Alternative routes are time consuming and tedious but they can you to places where you would have not gone otherwise. Along the way you make discoveries that would have been missed had you not taken that path. The paths we take in life lead us into the undiscovered territory of our interior landscape.
Two years ago, I began a journey of weight loss because of a million dollar challenge. At that time I, was emotionally and mentally operating on auto pilot. I was sleep walking through my through my life. My weight was climbing out of control. I figured a million dollar challenge was the motivation I needed to do something about it.
.
I did not win the challenge, RATS!!
However, I took an alternative route toward sustained behavioral change. This time consuming and tedious alternative route has exposed me to places, events, and people that I would not have experienced otherwise.
I was walk/jogging yesterday around the periphery of a shopping complex and discovered that I don't need perfect conditions and locations to get exercise in. I did my own make shift 5k course in 45minutes. Two years ago it would have taken me well over a hour and a half to traverse that same distance.Yesterday I did 30 minute strength training and one hour Reformer Pilate's. Two years ago that would not have happened.
Alternative Routes, although time consuming and tedious, are often blessings in disguise.
I am grateful for the people I've meet, the friends I've made, and the self discoveries I've experienced
on my alternative route.
Peace & Blessings on Your Journey
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Crossing borders
It's been a while since I last posted. So here's a little something for those may have thought I stopped.
As the year comes to an end and preparations begin for the next, I am reminded to pause and breath.
I can so far ahead of myself with grand plans and lofty goals that I forget to breath and ground myself.
Some years ago I was blessed to experience a water, breath, sound meditation exercise that helped me focus. I have not done these exercises for quite sometime but, I found them to be helpful a way to open to the journey within.
The journey within is about crossing borders into unknown territory. Moving past barriers that block my creativity, my happiness, my love. There are external and internal voices telling me what I can and can not do, what I can and can not be, what I can and can not have. But, I am moving past those voices to live my life free of domestication.
As I prepare for next year's race season I sense an invitation to explore why I am doing all this training for races and endurance events? Why not just sit back take life as it comes and not challenge myself? Life has enough challenges why, add to it? These are good questions to ponder.
When I was watching Dancing the Stars there was well portioned sister that was dancing her heart out giving her competition a run for the money!! There was a star with brain cancer dancing with grace and determination!! They tapped into something deep within.
Next year I will be racing in several major races one half marathon, maybe two. Two Olympic Triathlons 1,500m swim, a 40km bike and 10km run one with a team the other solo. A ten mile race and several 5k's. And a sprint Triathlon or two thrown in for flavor. My take away from the motivational video is this quote:
"I am a lion in a field of lions all hunting the same elusive prey with a desperate starvation that says victory is the only thing that will keep me alive."
I will see you at the border crossing :)
Peace & Blessings on Your Journey
As the year comes to an end and preparations begin for the next, I am reminded to pause and breath.
I can so far ahead of myself with grand plans and lofty goals that I forget to breath and ground myself.
Some years ago I was blessed to experience a water, breath, sound meditation exercise that helped me focus. I have not done these exercises for quite sometime but, I found them to be helpful a way to open to the journey within.
The journey within is about crossing borders into unknown territory. Moving past barriers that block my creativity, my happiness, my love. There are external and internal voices telling me what I can and can not do, what I can and can not be, what I can and can not have. But, I am moving past those voices to live my life free of domestication.
As I prepare for next year's race season I sense an invitation to explore why I am doing all this training for races and endurance events? Why not just sit back take life as it comes and not challenge myself? Life has enough challenges why, add to it? These are good questions to ponder.
When I was watching Dancing the Stars there was well portioned sister that was dancing her heart out giving her competition a run for the money!! There was a star with brain cancer dancing with grace and determination!! They tapped into something deep within.
Next year I will be racing in several major races one half marathon, maybe two. Two Olympic Triathlons 1,500m swim, a 40km bike and 10km run one with a team the other solo. A ten mile race and several 5k's. And a sprint Triathlon or two thrown in for flavor. My take away from the motivational video is this quote:
"I am a lion in a field of lions all hunting the same elusive prey with a desperate starvation that says victory is the only thing that will keep me alive."
I will see you at the border crossing :)
Peace & Blessings on Your Journey
Friday, November 15, 2013
Facing down obstacles
It is said: "that what is in you will come out of you". Today my trainer wanted me to try "box jumps" (vertically jumping onto a platform just shy of 12 inches high).
