Addicted to Eggnog!

This has been a slow week. I am sure that all my extra holiday pounds will come from the gallons of eggnog I can't seem to stop drinking. Of all the sources of mad amounts of fat and calories why did I get addicted to this stuff?! From Virgin to "mildly spiked" eggnog to eggnog Latte from Star Bucks I have been guzzling it down in vats!

I don't know if I am making up for being in Sri Lanka last Christmas and going without this seasonal treat but I can't seem to get enough. At any rate I feel I'll have to run twice as much in order to deal with this heavenly transgression. Saturday and Sunday promise to be active along with the week of Christmas, that is active with running I hope and not with eggnog guzzling!

Merry Christmas to all!

Personal Best

Have you ever had a situation where you thought you were doing something better than you have ever done only to find out you didn't? Monday, Lance Armstrong told me that I had accomplished a personal best for the mile! Well, it was his voice anyway, which is a feature for my Nike+Ipod contraption.

So today I was, at least I thought I was, flying during my run. I was so sure I had not only posted my best time for my mile but for my five mile run to date. So, after I finished the run I listened to the summary and waited for Lance to congratulate me on my blazing time....Silence. Oh well. The good thing is that I was only 22 seconds slower from my best time for five miles coming in at 45:10 and my overall pace was much better than Monday's pace and I'm sure I was probably an eyelash away from my best time for a mile yet, but I have to sync my IPod to find out that particular detail.

So when I didn't hear Lance I just kind of laughed out loud to myself. The best thing about this run today was that I had no pain whatsoever from the tendinitis in my left knee. Usually by mile four I am in a great deal of pain and it lasts at least for two days. Today I made sure to stay on my toes when I ran and stretched and iced right after the run and I was relieved there was no pain. The thing about that knee pain is it makes it very hard to sit and meditate! But at least for now I won't have that problem. Funny, that is probably the only problem I have in my life. Huh, that's pretty crazy.

Oh, by the way I'll have some details soon on how you can donate to CRSF.

My true motivation

For me competition has always been difficult. I have always been fiercely competitive but something in the back of my head never really let me fall in love with the idea of winning or losing. Society has conditioned me to want to win and to celebrate whenever I have, and I certainly know how to rub a victory in. However, I have never been a sore loser. In many cases I have found myself just as happy for the other guy winning as I would have been If I had won the competition.

My motivation for winning or striving to be the best died off a while ago. Winning is the thing that drives a lot of people and that is fine since that's what works for them. But what motivates me is developing perseverance and not giving up even though I feel like quitting. If that means I come in first so be it, but even if I come in last I am more satisfied with the accomplishment than where I am in the standings.

Some might say that I strive for mediocrity. From my point of view I could care less who wins. I don't really get my validation from others and so being proclaimed the winner really has little meaning to me. When I look in the mirror or inside my own mind I have to answer more important questions than weather or not I won or lost. Did I give it my all? If not, why? What are things I can do that will help develop a will to keep going? Did I cheat myself or fool myself in my training or studying? How can I be more honest with myself? What do I expect from this? Am I trying to prove something or develop my character? The answers to these questions is what is important.

Running for a cause has certainly given me focus. A positive side effect has been that as I run I gently assassinate the part of my character that tempts me to throw in the towel and give up without seeing how far I can go and how much I can give. I am slowly killing off that part of me that for years has told me small white lies I was all too eager to believe. "You'll get to it tomorrow" "You can't take another step" "You can stop later just try it this one time" "They'll never know". This has been what I have benefited most from thus far and I expect there are greater lessons ahead.

About CRSF

The Vision and Mission of CRSF is “Let us look after helpless people”. CRSF was founded in 1987 to provide shelter safety and care to children who have been displaced as a result violence from war in the North and Eastern areas of Sri Lanka.

In addition to being a refugee camp and offering adoptive services for displaced children CRSF also provides housing and medical care for senior citizens and serves as a Buddhist monetary to train novice monks. CRSF was registered as a refugee voluntary organization with the department of social service of Sri Lanka on 27th December 1989 (Reg. no. 11/4/8/2160/89).

Group photo of CRSF Children and Rev. Dhamananda

Serviced performed

1. Currently the CRSF Sri Pemananda children’s home houses 25 children.

2. CRSF Sri Vijaya dharmmarma is a novice Buddhist monk training center and currently houses and trains 20 monks.

3. Senior's home, Kakirawa presently houses 15 elderly mothers.

4. CRSF Vocational training center offers computer training for both children living at CRSF and local children as well.

5. Drinking water bottling project.

6. Agency post office.

7. CRSF Rural resources saving project.

Medical check up for senior residents.

Novice Monks

Rev. Kirama Dhammananda, Administrator of CRSF

Really happy about my knee and trying to learn Arabic

The last few runs I have had I experienced a great deal of pain on the left side of my out knee. I did some research and figured it could be tendinitis. At any rate the pain was sometimes unbearable and I read that you are not supposed to run through pain even though I always do. Not Smart!

