Guest Post - Why I run

By: Greg Z

North Carolina 

A rare winter storm in southeastern North Carolina left the area enveloped in ice Wednesday morning. For me as a runner, any kind of abnormality in the weather is a stimulus to get me out the door, and into Mother Nature's fold.

I was surprised when I entered the Carolina Beach State Park. There was so much ice covering the trees, and conditions didn't seem nearly as bad in town. Numerous smaller trees were bent across the trails from the weight of ice on them, creating an almost tunnel like course in sections of the park.

But when I got into a bit of clearing in the woods I was able to behold the beauty of what the storm had produced. The tall straight pines, the young saplings, the small bushy trees that grow in the marshes, the bare deciduous trees, the clumpy swamp grasses...were all covered in a layer of whitish, gray ice...as if one shook up a snow globe and let the contents ever-so-softy land on top of what lay beneath.

I felt like I was witnessing something rarely seen – an artist's rendering left out in the open, for us mere mortals to be momentarily immersed in its grandeur. I looked with child-like awe every which way as I made my way back into the woods.

On the trail spur by the Cape Fear River I heard a seemingly desperate squawking as an egret took flight from the marsh and circled past me and out over the river before returning back to land. I took notice that the reeds were coated in ice as well, and looked like thousands of ice picks frozen into the ground. I would be disturbed too, I thought, and I felt empathy for the large bird as I carefully crossed an icy, wooden foot bridge.

Later in the run the sun began to poke through the thick ceiling of smoky gray clouds. As it did the ice started to melt, and fall! Rounding a bend on a trail, I heard a loud cracking snap, as a huge pine branch snapped off and crashed thru the surrounding trees onto the forest floor. Time to get out of here I said to myself.

This is ultimately why I run. And why I continue to run. To be a visceral part of days such as yesterday. To witness firsthand.

Freezing Ass In Washington D.C.

 National Cathedral

Who would have thought? A trip back east from sunny So Cal to Washington D.C. And wham! A snow storm and the coldest day of the year. 

Icicles Under Washington

Frozen Potomac 

Frozen Creek - Whitehaven Trail

I sucked it up for the first few days, snow running in 14 degrees along the Whitehaven trail and the streets of D.C. Made it to the National Cathedral, down to the C&O canal, and then to the frozen Potomac River. Icicles, bone chilling wind, black ice. Even a stop by my old stomping grounds, the Russell Senate Office Building, where I worked as an intern for Sen. Ted Kennedy (many years ago). What more could one ask for?

Senate Office Building - What Was I Thinking? 

Turns out the forecast for tomorrow is 0 degrees. I’ve never run in 0. But I’m going to give it a go. A pair of sweats for my scrawny legs, compression socks and shorts. A higher pitched voice. I’m in.   

I just hope I can breathe in 0 degrees. TBD.

Marijuana and Ultra Running? Just Keep Digging.

Published in UltraRunning Magazine (2/13/15)

Pot. Toke it or leave it. That is the question. Unless you were baptized by a celibate priest, chances are you’ve toked, like everyone else around you. Heck, even if you haven’t, surely you’ve caught a buzz from the second hand smoke at a Neil Young or Nicki Minaj concert.

The Wall Street Journal published an article this week covering a debate within the ultra-running community, about using Marijuana. A quote from the piece gives the perspective from a 22 year old “professional” runner – If you can find the right level, [marijuana] takes the stress out of running. And it’s a post-race, post-run remedy. The article’s subtitle asks: For Ultramarathon Runners, Marijuana Has Enormous Benefits—But Is It Ethical?

It took me a while to find my voice on this one. I think it was because, initially, I couldn’t see beyond my own jaded experiences on the topic. Starting with seeing my best friend’s house burn down in 6^th grade, and freaking out at Scott S’s house over a bag of Chips Ahoy in 7^th grade. And, possibly, ending in 11^th grade when I stood on the bluff with several hundred people looking down on the Pacific Ocean, and wondering why.

I want to be careful here. Because the topic of marijuana is, by itself, a lightning rod for controversy and judgment. Throw ultra-running and performance enhancement into the conversation, and we have the potential for an electrical fire. Deep breath here people….

I saw the plume of smoke from 5 miles away. I could see it when I got on the school bus, and it grew larger and larger as the bus drove closer to my home. It wasn’t until I ran away from the bus until I knew it was his house. I saw him laying in an ambulance and I just remember being really scared. I wanted to talk to him, and ask him if he was ok. He was my best friend. But he was surrounded by paramedics working on him, and on the third degree burns caused by the fire started while he was making hash oil. Then the ambulance drove away, and took him away from me.