At first glance, I thought to myself: "there is no way I'm going to jump that high" "I'm going to fall flat on my face!!"
F.E.A.R. (False Evidence Appearing Real) is a powerful force. But, once on the other side of it you experience F.A.I.T.H (Full Assurance Invoking Transformative Healing)
Did I fall? You better believe it!! But, I shook it off and got back up. The ability to get back up comes from the source of peace and power that resides deep within. As I cleared my mind and focused on engaging my core I was able to do three sets of box jumps each jump stronger than the last.
As 2014 approaches I am facing the F.E.A.R of: three half marathons, the Solider Field Ten mile, two international distance triathlons, and a couple of triathlon sprints and 5ks thrown in for flavour. Yet, as I begin Winter Warrior Training (Triathlon edition) I am open to increasing my F.A.I.T.H
Moving from F.E.A.R to F.A.I.T.H is a process of increasing what fuels my soul and decreasing what doesn't.
It is my hearts intention that you do the same.
Peace & Blessings on Your Journey..
At first glance, I thought to myself: "there is no way I'm going to jump that high" "I'm going to fall flat on my face!!"
F.E.A.R. (False Evidence Appearing Real) is a powerful force. But, once on the other side of it you experience F.A.I.T.H (Full Assurance Invoking Transformative Healing)
Did I fall? You better believe it!! But, I shook it off and got back up. The ability to get back up comes from the source of peace and power that resides deep within. As I cleared my mind and focused on engaging my core I was able to do three sets of box jumps each jump stronger than the last.
As 2014 approaches I am facing the F.E.A.R of: three half marathons, the Solider Field Ten mile, two international distance triathlons, and a couple of triathlon sprints and 5ks thrown in for flavour. Yet, as I begin Winter Warrior Training (Triathlon edition) I am open to increasing my F.A.I.T.H
Moving from F.E.A.R to F.A.I.T.H is a process of increasing what fuels my soul and decreasing what doesn't.
It is my hearts intention that you do the same.
Peace & Blessings on Your Journey..
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Hidden Blessings
So, I'm running late in getting to the gym. I get here and discover that I don't have my swimsuit to put on after my treadmill class. Oh, crap! Now what?
The original plan was to do the treadmill class, get in a swim and aqua volleyball, then finish up with core workout class to prepare for the holiday season. A few years ago I would have had an all or nothing mindset, gone home frustrated, and ate something heavy while sulking in front of the television, nodding off to zombie land!!! Not a pretty picture people!!!!
That was then, this is now!
I realize that all or nothing thinking does not help me on my journey. Things always seem to happen to throw my schedule and plans off track. (I can't believe I missed almost two weeks of treadmill classes..what in the word was I thinking?) But, I am growing in my awareness to adapt and overcome.
I accept my frustrations and anxieties while being committed to honoring my vows to myself. I discovered today that the word "marry" is a nautical term that means interweaving two pieces of rope to make a stronger bond.
So I interweave my heart with my mind, my body with my spirit, my frustrations with my acceptance emerging into a stronger me on the inside and out as I cherish and love myself.
I encourage you Cherish, yourself!! Love yourself!!
Growth is insight with sustained behavioral change. Live in the present and remain open to the possibilities all around you. You never know what opportunities may present themselves.
As a result of not having my swimsuit I worked out harder in treadmill class. Afterward, while I trying to control my breathing, I shared that I had a lot of time on my hands before my next class so I, was invited to share my story with a class of people just starting their journey.
I am truly humbled and honored if my journey can bless others on theirs.
Peace & Blessings On Your Journey
The original plan was to do the treadmill class, get in a swim and aqua volleyball, then finish up with core workout class to prepare for the holiday season. A few years ago I would have had an all or nothing mindset, gone home frustrated, and ate something heavy while sulking in front of the television, nodding off to zombie land!!! Not a pretty picture people!!!!
That was then, this is now!
I realize that all or nothing thinking does not help me on my journey. Things always seem to happen to throw my schedule and plans off track. (I can't believe I missed almost two weeks of treadmill classes..what in the word was I thinking?) But, I am growing in my awareness to adapt and overcome.
I accept my frustrations and anxieties while being committed to honoring my vows to myself. I discovered today that the word "marry" is a nautical term that means interweaving two pieces of rope to make a stronger bond.
So I interweave my heart with my mind, my body with my spirit, my frustrations with my acceptance emerging into a stronger me on the inside and out as I cherish and love myself.
