tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33186745733033325372024-03-18T19:55:52.044-07:00An Ultra Runners BlogWill Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711766757619416742noreply@blogger.comBlogger484125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318674573303332537.post-2787552738642644772024-03-11T05:16:00.000-07:002024-03-11T05:16:47.301-07:00Monument Valley - Embracing the Unknown<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrvERoeE5Cd7E6Sh4cjuAy1BdX3e4dw4ZPhTJy8qSRFtyRhcUTEuyvU85Vfe20TwTYaRgjLlgMtmoQ7O6I8gx0Ge2UtHembBftqlRGIetHHfXEGUdVJ_Ng07PKvByBFT4Vx0XALUNPbBuScyPHbu-r5xw8mgshmP8COU3U4N0oUjiFp1ViuQgiPnJdoY/s4032/07320215-32B8-4BA2-999F-A096CACDA7B8.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrvERoeE5Cd7E6Sh4cjuAy1BdX3e4dw4ZPhTJy8qSRFtyRhcUTEuyvU85Vfe20TwTYaRgjLlgMtmoQ7O6I8gx0Ge2UtHembBftqlRGIetHHfXEGUdVJ_Ng07PKvByBFT4Vx0XALUNPbBuScyPHbu-r5xw8mgshmP8COU3U4N0oUjiFp1ViuQgiPnJdoY/w400-h225/07320215-32B8-4BA2-999F-A096CACDA7B8.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It is said that to embrace running ultra marathons, you have to embrace the unknown, Unknown weather conditions, unknown </span><span style="font-family: arial;">course conditions, even your own unknown mental and physical condition. They all can change in an instant, usually for the worse. How ever you expect things to go out there, usually doesn’t go, but the idea is you keep going anyway. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">When I was running into a 50 mph head wind at the Monument Valley 50k last week, with sand blasting into my face and body, I realized that wasn’t the picture I had painted in my head preparing for the day. And when I looked up and saw tumbleweeds twirling toward </span><span style="font-family: arial;">me like something from a 1960s horror show, that visual had eluded </span><span style="font-family: arial;">me. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">What is known</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> during an ultra is the inevitable self doubt and questioning that invade your mind along the way. Why did I sign up for this? Why keep going? Why would anyone keep going? These questions typically come at the lowest point in a race, when </span><span style="font-family: arial;">the known meets the unknown. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">When bravado meets humility.</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> Ev</span><span style="font-family: arial;">eryone has their own way of navigating these moments. Some hunker down and put mind over matter. Some tap out and head for a warm bath. I’ve been known to lower myself to screaming expletives at anyone associated with the event, mostly at myself. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Freud said that the pleasure of satisfying a savage instinct, undomesticated by the ego, is much more intense than the one of satisfying a tamed instinct. I'm not exactly sure what that means, </span><span style="font-family: arial;">but I would classify finishing an ultra marathon, particularly when running into a gale force headwind, as savage. It certainly isn't civilized. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As I drove onto the Navaho reservation before the race, the first thought I had was of my late grandmother. She was proud of her Native American heritage. She was, as I am, a descendent of the Osage Nation of Oklahoma. She once took me to the movie theater when I was a young boy. We went to see a cowboy and indian feature film about Custer's last stand. I believe she wanted me to see that the Native American's were not always the victims, that they too were strong and capable of winning. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As I continued toward the finish line, a strong tail wind came upon me. My tired legs and body were </span><span style="font-family: arial;">lifted by this wind and it </span><span style="font-family: arial;">carried me forward, stride for stride.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I've read that wind is most commonly referred to as <i>nilch’i</i> in the Navajo language. Was this a spiritual <i>nilch'i </i>from my grandmother? As I crossed the finish line, I raised my arms thinking, at that moment, how good it felt to </span><span style="font-family: arial;">embrace the unknown. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></p>Will Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711766757619416742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318674573303332537.post-44732669058387214642023-02-22T09:48:00.000-08:002023-02-22T09:48:26.996-08:00Age? What Do We Know About Age? <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMYbJMdIyeiQXzzDbADi8G6w3xRRf1YbfgmtDjMM-kkO9voapBdhMlrD9LNx1KnUgTDX0dHKY01D9Z5cSu4h6A8IhV6StEZ136uDIx8lGCeFhuV05YNUcBd5GSOtMGyhbg2p19Fh7QDTfns6Y-dd9kfaPsvXR8-lHaSKJbTrAT2pNxQPTz7mUE4__/s4976/BBAL1430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3317" data-original-width="4976" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMYbJMdIyeiQXzzDbADi8G6w3xRRf1YbfgmtDjMM-kkO9voapBdhMlrD9LNx1KnUgTDX0dHKY01D9Z5cSu4h6A8IhV6StEZ136uDIx8lGCeFhuV05YNUcBd5GSOtMGyhbg2p19Fh7QDTfns6Y-dd9kfaPsvXR8-lHaSKJbTrAT2pNxQPTz7mUE4__/s320/BBAL1430.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Getting back in the ultra-running saddle has taken some time
for me. Three and half years to be exact. I’ll just chalk it up to <a href="https://www.willrunlonger.com/2011/07/running-in-lifes-balance.html">life
getting in the way</a>. The particular saddle was the Ranch 50k which took
place last weekend, on my 60<sup>th</sup> birthday, in Escondido California.<p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">John Keating, played by Robin Williams in the Dead Poets
Society, in a memorable scene encouraged his students to live by the dictate <i>carpe
diem</i>. It’s a scene that reminds me of why I run ultras – to seize the day. I
couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate my big day.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">On my drive to the event it crossed my mind that I was now society’s
definition of an “older” runner. But as I rolled into the parking lot, any of
this chatter in my mind gave way to the pre-race rituals I’ve become so familiar
with. The sprint to the porta-potty, the slow walk to the registration table,
the suiting up in my car to stay warm, the jog to the starting line.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I was bracing for a brutal day with a website calling out 6,000
feet of climbing. What I didn’t expect, despite warnings from the race
director, was problems staying on trail. Runners were advised to wear a GPX
watch and download the course so as not to get lost. For a 50K? I’d never heard
of this on a marked course.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Turns out the course was very well marked, which made it all
the more difficult when some a-holes moved the markers to intentionally throw us
runners off course. I’ve been lost in trail races before. It isn’t a good
feeling. But when I saw 10 or so of the lead runners running back toward me
after running a mile in the wrong direction, I knew we were in for a long day.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The Ranch 50k is a two-loop course with significant climbing,
lots of single track, incredible vistas offering views of the Laguna Mountains,
and a heathy mix of technical trail. My watch recorded just over 5,000 feet of