We all have our own reasons for doing what we do. In the end, it is what we take away from these experiences that we call our own. Why do people run ultra-distances? Ask 100 ultra runners and you’re likely to get 100 different answers. So, to get through this, I will write only what I call my own.

It’s well known that marijuana numbs pain, helps minimize nausea and alleviates fatigue. It is often prescribed for people with chronic conditions arising from ailments out of their control. It has been an effective remedy for cancer patients going through the agony of chemotherapy. I love that cannabis helps those that are suffering from disease. I can’t think of a better use for it.

But for ultra runners? Really? The question no one seems to be asking isn’t why a runner would want to mask pain or nausea. After all, it is human nature to want to minimize suffering. The real question is, why would anyone choose a sport like ultra running then turn around and choose to experience less than the real thing? It would be like choosing to be a doctor, but not willing to see human blood. Or choosing to be a boxer, but not willing to take a punch to the face. Are you really what you say you are? Really. What are you?

It was totally unexpected. But what isn’t when you’re in 7^th grade with a new set of braces? When I took a bite of the chocolate chip cookie, I noticed the pain from the tightened metal on my teeth was gone. I chewed and chewed and chewed, in total bliss, smiling from the numbness of what we smoked.  Until I realized...I couldn’t feel or taste anything! Something was moving down my throat, but I knew this only because I watched my hand put it in my mouth and reach for another. What happens if I choke? Would I just stop breathing? Paranoia sets in.

I now move to the real question. Why do we choose ultra running? I think this is the crux of the issue. For me, it is the risk of coming face to face with my own limits – be it pain, fatigue or fear – and moving through these limits by relying on my own strength. It’s a big part of why I do this stuff. Some of the most memorable moments I’ve drawn from the sport were the most difficult ones, when I’m suffering.

There is a concept in mountaineering called topographic prominence. Peaks with high prominences tend to be the highest points around and are likely to have extraordinary views. These are the peaks that stand out among the rest, not because they are high in altitude, but because they are surrounded by deep, deep canyons and valleys.

The same concept exists in ultra running. And I will call this sensory prominence. And it means if you want to experience the highs, you have to be surrounded by and experience the lows. And these lows, in my humble opinion, should never be numbed or neutered.

He was one of the best in elementary school. A buddy to all of us. A teammate in little league. But when I picked him up hitch hiking on the PCH, he didn’t say a word. We were in high school now. But something seemed odd. He was so quiet in the car. When I heard the news months later, I didn’t put the pieces together. But now I know. He became a stoner. He was coming home from work, late at night, and he rode his motorcycle into the back of a parked car.  Then we stood there, on the bluff, wondering why.

It all comes back to what I’ve said before. Ultra runners are really just normal people. But they want something more in life. Something real, not material. Something they have to dig deep within themselves to achieve, and the deeper they dig, the more satisfied they are.

Smoke pot during an ultra? I think I'll just keep digging. 

Run. Look around. Run some more.

Once in a while, I think, it’s good to go somewhere you have never been before. And Run, look around, and run some more. Maybe smile. I did this last weekend. Up a mountain trail I had never been on before.

When I approached the top of the trail, I could see the ocean for the first time. And the cotton white  clouds. And the steel blue sky. I stood there thinking how amazing the picture I was looking at really was. Surreal. But real. I was so glad to be there! (ok I had to tap one of these for the masthead). 

Was it worth the effort? I don' know. You be the judge. 

Race Across the US

Runners Line Up at Start of Race Across US

Last Friday I had the opportunity to watch the start of the Race Across the US. Twelve runners lined up to run what will be 117 marathons back-to-back across the United States. Over 4 and half months these good people will be running. They are running with a goal of inspiring a healthier generation - to fight childhood obesity.

Race Across US Runners

Finally, the obsessions and the compulsions and all the disorders we runners possess, they scampered off on that morning, away and into the unknown.

I'm glad to be a runner.

California Runners in Race Across US

    

Confession of a Guilty Runner

I never thought I’d be in this position. The end of a long-term relationship, parting ways after years with a wonderful partner. It’s really hard, to move on, but it had to happen. And it was me who decided to do it.

There were signs, particularly in the last year or so, that the relationship wasn’t going to survive. I feel guilty, but more than anything I feel sad. Sad from all the memories I have of the things we did together. We accomplished so much! But it just couldn’t last. I tried everything to keep things going. But there is only so much one person can do to fix this kind of relationship.