I encourage you Cherish, yourself!! Love yourself!!
Growth is insight with sustained behavioral change. Live in the present and remain open to the possibilities all around you. You never know what opportunities may present themselves.
As a result of not having my swimsuit I worked out harder in treadmill class. Afterward, while I trying to control my breathing, I shared that I had a lot of time on my hands before my next class so I, was invited to share my story with a class of people just starting their journey.
I am truly humbled and honored if my journey can bless others on theirs.
Peace & Blessings On Your Journey
Monday, November 11, 2013
Almost there
I have had the pleasure of participating in several races this year beginning with the Jan. 1 2013 Commitment Day 5k where the temperature was a balmy 19 degrees with light snow and ice on the course and ending with the recent Hot Chocolate 15k with several others races and two triathlon sprints thrown in for good measure.
On every race there are the wonderful volunteers on the course and the participants who have completed the course and claimed their prize who say these the magical words that evoke mixed responses deep from within. These seven powerful words are blessing and a burden. There are blessings because they indicate that relief is close at hand but a burden because you realize you're not there yet. What are well meaning words spoken to inspire and encourage? Simply this "Great job!! Keep going you're almost there!!" Nine times out of ten my first inner thought is: "Are these people kidding me? I heard there's a mile to go, freaking two miles ago!!" "Almost there is not, freaking being there!!"
Usually when I hear this words I've reached my limit and every fiber in my being is wondering if I will meet my creator at the finish line but, simultaneously wishing I won't. One part my psyche is secretly praying, "please Lord take me now!" and the other part of my mind responds "Ignore that last request, I'm not ready yet, I 've got work to do!!!" This internal robust turmoil intensifies a mile out, half mile out, and a quarter mile out, down to the final all out sprint, when the finish line is in sight. :
So, with a devil on my left saying: "Almost there my ass! These people are messing with you!! You need to stop, you're not going to make it. Give up now!" and an angel on my right chanting: "almost there..anything, anything, you can do anything for 15minutes...almost there..anything, anything you can do anything for 15minutes" I put one foot in front of the other and keep going.
Today, I discovered the importance of putting one foot in front of the other. My wife introduced me to a 100 foot 45 degree climb called Swallow Cliff. This imposing obstacle is 125 stairs of sheer cardiac delight. As a naive novice climber I looked up this steep incline thinking: "This doesn't like so bad. How hard could it be?" At step 65 I found myself saying WTF!! I know it was step 65 because, I was bent over gasping for air looking at the painted blue number staring back at me taunting me saying "Is that all you got?" When I looked heavenward and saw fellow climbers running up and taking the stairs two at a time I heard a small soft voice begin to chant: "almost there..anything, anything, you can do anything for 15minutes!" So, like the "Little Engine That Could" I dug deep and went up and over the stairs one step at time putting one foot in front of the other, finishing with a nice jog on the hiking trail on the otherside.
On the jog as we went into the woods my wife wanted to stop and turn around and I said let's keep going we are almost there. We have never been to this place mind you but, I was confidently telling her: We are almost there, lets go another 15 minutes." After the hike we returned to the stairs for the awkward climb down. Upon reaching the bottom we decided to ascend and descend the 125 stairs two more times before returning to the car.With each ascent and descent I gained strength and endurance.
On the third trip down I found myself confidently smiling and encouraging another bent over climber at step 65 with these seven magical words: "Great job!! Keep going, you're almost there!!"
Peace & Blessings On Your Journey..
On every race there are the wonderful volunteers on the course and the participants who have completed the course and claimed their prize who say these the magical words that evoke mixed responses deep from within. These seven powerful words are blessing and a burden. There are blessings because they indicate that relief is close at hand but a burden because you realize you're not there yet. What are well meaning words spoken to inspire and encourage? Simply this "Great job!! Keep going you're almost there!!" Nine times out of ten my first inner thought is: "Are these people kidding me? I heard there's a mile to go, freaking two miles ago!!" "Almost there is not, freaking being there!!"
Usually when I hear this words I've reached my limit and every fiber in my being is wondering if I will meet my creator at the finish line but, simultaneously wishing I won't. One part my psyche is secretly praying, "please Lord take me now!" and the other part of my mind responds "Ignore that last request, I'm not ready yet, I 've got work to do!!!" This internal robust turmoil intensifies a mile out, half mile out, and a quarter mile out, down to the final all out sprint, when the finish line is in sight. :
So, with a devil on my left saying: "Almost there my ass! These people are messing with you!! You need to stop, you're not going to make it. Give up now!" and an angel on my right chanting: "almost there..anything, anything, you can do anything for 15minutes...almost there..anything, anything you can do anything for 15minutes" I put one foot in front of the other and keep going.
