulness. When we become aware that everything is fleeting and passes in it's own time (The First Noble Truth) than it becomes easier to deal with moment to moment crisis and discomfort. So much of long distance running is dealing with the moment to moment issues and the practice of mindfulness will help greatly in our ability to cope. I'll write more on some mindfulness practices in upcoming blogs.

Peace,
Eric

Every Loss Counts

On my second run for the day - around the pond in my neighbor - I ran past a dead goose. Any hurt or dead animal distresses me but especially geese and other waterfowl as they mate for life and their mate will often be found circling or standing over their lost mate. Very sad to see. Yet it's also a reminder of why every life is so sacred - animals mourn just as we do - maybe more so as they do not have the means to see past their loss. If an animal is capable of this depth of emotion, if they display loyalty, empathy and pain - can they ever be merely food?
It's something to think about.

Peace,
Eric

Concentration And Relaxation In Meditation And Ultras.

I've noticed in my recent meditation practice that places a higher premium on concentration that relaxing the mind is key. It sounds like a paradox that a relaxed mind would produce better results then a mind that is forced to obey - yet it's true. The mind will only be forced for small bits of time before it rebels. Which is why a patient, relaxed approach produces longer lasting and more immediate results. By gently returning our minds to the breath - repeatedly, kindly and with least effort we train it to be one pointed. Perhaps the same approach could be taken in long races - don't force the miles - be patient and view the race from a moment to moment perspective. Solve each issue as it appears and enjoy each step as it falls. The middle way.

Peace,
Eric

For Yourself

I have an ambitious schedule for next year - lots of 50ks, a few timed races (12-24 hours) a 100k and at least two 100 mile attempts. It's good to keep striving yet it's even more important to keep things in perspective. I'm running for myself and my own objectives -outside of that nothing (in regards to running) matter. If it's not fun or I am not feeling committed then I retain the right to change my mind. Like in all things flexibility of mind makes for a more peaceful existence. Run for yourself. Run free and run happy.

Peace,
Eric

100's

Well, this was going to be the year of the 100 miler but it hasn't shaped up that way - I know it's only August and it may seem like there's still time - but for me and 100's I don't see it happening this year. I do have a 24 hour run in November and anything (of course) could happen - so we'll see - but I'm realistically hoping to break 80 miles for that race. My quest for 100 miles is far from over - 2 attempts this year convinced me that it's doable and once the training is in place it's mostly mental. I'm working on that part. And I'm already planning my events for next year. The quest continues.

Peace,
Eric

August

August is one of my favorite months - it's bitter sweet in that even though the days are heated and summer is still very much present - there's a sense of change in the air. A tiny hint of autumn. August is the edge of months and brings with it an anticipation of shorter days and longer nights. These long days are more cherished by this edge and summer becomes alive again as the briefness of time left hits home. Enjoy these days, the heat and sense of freedom summer brings - there's a long year in between.

Peace,
Eric

Race Prices

Race prices seem to be going up each year at a hefty pace and it's a pace I might not wish to try and keep up with. Big city marathons are well over $100 now - unless you sign up well in advance - which is a good idea but I'm seldom that smart. An ultra that I was hoping to try is asking $175 and it's their first year. That's pretty steep. Is it worth it? Is any race worth it? Yes, if it's something that brings some happiness into our lives, provides a challenge and adds some passion. It's not a question of worth but it is a question of balance. I need to be smarter about the races I choose and get I early - and learn to skip some when it's my ego calling out to race and not my legs begging to run.

Peace,
Eric

Timed Races And Meditation

Right now I'm prepping for my two timed races of the fall - a 12 hour and 24 hour run. I'm really excited about both and the concept of timed races really seem to flow nicely with my meditation efforts of late. The goal of Samatha meditation is calm abiding within each moment - it's a letting go of all else but the breath and at a certain point even letting that go and entering into the deeper Jhana states of absorption. It's letting go of the self and all the concepts that we hold dear that we believe make up the self. Timed races (I believe) can have a similar effect. There is less outside stimulation to drive our efforts - we are left only with our mind and body and even these too we will have to surrender in order to continue. Once will is surpassed we run on spirit and that's the only fuel that sustains. My goal is to run and abide in what each moment offers and in the end - letting go of all else. The results that matter are internal. I only need to remember that.

