Discover running
The decision to become a runner comes from many places in life; a young person’s desire to compete, a midlife desire to find fitness,
a friend’s encouragement, and on and on.
However once we become a runner, we discover some of the same attributes. First, we find our body’s response changes from struggle to freedom. Our body’s systems become more efficient and we become fit.
As our bodies change, we begin to find the happiness in running, a joy that comes from a place where we have overcome discomfort and moved into a new ease of movement. The joy of running does not come everyday but often enough to give us the motivation of constant pursuit.
The happiness of running then leads to new awareness of ourselves, and we find the spirit of running takes us inward. Touching the part of us that only comes through consistent discipline and the full engagement of ourselves in each single moment, we are whole.
Beyond the body’s fitness, the mind’s joy, and the spirit’s awakening is the quest for challenge. For many of us that leads us to a first 5K, the half-marathon, marathon, ultra marathon, triathlon, or multi-sport adventure racing. The acknowledgement, the commitment, the pursuit and the accomplishment of the challenge take us to a place that our modern life does not offer. It may be only once that we give our full attention to these mountains, or it may become a part of each year’s goals. In every case meeting a challenge that is beyond your normal capacity enriches a life forever.
Enjoy the challenge that you are pursuing!
Keep Moving,
Chris
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Seduced
Seduced
It is so easy to be seduced by entertainment and information that flood into our lives. The ease of access to entertainment and information though readily available low cost technology and its marketing capitalization lure us to become addicts. As our time within a day/week/month is spent not just in front of a TV, but reading blogs, on Face-book, sending e-mails, watching You-tube, listening to pundits or being spectators to events, we are stimulated into an inactive paralysis. The stimulation is exciting and can create deep emotional and mental responses. However, it demands little or no participation of our body.
We must use the body as a means to free our minds and engage our spirits. We are a spirit experiencing this earth in a physical being and must utilize physical movement and challenges as stimulus for aliveness. That does not mean that the most physically strong or fit are the most successful, or that a rich life exists only through the physical, it is meant as an awareness of the value of physical in each of us. As Bill Bowerman, co-founder of Nike and coach of University of Oregon, is quoted “If you have a body, you are an athlete.”. We are all athletes and all need physicality to enhance the magic and glory of life.
It is so easy to be seduced by entertainment and information that flood into our lives. The ease of access to entertainment and information though readily available low cost technology and its marketing capitalization lure us to become addicts. As our time within a day/week/month is spent not just in front of a TV, but reading blogs, on Face-book, sending e-mails, watching You-tube, listening to pundits or being spectators to events, we are stimulated into an inactive paralysis. The stimulation is exciting and can create deep emotional and mental responses. However, it demands little or no participation of our body.
We must use the body as a means to free our minds and engage our spirits. We are a spirit experiencing this earth in a physical being and must utilize physical movement and challenges as stimulus for aliveness. That does not mean that the most physically strong or fit are the most successful, or that a rich life exists only through the physical, it is meant as an awareness of the value of physical in each of us. As Bill Bowerman, co-founder of Nike and coach of University of Oregon, is quoted “If you have a body, you are an athlete.”. We are all athletes and all need physicality to enhance the magic and glory of life.
Monday, January 5, 2009
2009 John Daley One One Run
2009 John Daley One One Run
New Year’s Day at Spring Valley Park on the east side of Kalamazoo was a day to run, walk, smile, laugh, high five, hug and shiver a bit too. A herd of people (and pets) braved the cold wind but warmed their hearts with friends – old and new. At One o’clock, the participants started to run/walk, and moved in a steady stream around the park finding that movement is a great cure for cold, and a fun way to share memories and build friendships.
We at Gazelle Sports have had the privileged to host the One One Run, and reconnect with people who we love (or at least like a lot) and bring the New Year in with the energy of happiness, celebration, friendship, family, and movement.
We understand that some of the most important aspects of our lives are what make the One One special and important – building positive relationships, supporting a great local organization, and being healthy.