Today, I discovered the importance of putting one foot in front of the other. My wife introduced me to a 100 foot 45 degree climb called Swallow Cliff. This imposing obstacle is 125 stairs of sheer cardiac delight. As a naive novice climber I looked up this steep incline thinking: "This doesn't like so bad. How hard could it be?" At step 65 I found myself saying WTF!! I know it was step 65 because, I was bent over gasping for air looking at the painted blue number staring back at me taunting me saying "Is that all you got?" When I looked heavenward and saw fellow climbers running up and taking the stairs two at a time I heard a small soft voice begin to chant: "almost there..anything, anything, you can do anything for 15minutes!" So, like the "Little Engine That Could" I dug deep and went up and over the stairs one step at time putting one foot in front of the other, finishing with a nice jog on the hiking trail on the otherside.
On the jog as we went into the woods my wife wanted to stop and turn around and I said let's keep going we are almost there. We have never been to this place mind you but, I was confidently telling her: We are almost there, lets go another 15 minutes." After the hike we returned to the stairs for the awkward climb down. Upon reaching the bottom we decided to ascend and descend the 125 stairs two more times before returning to the car.With each ascent and descent I gained strength and endurance.
On the third trip down I found myself confidently smiling and encouraging another bent over climber at step 65 with these seven magical words: "Great job!! Keep going, you're almost there!!"
Peace & Blessings On Your Journey..
Monday, November 4, 2013
"I've Come Too Far.."
Yesterday was the 6th Anniversary of Chicago's Hot Chocolate 15k/5k race. It was a brisk low 30's morning with over 40,000 participants running for mugs with treats in them to be dipped in hot chocolate and washed down with hot cocoa!! Thank goodness my blood glucose is more regulated or I would be in some one's emergency room rather than at home blogging about my experience!!! :)
As the run started, my wife and I were grouped together in the second wave of runners to run the course. When it was our turn, after a long wait, we started our run trough the tunnels and streets of Chicago. We saw people of all sizes, nationalities, and physical abilities. There was a young with one leg in front us, talk about inspiring!! We all had one common goal, to finish the race and enjoy our share of chocolate!!
I signed my wife and I up for the 15k which is 9.3 miles. For non-runners, such as ourselves, this was not the easiest thing in the world to do!!! Maintaining a quick pace, while absorbing the shock of constant pounding on concrete, over time takes a toll on the knees, ankles and lower back. At the 5k/15k course split we had a choice to make: follow the majority of the crowd and stop at the 5k point? or press on toward the 15k finish line? My wife said it was up to me, thanks sweetie!! The pain was just starting to introduce itself but, thought to myself if I want to be an Ironman one day this is only the beginning.
There are times in life when we have to make a split second decision: quit or keep going. For me quitting is not an option. I've come too far to turn around!!!
There is a scene in the movie Gattaca (which are base pair DNA sequences, I thought I would throw this in to prove my Microbiology degree was not a complete waste of time but, I digress) starring Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, were people are genetically engineered to assume the elite places in society. Society is split into two categories the valid (genetically superior) and the invalids (genetically inferior) One of the subplots of the movie is about two brothers one valid the other invalid. Its a very good movie about the lengths an invalid (Hawke) goes through to achieve his dreams.
The story begins describing the nature of the relationship between two brothers and their parents. Vincent, the eldest son, born naturally with genetic impurities versus his younger brother Anton, born with a leg up in the world, having the genetic 'right stuff' to be successful in life.
Vincent and Anton were typical brothers who competed in everything. Naturally, Anton being genetically superior would win every contest and Vincent being genetically inferior would lose. Anton was favored by his father and Vincent was treated like a weakling. Until one day something strange happened, Vincent beat Anton while swimming, in fact Vincent had to save his younger Anton. Watch the movie for what happened next its a thriller suspense!!