ascent, or 161 feet per mile.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Despite the 3.5 year hiatus from racing, I’ve tried to use this
time off by focusing on my running technique, specifically on my running
cadence. My default cadence was low to mid 170 steps per minute. In the last
year I’ve focused on keeping a consistent 180 steps per minute on training runs
with the help of a drum loop / metronome on my phone. A bit tedious, yes, but
also a big help in many ways. It's well documented that an increased cadence
puts less stress on the muscular-skeletal system. Shorter, quicker strides bring
less impact on the knees, ankles, hips and back than longer, slower strides. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This has paid substantial dividends. I’ve noticed a difference
after training runs. My legs simply don’t feel as trashed with a higher cadence
after long runs. During the race, I found myself running more on the climbs,
and noticed my heart rate was actually lower when running with a quick cadence
than power hiking.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Thoreau said “none are so old as those who have outlived
enthusiasm.” I’m grateful to still be an enthusiastic runner on this winding
road called life. The clarity running brings to me is difficult to match,
whether it’s under the stars in the black of night <a href="https://www.willrunlonger.com/2014/08/leadville-100-my-reptilian-brain.html">during
a 100 miler</a>, or down a long, rock-strewn trail when my instinct and legs
carry me to the finish of a 50k.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">When I signed up for the Ranch 50k I was set on a simple
finish as the goal. A good way, I thought, to get back into the swing of
things. As the day unfolded, however, I realized I was feeling pretty strong,
especially on the second loop. Maybe it was the new cadence training, or maybe
it was the years of experience knowing that if I just keep moving forward,
eventually I’ll be at the finish line, reveling in another worthy experience.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It was somewhere around mile 28 when I came across another
runner who was walking it in. He said I was now in 5<sup>th</sup> place, and
the runner in front of him was struggling a bit. Reminding myself that simply
finishing was the goal, I continued to run along, content with just getting to
the finish. I came upon the next runner not more than a half mile later. I moved
passed him gently knowing there were still a few miles and a very steep climb
remaining. Then, as it happened, my competitive juices began to flow and I
pushed the effort to create a bit of a gap with the hope of sealing a 4<sup>th</sup>
place finish.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It was on the steep climb, about a half a mile from the
finish line, when I looked back only to see the other runner 20 yards behind
me. Shit, I thought, now I really have to hustle! On the top of that hill I
told myself if I keep a solid downhill pace, I would reach the finish line in
time.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">That I did. And fourth place overall it would be!</p><p class="MsoNormal">Age? What do we know about age? <br /></p>Will Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711766757619416742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318674573303332537.post-5747084539755784042022-08-07T12:41:00.005-07:002022-08-07T12:41:46.723-07:00Cumulus Climbing<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEpPiA5u23_1FQBRCT1aV6YMmCZxGxJ4jptDjvTQsYF6_6KHLDy6THBIihr3O7DCOAnNCTR4VJ2iWnJYDrbroNEgOUt7xQ-CxVexna15N2fVuD38TgG4kwF96YO1fD467kDTJfYc1FSHoeONmE1mCeKgl0j2UIt4AIx3Q1bxV__ZI4CXAyJwG0LcuD/s6190/cloudstrees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6190" data-original-width="3830" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEpPiA5u23_1FQBRCT1aV6YMmCZxGxJ4jptDjvTQsYF6_6KHLDy6THBIihr3O7DCOAnNCTR4VJ2iWnJYDrbroNEgOUt7xQ-CxVexna15N2fVuD38TgG4kwF96YO1fD467kDTJfYc1FSHoeONmE1mCeKgl0j2UIt4AIx3Q1bxV__ZI4CXAyJwG0LcuD/w397-h640/cloudstrees.jpg" width="397" /></a></div><p><br /></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><div style="text-align: center;">A welcome view at 7,500'. San Bernardino National Forest. </div></span><p></p><p><br /></p>Will Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711766757619416742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318674573303332537.post-29967545061842164842022-04-03T14:03:00.001-07:002022-04-03T14:03:42.553-07:00Feeling at Home <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWu1LimvuBWvDY0NAKM-Sm96EUXHf6oFB7x4MeYZhVJ3E4qafuDgc7Kuq_0XAuC4GErS_k_VVG3gGQ2Ap5bGz3WUmb6xDXj8E4v7KpWqdpLHKcGM_4rjaLo6bjwxHEWOvwgGGnaxi96F0-edVOn9UvvkcPwyIWpxqMNd9YBLcQnqD-S3-D_xDfz_hH/s6900/IMG-3553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3890" data-original-width="6900" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWu1LimvuBWvDY0NAKM-Sm96EUXHf6oFB7x4MeYZhVJ3E4qafuDgc7Kuq_0XAuC4GErS_k_VVG3gGQ2Ap5bGz3WUmb6xDXj8E4v7KpWqdpLHKcGM_4rjaLo6bjwxHEWOvwgGGnaxi96F0-edVOn9UvvkcPwyIWpxqMNd9YBLcQnqD-S3-D_xDfz_hH/w640-h360/IMG-3553.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's been a couple years since I've been out running on the trails consistently. It's good to be back out there...to see the raven, and the hawk, and of course the road runner. I hope I never take these guys for granted. They make me feel at home. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Will Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711766757619416742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318674573303332537.post-17045610961598311642022-02-21T16:38:00.000-08:002022-02-21T16:38:05.266-08:00Beyond the Chatter <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5jUoFpJTsdShNDwH0jNQ8tW2RXOTRWWTBgSFDCOaDZ4glwG9TZtu-h4o0sIqSyUqVUqEgxDfvmxUy0aTejZZJKV0OjphgT3jnT79eCBRYCPGP2zfKBDdMDJ3GlWssl_31fh4lo-6wxVKoMek9bXQLXL4prlvrn0Wmerm-TXoWr1BOXL5D4Vp2MMqF=s4032" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5jUoFpJTsdShNDwH0jNQ8tW2RXOTRWWTBgSFDCOaDZ4glwG9TZtu-h4o0sIqSyUqVUqEgxDfvmxUy0aTejZZJKV0OjphgT3jnT79eCBRYCPGP2zfKBDdMDJ3GlWssl_31fh4lo-6wxVKoMek9bXQLXL4prlvrn0Wmerm-TXoWr1BOXL5D4Vp2MMqF=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>I recently signed up for a mindfulness based stress reduction class. The concept, based on a meditation method developed by a microbiologist named John Cabot-Zinn, is to be able to reduce stress by practicing formal mindfulness meditation. Zinn said that most people don't realize that the mind constantly chatters. And yet, that chatter winds up being the force that drives us much of the day in terms of what we do, what we react to, and how we feel. Good, bad and ugly. <p></p><p>The problem with mind chatter is it usually robs us of being present. It floods us with thoughts that have nothing to do with what we are doing at that moment, and instead zaps us with thoughts about what we did or didn't do yesterday, or what we have to do tomorrow etc. </p><p>Zinn states that mindfulness mediation is “the awareness that arises from paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally." For this class we are supposed to practice mindfulness mediation daily for 45 minutes (a long time with little or no training) AND write in a journal positive and negative experiences we have during the day. </p><p>I'm hereby confess I have not been a compliant student. I've made it trough exactly zero 45 minute sessions and written down nothing. </p><p>What I have noticed from this class, however, is that I can apply much of the concepts to running. Let me explain. </p><p>When I went for