I need some nonsense to fill my Friday and this video does the trick. It’s time for some Epic Meal Time. These guys are nuts and the gastrointestinal fortitude they display is incredible. I chose this video because it most has to do with fitness training but you should spend some time cruising around their website and getting a real feel for how much fun they are when it comes to food.
Warning: This video can contain some crassness, crudeness, and lightly edited profanity.
Smart!
Last week something interesting popped across my Twitter feed. A tweet from RageMichelle asking “how do you know what you’re capable of? with a link out. The link began an interesting mental journey that questioned self-imposed or culturally-imposed limits we place on ourselves. I found myself deep in thought at Simpler Life asking the question – how do I know what I am capable of anyway?
Sam Spurlin, the blog’s author and author of some eBooks tells his story about 30-day missions and then shares the results. He questions what else he could do on a 30-day mission and ponders what he might expect from taking that step. I was so intrigued by Michelle’s link (as I am with most of her links) and Sam’s challenge that I put it into my thinking process and pondered the same thing. What am I capable of?
Saturday long runs provide me both the time and space to think. As I settled into my run on Saturday this idea of missions bubbled up to the top. I’d given it some pre-thought and considered doing 20-minutes of push-ups a day. I even tweeted about it and garnered a response from Sam questioning the amount of push-ups 20 minutes would entail. Still, the idea of a mission seemed plausible.
My first thought on the run was around scheduling. I was never like that before but a schedule sets me free. The notion of sticking to something for 30-days might have some psychological or spiritual significance but the timing throws off the nice and neat 12-month calendar. So, why not use the Gregorian calendar (go look it up) as the baseline for this project? Good idea…for me anyway. No sense starting in an odd week either – I’ll start in April.
The next miles turned to what types of things I could challenge myself to do through monthly missions. Spurlin deleted his Facebook account, and counted caloric intake, and limited is discretionary spending. He ponders some others:
I have a whole list of questions that will probably turn into some sort of 30 Day Mission:
- How much sleep do I actually need to operate well?
- What would I feel like if I didn’t consume any caffeine?
- What would I feel like if I ate a completely vegan diet?
- How fast can I run 1 mile?
- How far can I move myself in 8 hours?
- How long can I go without purchasing anything?
- How long can I fast?
- How long can I not sleep?
Some really interesting thoughts and missions to consider. These rattled through my brain on my long run for quite a while. What am I capable of? My weight loss and marathoning journeys are examples of significant missions that have become themes in my life. The focus and determination of each have laid waste to other activities. They’ve given me a new definition for what I am capable of doing in my life. More importantly, have given me confidence in challenging my body to new levels of health and fitness.
Here are some of my own questions that could turn into a monthly mission:
Lots of thoughts run through your mind when you’re out on the long run. Monthly missions has some legs though. What could you challenge me to do for a month? What could you accomplish by focusing on it for a month?
Image Source: zebble, thanks.
If you haven’t been over to First 30 Pages, you should. Ginny reviews the first 30 pages of well known books through the eyes of a critic, publisher, reader. Then she determines, like a publisher would, if the book is worth continuing or not. All the while, sharing with you her personal insights on these greats. Now, it won’t replace cliff notes but you get some keen insights into the merits of the book in today’s world. Maybe she’ll entertain a guest post over there if I can get this review to pass muster. We’ll see…On with Run!: 26.2 Stories of Blisters and Bliss
I admit I’m a fan of Dean Karnazes and I was eager to get this new book after devouring Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of a night runner. Would this book stand up to the multiple readings of the preceding books?
The short story genre of full length books is tricky business, in my mind. The author needs to capture the interest of the reader right away while leaving room for the readers to explore each of the stories as they see fit. Does Run! do that? Will Karno go the distance in this collection of his stories? Do the stories resonate with readers? Will I want to read further?
The first 30 pages start like any long run seems to start. It was awkward ramblings and sputteringly paced while Karno settled in and found the zone. I found myself wondering if the money spent was worth it or would it sit in my Kindle app like some others I’ve acquired. As a newbie runner and blogger that committed to reviewing the book I new to settle in and see where the first few pages would take me. Thinking, it would settle in just as I do on long runs.
Good news! The book settled in quick and by Mile 2.0 (Karno’s cute Chapter vernacular) the stories seem to gel with the intent of the book – to share stories about running and the meaning running has with Dean.
Karno addresses some interesting premises in the first 30 pages and tells short stories that go along with the premise of each chapter. Like a first person/flashback type of model you get asked a question or brought to an idea and then it gets explored in the present day and from the perspective of the background story or what leads Karnazes to that position/answer.
The stories in the first 30 pages seem to link to Karno’s long time friend Topher Gaylord and the familial interactions of the the two and their wives. The stories are genuine and heartfelt. As a first time reader I could easily sense the friendship the two families share. As the reader, I also got a keen sense of the down to Earth nature of Karnazes and his willingness to unite with people along the way. I felt akin to the Topher and Dean with the antics and and joking nature of the two. I share that with my friends and the stories of Run! become more like my own stories.
The first 30 pages wasn’t all about these two kindred friends but also some common things that happen along the run. At one point Karno talks about being nearly killed by an oncoming (possibly drunk) motorist only to have it turn into an autograph request. This brush with death only outdone but Karno’s clear fame and inspiration. I’ve not had late night car encounters yet but I’m also not running 100′s of miles at a shot either. I could, though, identify with the traffic, the thoughts of dodging said traffic, and the general thoughts of ongoing safety that are common to road runners.