In a moment in history, when we can be anxious about issues we don’t often control, it is good to find a way to connect with the spirit of movement and health and friendship and fun. That is the spirit of John Daley and the One One Run.
I want thank all who joined us and those who were there in spirit.
And thank all our sponsors, City of Kalamazoo, Gazelle Sports staff, volunteers, and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kalamazoo for their support.
And thank the incredible effort of our event committee, Greta Faworski, Rob Lillie, Alycia Vince, Dottie Sullivan, and Cassie Hunter.
Happy New Year – may 2009 be full of the spirit of the One One Run in your life.
Keep Moving,
Chris
New Year’s Day at Spring Valley Park on the east side of Kalamazoo was a day to run, walk, smile, laugh, high five, hug and shiver a bit too. A herd of people (and pets) braved the cold wind but warmed their hearts with friends – old and new. At One o’clock, the participants started to run/walk, and moved in a steady stream around the park finding that movement is a great cure for cold, and a fun way to share memories and build friendships.
We at Gazelle Sports have had the privileged to host the One One Run, and reconnect with people who we love (or at least like a lot) and bring the New Year in with the energy of happiness, celebration, friendship, family, and movement.
We understand that some of the most important aspects of our lives are what make the One One special and important – building positive relationships, supporting a great local organization, and being healthy.
In a moment in history, when we can be anxious about issues we don’t often control, it is good to find a way to connect with the spirit of movement and health and friendship and fun. That is the spirit of John Daley and the One One Run.
I want thank all who joined us and those who were there in spirit.
And thank all our sponsors, City of Kalamazoo, Gazelle Sports staff, volunteers, and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kalamazoo for their support.
And thank the incredible effort of our event committee, Greta Faworski, Rob Lillie, Alycia Vince, Dottie Sullivan, and Cassie Hunter.
Happy New Year – may 2009 be full of the spirit of the One One Run in your life.
Keep Moving,
Chris
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Kick Your Own Ass
Yeah I have not posted in forever, but it is not because I don't have ample issues to discuss and share. It's just that I found that I have blogstipation (that is constipation of the blog).
So although I am excited that my running is groovin, and that Usain Bolt is the most outrageous track athlete maybe ever, I want to share the idea that in this active life and maybe not so active life, it is up to you to KICK YOUR OWN ASS! Sorry to offend anyone, but you know I can't tell you what to do, when to do it, where to do it, or how to do it, although it sure seems that alot of people want to have that enabling screaming parent making our lives accountable. You need to wake up, take charge and KICK YOUR OWN ASS and get moving.
We all know what to do - eat a balanced diet and less, exercise, laugh and have fun, learn and explore, live in faith and pray, share and love openly, work with meaning, hold gratitude in your heart - not in that order or maybe in some different words. But you know what I mean - Nike said "Just do it" and I am saying KICK YOUR OWN ASS.
Quit complaining about your circumstances and about other people - don't kick their ass - kick your own ass and get moving. Quit waiting for your parent or surrogate parent to kick your ass. Now is the time - be accountable to be you, not someone else.
OK - I may be pushing the limit in the words "kick your own ass" of how a balanced life would feel, but you can't have balance without a commitment to perform your best, give your best, achieve your best, love your best, or align with your best intentions. And you cannot move forward into a rich life without pushing yourself to be your best.
Kicking your own ass isn't about beating someone, replacing someone, proving you are better than someone, it is about focus, determination, and doing your best. It doesn't mean you do everything, or that you do it alone; it may mean in a team, or that you let go so that movement and circulation continue, or simple surrendering to the Grace of God that is in all our lives every moment. You know how to do your best, hold yourself accountable and KICK YOUR OWN ASS. So do it.
Let me know how it is going.
Keep Moving,
Chris
So although I am excited that my running is groovin, and that Usain Bolt is the most outrageous track athlete maybe ever, I want to share the idea that in this active life and maybe not so active life, it is up to you to KICK YOUR OWN ASS! Sorry to offend anyone, but you know I can't tell you what to do, when to do it, where to do it, or how to do it, although it sure seems that alot of people want to have that enabling screaming parent making our lives accountable. You need to wake up, take charge and KICK YOUR OWN ASS and get moving.
