Active Spouse and Active Dog = Active Life

I think you could add Active kids in here too! Recently while I was camping in Hot Springs NC with my friends Cosmin and Simona, Simona noticed that the kids in the campground were all of normal, healthy weights. Since I grew up camping and being active I thought that was the norm for many years. Now I see many overweight kids. When I run or bike through neighborhoods I see few kids out and about. What happened? I think there is a corelation between active parents and active kids. These seems to extend to people that have active spouses and dogs too. I know that when Charlene is more active it pushes me to be even more active than usual. I have to keep up with my young wife! My cattle dog Axel also helps me be active as well. For his and my sanity. If you have an active dog your life will be hell if they don't get enough activity. Dog people seem to be more active than cat people. I know the cat people will hate me for saying this! Get out there and be active, your spouse, dog and life will thank you.

Tin Man Run

Some days the body does not cooperate. I went out to Umstead yesterday for a 6 mile run on trails. I knew my back was a little tweaky from something but,like usual I ignored my body. I will make it do what I want damnit! Company Mill trail is a little rocky to start out and when the rocks abate my body usually loosens up and flows a little. This time it felt like I was stiff and tight. Okay, stop and stretch, that will do it. Nope. Sprint to every other trail marker should do it. Nope. Walk a little. Nope. Okay, just run to the bridge for a 2 mile run, that will be acceptable. Nope, ain't gonna happen. Tuck my tail between my legs and hobble stiffly back to the car. Yeah, That is what my body wanted. Oh, to see the car again :) It was time for some beer and trashy TV. Just what my body ordered!

Encouragement and motivation

Despite 31 plus years of running and staying fit, I never felt like I truly motivated another person to run or stay fit. My motivation well is deep and fills anew each day. The first thing that runs through my mind when I awake is, "What workout can I do today?"
The thing that has slowly dawned on me is that motivating another person is actually impossible to do. It has to come from within and outside forces don't motivate very well. Sounds sorta sad, huh?
Encouraging another person is another thing entirely. It comes from a place that puts their needs and interests first. Support in helping someone attain their goals can be a wonderful thing. Who doesn't want someone to care and listen and show interest in their goals. So be it fitness, financial or life goals, I think I will just lend an open mind, heart and listen and encourage where I can.

Sports massage as torture

When one thinks of massage one thinks of a relaxing, peaceful experience or something you get on vacation in Thailand. My sports massage sessions probably bring to mind thoughts of medival torture more than pleaseure of any sort. Oh sure, the outcome is good. Increased movement, less soreness and being able to do the things I love free of pain. With all my 30 years of running, biking, climbing and all sorts of other stuff, my body is starting to rebel without some intervention on a regular basis. My therapist in named Brian Hagan and he works out of Raleigh. He also is the massage therapist for the Carolina Hurricanes. He is GOOD at his craft. He has an amazing grasp of sports related injuries and anatomy. I know some guys out there don't want a guy to touch them but, he is the consummate professional and makes everyone feel comfortable. Without his healing I would already be crippled from years of self inflicted abuse. Charlene has been to him and can vouch for his abilities. If anyone ever needs his information, just let me know.

Everthing that is old is new again

Sometimes when you have done something a thousand times over, you forget the beauty or effort or the simplicity in an activity like running. This summer I volunteered to help with the local Fleet Feet's Mud Runner program. Despite being laid up with broken ribs and damage from 2 mountain bike accidents, I went out every week and every other weekend to help out. This amounted to some easy running and directing runners around the trails of Schenck and Umstead parks. Despite the extreme heat it turned out to be a joy to watch people improve week after week and run farther than they thought they could. The staffer from the store Adam and I decided to mark some trails for the last few runs. We sent them every which a way at Umstead. Through creeks, over logs, down deer trails and through rainstorms. Their faces said it all at the end of the runs, either a tolerance of the run, a hate of it or the best result, a love of trail running.
My friend and Mud Runner Jessi has gotten stronger with each run and helped me appreciate the little bit of running I can still do. She is learning to play in running,watch the trails slip by underfoot rather than a black steam of asphalt. Another soul understanding the strength and confidence and beauty that come from this simple activity. Maybe sharing with others is what my lifetime of running has really been about. New trails await me...

Crack-up Part II

Okay, so maybe I am getting in over my head with this single track mountain biking. Every new trail seems to have a steep learning curve. I do mean steep. I started out yesterday afternoon going to the trails off 286 near Umstead State Park. On my way to park, I saw a guy with a cool bike. I asked him a little about it and he asked if I wanted to ride with him on his ride. He already had 20 miles in. No problem I thought. BIG mistake. Within the first 3 minutes I was in over my ability. I asked him how he went downhills so fast. He said he did not use his brakes. Bad idea. I was going faster than normal, especially for new trails. I was thinking how cool these trails were and caught a root and went flying. I mean flying. I hit on my left side. Thanks goodness because, my ribs are still hurt on my right side. I cut up my leg, my side and my left forearm was ragged and bleeding. My left shoulder hurt and my left hip and thigh were swelling. Okay, I thought, I will just finish up my hour ride. BAD idea in the 97 degree heat. I made it through but, when I got home to assess the damage, I was not pleased. Charlene was not pleased either. The worst injury seems to be my left shoulder as I am having a hard time lifting anything more than a coffee cup. Maybe some safe road riding with cars doing 60 is a better alternative!

When will the heat end?

It seems at this time of the year I start wishing for the heat to end. This year has been tough. In addition to my exercise routine, I have a pet sitting business that keeps me out during the high heat of the day. Combine that with a couple of broken ribs and I have really taxed myself this year. All it takes is the first low humidity day and I feel like tearing it up again. I hope for that soon...