“People think we’re crazy and psychotic and bizarre, and yes, some of us are very Type A or competitive, but there’s a spiritual side, too. You really learn about yourself when you bring yourself to that edge. It gives you a glimpse of what you’re really made of and even the meaning of life, a vision of the soul. It’s an evolved, instinctual thing to do.” Scott Jurek
That was in a nutshell a point of my "presentation" at REI on Wed night (I stole a quote from Viper's post) - set up by Montrail and Forest Park and shared with Dave Terry. Dave was really good in keeping his speech on cue what Paul had asked us - what is an ultramarathon, distances, surfaces, how to train for, how to run, fueling...he warmed at the end by telling a couple of stories from his HR100 and WS100. Of course, once I jumped in, it was all about fun, love, passion, addiction, "everybody can if they want to", and perky stories (Adrien's run was included in "mind over matter", along with my WS100 in 2005). Surprisingly, there were may be 30 people in attendance. Stephen (my son) told me I did a good job and sounded professional, exciting and funny - my, I had no idea he listened, he liked it and he knows those words! Best compliment for me:)
I am finally caught up with emails and phone calls to friends and blog entries for a week. I met with one friend for dinner Wed after presentation, one - Thursday and meeting another one tonight. More scheduled for the weekend - and that will be over running grounds!!! Forest Park and Gorge on schedule, venture on, my friends. Gotta love OR, especially after dry brown hills of San Diego. This green lush excites the eye cornea so much, makes me jump!
Speaking of running - I did my first in a month run last night, as in "alone, by myself, no hook-up party-pretend-run, during a work week", in Tryon park!!! While my left hip hurt (that over-compensating injury I developed at bear 100 to protect my right hip and the one that bugged me during my weekend outings to the Gorge, as well as at SD100) and my shins did too (shit, this one jumped out of nowhere, I forgot I have CCS!), I enjoyed it a lot and now am ready to get back on track. First steps are always the most difficult after a break.
Ronda posted great eating tips, and today is my first day on doing something in respect of "small portions, more protein, less carbs, eat every 2.5 hrs". Will I ever stick with it? Unlike her, I loose focus rather fast if no immediate goal is in site, so please feel free to scold me on that. May be I should aim for a shopping trip in a few weeks? I need new jeans...
And last but not least - Angie tagged me with "Why I am a runner" question. First of all, so many of you either responded or read answers, I don't want to repeat. Secondly, and more importantly and obvious - if you come by to read my blog and haven't figured it out yet - I am doing a pour job writing:) So go on, scold me for taking this way out, but really, honestly, I don't think much of "I am a runner, and why". I just totally exist the way I am, simple like that! Oh, and by the way, go back to the top and read Scott's quote:)
A Mountain Soul
9 comments:
I don't know. Your "a fire of a weekend" had me sitting on the edge of my seat wondering how things would come out. And I love this post as well. Maybe you are back to writing as well as running. Don't guess your presentation was recorded? Wish I'd been there to hear it.
I'm trying to catch up on blogs and emails too - sorry it took me so long to get here.
How sweet that Stephen paid attention and gave you the best compliment ever! It's good to hear from a stranger, but the best ever from your own child. Just think of the dreams you are showing him...
you're so cute!
sounds like the presentation was fantastic, that is AWESOME!
and guess what...I'm getting my very first pacing duties this weekend (spur-of-the-moment) for a guy who DNF'd JJ100 last year. I'm taking on miles 75-90 with him...!
Olga,
Wow! you even made someone else's race report a great read (would you mind writing mine in the future :)! I loved reading about Adrien's race and I'm so glad it worked out so well.
Your blog has absolutely told us why you are a runner - that's why I love reading it! Thanks for sharing it all with us.
Carilyn
I wish I could have been at that presentation! That certainly is the best compliment coming from Stephen. Very cool. : )
On the food thing, my personal opinion is that a few small adjustments that you know you can maintain works the best. And then once those are solid you can take it another step, if necessary. But if you set your mind to it and you really want it, I know you can do it. : )
And that is why I didn't tag you:)
So you're break is over huh. Waiting for mine to start. It will be here soon enough.
Glad to hear the presentation went well. Enjoy those Oregon Trails for me. See you in a week at Autumn Leaves?
Good Job on ur preso!! and way to get back in ur groove...not sure if I could follow that food lineup, I am getting better at making smaller portions so that does help.
I like that, very nicely said
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