We all know what to do - eat a balanced diet and less, exercise, laugh and have fun, learn and explore, live in faith and pray, share and love openly, work with meaning, hold gratitude in your heart - not in that order or maybe in some different words. But you know what I mean - Nike said "Just do it" and I am saying KICK YOUR OWN ASS.
Quit complaining about your circumstances and about other people - don't kick their ass - kick your own ass and get moving. Quit waiting for your parent or surrogate parent to kick your ass. Now is the time - be accountable to be you, not someone else.
OK - I may be pushing the limit in the words "kick your own ass" of how a balanced life would feel, but you can't have balance without a commitment to perform your best, give your best, achieve your best, love your best, or align with your best intentions. And you cannot move forward into a rich life without pushing yourself to be your best.
Kicking your own ass isn't about beating someone, replacing someone, proving you are better than someone, it is about focus, determination, and doing your best. It doesn't mean you do everything, or that you do it alone; it may mean in a team, or that you let go so that movement and circulation continue, or simple surrendering to the Grace of God that is in all our lives every moment. You know how to do your best, hold yourself accountable and KICK YOUR OWN ASS. So do it.
Let me know how it is going.
Keep Moving,
Chris
Monday, July 14, 2008
Lakeshore Miracle Run
July 2008
This past Saturday, I attended the Lakeshore Miracle Run south of Holland, MI. The race was started nine years ago by Adam Kunkel, and is a fund raiser for the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Foundation. Adam is both a great endurance athlete who has done marathons, Ironman triathlons, and adventure races and a creative, caring businessman who loves to give back to his community and kids. He envisioned a one of a kind event that would absorb runners into the beauty of the Lake shore at it's best while raising money for children in need.
This 10K is no ordinary 10K - it is simply one of the most beautiful courses I have ever run (or walked or biked or hiked). The day started with a bang of thunder and lighting alerting the adventurous that they were invited to a special day of running. The storm gave way to a nice rain and while some decided to stay in bed, it provided others another dimension to enjoy under the canopy of hard woods as they ran through the trails.
It starts on a country road, but quickly heads into single track trails through the wooded coast line along Lake Michigan. As runners wind through the tight turns and loose dirt trails, they are immersed in a canvas of nature's colors and textures that speak deeply to their soul. Although the running is laborious, all the senses are super-charged with a raw energy that lifts up the spirit and encourages runners to find out what's behind the next bend.
The trails give way to beach and dunes as the run hits the second third, and the run dumps out onto the Lake Michigan beach. And again, although movement is slowed and more difficult through the shifting sand, nature invites the runners to keep moving and enjoy her diversity.
They are now stimulated by the view, smell, taste, feel and sounds of the greatest body of fresh water in the world and the beauty of it's ever changing shore. Runners find hard packed sand to make the run easier, but soon see the way out of this beach will be a huge challenge. Into site comes the turn off the beach - a giant bowl of a dune that clearly is a test just to walk up.
Now the wonder the landscape that has tickled the senses change to focused intention and survival to find the top of this sand mountain and nothing else. It is not a quest for the timid, but for the brave who endure the dune, the sight at the top (along with the water provided by awesome volunteers who haul it up in the morning) is inspirational. Some competitors move on quickly, but most linger a bit to enjoy their conquest and the victor's view of the sky, water, sand, plants and woods that have lined their way. Now they move on (carefully) down the back side of the dune. Gravity is the challenge now and a quick lean forward or a careless footplant will cause a tumble and roll that a child would welcome but the runners would like to avoid.
Back into the woods, now two thirds complete, the runners find the orange markers that Adam placed along the course in the early morning rain and wind. The trails feel easier than the sand, but difficult enough that there is little rhythm, just movement though the woods in an individual dedication to completion. However hard the running has become, the soft surface, quiet surroundings, and energy of nature invigorates and propels the body forward. The last of the trails change back to a packed dirt road then a paved road and soon the finish line.