Peace,
Eric

Blue Skies

In Buddhism there is a lovely analogy of Blue Sky Mind - it's our original nature, our "Buddha" Nature. The sky remains clear and blue no matter what may pass within or beneath it. It does not mistake itself for clouds or airplanes. It doesn't know anything other than blue. Blue and clear is it's nature. Likewise with our own minds - except we commonly mistake our true nature for everything that passes through. Our language points this out clearly - "I am jealous", "I am angry", I am...... - and so we think we are. Yet we're not. We're the clear, blue mind of calm beneath it all. We're Buddha's momentarily confused with a passing cloud of emotion. Meditation reminds us of who we really are. We learn to watch the clouds pass through while we settle into the original stillness of our minds. It's a wonderful experience and one that little by little stays with us outside our sitting meditation. The clouds still come and go and we still may experience the storm of their emotions - yet we remain aware of their fleeting nature while at the same time we retain our sense of blue sky reality. In time, perhaps, the clouds will cease to come all together and we will realize fully only blue skies.

Peace,
Eric

The Law Of Least Effort

Again I'm struck by the yogic law of least effort in it's application in my life. From struggling with a concept in meditation (Jhana absorption) to the mental approach of running a hill during an ultra - it seems the internal battle makes the task all the more harder than it really needs to be. Mentally struggling during meditation actually pushes us farther from the source we wish to reach - it's in the surrender that we finally relax and see that the source was within sight all along. It's the same with running a hill - the steps will be the same regardless of our thoughts on them - yet the struggle of the hill climb will be reduce when we surrender and don't fight the mental battle of "the hill".
These are lessons that I am continuously applying in all different aspects of my life. In fact some days it seems that I'm struggling with the whole concept. And then I remember - and smile - and relax. It's the law of least effort.

Peace,
Eric

Two Steps For Vegan Success

I believe that the key to being a successful vegan is twofold - 1. Eat wholefoods as the mainstay of the diet. A little bit of faux meat or vegan cheese or chips is fine - especially when first making the transition to a plant based diet. But the bulk of calories should come from fruit, vegetables (lots of greens) grains if they can be tolerated (many it seems can't) starchy root vegetables such as potatoes and yams, legumes and lentils. Eat plenty. The secret isn't in how much protein we get or how little carbs we take it - it's calories. Take in enough high quality calories and the details will be covered. 2. Ethics. Eat for something larger than ourselves - have a purpose. We can change and save the world by how and what we eat, we can diminish cruelty, eliminate starvation and erase each and everyone of our global footprints - all by what we choose to put on our plates. Every meal is a simple choice and yet we seem to willfully keep ourselves unaware of the consequences of our food choices. We think it's easier - it's not though - not in the long term when the dietary karma catches up with everyone. Even vegans will suffer for the mindless choice of momentary pleasure others chose for their meals. We're all in this together. A commitment to the ethics of eating will help us stay on the path.
Two steps.
They might prove helpful.
I hope so.

Peace,
Eric

Vegan Made Simple

I'm not sure of the claim made by a few that vegan diets don't "work" for them - it's really not a complicated process and it's as paleo as a diet can possibly be. If we think of ourselves as hunter/gathers then what's easier to gather then fruit, greens and other plant sources. Replace the "hunting" with legumes for the extra protein that is so often touted as the be all of nutritional goodness and there you have it. Try this - a fruit (yes all fruit) smoothie for breakfast. Bananas and dates are the basis for mine since they are calorically dense. A large green salad for lunch and throw in what's available - I do a fruit salad mixed with greens fairly often and I'll also most often have another smoothie for a green smoothie (spinach or kale along with the standbys bananas and dates along with blueberries) Be creative with the salad - half an avocado, lentils and whatever cooked or raw vegetables are available. I prefer to stay raw through the day but that's not really necessary - just a personal choice of mine. For dinner  - another green salad with cooked and or raw vegetables (I lightly sauté - in low sodium, oil free vegetable broth - peppers, onions, mushrooms, asparagus and what ever else I have on hand) another avocado, some red cabbage. Sometimes I will throw in some tofu or Beyond Meat chicken strips or sometimes lentils - it's great to have options. I make a dressing out of Dijon mustard and a splash of Tabasco. None of this is fancy and it takes only minutes. Quite often this salad alone (it's pretty large) is enough to fill me up but I usually follow it up with a baked potato topped with some humus. For variety it can be served with low sodium tomato sauce or BBQ sauce and I'm not opposed to some of the new vegan cheese that's now available - not too often but on occasion. And there we have it! Not enough? Make a bigger salad, eat two potatoes or a larher smoothie in the morning. Just keep things simple, fresh, whole and wholesome.
Good luck!

