Commitment. It's a word from which many guys recoil in horror. That's never been me - I'm more of the type who will jump into something and then find out what's required. That's the approach that got me involved in Scouting, sent me overseas for five years, and introduced me to the fine arts in my younger years, and all of that worked out great
So why am I suddenly reluctant to commit to anything, even things that (I think) I want to do? I'm not signing up for races in advance, I'm resisting travel to see my team in different places; I can't even seem to get myself to sign up for Scout activities that I KNOW I'm going to do! In the back of my mind, I'm wondering if I'm waiting / hoping / worried that something else is going to come along that is more important or urgent. Maybe I don't want to make a commitment for fear that I'll have to break it; that's not an unrealistic scenario at present.
I suppose that I just need to accept that I'm taking a risk of disappointing myself or others if I need to cancel on something, whether it's a marathon in Florida, or a campout, or even just a group workout. It won't be the end of the world, and chances are the others may not even notice my absence. As the saying goes: You would care less about what people thought about you, if you realized how rarely they did.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Blog Reboot: Time to Train!
November has begun, and the first snow has fallen, so it's time to start planning for next year's races. My wife has now finished her latest marathon, and I've been keeping in shape over the summer and fall, so I've got a good base to work from and not a lot of time before my next marathon.
It's also time to reboot this blog, which I haven't been able to do over the summer due to a new job and other obligations which occupied all of my time. Now that I've settled into all of my jobs, I think I'll get a little bit more time to record my comments.
It's actually been a good year for running - I've set PRs at a few distances, including the 10K and the half marathon. More importantly, I think I've helped a few people, including my son and my sister to get more involved in their own running careers and I am hopeful that they will keep it up.For me, 2012 will be the year to set a few more PRs, and hopefully get in two or three marathons.
This week, I had a good couple of runs (and one bad one) including my long run today at 14 miles, which I did at about a 9:30 pace. Today was also the NYC marathon, and while I was not running it, I would have liked to. Maybe next year, if I can get into the lottery, but I might also choose a smaller, more runner-friendly marathon.
Next time, I'll discuss my fear of commitment, and in future posts, my sense of entertainment, my running history, weekly updates on my training, and also a few non-running posts (just so I can vent during this election year)
It's also time to reboot this blog, which I haven't been able to do over the summer due to a new job and other obligations which occupied all of my time. Now that I've settled into all of my jobs, I think I'll get a little bit more time to record my comments.
It's actually been a good year for running - I've set PRs at a few distances, including the 10K and the half marathon. More importantly, I think I've helped a few people, including my son and my sister to get more involved in their own running careers and I am hopeful that they will keep it up.For me, 2012 will be the year to set a few more PRs, and hopefully get in two or three marathons.
This week, I had a good couple of runs (and one bad one) including my long run today at 14 miles, which I did at about a 9:30 pace. Today was also the NYC marathon, and while I was not running it, I would have liked to. Maybe next year, if I can get into the lottery, but I might also choose a smaller, more runner-friendly marathon.
Next time, I'll discuss my fear of commitment, and in future posts, my sense of entertainment, my running history, weekly updates on my training, and also a few non-running posts (just so I can vent during this election year)
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Relaunch
Relaunch. Restart. Reboot.
That's right it's do-over time The time when we junk what we had and we start over. Why? Because things are changing (as they always do). And change means new adventures, new perspectives, and new insights into the way we live our lives. I wasn't fully prepared to talk before, and you might not like what I talk about now, but I'm going to talk. Maybe you'll like it; maybe you won't, but I'm going to start doing this for me, first and foremost.
Change is good.
That's right it's do-over time The time when we junk what we had and we start over. Why? Because things are changing (as they always do). And change means new adventures, new perspectives, and new insights into the way we live our lives. I wasn't fully prepared to talk before, and you might not like what I talk about now, but I'm going to talk. Maybe you'll like it; maybe you won't, but I'm going to start doing this for me, first and foremost.
Change is good.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
"What's new?"
