Good things will come

I had hoped for a sub deciduous tropical forest run while in western Mexico. After hiking an hour or so we learned about the forest’s abundance of ticks, snakes and spiders. Over the years, I’ve battled many a snake for the right of passage. Slithering reptiles rank low on the fear factor, but arachnids land at a solid ten. I saw tons of the eight legged creatures in webs and crawling under foot along the way. Midway through the hike, I was introduced to a baseball sized spider, up close and personal. This gave me cause to rethink the topical forest run.

I struggled, seriously I did, but I found solace knowing we had time scheduled on a secluded beach in Nayarit. We turned up on a romantic dream come true--waves crashing on shore, soft tropical breezes, warm rays of the midday sun and a stretch of flawless white sand. Did I mention this outing took place during the week of our thirteenth wedding anniversary? Anyway, upon arrival Shannan and I relished the privacy and beauty of our remote destination. Mentally, I bemoaned the lack of open space. Only a quarter of a mile or so made up the beach, captured within rocky outcroppings. Given its surreal beauty and charm I considered running back and forth twelve to sixteen times. That thought waned as quickly as it came.

Vacation expectations reigned supreme. We strolled along the beach hand in hand, took a self timer picture or two and chatted about our dreams and visions. Time passed much too quickly. I had noticed a wash-out gulley midway on the beach. It cut a small path into the dense green growth. Shannan knew I wanted to explore, I wanted to run. I ambled to the opening. I looked at her and held up two fingers. She smiled.


I disappeared into the tree line. Shannan knew it would be many more than two minutes before I emerged. She took a seat and left me to my obsession. A sight to behold, yes, but a path to run, no (see photo to the left). Rocky, uneven and low lying palms made it nearly impassable, but definitely awe inspiring. I hiked five minutes or thereabouts before turning back. Even Shannan has her limits.

Not to be denied, later in the day I enjoyed a short run along the beach, across the pier and through a resort. Each gave way to beautiful views of nature and people. I slowed long enough to snap a few photos of the mesmerizing sunset (see picture below).

All in all it was a great day exploring diverse regions and enjoying creation.

Explore, love and live.

Tom

The Wages of Wireless are...

Greetings! I broke the rule. Not the Golden Rule, but close. Rule number one in blogging, according to experts Duane Forrester and Gavin Powell, is to never ever go more than a week without posting. I stand guilty. I have sinned against devoted bloggers, faithful readers and the ever present cyber gods. Thus I throw myself on the mercy of the Internet.

As I prepared to launch into online chronicling of The Streak I considered the numerous and interesting events that happen on the road. With that in mind and after reading Forrester and Powell I began dropping monumental hints until my lovely wife gave me a very early birthday gift of a nifty high powered Netbook.

I took said portable computer with me for our annual winter vacation. The Streak did not disappoint. Like all the other out of town runs, I encountered intriguing people and sublime landscapes. From Baja California to the end of land in the Mexican Riviera wireless access was available through which to share these adventures with you, but at a cost.

Hence the dilemma and my lack of posting for more than a week. I have two defining constants in my life. One is the nearly 13 year old Streak, where I exercise every day. The second, I despise spending money. I make no apology for my frugality, but I do hope the cyber gods, Forrester, Powell and you will forgive my grievous transgression.

I did have a pen and paper at my disposal with absolutely no hidden fees. I wrote volumes on my journey. I plan to upload a blog along with photos every other day for a while. Hopefully this indulgence will spare me more severe penance.

Until next time read, write and exercise.

Tom

Slow out of the Gate

Greetings! When I know I have a long and fully-packed day, I make every effort to get up early and exercise first thing in the morning. This practice has had me up as early as 1:00 am on International travel days to ensure that I meet my self-imposed exercise requirements for the day. Today, I needed only to get up slightly before 5:00am, my normal wake-up time, in order to exercise before work. I did not get up with my alarm, however, and as it turns out nothing about the morning has been normal.

I’ll spare you the bizarre set of circumstances that led me astray, stretching from the pre-dawn hours until just before now. Suffice it to say the day moved like a whirlwind. Then my lunch break arrived and I found myself staring at a blank word processing screen. For more than twenty minutes I nibbled at my meal and was completely unable to think of a single word to write. I hadn't exercised, had been off kilter all morning long, and I just wanted to tap out. I was empty. I had nothing in the tank.

Then it hit me. Nothing--that’s it! I decided to blog about the reality that there are MANY days when I don’t feel like exercising. On those days, the thought of running in the rain or cold seems deplorable, hearing the repetitive noises of exercise equipment works my nerves and the time and pain of resistance training hold absolutely no appeal.

Fifteen minutes ago I didn’t want to write, but now the words are flowing. Here in my neck of the woods it’s a fairly chilly day. That notwithstanding, I am inspired and invigorated to go for at least a 5K jog after work. This epiphany was just what I needed on all fronts. I find that invariably, once I get started running, it’s never as cold, the machines are not as loud, or the workout is not as hard as I imagined. Truthfully, it’s the first step that’s the hardest. Today, I hope that step is an easy one for you.

Let’s get out there and let’s keep moving.
~Tom

Happy and Healthy Holidays

Greetings! I hope you had a happy and healthy Thanksgiving. ‘Tis the season of eating, drinking and making merry. Did you know that nutrition professionals suggest that from Halloween to New Year’s Day the average person puts on ten (10) to twenty (20) pounds? That’s a lot of weight to remove, especially if you begin in January. The cold and inclement weather discourages many people from the choice to walk, bike or jog.

In a course I teach we discuss the concept of “moral holidays.” Examples of moral holidays include New Year’s Eve and Mardi Gras. These are occasions when people act as if they hold a license to live outside the norm (to be deviant or to sin if you will). This is not reckless abandonment, as each reveler knows that the transition back to normal or ideal life comes via resolutions of January first or the forty days of repentance during Lent. It’s a good psychological process, for sure.

I like to think of Thanksgiving and Christmas in a similar light. They are days filled with cooking, eating, drinking and socializing, none of which burn very many calories. So, dive head first into our cultural milieu of gorging, but afterwards be steadfast to adhere to the tenets of restraint, moderation and regular exercise.

Try something new this holiday season. Go against the grain. Don’t become a weight gain statistic! Maintain or even lose weight this December. You’ll love yourself for it in the New Year.

Be Merry. Stay Active. Be Happy!

Tom