So now I start over. Turn a new leaf as they say. I never thought I'd be here, and I’m a little nervous about it. I'm nervous I won't find a new partner, particularly one that will go the distance with me, and one that doesn’t bring me pain.

It’s been years since I’ve been on my own like this. And there is no doubt about it, I’m totally out of my element. I’ve “gone out” a couple of times but haven’t found that special one. I'm trying not to focus on things like looks because, as we runners know, what really matters is sole.  

Goodbye Hoka Stinsons. I will miss you.

Once In a While

Sunset over Upper Newport Bay

Once in a while on a run you just have to stop...and look around. Tonight I did just that.  

Hey Runners - Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all you bad ass runners out there! I hope the road you are on will take you to where you want to be in 2015. Time to close the book on 2014!

Stepping Out of Solitary

It was a last minute thing. A text from a friend Friday night. A 7 am start time. A trail I had never run before. Runners I had not met before.

My legs were still recovering from 42 miles the weekend before. What the hell? Isn’t this what ultra running is all about? Diving into the pit with the hope of crawling out without any serious wounds.  

What an awesome day! Turned out to be nine of us - a good mix of OC and San Diego runners. We started at the bottom of San Juan Trail and climbed and climbed up the mighty Los Pinos Trail. I’ve heard so much about this trail but never set foot on it. I’m so glad I did. We returned via Blue Jay campground for water refills and onto the San Juan trail. What an amazing run with a really cool group of runners!     

I think it was Satre who said if you are lonely when you are alone, you’re in bad company. No argument here, as I've got my fair share of solitary training. But sometimes I forget how good it is to train with a posse.

Thanks for the reminder guys! 

Adidas Heart Rate Technology - A Step Ahead?

Have you ever strapped on a heart rate monitor, started your watch, only to see a heart rate reading that would indicate cardiac arrest? Or, a reading that just isn’t there? There is a solution.

I recently tried a new heart rate system from adidas which offers runners a heart rate sensor that are embedded directly in custom garment tops. The tops are made from a “smart fabric” technology that incorporates special heart rate sensing fiber electrodes woven directly into material. The heart rate monitor sensors work with your body's perspiration to maintain a connection. The sensors will typically activate within the first few minutes of exercise.
 
What is really cool is that adidas bras, racer tanks, and adidas training shirts are compatible with multi “snap in” transmitters, including Polar WearLink, NuMetrex, adidas miCoach, Garmin strap, and Zephyr HxM. Transmitters will synch with sports watches, Bluetooth Smart® enabled phones, iPod Touch, and cardio equipment. 

The system uses Bluetooth compatibility to support smartphone users. I used the adidas gear on my Iphone with only a few complications. I downloaded the adidas miCoach mobile app which set me up with a Bluetooth Smart-ready connection to the heart rate monitor. The app tracks both personal training data and connects individuals with the miCoach online community, providing access to thousands of professional training tips and programs. The only downside to using my phone for a heart rate monitor is I had to carry it in my hand to see where my reading was, which isn’t ideal for long runs and/or racing. 

All in all, this adidas product is an advanced heart rate monitor system that incorporates some innovative technology for those looking to shed the strap and have fewer false readings. 

Goodbye Lobster

Jim Milton, aka Lobster and Smokey. 

My friend. I will miss you. R.I.P.

Back to Dunceville

Dabbling in delusion. Want to join?

Sometimes I think I'm taller than I really am. And younger. And stronger. And better. It's a bit of a delusion, this so called existence. But hey, who doesn't dabble in delusion once in a while?

My legs are now filled with this nasty stuff called cortisol. It's the stress hormone. I mimicked the fight or flight response the other night in a workout. Problem was I thought I was flying. But I was actually sinking. Right into a shallow grave that I dug there for myself whilst thinking I'm taller than I really am. And faster. And younger.

It's happened many times to me before. Usually when I line up on the track with faster runners, and let it all hang out. My heart was right there, doing the difficult work, namely lugging my ego along as my leg (hamstring) began to disintegrate into a hunk of fused membrane. A siren was sounding. Danger! Danger Will Robinson. Pull the rip cord! Pull the rip cord!

The good news is I pulled it, and the parachute came out, but I was only 300 feet from hitting the ground. I slowed the momentous plummet into Dunceville, but the fact is I still landed down there, just not as hard as I could have, or should have.

Sometimes I think I'm better than I really am. Oh well....    

Does Running Keep You Young?

Yesterday was a good day. I completed my first “longish” run since the Grand Slam.   