People ask me all the time "What's new?" "What's happening?" " How are things going?". I recognize that for most people this is just small talk - a way of saying hi, or just starting conversation. For some of my friends and colleagues, though, it's a serious question, but one that I've taken to ignoring so much in casual conversation, I don't really think about the answer. After all, who would be interested in my life (especially that my main life adventures ended six months ago)
I thought of this the other day, when a friend I hadn't seen in several weeks asked me what was new. When I gave my standard answer ("Really nothing much, how about with you?") he seemed surprised. It was a real question, and he was really interested, and didn't quite understand how nothing could be new in two months. And when I really thought about it - there's a lot going on in my life! First, I've just taken over as the Cubmaster for the local Cub Scout pack. I'm running a half-marathon next week, and a full marathon in just over a month, and doing all of the training for that. I've taken a new job in my company and finally feel like I understand what I'm doing, and on top of all that, I turn 40 next week (something my friend didn't realize). Sure, there are other issues I am concerned about - my father's health isn't great, and I worry about him and my mom; one of my sons is struggling with the pace of learning in school, so we're thinking about moving him to a new school; I'm wrestling with some big questions of religion and my place in society / my community.
I might not share all of this with my friend, or anyone else fully when they ask how I am, but it strikes me how little I think others are interested in me as a person. I do subscribe to the adage "You would care less about what people think of you if you realized how rarely they do", and I think we are living in a world where ego(t)ism is a bit out of control with the pervasiveness of Facebook, Twitter, and blogs (this one included). That said, there are those in my life to whom I should not give short shrift when express some interest. I am interested in what's going on in the lives of my friends, so why is it so odd they might be interested in mine? As I am examining many of my habits and behaviors this Lenten season, this is another one that I think I should explore a bit. I'm sure the world isn't interested in what's on my plate, but I can accept that a few people close to me could be.
I thought of this the other day, when a friend I hadn't seen in several weeks asked me what was new. When I gave my standard answer ("Really nothing much, how about with you?") he seemed surprised. It was a real question, and he was really interested, and didn't quite understand how nothing could be new in two months. And when I really thought about it - there's a lot going on in my life! First, I've just taken over as the Cubmaster for the local Cub Scout pack. I'm running a half-marathon next week, and a full marathon in just over a month, and doing all of the training for that. I've taken a new job in my company and finally feel like I understand what I'm doing, and on top of all that, I turn 40 next week (something my friend didn't realize). Sure, there are other issues I am concerned about - my father's health isn't great, and I worry about him and my mom; one of my sons is struggling with the pace of learning in school, so we're thinking about moving him to a new school; I'm wrestling with some big questions of religion and my place in society / my community.
I might not share all of this with my friend, or anyone else fully when they ask how I am, but it strikes me how little I think others are interested in me as a person. I do subscribe to the adage "You would care less about what people think of you if you realized how rarely they do", and I think we are living in a world where ego(t)ism is a bit out of control with the pervasiveness of Facebook, Twitter, and blogs (this one included). That said, there are those in my life to whom I should not give short shrift when express some interest. I am interested in what's going on in the lives of my friends, so why is it so odd they might be interested in mine? As I am examining many of my habits and behaviors this Lenten season, this is another one that I think I should explore a bit. I'm sure the world isn't interested in what's on my plate, but I can accept that a few people close to me could be.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Reality Television
I think these early years of the 21st century are really the golden age for documentaries. There is so much programming time available on the multitude of channels today, that even shows which could only hope for a marginal audience can get aired, and there's always some segment of the viewing audience which will be interested. (I compare this to my own childhood, where documentaries were only the stuff of PBS, and we typically watched them only when required to for homework, or when Dad had control over the TV channels.)
There are shows today about professions as diverse as fishermen, firefighters, models, and, of course, housewives. We've seen police shows ever since COPS arrived on Fox years ago, and I think this was the start of the reality TV movement, followed by the (in my opinion fantastic) Eco-Challenge. That said, I'm still waiting for Hollywood to call me about my ideas for the show about accountants and finance professionals (and no, "The Apprentice" just doesn't suffice).
What we often call 'reality' television, though, is nothing but. We have shows where people are 'trapped' on a desert island, apply for jobs as models, businesspeople and makeup artists, and others where people "look for love" (e.g. the Bachelor). My problem with many of these shows is that they are contrived situations, made for the television, and frankly, other than the notoriety of having appeared on the show, people's lives aren't changed by the experience.
One big exception to this, though, is "The Biggest Loser". On this show, people's lives can be dramatically altered just by their participation in the show, and the education they receive on nutrition and exercise. What is surprising is how little some of the contestants know about these subjects before they arrive on the show, but I guess if they were well-versed in these topics, they wouldn't be there. Outside the mainstream, though, is another show called "Heavy" on A&E. This show tracks the stories of people who are just as heavy as those on "Biggest Loser", and check themselves into a similarly structured program. The difference is that at the end, there is no grand prize waiting for them, only their (significantly reduced) new shape and fitness, and the ability to live their lives in a much different way. It is remarkable to see the challenges these people have, and the changes that occur over the six to nine months they are followed, when they are motivated not by money, but only by the simple desire to live better lives.