a run today, I made a point of paying attention to the present moment by noticing what my body was experiencing or what was going on around me. When mind chatter picked up, I simply tried to bring it back to these two things. When I was able to do this, I knew I was present. </p><p>Would I have noticed the things I can now recall if I wasn't present? Not a chance. </p><p>Like the man walking his dog on the bluff wearing headphones and looking at his phone. Seeing he was clueless about what was going on around him, I steered clear as I ran up behind him and noticed the dog startled as I ran by. Or the yellow commercial planes that took off from John Wayne airport, one as I was heading out on trail and another while heading back. I tried to get a picture of the last one but instead got a shot of the clouds. </p><p>Or the dead bird laying in the middle of the path that I had to pass four times on an out-and-back part of my run. And of course the black crow perched on the side of road that could have been a raven but I'm pretty sure it was a crow. It didn't fly away as I ran by it which was nice of him/her. Then, when I heard the screech of a bird way ahead of me I assumed it was an Osprey which I'd seen perched many times in the past on this part of the run. But the screech was the sound of a Red Tail Hawk, which I believe now to be the likely species because I ran under him/her perched up on a tree and got a closer look some 30 mins later. Then there were the white pelicans which seem to have made this one area home for themselves in the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary.</p><p>When I made it to the half way point of the run, I knew I would be running into the wind on the way back, requiring a little more effort for the remaining 7 miles. But my cadence was locked in at a very steady 180 steps per minute during the entire time, making the effort less of a struggle than I expected. The cool wind felt good against my body, and my legs felt responsive to the end despite this being the longest run I've done in several months.</p><p>Running in the moment. A memorable way to avoid the chatter. <br /> </p>Will Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711766757619416742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318674573303332537.post-45827768864112130162022-01-23T17:04:00.000-08:002022-01-23T17:04:02.723-08:00Available Now<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1q_tdhInaZSaBPv-_0y6k8jG2k4ZQZ0rDw0Nz6BgLTcdDZHwjxHTY80vbJRUc6ww6P-SBiNjV3WBbaUmI1UmT10Qniju8cP0lW_EzSmAKJZNbHusGlXswSnW-8monHnni0c6eu5JoFl_Tdy6qYnMjJ8FDfC3_z-I0_vuRbqbzNNL3tgW4jPNVo2g-=s1920" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1920" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1q_tdhInaZSaBPv-_0y6k8jG2k4ZQZ0rDw0Nz6BgLTcdDZHwjxHTY80vbJRUc6ww6P-SBiNjV3WBbaUmI1UmT10Qniju8cP0lW_EzSmAKJZNbHusGlXswSnW-8monHnni0c6eu5JoFl_Tdy6qYnMjJ8FDfC3_z-I0_vuRbqbzNNL3tgW4jPNVo2g-=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">"The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green Earth in the present moment, to appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now."</span></i> Nhat Han</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br /> <p></p>Will Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711766757619416742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318674573303332537.post-602091631722757142021-07-09T11:39:00.001-07:002021-07-09T17:42:32.888-07:00Buried Deep In All of Us<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wwyHW1fQQdcaZWIjkc0Ct176kkKsiQySGV30p9u2zc8aPF4Q0nzLCNXwrY4HIDyAuYSDnpdy7mph40vD3M2MmmF6yHIeivlfHWcAX8ECDFrKiRGLvEF__dcsQ1Cuh28MDZ0cauZUt7Y/s2048/San+G+clouds+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1026" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0wwyHW1fQQdcaZWIjkc0Ct176kkKsiQySGV30p9u2zc8aPF4Q0nzLCNXwrY4HIDyAuYSDnpdy7mph40vD3M2MmmF6yHIeivlfHWcAX8ECDFrKiRGLvEF__dcsQ1Cuh28MDZ0cauZUt7Y/w640-h320/San+G+clouds+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Perhaps it is the hunter gatherer genes that are buried deep
in all of us, but the <i>need</i> to be outside is something I believe cannot
be taken for granted by us homo sapiens. After all, if our ancestors survived
by roaming large spaces in the great outdoors to survive, natural selection
would suggest that there is something in our DNA that predisposes us to be
outdoors and to move around when we are out there.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I suppose it’s no wonder that <a href="https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/nature-and-mental-health/how-nature-benefits-mental-health/">studies</a> prove time and again
that spending time outdoors and exercising combat anxiety, depression, anger
and other negative states of mind while contributing to a positive state of
mind. We are, in my humble view, not meant to be cooped up indoors for extended
periods.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It has been a while since I immersed myself in the hunter-gatherer
mode and set out on a long trek in nature. I chose the South fork trail to San
Gorgonio via Dry Lake and Dollar Lake loop – a total of 21.7 miles. What was most
satisfying on reflection 24 hours later was the feeling of simply moving forward
in the elements for the 8 hours I was out there.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Motivation comes in varying forms and from
varying places. On this day it came from somewhere inside. Somewhere, I think,
that precedes me and will long endure beyond me.</span></p>Will Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711766757619416742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318674573303332537.post-53195821124051308702020-11-23T06:53:00.003-08:002020-11-23T06:53:42.995-08:00Running and Therapy<p>It has been said that running (exercise in general) is therapy for the mind as much as it is the body. I can’t think of a year other than this year that this would ring more true. I would be in a much darker place during this time of isolation if I wasn’t doing my short but potent 3 to 4 mile runs around my neighborhood several times per week. Thank you running...for keeping me on the sane side of neurosis. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXh1e_TWDZSx2nhRJ-S-9uiMrJAIhARnr12Ox1uQgpHXr52hh99Fp5NZ0-pWenTcj8gnoQcMBoaUxPbG7vnLLgymP8KQh0L8V8tmgUl4i0gB4OerV7DKKvrEUhs4Jy1zAItJ-XsfofnhI/s2048/8CBA83C8-24F2-44CE-94E8-3273EE041D31.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXh1e_TWDZSx2nhRJ-S-9uiMrJAIhARnr12Ox1uQgpHXr52hh99Fp5NZ0-pWenTcj8gnoQcMBoaUxPbG7vnLLgymP8KQh0L8V8tmgUl4i0gB4OerV7DKKvrEUhs4Jy1zAItJ-XsfofnhI/s320/8CBA83C8-24F2-44CE-94E8-3273EE041D31.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Will Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711766757619416742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318674573303332537.post-23202698018489079492020-09-27T16:23:00.001-07:002020-09-27T16:24:40.399-07:00Above the Clouds<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7EZ_kyyYAXM_v7KvpvlkEK2Y31BArZuok2mhmQNFV2LBkxMEFtx27zkGpHgzZOcBICrD0Zq2R5272gutKXj5nVfNmI8k7cNRLLVFSjWonKIDUoUW3Sm6EXRt0KFINyEJ9WKu7-7oVqA/s2048/A7C16E47-788C-494B-A8EB-7159EC70F1CD_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1234" data-original-width="2048" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm7EZ_kyyYAXM_v7KvpvlkEK2Y31BArZuok2mhmQNFV2LBkxMEFtx27zkGpHgzZOcBICrD0Zq2R5272gutKXj5nVfNmI8k7cNRLLVFSjWonKIDUoUW3Sm6EXRt0KFINyEJ9WKu7-7oVqA/w640-h386/A7C16E47-788C-494B-A8EB-7159EC70F1CD_1_201_a.