The race has been completed, and now the neural paths of memory are fired as the runners share stories of the trails, sand, dunes, woods, and the endurance it took to finish. The storm that threatened has since past and the sun shines down with renewing energy. The trail veterans and the newbies have a shared experience that reminds each that roads may be a necessary place that the body can use to train, but trails are where the runner's soul sings loudest!
Along with Adam Kunkel, I want to recognize and thank Dr. Joe Junewick and Advanced Radiology Services for the meaningful support that they provide to make this special event happen. And I want to thank Gloria dela Garza, who is a patient at the DeVos Children's Hospital, for helping us start the 2008 Lakeshore Miracle Run.
Keep Moving,
Chris
This past Saturday, I attended the Lakeshore Miracle Run south of Holland, MI. The race was started nine years ago by Adam Kunkel, and is a fund raiser for the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Foundation. Adam is both a great endurance athlete who has done marathons, Ironman triathlons, and adventure races and a creative, caring businessman who loves to give back to his community and kids. He envisioned a one of a kind event that would absorb runners into the beauty of the Lake shore at it's best while raising money for children in need.
This 10K is no ordinary 10K - it is simply one of the most beautiful courses I have ever run (or walked or biked or hiked). The day started with a bang of thunder and lighting alerting the adventurous that they were invited to a special day of running. The storm gave way to a nice rain and while some decided to stay in bed, it provided others another dimension to enjoy under the canopy of hard woods as they ran through the trails.
It starts on a country road, but quickly heads into single track trails through the wooded coast line along Lake Michigan. As runners wind through the tight turns and loose dirt trails, they are immersed in a canvas of nature's colors and textures that speak deeply to their soul. Although the running is laborious, all the senses are super-charged with a raw energy that lifts up the spirit and encourages runners to find out what's behind the next bend.
The trails give way to beach and dunes as the run hits the second third, and the run dumps out onto the Lake Michigan beach. And again, although movement is slowed and more difficult through the shifting sand, nature invites the runners to keep moving and enjoy her diversity.
They are now stimulated by the view, smell, taste, feel and sounds of the greatest body of fresh water in the world and the beauty of it's ever changing shore. Runners find hard packed sand to make the run easier, but soon see the way out of this beach will be a huge challenge. Into site comes the turn off the beach - a giant bowl of a dune that clearly is a test just to walk up.
Now the wonder the landscape that has tickled the senses change to focused intention and survival to find the top of this sand mountain and nothing else. It is not a quest for the timid, but for the brave who endure the dune, the sight at the top (along with the water provided by awesome volunteers who haul it up in the morning) is inspirational. Some competitors move on quickly, but most linger a bit to enjoy their conquest and the victor's view of the sky, water, sand, plants and woods that have lined their way. Now they move on (carefully) down the back side of the dune. Gravity is the challenge now and a quick lean forward or a careless footplant will cause a tumble and roll that a child would welcome but the runners would like to avoid.
Back into the woods, now two thirds complete, the runners find the orange markers that Adam placed along the course in the early morning rain and wind. The trails feel easier than the sand, but difficult enough that there is little rhythm, just movement though the woods in an individual dedication to completion. However hard the running has become, the soft surface, quiet surroundings, and energy of nature invigorates and propels the body forward. The last of the trails change back to a packed dirt road then a paved road and soon the finish line.
The race has been completed, and now the neural paths of memory are fired as the runners share stories of the trails, sand, dunes, woods, and the endurance it took to finish. The storm that threatened has since past and the sun shines down with renewing energy. The trail veterans and the newbies have a shared experience that reminds each that roads may be a necessary place that the body can use to train, but trails are where the runner's soul sings loudest!
Along with Adam Kunkel, I want to recognize and thank Dr. Joe Junewick and Advanced Radiology Services for the meaningful support that they provide to make this special event happen. And I want to thank Gloria dela Garza, who is a patient at the DeVos Children's Hospital, for helping us start the 2008 Lakeshore Miracle Run.
Keep Moving,
Chris
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