"Biggest Loser" has many seasons of history, and lots of the winners have been able to keep off their weight; I'd be interested to learn how the non-winners do, and also to see how the people on "Heavy" do in the long term. One thing is for sure, though; these people have learned more and probably applied those learnings far more than on other reality shows. After all, you don't often find yourself on a desert island anymore.....
There are shows today about professions as diverse as fishermen, firefighters, models, and, of course, housewives. We've seen police shows ever since COPS arrived on Fox years ago, and I think this was the start of the reality TV movement, followed by the (in my opinion fantastic) Eco-Challenge. That said, I'm still waiting for Hollywood to call me about my ideas for the show about accountants and finance professionals (and no, "The Apprentice" just doesn't suffice).
What we often call 'reality' television, though, is nothing but. We have shows where people are 'trapped' on a desert island, apply for jobs as models, businesspeople and makeup artists, and others where people "look for love" (e.g. the Bachelor). My problem with many of these shows is that they are contrived situations, made for the television, and frankly, other than the notoriety of having appeared on the show, people's lives aren't changed by the experience.
One big exception to this, though, is "The Biggest Loser". On this show, people's lives can be dramatically altered just by their participation in the show, and the education they receive on nutrition and exercise. What is surprising is how little some of the contestants know about these subjects before they arrive on the show, but I guess if they were well-versed in these topics, they wouldn't be there. Outside the mainstream, though, is another show called "Heavy" on A&E. This show tracks the stories of people who are just as heavy as those on "Biggest Loser", and check themselves into a similarly structured program. The difference is that at the end, there is no grand prize waiting for them, only their (significantly reduced) new shape and fitness, and the ability to live their lives in a much different way. It is remarkable to see the challenges these people have, and the changes that occur over the six to nine months they are followed, when they are motivated not by money, but only by the simple desire to live better lives.
"Biggest Loser" has many seasons of history, and lots of the winners have been able to keep off their weight; I'd be interested to learn how the non-winners do, and also to see how the people on "Heavy" do in the long term. One thing is for sure, though; these people have learned more and probably applied those learnings far more than on other reality shows. After all, you don't often find yourself on a desert island anymore.....
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Training Update - Mid-February
For those of you who don't know, I'm training to run the New Jersey Marathon on May 1st, and I've spent the last five weeks training (and complaining), mainly on the treadmill in my basement. Overall, it's been okay training, but I've gotten tired of the lack of change of scenery, I've watched about as many movies as I can (as well as Law and Order - it's ALWAYS on some channel), and I'm ready to bust out.
Which I did this past weekend. The outside temperature finally rose, without an associated rise in rain, snow, or my body temperature (illness has played a big role this January). I took full advantage, and went out for my long run on Saturday to enjoy great weather. What I had forgotten is that my last long run outside was only about 10 miles, while this week's run was a full 18. When I added the hills on the course I chose, it turned into a long, slow run, with (so far) three days of quad soreness. I really have to learn to crank up the elevation on the treadmill a lot more than I do today.
That said, I'm still a week ahead of my training plan, so I have some room for things to fall apart for a week. I'm on a cutback week, so the next few days should be more relaxing and enjoyable. I'm also really trying not to focus on my time performance in this race, but to really focus on enjoying the experience. It helps that I've gotten almost my whole family to join me on this weekend, and to do a 3-mile run / walk on the day before the marathon. I don't think we've ever done an athletic event before, and some of them not in many years, so this should be a really enjoyable weekend for everyone.
Lastly, I'm trying out my media chops - In addition to this blog, I've tried to host a podcast or two, and I'm writing articles for my local running club. I'm not sure that I have the time or the talent required to do any of this, but I'm stretching my wings to see how well I can fly. If you're reading this, someday you may be able to count yourself as one of the early victims of my prose.
Run strong, and love what you're doing.
Which I did this past weekend. The outside temperature finally rose, without an associated rise in rain, snow, or my body temperature (illness has played a big role this January). I took full advantage, and went out for my long run on Saturday to enjoy great weather. What I had forgotten is that my last long run outside was only about 10 miles, while this week's run was a full 18. When I added the hills on the course I chose, it turned into a long, slow run, with (so far) three days of quad soreness. I really have to learn to crank up the elevation on the treadmill a lot more than I do today.