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Been a while since I've been out running on the mountain (one year?). I don't know how or why I've let this essential activity slip away for so long. I was reminded of how much I miss it after climbing with Kevin S above the clouds. We were shrouded in marine layer until we punched through the ceiling to see blue sky and sun about 1'000 up. Chalk today up to a spiritual re-awakening...time to return to the temple.</p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Will Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711766757619416742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318674573303332537.post-68608447308143734522020-09-15T21:41:00.003-07:002020-09-15T21:41:51.576-07:00Reach Out and Touch the Pepper Tree<p>If you are ever in need of a reminder of why getting out of the house to go for a run is better than staying inside and grinding a peloton or treadmill, try running under a pepper tree. When you do, reach up and grab a handful of leaves with berries. But don’t pull them off the branch. Rather just rub them around in your hand. You should be able to do this w/out breaking your stride - just half a second is all you need. </p><p>Once you do this with the leaves and berries, bring your hand to your nose and smell the peppery aroma. It always gives me a lift when I can get a little taste of nature in this increasingly virtual world. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQY1yljrjFaOJoqV_i9Oiu3-fNz6THvY04_Fpsekiwh77kqW_YZGAD-Lt1njxLUjtNw6BHlcK3gDD04tqKYo1gyV32ClbDp34Gr44McBtXJVPiWgF4B2kcdXmkWf8uOEz99hygXrcoGsI/s2048/D8599E9A-4668-43B4-A218-B29F98C11214.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQY1yljrjFaOJoqV_i9Oiu3-fNz6THvY04_Fpsekiwh77kqW_YZGAD-Lt1njxLUjtNw6BHlcK3gDD04tqKYo1gyV32ClbDp34Gr44McBtXJVPiWgF4B2kcdXmkWf8uOEz99hygXrcoGsI/s320/D8599E9A-4668-43B4-A218-B29F98C11214.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj74tR1BjfOHoHBLNLYdqS4gMeTHL4Zys8i8K53L3hEBgl8f7454YubZgWjCq66yG5rjFJHm4Dl42KIYx_g9hbcTiLqn24Ug0onrTbSkiKO8sfijaTn-CyD0MKH1SOz25nWRp7QlFy_Y0/s2048/6B8DA920-B355-4B02-8BEC-6E23497BE7A6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj74tR1BjfOHoHBLNLYdqS4gMeTHL4Zys8i8K53L3hEBgl8f7454YubZgWjCq66yG5rjFJHm4Dl42KIYx_g9hbcTiLqn24Ug0onrTbSkiKO8sfijaTn-CyD0MKH1SOz25nWRp7QlFy_Y0/s320/6B8DA920-B355-4B02-8BEC-6E23497BE7A6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Will Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711766757619416742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318674573303332537.post-10625911477954491982020-07-31T15:12:00.000-07:002020-07-31T15:12:27.600-07:00Getting What I Need<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xLz-wrQOd3W_75vjI5J-w-a6oj_8hvL4vndNBf6Mdi2SitZKU60ROa2DSJdyJJ5clZvrxXHTDOk-ztGN_k1U5vXyYVaDTuwNbNQuQG4fgunEeuBbMJKjEvamDG6-iVqC4HVtkmA9B_0/s2048/IMG_9956.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9xLz-wrQOd3W_75vjI5J-w-a6oj_8hvL4vndNBf6Mdi2SitZKU60ROa2DSJdyJJ5clZvrxXHTDOk-ztGN_k1U5vXyYVaDTuwNbNQuQG4fgunEeuBbMJKjEvamDG6-iVqC4HVtkmA9B_0/s640/IMG_9956.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today's Run - Low Tide<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>It's strange, this pandemic thing, especially what it has done to the sport of ultra running. All those races cancelled. It's enlightening as well, this pandemic thing. No races, no obsessive training, no blogging ;-). But really, I'm a new believer in running just to run, vs running to train for a big 50 or 100 mile race that takes over your life and your family's life.<div><br /></div><div>My new routine is to lace up a pair of hoka Clifton road shoes and just go out for a 4 to 6 mile run. That's right. 4 to 6 miles. In fact I rarely go over 5 miles. But here is the deal. This gets me everything I need -- Solitude. Tranquility. Wisdom. Clairity. Fitness. Energy. </div><div><br /></div><div>Need I say more? </div><div><br /></div><div>Get out there people. </div><div><br /></div><div>And keep it real! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Will Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711766757619416742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318674573303332537.post-80765456174537213002020-05-23T18:15:00.001-07:002020-05-23T18:15:29.723-07:00Good Bye Hard Rock - Time to Just Run Again<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> "A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Winston Churchill </span></span></div>
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There comes a time when one should change paths. That time, for me, is now.<br />
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After following a certain path blindly for four straight years, I'm opening my eyes to search anew.<br />
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It was late July 2016 when, like a dope, I discovered the race I had just <a href="https://www.willrunlonger.com/2016/07/tahoe-rim-trail-there-are-moments.html">completed</a> - the Tahoe Rim Trail 100 (TRT 100) - was NOT a qualifier for the Hard Rock 100. Why I didn't just look at the list of Hard Rock qualifiers before entering the TRT is, well, part of the dope designation. Maybe I wasn't really considering Hard Rock until after I ran TRT, or maybe I just assumed that TRT was a qualifier. Whatever. That was 4 years ago and I just don't remember the details.<br />
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But then I became obsessed. Probably because running Hard Rock is, in the ultra running world anyway, considered a right-of-passage. Why this is the case I'm not totally sure but it probably has something to do with 30,000 feet of climbing in the San Juan Mountains, altitudes that surpass 14,000, and a tradition of difficulty. The race makes the Leadville 100 look like high school cross country course.<br />
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Fast forward to 2017 when, unlike my inner dope, I did my homework on which races were qualifiers for Hard Rock and signed up for Bighorn 100. Notwithstanding the <a href="https://www.willrunlonger.com/2017/06/2017-big-horn-trail-100-of-slog-and.html">nightmarish</a> conditions of that race, I finished it and promptly sent in my application to the 2018 Hard Rock lottery. The odds weren't in my favor. I recall something like 1 in 1000.<br />
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No dice.<br />
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So in early 2018 I started to prep for another Big Horn to qualify for the 2019 Hard Rock lottery. But, just as my training miles began to ramp up, I stumbled onto a nuance about Hard Rock qualifiers -- they are eligible for two years. I promptly cancelled my plans (and training) to race Big Horn and entered the 2019 Hard Rock lottery. Again, no dice. Like a robot, I then set my sights on finding another qualifier in 2019. But then the 2019 Hard Rock was cancelled due to excessive snow. All 2019 runners were granted entry to the 2020 Hard Rock, which meant the earliest I could run this elusive race would be 2021, assuming I qualified.<br />
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So last year I signed up for the Tahoe 200 miler, thinking why not? If you're going to go long, why not go really, really long. Unlike the TRT 100, the Tahoe 200 is a Hard Rock qualifier. As the race approached, I was out on a training run high in the San Bernardino Mountains. From the corner of my eye I spotted a shadow on the mountain road. Only there were no trees or anything that could create a shadow. I stopped to look around. When I looked up I saw the silhouette of a hawk hovering between me and the sun high in the sky. The shadow seemed to be tracking me for several minutes along that mountain road. Surreal.<br />