As adults the brothers are faced with a critical dilemma. They decide to resolve it by swimming in the cold dark ocean to prove who is superior and who is not. As they strip down and swim out into the deep they are side by side then like in childhood Vincent pulls ahead and keeps going. Anton is yelling: "Stop! We need to turn around, we've come too far. We won't make it to the other side!!!" Vincent shouts back: "Do you wanna quit?" Anton screams: "No!" so they keep swimming stroke for stroke until Anton pulls up pleading to stop because he is fearful and on the verge on drowning for the second time in his perfect life. Shocked, bewildered, and gasping for air Anton asks: "How are you doing this? How have you done any of this?" Vincent responds; "I didn't save anything for the swim back!!"
I don't have a triathlete's body. According to one doctor, given my age and size I have no business running. But, I have never let anybody tell me what I can't do. I might not be the fastest, or the thinnest but, I've got the heart to keep going.
When I woke this morning, feeling aching after completing a 2hour 24 minute 9.3mile run, I realized I've come too far on my journey to turn around. When I first learned how to swim as an adult, I was in an Olympic sized pool that was 15feet deep. The .only way to get to the other side was to keep kicking, quitting was not an option. If you took the time to read this, realize whatever your dreams are keep going because you've come too far to turn around. Enjoy this song on as you reach your destination.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ioxg_gK0Ac4
Peace & Blessings On Your Journey
As the run started, my wife and I were grouped together in the second wave of runners to run the course. When it was our turn, after a long wait, we started our run trough the tunnels and streets of Chicago. We saw people of all sizes, nationalities, and physical abilities. There was a young with one leg in front us, talk about inspiring!! We all had one common goal, to finish the race and enjoy our share of chocolate!!
I signed my wife and I up for the 15k which is 9.3 miles. For non-runners, such as ourselves, this was not the easiest thing in the world to do!!! Maintaining a quick pace, while absorbing the shock of constant pounding on concrete, over time takes a toll on the knees, ankles and lower back. At the 5k/15k course split we had a choice to make: follow the majority of the crowd and stop at the 5k point? or press on toward the 15k finish line? My wife said it was up to me, thanks sweetie!! The pain was just starting to introduce itself but, thought to myself if I want to be an Ironman one day this is only the beginning.
There are times in life when we have to make a split second decision: quit or keep going. For me quitting is not an option. I've come too far to turn around!!!
There is a scene in the movie Gattaca (which are base pair DNA sequences, I thought I would throw this in to prove my Microbiology degree was not a complete waste of time but, I digress) starring Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, were people are genetically engineered to assume the elite places in society. Society is split into two categories the valid (genetically superior) and the invalids (genetically inferior) One of the subplots of the movie is about two brothers one valid the other invalid. Its a very good movie about the lengths an invalid (Hawke) goes through to achieve his dreams.
The story begins describing the nature of the relationship between two brothers and their parents. Vincent, the eldest son, born naturally with genetic impurities versus his younger brother Anton, born with a leg up in the world, having the genetic 'right stuff' to be successful in life.
Vincent and Anton were typical brothers who competed in everything. Naturally, Anton being genetically superior would win every contest and Vincent being genetically inferior would lose. Anton was favored by his father and Vincent was treated like a weakling. Until one day something strange happened, Vincent beat Anton while swimming, in fact Vincent had to save his younger Anton. Watch the movie for what happened next its a thriller suspense!!
As adults the brothers are faced with a critical dilemma. They decide to resolve it by swimming in the cold dark ocean to prove who is superior and who is not. As they strip down and swim out into the deep they are side by side then like in childhood Vincent pulls ahead and keeps going. Anton is yelling: "Stop! We need to turn around, we've come too far. We won't make it to the other side!!!" Vincent shouts back: "Do you wanna quit?" Anton screams: "No!" so they keep swimming stroke for stroke until Anton pulls up pleading to stop because he is fearful and on the verge on drowning for the second time in his perfect life. Shocked, bewildered, and gasping for air Anton asks: "How are you doing this? How have you done any of this?" Vincent responds; "I didn't save anything for the swim back!!"
I don't have a triathlete's body. According to one doctor, given my age and size I have no business running. But, I have never let anybody tell me what I can't do. I might not be the fastest, or the thinnest but, I've got the heart to keep going.
When I woke this morning, feeling aching after completing a 2hour 24 minute 9.3mile run, I realized I've come too far on my journey to turn around. When I first learned how to swim as an adult, I was in an Olympic sized pool that was 15feet deep. The .only way to get to the other side was to keep kicking, quitting was not an option. If you took the time to read this, realize whatever your dreams are keep going because you've come too far to turn around. Enjoy this song on as you reach your destination.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ioxg_gK0Ac4
Peace & Blessings On Your Journey
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