That said, I'm still a week ahead of my training plan, so I have some room for things to fall apart for a week. I'm on a cutback week, so the next few days should be more relaxing and enjoyable. I'm also really trying not to focus on my time performance in this race, but to really focus on enjoying the experience. It helps that I've gotten almost my whole family to join me on this weekend, and to do a 3-mile run / walk on the day before the marathon. I don't think we've ever done an athletic event before, and some of them not in many years, so this should be a really enjoyable weekend for everyone.
Lastly, I'm trying out my media chops - In addition to this blog, I've tried to host a podcast or two, and I'm writing articles for my local running club. I'm not sure that I have the time or the talent required to do any of this, but I'm stretching my wings to see how well I can fly. If you're reading this, someday you may be able to count yourself as one of the early victims of my prose.
Run strong, and love what you're doing.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Starting the Year Over
I was finally able to get in a few runs outside last week, and that was a mixed blessing. It was great to finally get some fresh air, and to get a change of scenery and terrain - I think that is restored a bit of sanity that I was missing. The downside, though, was that it was snowy, the roads weren't great, and it was hard.
Why hard? After running for nearly three weeks on a treadmill, my legs weren't familiar with the size hills I have to deal with, my lungs weren't fully ready for the cold, and frankly, I've gotten used to running with a TV, not just the podcasts on my ipod. I listen to podcasts about running and politics, as they're less distracting than music, but after a few weeks of TV, audio-only was a change of pace.
I also took the time to record a few videos and a submission for The Extra Mile Podcast. I've been trying to get more involved in social media lately, in order to enhance my own running experience, and there are lots of opportunities to get involved. In addition to the Extra Mile, I sent my videos to the Slow Runners Club - this is a group of ....less-competitive runners who revel in our sport, more in the enjoyment than in the competition. Adam Tinkoff and Eddie Marathon host a podcast and website to help inspire and motivate runners of all types.
I even hosted an episode of the Runners Roundtable this week. While I'm not the best podcaster (and as you can tell, not the greatest blogger), I'm trying to develop new skills and experiences (more on that in my next posting). RRT offers a great chance to discuss a variety of running topics each week, and runners of all abilities are encouraged to participate.
If you're not yet involved in the Extra Mile or the Runners Roundtable, you should give the podcasts a listen, and get involved. There's always room for more participation, and your experiences can be valuable to a host of other runners.
Alas, snow has again returned to New York, and my long run today (16 miles) had to be done on the treadmill. I included lots of hill work, and kept my pace down, so it went well, and was a useful run. Fortunately, I'm a week ahead in my training, and I'll have time to re-adapt to outdoor conditions before I get to those critical 20 and 20+ mile runs.
Between the snow and the flu that is now sweeping through my family, I'm ready for winter to be over. So much so, that we're going to try and start the year over again on Monday, With luck, the rest of this winter will be snow and illness free. The groundhog didn't see his shadow this week, so we have reason to hope.
Why hard? After running for nearly three weeks on a treadmill, my legs weren't familiar with the size hills I have to deal with, my lungs weren't fully ready for the cold, and frankly, I've gotten used to running with a TV, not just the podcasts on my ipod. I listen to podcasts about running and politics, as they're less distracting than music, but after a few weeks of TV, audio-only was a change of pace.
I also took the time to record a few videos and a submission for The Extra Mile Podcast. I've been trying to get more involved in social media lately, in order to enhance my own running experience, and there are lots of opportunities to get involved. In addition to the Extra Mile, I sent my videos to the Slow Runners Club - this is a group of ....less-competitive runners who revel in our sport, more in the enjoyment than in the competition. Adam Tinkoff and Eddie Marathon host a podcast and website to help inspire and motivate runners of all types.
I even hosted an episode of the Runners Roundtable this week. While I'm not the best podcaster (and as you can tell, not the greatest blogger), I'm trying to develop new skills and experiences (more on that in my next posting). RRT offers a great chance to discuss a variety of running topics each week, and runners of all abilities are encouraged to participate.
If you're not yet involved in the Extra Mile or the Runners Roundtable, you should give the podcasts a listen, and get involved. There's always room for more participation, and your experiences can be valuable to a host of other runners.
Alas, snow has again returned to New York, and my long run today (16 miles) had to be done on the treadmill. I included lots of hill work, and kept my pace down, so it went well, and was a useful run. Fortunately, I'm a week ahead in my training, and I'll have time to re-adapt to outdoor conditions before I get to those critical 20 and 20+ mile runs.
Between the snow and the flu that is now sweeping through my family, I'm ready for winter to be over. So much so, that we're going to try and start the year over again on Monday, With luck, the rest of this winter will be snow and illness free. The groundhog didn't see his shadow this week, so we have reason to hope.
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