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When I returned from that run I had a vision, and it didn't include running the Tahoe 200 mile. It took me instead to the Mogollon Monster 100, a beast of a run in the mountains of Arizona. This one turned out to be my <a href="https://www.willrunlonger.com/2019/09/mogollon-monster-100-now-i-understand.html">worst performanc</a>e in my less than stellar ultra running career. I finished, but it took me 30 hours. Yes, the course was absurdly difficult with more technical terrain than I've ever encountered, but it really had me questioning why. Why am I doing this? Why am I out on these trails, crawling up near vertical terrain when I could be actually running on a trail?<br />
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I finished the wretched Mogollon Monster and, once again, qualified for the Hard Rock 100, to be held in 2021. Then Covid hit, pushing the 2021 date to 2022.<br />
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I think it is time to change paths, find a new trail. One that doesn't involve toiling up and down mountains and always seeking vertical in training, just to get shut down by a lottery. Maybe it is time to just run again.</div>
Will Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711766757619416742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318674573303332537.post-19953958841904199562020-05-03T17:47:00.001-07:002020-05-03T17:50:03.668-07:00Bad News. Good News.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Bad news. Nothing lasts forever. Good News. Nothing lasts forever. </div>
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Will Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711766757619416742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318674573303332537.post-65367989718093227852020-04-20T06:22:00.000-07:002020-04-20T06:22:08.949-07:00A Positive From a Negative <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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When I started my run today I was replete with anxiety. Being held up in the house for days and dealing with this "new normal" was getting to me. As I ran along I started to think about some of the positive things that have come from the current shut-down. For the first time I ran with a mask, through some pretty dense shrub where pollen was floating in heavy doses around me. It was then I realized I was protected from this airborne nuisance, so often an allergic trigger for me. No more wheezing! Would I have ever thought to wear, let alone run with a mask before? I’ll mark this one down as a positive from a negative. </div>
Will Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711766757619416742noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318674573303332537.post-22784111422518037162020-04-11T18:28:00.000-07:002020-04-11T18:28:13.991-07:00The New Normal<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Now that major races are, or are soon to be, shutting down due to the Corona virus, its high time we appreciate things beyond running. I'm adapting quite well to this new normal. Just looking at the sky does wonders to the psyche. Try it, I think you'll like it.<br />
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Will Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711766757619416742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318674573303332537.post-531209838179064702020-03-22T14:26:00.000-07:002020-03-22T14:26:20.168-07:00Impermanence <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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"No man ever steps in the same river twice. For it's not the same river, and he's not the same man."<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px;">― </span><span class="authorOrTitle" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold;">Heraclitus</span><br />
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Will Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711766757619416742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318674573303332537.post-54926640023848946132020-03-01T17:50:00.001-08:002020-03-01T17:50:35.005-08:00Pause, and Concentrate<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Sometimes the most routine trails reveal the most interesting things. All you have to do is pause, and concentrate on what's right in front of you. It's amazing what appears. That's life, really.</div>
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Will Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711766757619416742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318674573303332537.post-23759812282705062662020-02-09T13:47:00.000-08:002020-02-09T13:47:31.630-08:00Proof of Presence <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Buddha is often quoted on the topic of being "present." He, by all accounts, wasn't one to dwell on the past, saying poignantly that "there's only one moment for you to live, and that is the present moment." In other words, forget about the past, and just focus on being present in this moment.</div>
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My concern with this is that I have too many memories of being "present" in the past that remind me of how important it is to be present.</div>
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I remember, for example, pacing a friend during a 100 mile race. It was late at night, and it was starting to get pretty cold as we climbed toward the top of a mountain. I saw a glimpse of another runner's light above us. As I looked up, I noticed snowflakes falling gently from the sky. Yet, there were no clouds, just snowflakes. I remember being very present in that moment.</div>
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There was another time, during Western States 100, when I came into the Forest Hill aid station. I was really beat up, wondering how I was going to finish with 40 miles to go. Then I saw my family and crew, and my youngest daughter took my hand and walked with me for a while. I'll never forget that moment. Precious.</div>
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Yes, living in the present is indeed the best way to be "present." But remembering moments of clarity in the past, those precious seconds etched so vividly in our minds, are <i>proof of presence</i>, and not to be forgotten. </div>