Anyway it came to a head on Monday when twice, about mid way through mile 4 my left knee buckled and I almost fell on the pavement. I thought the first time was just a fluke but then it happened again and I could barely finish the run.

Later in the day when I went back to work I was walking up some steps and I felt a snap and a stinging pain that made me want to scream to the top of my lungs, but since I was at work I just moaned and grimaced in pain. I thought for a moment that I may have torn or really damaged something. I was afraid to take another step but I had to see if this was something serious. Thankfully it didn't seem to be. It seemed more like something may have been out of place and just found its way back.

At any rate I rested and went for a five mile run yesterday. I made sure that I stretched before the run and I also consciously made sure that I ran on the balls of my feet. I didn't have one ounce of pain and my pace was the best it's been. The final ingredient was after the run I iced my knee and for the first time there was no pain in my knee after a run.

I hope that the extent of my knee pain was just incorrect running and not stretching. I have to keep an eye on it though because as I push my distance I might start having some problems. Some of you are probably asking why I haven't seen a specialist yet. It's simple, my experience with doctors is like my experience with the weather man, I still keep an umbrella handy. I hate to say it but unless it is really serious it seems like a waste of time. I have always been pretty proactive with seeing doctors but they generally never take any of my concerns seriously they tell me I'm to young to be worried about any thing. Not that I have anything against doctors but I have learned that being proactive and educating myself is for now the best way.

Another thing about my run yesterday was that I was able to make time for a goal I am striving toward. I am trying to learn several new languages over the next ten years. I was able to listen to some Arabic lessons on my Ipod instead of my usual music play list. It is tough to concentrate but this is really the only time I have and I will just repeat the lessons until it starts to sink in.

Brrrrr!

I went running on Saturday and it took everything not to run back inside and crawl back under the blankets! It was cold, cold, cold!

I ran for six miles and I don't think I started sweating until mile six. Yesterday was much better. The weather was great...I'm on track with my running goals so far and still working on my fund raising. I ordered some CRSF writ bands for those who make contributions. I think that will be a nice touch, but we'll see.

No Pain!

So I did my research and stretching and ran with no pain in my feet. I think the biggest problem was that my laces were too tight!

I need to work on my left knee though. I have always had pain in my knees but I am starting to get a little concerned about how it is feeling. I'll do some reading and resting this holiday weekend and see if I can find a solution.

Be Smart and run longer

I have learned that I can only turn a deaf ear to my body for only so long. I have been experiencing a great deal of pain in the top of my right foot. The pain was almost too much to bare and still I ran on it.

I soon realized that I am not superman and should run smart. After all if I do a great deal of damage to my feet it's not just the running that will suffer. So, I did some research ( you have to love the Internet) and found that I am experiencing Inflammation of the extensor tendons. All the symptoms and possible causes matched my experience.

So because I really want to keep running I have a plan of action:

1. Stretch properly before and after the run
2. Don't tie shoes tight
3. Get appropriate foot padding
4. Stretch and apply ice after the run
5. Chose a more flat route to run because hills are what started the pain.

I'll try this plan of action and see if there is any improvement. I plan on running at least five miles tomorrow so we'll see how it goes.

Good Run Today

So, for my lunch break today I ran a little over 5 miles through Rock Creek Park. The scenery was beautiful with all the fall foliage and the the soft trail was great on my knees and joints.

I felt great after the run and for as long as the weather permits I'm going to try and run during my lunch break.

Track My runs

Ok so I was fooling around on the Nike+IPod site and found this cool widget that allows me to share my progress with all of you. What a world we live in! So this is just another way to keep me honest, not that I have a problem with honesty, but knowing I am being observed will keep me motivated to run.

If you look to the left of the page you can see my runs, the dates distance and time.

There is no time like NOW!

Yesterday was a beautiful day to run. It was about 60 degrees outside and I got in a good 3 mile run around 4:30. I'm glad I got because today is rainy and the temperature will go down about 20 degrees by the afternoon.

I mentioned earlier that I would link to the Niki+IPod site so you all could see my progress. Well I don't think it's that easy so you'll just have to take my word for it. I have to say that I really love that site and for $30.00 dollars it was probably one of the best investments I could have made for my running regiment. I can draw out map routes, set goals, challenge others and myself. If you are a runner and use an IPod I would really recommend getting it.

Now again I didn't purchase the Nike Shoe. I simply put the chip in a small pouch and laced it into my shoe strings. It stays secure and when I get a new pair of running shoes I will be free to get any brand I want.

Soon I'll have to take my running on to the treadmill because of the colder weather. I still would much rather run outside though. We'll see what happens I generally like to train hard but I don't like cold weather much. At any rate there is always spin class.

Run Forest Run!

I am trying to get out and some running in. It's been tough because my schedule has a little busier than usual. After I write this post I'm going to try and run a three mile loop. I'll let you know how it goes.

Blogging keeps me honest

So I debated over and over again on if I would get out and do my long run today. Part of what made it hard was the weather. I don't like running in cold weather and I suppose no one really does. The thing is that it wasn't that cold but cold enough to make me want to stay in my warm bed.