Peace,
Eric

The Gift Of Inspiration

Of all the blessing I ask to receive I believe inspiration to be the greatest - once inspired genius is lit and we move swift in new creations. No one is bereft who is gifted by inspiration - or who trusts that this gift will come in time and patience. The infinite mind is our mind and inspiration is the creative force that fuels the mind and the soul to expand in greater wonder. It's gift is constant. We only have to be open and ready to receive. We have to trust. We have to act.

Peace,
Eric

It's Not To Late

It's not to late to end the year in an epic fashion - a big race or event that gets us motivated to finish the year and begin the new one with new found faith in our ability and enthusiasm for what's to come. However - as always - it is to late if we don't start, if we don't focus and push aside the self talk that holds us back from great things. The voice that whispers in our ears and tells us to not bother, that we're not good enough or it's to late - that's not our voice. The voice of our soul is stillness and confidence and it whispers too - yet the quiet voice of the soul is drowned out by the mayhem of media and the doubt implanted by well meaning efforts of those too who could not hear their true voice. Be still. Listen. Act.
It's not to late.
In fact...our lives are just now beginning.

Peace,
Eric

Walk Breaks

It seems many runners are dead set against walk breaks as introduced by Jeff Galloway. Galloway feels that walks breaks taken early and often can keep the legs fresh for longer, aid recovery and reduce or eliminate injury. Sounds like a good deal. Yet some runners feel that if you walk during a run than you're not really a "runner" Which is fine by me - some races I take walk breaks and some I don't - yet I always feel like a runner and usually feel pretty good at the end of my races and runs. I can't ask for much more than that - especially considering that early on in my distance running I felt fairly broken down - especially during (and after) my long runs. Walk breaks fixed that almost instantly and I also began to race faster and faster. Not being particularly blessed with speed this was a happy surprise and one that is still occurring to this day. I really urge runners to check out Jeff Galloway's books and website http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/walk_breaks.html
Put some of the preconceived notions of what a runner is and does and explore some options. The results just might surprise you.

Peace,
Eric

Why Are You Eating Meat?

I'm often asked about why I am a vegan or more precisely why I no longer eat meat and it's a great question and I have a whole host of answers. Let's stick with one though - I feel better physically, mentally and spiritually not eating meat. I know this because I have an accurate comparison as a life long non-vegan up until the age of 44 or so. Many people tell me that they need meat in order to be healthy or that they know someone who was vegan and gave it up for health reasons. I believe that the real answer is that they simply wanted to eat meat again. So lets flip the original question around - why do people still eat meat? Why do you still eat meat? If you knew that you could get everything you needed nutritionally wise from plants - with no drawbacks of heart disease, diabetes, and low cancer rates. And you removed yourself from the circle of cruelty that feeds our addiction to meat by treating animals as mechanical products instead of living beings - well all that sounds like a pretty good deal. So why are you still eating meat? Taste? Doubtful. Unless you're a hunter or fisherman and eating wild caught game then most people have long since forgotten (if they've even known) the taste of real meat and not the chemically and hormonally infused flesh we consider a meal. More likely your eating meat because it's a habit. Because you've never stopped and asked yourself some seriously hard questions. Because you've never considered the worth of a life other than your own or another human. It's mindless consumption. And it's a shame.