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Will Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711766757619416742noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318674573303332537.post-59374080692168617262020-01-26T16:58:00.003-08:002020-01-27T07:25:24.079-08:00Happy Birthday Mom<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dear Mom:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A few months ago you told me you were tired of walking around the neighborhood. You said it was boring, and that you and Eileen were going to start getting out on trails. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have to say, initially, I was a little nervous about this. Looking back, I'm not sure why. You've now tackled Buck Gully via the long route, the steep Bobcat trail, and now the full 2+ mile, 400' climb to Coastal Peak Park from the fire station.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Recently, after one of your hikes, you told me how beautiful the mountains were. That the recent storm had left them covered in snow. It's really hard to get up and out there so early in the morning, you said, but all you have to do is think about how good you feel when you finish, and that overcomes any doubt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You recently sent me a picture of the trailhead at Buck Gully before sunrise. You guys were about to begin your hike. Most would look at this and say, what's the big deal? Not me. Understanding why someone would take a random picture of a dark trailhead before sunrise requires a special connection, a kindred.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sometimes I wonder if I'm too old to keep doing this running thing, and if I should just turn my attention to more age appropriate activities, like golf, or tennis, or woodworking. Then I remember how you used to let me explore the hills and canyons around our home as a child. I can still remember those canyons like yesterday, and the pollywogs, and the lizards and the hawks over my head. Thank you for letting me loose back then. I don't think I would've done well in a cage.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy birthday, my kindred spirit. </span></div>
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Will Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711766757619416742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318674573303332537.post-41284559465546203642019-12-31T23:32:00.000-08:002020-02-06T21:48:56.509-08:00Running for (my) Mental Health<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-RDGbph9ObcoOS4vsFqV_2E6hJHlo0fji6KqLWpK1r8hXPKtoEbeJQ5Jh74mJ3nXQ01GZBziKVjbKyOc5bsiWzTf9PUZGQk9enBjpN6u5kyqvWJMESculcP0slwfZsDeJtJEhtCM-Bg/s1600/death+ride+duo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1151" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI-RDGbph9ObcoOS4vsFqV_2E6hJHlo0fji6KqLWpK1r8hXPKtoEbeJQ5Jh74mJ3nXQ01GZBziKVjbKyOc5bsiWzTf9PUZGQk9enBjpN6u5kyqvWJMESculcP0slwfZsDeJtJEhtCM-Bg/s320/death+ride+duo.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Happy New Year to all you out there reading this blog!</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Given 2020 is here, I’ve been thinking a lot about a topic
central this blog – running. Why I do it, and why I keep coming back to
it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Running, like any activity, has its strengths and
weaknesses. Mention running to a former runner and you’re likely to get an earful
about injuries -- knee problems, Achilles tendonitis, IT band inflammation, hamstring
pulls, sprained ankles or plantar fasciitis. The list goes on and on.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As one who’s experienced all of these injuries and more, during
races but most often during overambitious training runs, I have to confess that
99.9% of the time it wasn’t the running that caused the injury, it was me, the
runner. Like fire, running can burn you if you don’t respect it. And I’ve been burned
more than I would like to admit. When you play with fire, you get burned.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But what would life be without this flame?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Over the years, I’ve struggled to find anything more
accurate as a measurement of my strengths and weaknesses. When I step to the
line of an ultra, everything I’ve done in the months leading up to that moment,
unmistakably, becomes real. There are no excuses. No alibies. Nothing but 100
miles between me and the finish line. That, to me, is ominous. And it draws me back
in. Every time I think about trying something different.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In business, people can become obsessed with competition. Doing
deals, making money, and driving revenues higher and higher. Growth for the sake
of growth. Beating the next guy. Becoming number one! But that culture will
ultimately lead to destruction. Because growth, like everything in this world,
needs its yang. With every up, there comes a down, and every success, comes
failure. Most businesses don’t prepare for that day. Running is similar, because there are the inevitable lows that come with the highs. I try not to forget this, although I often do. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s easy to point out the risks of running, but what about
the rewards? After all, we humans have been engaging in this activity for thousands
of years, well before the advent of orthotics or Advil.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Research shows that running and exercise can provide a
healthy, stimulated mind that can defend itself against the onslaught of
societal pressures. When running there are regions of the brain that are stimulated
that overcome the stress you feel from work, school, family or even the dentist
office.<o:p></o:p></div>
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These regions include the limbic system (regulates
motivation and mood), the amygdala (controls the fear reaction to stress, or
fight or flight), and the hippocampus (directs memory formation, mood and
motivation).<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3318674573303332537#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> According
to PubMed report, running (along with other forms of aerobic exercise “improve
mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and negative mood and by
improving self-esteem and cognitive function.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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What I know if this. When I’m running I feel alive,
energetic and full of optimism. Life seems more colorful. When I’m not running I
feel lethargic, drab and a bit cantankerous. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">To run, or not to run in 2020? That is the
question. I know what my answer is. What is yours?</span>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3318674573303332537#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Exercise for Mental Health, A. Sharma, MD, V Madaan, MD and F Petty, MD, Ph.D.,
Pub Med ___ date. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Will Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711766757619416742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318674573303332537.post-41312941432810200192019-11-28T13:34:00.002-08:002019-11-28T13:34:42.367-08:00Saltwater 5000 - 2019Another year in the book...<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihEdGQ0J0iV45eiWy5MJWorwQUoAeP2jR1v94GrXDAFcIrkmO7s5s8YkcHacwgIF7yn7hQEMI7FuilFqGNlSUnd7n2bcAnULf7mZ1UTqEKdG20ptnHmcl3fsH7_EG0ZKAjERUrMP4m1z8/s1600/IMG_7129.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihEdGQ0J0iV45eiWy5MJWorwQUoAeP2jR1v94GrXDAFcIrkmO7s5s8YkcHacwgIF7yn7hQEMI7FuilFqGNlSUnd7n2bcAnULf7mZ1UTqEKdG20ptnHmcl3fsH7_EG0ZKAjERUrMP4m1z8/s400/IMG_7129.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div>
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Our 16th year touching the Pacific Ocean then running 32 miles to the top of Santiago Peak at 5,700'. Read about it <a href="https://saltwater5000.blogspot.com/p/2019.html">here</a>. </div>
Will Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711766757619416742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318674573303332537.post-14007599118309845852019-10-06T14:33:00.000-07:002019-10-06T14:33:32.799-07:00Sorry Mountain Bikers. Thank You City of Newport Beach <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJLgwfirhKvAIqKd6xzuw9RTQ6eqNpmI7t8xBWx3fW-riB1nsoFh-qnsRSqd6xqoN4d__Mn-8SJFOck8GVmIw9cmN2L5mS2QilYWZ4rHff9tdLA5GvkEg53FJ6I0GbjWcoSaUJAn0Q4M/s1600/IMG_6881.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJLgwfirhKvAIqKd6xzuw9RTQ6eqNpmI7t8xBWx3fW-riB1nsoFh-qnsRSqd6xqoN4d__Mn-8SJFOck8GVmIw9cmN2L5mS2QilYWZ4rHff9tdLA5GvkEg53FJ6I0GbjWcoSaUJAn0Q4M/s400/IMG_6881.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div>
