Clebrating Days

Traditionally birthdays make for a good time for reflection. This year my birthday fell on rather busy day. Shannan had an all-day event and I was scheduled to participate in a professional conference downtown. As is my standard, I headed into the city early to avoid traffic. Time worked to my advantage, so I used the excess time to drive around the area where I was raised. It was nice to be there on this day. Memories flowed.

The juxtaposition of then and now suited me better than previous nostalgic rides through the old haunts. All in all, life has been good and I am extraordinarily grateful. I intend to celebrate a great many more birthdays. I pray each year will be better than the one before, and that I have the wherewithal to never forget the long and magnificent journey of life rooted in a working poor neighborhood in Atlanta.

Of all that has changed in my life since childhood, The Streak is the most influential. I’ve taken opportunities to go back to run in the area. This day, I marked miles in the car. It was nice, not to mention is t was below freezing outside.

Celebrate. Remember. Run.

Tom

The Power of the Universe and Gratitude for It

Greetings! Great things keep coming. At present, I'm deeply immersed in a sea of academic success. Our digital archive continues to grow and receive accolades. It's a delight to be on a team of insightful and innovative scholars. On the personal front, Shannan has really embraced exercise and made a serious transition in her lifestyle. Having my life partner committed to health creates an atmosphere of sheer bliss. 

On many occasions I have posted about prayer and clearly placing my intentions in the Universe while running. It's a powerful combination. The practice changed my life for the better and I am deeply thankful. I strongly advocate it for others.

Make like a joy. Run.

Tom

Here we go again!

Greetings! Here am I, again.  What a wonderful place to be. In less than one month The Streak will celebrate its 18th birthday. I used very intentional language there. The Streak really has taken on a fabulous life of its own, which complements my life in so many magnificent ways. In years past I wondered how long I could sustain exercising every single day. The Streak has since become a lifestyle. It happens. It will happen. For me, The Streak is. It’s as philosophical and spiritual as I make it sound.  

As I have posted many times on this site, it is during exercise that I think clearly. I pray. I reflect. In heat, cold, darkness, blistering sun, in unsettling environments, exercising--preserving The Streak animates the senses reminding me I am alive. Little else can provide physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health all at once, and at no cost whatsoever.

Running is free. Live. Run.

Tom

Reason For a Watch

Greetings! Fitness bracelets and other devices to monitor steps, energy and sleep have saturated the market. Health and tech analysts cite the benefits of knowing and tracking such information for short and long term fitness goals and general wellbeing. Both groups have also noted how data related to good and bad choices are stored and sold to third parties.

I’ve been running for twenty years. I have a very good sense of pace, so I have never wanted a watch that serves that purpose. Also, I feel very comfortable in identifying my heart rate and levels of intensity while exercising.  The GPS on some of these devices has a small allure as I have gotten lost more than once when running out of town. However, the piece that brought me into the wearable smart device is simply declining eyesight.

I’ve been checking in person and online for a watch for over a year that has a big, bold and bright display of the time and date.  The Pebble smartwatch delivered on those counts and more, and for significantly less money than most.  

At present, I don’t have any of the fitness apps to go with the Pebble, but I confess I am more than a little curious. More to follow.

Keep Time. Run.

Tom