My heart beat 34,020 times. Not a big deal given the average human heart beats around 2.5 billion times in a lifetime, plus or minus. I did the math...I used about .00136% of my total lifetime beats doing this run. (4 hours and 12 minutes with a recorded average heart hate of 135 beats per minute, or 252 minutes x 135 bpm = 34,020/2.5 billion=.00136%).

Which begs the question. Was the run worth it? Was it worth using .00135% of my lifetime beats? Or, more specifically to the doubters out there, is running in general really worth it? The answers, my friends, are rather elementary. 

First there is the empirically based answer, supported by facts and figures, which is best used for non-runners, AKA the doubters. This is the type of answer given when the question is cloaked in the belief that running damages the knees and causes arthritis, among other things. But to get to an empirically based answer, you have to start with an empirically based question, like does running keep you young and/or prolong life? 

    

What’s noteworthy here is the science. A few studies that touch on the topic include the Stanford Study on Runners and Aging and this article on The Science of Running, to name just two. But the fact is there are dozens on the topic. All pretty much saying the same thing – that running keeps you young, by slowing down the aging process.

We all know the obvious benefits of running – that it builds a stronger heart, improves our cardio vascular system and helps with weight management. But how does running slow the aging process? Turns out that the benefits of running extend all the way down to the cellular level. Down to the telomeres, which are the protective caps on our DNA. Telomeres tend to shrink with age, which causes a downward spiral in ability to reproduce cells that keep our bodies going.

Running slows this process. Studies show that there was no significant difference in the length of telomeres between people age 55 to 72 who have exercised their entire lives and younger people. Conversely, sedentary people in the same age group showed significantly shorter telomeres compared to younger people. What does this mean? Running equals DNA health and longevity.

If running keeps you young, does it prolong life? The Stanford Study states that “the effect of running on delaying death has also been more dramatic than the scientists expected. Not surprisingly, running has slowed cardiovascular deaths. However, it has also been associated with fewer early deaths from cancer, neurological disease, infections and other causes.”

Then there is the reality based answer supported by your own experience as a runner. Which, when asked if running is really worth it, goes something like “if you understand, no words are needed. If you don’t, there are not enough words to explain. Thanks for asking though." 

Keep it real runners!

Seeing Equanimity

It was just a short jog around Central Park in New York City. I was minding my own business, kind of enjoying the orange and yellow hue against the green grass. I turned my head and noticed two people in a meditative repose, emanating stillness in the middle of one of the most chaotic cities I know. Awesome.

I seek it. I see it. Now I just need to, well, find it. This isn't going to be easy. Might be a lifetime goal in the making... 

Seeking Equanimity

The room is dark. I’m on my knees. I feel my legs. They seem stiff. Connected, yet detached….

B-r-e-a-t-h-e….d-e-e-p-l-y

My thoughts wonder. Away from the small light. Then back to it.

B-r-e-a-t-h-e….d-e-e-p-l-y…

I feel a stillness. Inside my body. I hear a sound. I try to let it go. It stays.

B-r-e-a-t-h-e….d-e-e-p-l-y…

It is a baby crying. I hear the sound inside my mind, but I’m outside. Connected, yet disconnected, at the same time.  Somewhere in between.

B-r-e-a-t-h-e….d-e-e-p-l-y…

I feel the stillness. Encompassing my body. It is much deeper now.

B-r-e-a-t-h-e….d-e-e-p-l-y…

Why am I writing about this here? I’m not totally sure, but it might be because I think I might have found a small form of equanimity in my running, and I would like to figure out how to do the same in my everyday life. I emphasize might and small form because I’m really not sure what I have found. It could be connected to the experience of riding the 100 mile roller coaster. Being on my feet day and night while facing the highs and the lows that come with running for 20+ hours. To recognize the inevitable peaks and valleys for what they are - temporary. And not let them control me.

A couple of years ago I attended a Zen Meditation workshop. It was a brief stint, and I only attended a couple of sessions. But I have not forgotten the experience. In fact the above scene is taken directly from my experience there. Is it odd that I can I can remember these few minutes like they happened an hour ago? I’m beginning to wonder how much more I would be able to appreciate things if I was really present, like right there, not judging or thinking. Just being, right there.

Beginning today, I’m embarking on a quest to find equanimity. This would be the place where mental calmness, composure, evenness of temper, prevail. It’s also a place where anger, judgment, and angst can be overcome. I’m just tired of being jerked around by my emotions and biases. I’m not out to extinguish feelings, for that would be unplugging from life itself. On the contrary, I will seek new intimacy in them, but try to learn to recognize and acknowledge them without letting them control me.