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Once in a while we all have to get our opinion out there. This is one of those times for me.<br />
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While I appreciate the sport of mountain biking (I have a bike of my own), I'm not a fan of the unregulated use of mountain bikes on all trails. While I'm sure this <a href="https://www.willrunlonger.com/2009/03/running-san-juan-gutter-trial.html">position</a> won't be popular with my off-road (cycling) brethren, I've been a trail runner for the last 18 +/- years and I've seen the impact mountain bikes can have on our delicate trails.<br />
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The city of Newport Beach recently announced "one way bike traffic" at a popular trail near my home. This "one-way" happens to be uphill, which means the high speed mountain bike descents that have lead to collisions and <a href="https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/tn-dpt-me-buck-gully-rescue-20180827-story.html">emergency helivacs</a> might be done. For the sake of everyone's safety, this is great news.<br />
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For the sake of trail sustainability, more rules like this are necessary. Again, while I appreciate the freedom mt. bikers have to ride to their hearts' content in the great wide open, we need to call out the damage that they can do to the trails. Yes, the Warrior Society has made strides to repair damaged trails, they simply can't keep up with the sheer volume of cyclist and the trails they are destroying.<br />
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Examples:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vgGJIBKIFVkRJYF_WYP78G4xK5cH7bCi2iLqhNf3EbbVUB5weqrSv3q7_nlsTl8rqlw-awsERWN5pLiDHx2SXOQW8OlXagIz910mfgJb5S-YnuKAK4RHyKVKCEq2ZbLX9SpYMp0zwrQ/s1600/IMG_5254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vgGJIBKIFVkRJYF_WYP78G4xK5cH7bCi2iLqhNf3EbbVUB5weqrSv3q7_nlsTl8rqlw-awsERWN5pLiDHx2SXOQW8OlXagIz910mfgJb5S-YnuKAK4RHyKVKCEq2ZbLX9SpYMp0zwrQ/s400/IMG_5254.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper Holy Jim - Cycling rut leads to water erosion. Bye bye runnable trail.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KlODeoflguR-7QNUNPPBKwCFROGMG_T-Hamq6TYYaSomTZDAKRrvmj-wkliTe7TvE4-yixrpDn_95t67UgkER2qd-JA8-Tyh3Usfye-NnN8olpwFgzLphRTofh_n2aXQjzYHH401Ddg/s1600/IMG_4257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1518" data-original-width="1600" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4KlODeoflguR-7QNUNPPBKwCFROGMG_T-Hamq6TYYaSomTZDAKRrvmj-wkliTe7TvE4-yixrpDn_95t67UgkER2qd-JA8-Tyh3Usfye-NnN8olpwFgzLphRTofh_n2aXQjzYHH401Ddg/s320/IMG_4257.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Famous ultra runner working on cycling damaged trail. No bueno.<br />
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Will Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711766757619416742noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318674573303332537.post-71611295197078508982019-09-28T17:07:00.000-07:002019-09-28T17:07:11.655-07:00In the Mood? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVr4ydqi74xwEDBsAO4Ioh6egU7c1-1loF0-SL9HLslWz9jtra4zLcD_MFb01dJqLBJmrk830SaGklXTYHoJh8VDSL8-tMhPUVPmf6fiV6PNH-gw_xkl9DjXANbJi_7NzBvUi10TENm-0/s1600/fullsizeoutput_66dc.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="804" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVr4ydqi74xwEDBsAO4Ioh6egU7c1-1loF0-SL9HLslWz9jtra4zLcD_MFb01dJqLBJmrk830SaGklXTYHoJh8VDSL8-tMhPUVPmf6fiV6PNH-gw_xkl9DjXANbJi_7NzBvUi10TENm-0/s640/fullsizeoutput_66dc.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've heard it said that "the destination is the journey," or that "it is better to travel well than to arrive" or even "a journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step."<br />
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Sometimes righteous quotes like these really get to me. I think, wow, that is really deep. How can something so simple be so poignant?<br />
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But there are other times when such wisdom has zero effect on me. Maybe it's a mood thing. Like I have to have right mood for right wisdom?<br />
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I've known runners to throw away all pretenses and shut down big time runs because they weren't "in the mood." Sounds melodramatic, and in fact it is, but it happens to the best of us.<br />
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I think we have to give mood more credit than we do. All of us poo-poo those that are "in a bad mood" and think that they will simply turn the corner in a simple matter of time.<br />
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It's a bit troubling, how much wisdom has been forsaken, or how many runs have been shunned, because of bad mood?<br />
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Think about it. If you're in the mood.<br />
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Will Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711766757619416742noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318674573303332537.post-46145699810029485542019-09-19T08:08:00.000-07:002019-09-19T15:52:45.060-07:00Mogollon Monster 100 - Now I Understand<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifH1p-6wRX6CoUh6FnbYJpo1yad3lx5ORZvsiADmpoH-C7H2AQnB9fpCqFn6WRwLSwSFIYxpfSXQHfrpcierV3ulGKb77bH41Zd5ShXyMd59nTWy9E47rnapQXrYQk7m-HWuXDtny-Jc8/s1600/van+gogh.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="187" data-original-width="269" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifH1p-6wRX6CoUh6FnbYJpo1yad3lx5ORZvsiADmpoH-C7H2AQnB9fpCqFn6WRwLSwSFIYxpfSXQHfrpcierV3ulGKb77bH41Zd5ShXyMd59nTWy9E47rnapQXrYQk7m-HWuXDtny-Jc8/s200/van+gogh.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
When nightfall arrived the full moon was rising behind the glowing thunderclouds hovering over a distant ridge. The image remains stuck in my head and reminded me of a Van Gogh night scape, with the large orange moon shrouded in clouds of violet haze. I could see lights from runners shining on the trail high above me. But if there was a picture to be painted here, it would be one of suffering and not sanity.<br />
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The Mogollon Monster 100 (pronounced mugee-yawn) takes place in the heart of Arizona’s pine country and is named after the 2,000 foot geological ridge known by the locals as the backbone of Arizona. Many sightings of a big-foot like creature have been reported in this rugged backcountry. Hence the monster moniker.<br />
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Going into this race I was resolved to deal with the rugged terrain it’s known for, but with very little insight and lots of naivety. The website states in no uncertain terms the difficulty of the course:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"This is a VERY technical course in many areas, specifically the Highline Trail, Donahue and the soon to be revered, Myrtle Trail. This is one of the most technical 100 milers in North America."</i></blockquote>