Peace,
Eric

Peaceful Abiding Meditation

Peaceful abiding - staying calmly with the breath - allowing and letting go. There is no fight for awareness - it's the art of coming back and coming back through the constant interruption of thoughts parading through our minds. Being gentle. Being kind. Return to the breath and again return to the breath - there is no time limit on patience. Smile - the Buddha's smile. We're not fooled (for long) by the tricks of mind and ego. There is always the breath....waiting for our return.

Peace,
Eric

Race Review - Maryland Heat 25k 2013

Yesterday was the second annual Maryland HEAT 25k and the race is really shaping up to be one of the top local summer races - really a race to be looked forward to all year. Race Director Nick Yeates posted on Face Book though the year asking runners what they would like to see added or improved from the previous years event and he took opinions seriously and really fine tuned the race to suit runners of all levels. For those who just wanted a long day in the woods and a great after party the course was set without a time limit and those who wished to hike the challenging course were able to tackle the hills and reach the pavilion in time to party with everyone. And that brings up two things the HEAT race will be well known for - 1. this is a serious challenging course - hills, technical terrain and some very runnable sections make a perfect 25k highlight this section of the Patapsco Valley. Nick did an excellent job mapping the race course out. 2. The after party -as a vegan I'm not too impressed by most after parties. They're fun, but I'm seriously hungry and need some fuel. Most have none or very little and mostly it's an after thought. Nick and his team provided for everyone - vegans and non-vegans alike and if you're a beer drinker you're even luckier. Even a root beer keg. The after party for HEAT is up there with the best of them and with the vegan fare (the vegan burgers rocked!) has become my favorite along with the CAT after party (and that's mostly out of relief for finishing)

I ran the race fairly hard on some very tired legs. Still recovering from last weeks CAT 50K and a full weeks training load I wasn't sure what the legs had left in them but running with fellow CAT survivor Andrew Russ kept me going and I found that my legs had a bit more kick in them than I might have thought - so taking the hills nice and easy and bombing the down hills and flats pretty hard brought us in around 3:18. A nice days running.
A big thanks to all the volunteers who came out and helped with the aid stations, traffic and the after party. These races come off so smoothly because of your efforts. Thanks guys!

I definitely see HEAT becoming the local running event of the summer with growing numbers of people training to meet the challenge. And with the passion Nick and his family bring to the race the quality will continue to grow as well - no small feat considering how high the bar is now set. Mark the event on your calendar, train hard and see you there next year!

Peace,
Eric

Get Out There

Three weeks and three great races in a row - and they all in their own way reminded me of why I love these events. A long day on beautiful trails, running hard, having fun and great company. The last three weeks has shown ultra running at it's finest and they'll be hard to top. Fortunately I have some great events to look forward to and if not topped - I'm sure they will be equaled. If you haven't hit the trails in awhile - get out there. It's good for the heart and soul.

Peace,
Eric

One More Summer Race

Tomorrow I will run the Maryland HEAT 25k - it's the second running of it - both for the race and myself and a chance to let loose a little on some familiar trails and stretch my legs out after last weekends 50k. Nothing more than a long (ish) day in the woods and I'm looking forward to the run and seeing some friends afterwards. The running community is an awesome place to make friend and I've made some good ones. Stay tuned for race report and after party details!

Peace,
Eric

Change Now (Vegan Rant - Procede With Caution)

There's a disconnect at our dinner tables - the meat that is enjoyed (fleetingly) and the torture that has taken place to bring it to the plate in such a relative cheap fashion. Even the most low income families these days can afford what was once a luxury - meat. Not only that but most Americans will consume meat three or more times a day. Meat is affordable - yet it comes with a heavy price. Not just the health crisis that consumes America and the environmental crash that will most definitely take place for our meat addiction - no, the heaviest toll of all is placed on the animals that are treated as a commodity in order to reach the dinner table. We have placed them out of the realm of living beings and into the hell of a being a product. And in return we have lost a large portion of our own humanity. Something needs to change. We need to change. And now is the time.

Peace,
Eric