There are other fun stories that bring to life the times of being Dean Karnazes, an ultrarunner, marathoner, serious fanatic of the sport (or mental patient – you choose). I wasn’t able to identify with all the stories in the first 30 pages personally but I found them intriguing enough to keep reading and laughing along with Karno and his cast of characters.
Karno is also acutely aware of the environment. He adeptly describes the scenes in a way that I was transported to the locations. I noticed this in my own running that I can tell the little things (temperature changes, elevations, etc). His descriptions help bring the reader into the situations and stories more quickly and completely.
So, does Run! capture the essence of the short story book? Sort of. I don’t get a feeling from the first 30 pages that you could bounce around in the book if you felt like it. I suppose you could, there is enough isolation of the stories but still, you might feel you’re missing something.
Does Karno go the distance? Well 30 pages into the book and I’m still wanting to read more. It is early yet in the book but I suspect that like a 150-mile race he’ll get there and want to keep going.
Do the stories resonate? Some do; yes. Some do not but that doesn’t make them less entertaining or less worth pushing further.
Do I want to read further? Like I wrote above, in the beginning I was unsure. It was awkward prose and gangling steps forward and back. Karno settled in and so did I. I want to read this 26.2 Miles (chapters) with him and see where we go together.
Favorite Quote (thus far): “After all, pain is inevitable. Suffering, however, is optional” – Page 26.
The Details:
I would be remiss if I didn’t send you my favorite First 30 Pages review: Huck Finn (you’ll remember the flap about the character naming conventions)
It is an existential question that occupies people from all walks of life. Over the course of the last year, I’ve been asked “why?” a lot. My quest to complete a marathon is met with many “why’s”.
In late December 2010 I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes complicated with high blood pressure, persistent infections, and complicated mood swings. I was grossly overweight. I was, for all intents and purposes, killing myself. I made a decision that day to live longer, live healthier, and change my life for the better. I stopped my bad habits of lethargy, overeating, unhealthy eating, and drinking alcohol. I came home to my wife, who was traveling my road with me and together we decided a healthier life for ourselves and our family. We consulted a friend who helped me see what I was doing to myself and how I could live better.
By early September 2010 I had lost 105 pounds, my wife had lost 50 pounds, and we were both much healthier. I was taken off my medications for Diabetes and high blood pressure. In 9 months we had transformed our lives and not only felt better but were that traditionally active couple. Looking and feeling good.
During that time, my friends and family watched and supported me. The journey was plagued with “why’s.” Why was I not coming around more? Why are you punishing yourself with exercise and diet choices? Why are you not like the old Mike? Why would anyone want to do what you are doing?
Despite the questions and fading support for a decision that made me a better person, Dad, husband, friend, etc. I pushed forward. At some point, I was urged to run; an activity I never enjoyed or found myself intrigued by doing. None the less, I needed to get over my stalled weight loss, find a good cardio activity, and something I could do just about anywhere. It began as a dare, almost, to run a marathon but to start smaller – with an 8K race coming in the next few months. Could I be ready? Could I finish it?
Yes! Yes!
By the time I hit Buffalo NY’s 2010 Turkey Trot, I loved running and the idea of hitting a marathon seemed more achievable. Heck, I’d lost over 100 pounds and no one thought that possible. How could a marathon be any different?
That brings us to present day, January 2011. I committed earlier in 2010 to complete a marathon in 2011 but it wasn’t until I ran my 8K race that I was sure it was something I could or wanted to do. Today, I am confident that running/completing a marathon is not only something I can do but it is something I want to do.
Why would anyone want to run a marathon? Why would you want to run a marathon? Why? Why? Why?
I’ve got many reasons to run. Firstly, I can do it. Just like when people ask mountain climbers why they climb mountains – because it is there. Marathons exist because people can train and run them. So can I. Second, because staying fit and healthy requires fitness goals. Training for a marathon takes time, focus, determination, and training. It enables me to stay fit and increase my performance over time. Third, because it is another in a series of major accomplishments in my life. Ever since I was young, I attached myself to accomplishments of major scale – Eagle Scout, Vigil Honor, earning my Ed.D., etc.
My goal? My goal race is the Niagara Falls International Marathon on October 23, 2011. Along the way, I’ll be taking part in other races but I have a few major milestone races. First is the Buffalo Half Marathon on May, 29, 2011. Second, the Erie Half Marathon on September 18, 2011.
I’ll close this post with one last “why.”Why this blog? MarathonR is a journal, of sorts, about my trek to become a marathoner. So much happened in 2010 with my massive weight loss that I wished I had captured it in a journal. A past journey used a blog and I found writing my experiences, collaborating with others, and getting feedback useful as I improved. You can expect updates on training, gear, nutrition, fitness, races, etc. I’m not about to promise daily posts. As things enter my mind, I’ll visit MarathonR and make some entries. This is the first of many.
Image source: That’s me. Picture 1 is Summer 2009. Picture 2 is October 2010.
12.26 mi
03:05 /15:05 pace
I wouldn't call this a run. I'd call it a slog. 12 miles in deteriorating snow conditions. My pal Katie made the miles go by and she kept me going when I wanted to stop ~ Thanks. posted 11 days ago
Written by 