After reading this I thought, well, ok, that sounds like a challenge. I’m in. Thinking, like any red blooded ultrarunner, that if I could handle Wasatch Front, Angeles Crest, or Bighorn, all 100-mile Hard Rock qualifiers, I could handle this. I pulled the trigger and signed up for the Mogollon Monster.<br />
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Learning how to ride a bike by reading is different from actually learning how to ride a bike by, say, riding a bike. Just as I now realize learning how difficult Mogollon Monster is by reading is different from, say, learning by running it. Which leads me to the next verse from Don McLain’s famous song Vincent:<br />
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Now I understand<br />
What you tried to say to me<br />
…<br />
[I] would not listen, [I] did not know how<br />
Perhaps [I’ll] listen now<br />
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There were sections of this course the reduced me to a quibbling, pathetic little boy forced to ride his bike without training wheels. When I realized the Monster doesn’t negotiate with spoiled whiners, I had to make a decision: put up or shut up. So I stumbled on, through the horrendous rock strewn Highline trail and soul stealing climbs. One small step, trip, stumble, in front of another small step, trip, stumble. There were sections of the climbs that poles where useless, because it was too steep. A belay and a carabiner would have been more useful.<br />
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The runner’s manual was about the size of a Tolstoy novel and read like a chapter from Lewis and Clark, with directions of the course down to 10 o’clock and 3 o’clock turns, Y-in-the-road warnings and detailed landmark distances. Useless intel unless you were carrying the novel and a reading light with you. The course was marked pretty well with a few gaps along the long dirt road sections when runners need confidence markers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Ab4rn4QM48GSNL4XQXCPt3mSJ9rsBmXtfBz7fDqBTfNfxReLJjIdlBeA_dX8E4pPJ2EeJSn2IMs-zKnCMCtzJ_i0YJqEDtNM6GCdRGRsdN8zQV367A_xV0phtuQaq86hfv0igQvQ6ZM/s1600/IMG_4067.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Ab4rn4QM48GSNL4XQXCPt3mSJ9rsBmXtfBz7fDqBTfNfxReLJjIdlBeA_dX8E4pPJ2EeJSn2IMs-zKnCMCtzJ_i0YJqEDtNM6GCdRGRsdN8zQV367A_xV0phtuQaq86hfv0igQvQ6ZM/s320/IMG_4067.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div>
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At one point at night I thought was following the trail quite well in the dark with my head and waist lamps lighting the way. But then found myself staring at a dead end of creek bed with 6-foot walls on either side of me. Wait, what? Traveling into random creek beds wasn’t unusual for me on this night.<br />
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More useful was the manual’s warning of lightening strikes during the run, which kept me alert, if not a little paranoid:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">
<i>Lightning strikes in Arizona kill people every single year. In June 2015, a group of 7 people were hiking near Pinchot Cabin [on the course] and a young woman was killed by lightning just standing by a tree. Just because we’re not at 14,000 feet and in Colorado doesn’t mean you can’t die. The weather can hit extremely fast, and when it does during monsoon season, it hits very hard.</i></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38JqW94MIm5ZdUZ4zLRVQrLPER-fF23uS2WYzcPjtn77bvJX_tQM6ropKBGIAbL1xG4KHYZmcSCXsYXTbcfSq0KPCIQeSQtRw9l-NjsSOCbaIFMwYEsjEU1Ob_26Wc8CxqJFGThZSUTw/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-09-19+at+7.50.51+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="920" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38JqW94MIm5ZdUZ4zLRVQrLPER-fF23uS2WYzcPjtn77bvJX_tQM6ropKBGIAbL1xG4KHYZmcSCXsYXTbcfSq0KPCIQeSQtRw9l-NjsSOCbaIFMwYEsjEU1Ob_26Wc8CxqJFGThZSUTw/s320/Screen+Shot+2019-09-19+at+7.50.51+AM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the runner's manual</td></tr>
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I can only say I felt like high school wrestler entering the ring with a mixed martial arts champion. I was totally outmatched and on my heels before the second aid station. Entering the last 20 miles, when I’m usually at my best, I happened upon an epiphany -- I’m not a great hiker or technical terrain runner. Every time I got any rhythm on a runnable part of the course, I was punched in the face with more rocks and scrub.<br />
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I heard some on the course talking about the beauty of the course, which I wholeheartedly agree with. The red cliffs reminded me much of the Grand Canyon views I’ve seen during my rim to rim to rim runs. But like the rose flower, beauty has a way over covering up the pain that lies beneath.<br />
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Running Mogollon Monster was like having humble pie thrown in my face. The years of machismo that had been building up my ego from running some 30 ultra’s was vanquished faster than receiving electroconvulsive therapy. I walked to the starting line full of myself, but crossed the finish line in spite of myself.<br />
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Will Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711766757619416742noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3318674573303332537.post-88481161748987809772019-08-16T20:05:00.000-07:002019-08-16T20:05:53.930-07:00A Cross of Iron <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgtHJtCVj-igOJQcmWEYeDt5uck-O4yENS7aABGRT9jj2ppBWTpBlziFVrcrfQzmuJk4ACg1bQsWb_bHH9OkhhrAfsTk6ktfdEfTM_hf78_gmtd9iHUsUJkb4FTGaI3mni-VqcF3DPdg/s1600/Love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgtHJtCVj-igOJQcmWEYeDt5uck-O4yENS7aABGRT9jj2ppBWTpBlziFVrcrfQzmuJk4ACg1bQsWb_bHH9OkhhrAfsTk6ktfdEfTM_hf78_gmtd9iHUsUJkb4FTGaI3mni-VqcF3DPdg/s320/Love.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also Discovered on Today's Run</td></tr>
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Ok runners and readers, this might not seem like a running topic, and it isn't. But I heard it spoken today during a run on Audible, and found it to be so incredible that I had to post it. If you have any concern about where this world is headed, I promise you this quote from a US president will awaken you...<br />
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"Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed.<br />
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This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children. The cost of one modern heavy bomber is this: a modern brick school in more than 30 cities. It is two electric power plants, each serving a town of 60,000 population. It is two fine, fully equipped hospitals. It is some fifty miles of concrete pavement. We pay for a single fighter plane with a half million bushels of wheat. We pay for a single destroyer with new homes that could have housed more than 8,000 people.<br />
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This is, I repeat, the best way of life to be found on the road the world has been taking. This is not a way of life at all, in any true sense. Under the cloud of threatening war, it is humanity hanging from a cross of iron."<br />
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Dwight D. Eisenhower (1953)<br />
34th President of the United States<br />
Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces - WWII<br />
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Will Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12711766757619416742noreply@blogger.com0