But seeing as I posted that I would (though it was probably not even read by anyone) I felt I needed to keep to my word. That's a new thing I am really working on by the way; if I tell myself I am going to do something I do it or I try not to say I am going to do it all. I am trying to get out of the habit of lying to myself.

So I got out with my new Nike+IPod and it was great! Nice to hear the distance called out and told when I reached my goal. Today I set my goal for five miles. I ran the five but I was in a bit of dilemma. When the voice came on and told me I was at the half way point I should have turned around and headed back home. Instead I kept running out, further and further away from home. When I reached the five mile goal I was now five miles from home and figured what the heck, I might as well run back. So with each mile over my five mile goal the voice on the IPod said "mile six you are one mile over your goal of five miles." Hearing that did something to me and I didn't stop until I hit ten miles.

This was quite a milestone for me and one that came with a price because I could hardly walk after the run. My left knee was in so much pain it hurt just thinking about it. It's much better now. I had to do it though. I had to push. These runs especially the hard ones are eliminating any tendency I have to give up. Quiting has long since stopped being an option with me which is quite an accomplishment because I generally give up on things pretty easy. I also think that for me running is such a powerful tool to build the virtue of perseverance because I have always had issues with it. I have never enjoyed running so to push through and reach these milestones is nothing short of transforming.

I hope I can get back out by Tuesday, but that depends on how the knee is doing. If not I'll get to the spin class at the gym. Hey, keep my lady friend in your thoughts. She fell in a restaurant and sprained her knee a couple of weeks ago. She wants to get back out and run and can't so she gets down sometimes.

Thanks for reading.

Oh, I'll put up a link on the blog where you can track my training online via Nike+IPod.

Training Aids and Raising Funds

I got the Nike+Ipod thingie today. It's a little chip that goes in the bottom of the Nike Shoe (or in my case my sock since I don't own the shoes) and it relays distance, time, calories burned etc. back to my IPod. I am excited to try it out and start tracking my progress. Apparently there are a lot of neat features. I'll keep you all posted on how it's working out. I'm going on a long run tomorrow so I am anxious to try out the technology and talk about it.

I am exploring some fund raising options and I should know in a week or so if they pan out... If any one out there would like to throw in their two cents on some fund raising tips or even like to help out I am all ears. You can read about CRSF in the November 5th post. Just scroll down to the blog archives section on the right side of the page. Also you can now subscribe to this blog via email. You'll get notification when there is a new post.

May you be well, happy and peaceful!

A way to donate money to CRSF that doesn't cost you anything

I hate promoting this plan like this because it sounds too much like a cheap gimmick. Being one who hates fine print and slick advertising believe me when I say this is exactly what I say it is.

Many of you may have heard of ING Direct www.ingdirect.com. ING is an online bank that offers high interest savings and checking accounts. I have been a member of ING since 2003 and earn a 4.2%interest rate on my savings account. Once I found out ING offered checking accounts I made them my primary bank and I have never had one single problem with them, they are great.

At any rate, if I refer a friend to ING and they open a savings account with a minimum amount of $250.00, ING will deposit $25.00 in their account and give me $10.00. I have set up a separate savings account where I deposit any denotations to CRSF. The money earns interest for the charity and it's great because every little bit helps. This is simply ING's referral program and I'm just using the money they would give me for CRSF.

Now $10.00 may not sound like much but every little bit helps. It is also a great way to save money and setting up the account and accessing your savings is simple. This is really a benefit for all of you with a side benefit to CRSF.

That being said I said all that to say if you are interested it only works if I send you an email directly. So send me an email to runningforcrsf@gmail.com and I'll send you an invite to open an account.

Thanks for all your support and if you want to get more info about CRSF click on the November 5th post.

May you be well, happy, and peaceful!

I got it in!

Okay, so I told myself I would make up the run I missed this Sunday on Monday. And against all odds I got out and did it. I took off on the run about 3:45 P.M. and ran for about an hour. I was able to get a good run in and took a new route.

Aside from my burning lungs and the unbearable pain in my left knee I felt great. I don't particularly like running in cool weather although I don't sweat as much. At any rate it was a great run and I am happy I got it done although I did get some brutal hills, which I love to take on.

I acutally had a totally different idea for this post. My run was actually increadible and I wanted to talk about the route in detail but I'm kind of out of it so perhaps I'll write about it retroactive.

May you be well, happy, and peaceful!

Lazy Bones!

I didn't run today. Didn't feel too well but I kind of regret not going anyway. I'm going to try and leave work around 3:45 and go run through Rock Creek Park in D.C.

We'll see what happens. Human experience; heck my own experience tells me that when I don't do something and offer some conscience appeasing alternative I more than likely will not do it. Nothing is easier than lying to myself. That being said I hope the fact that I am writing this will give me some motivation to get out there.

We'll see tomorrow!

More Info to come

Hello friends,

I am working on getting some detailed information up about CRSF. I am formatting everything now and plan to have it up in the next couple of days.

I'll be going out on a long run tomorrow trying to go 7-8 miles. If I'm not in the emergency room I'll write about it! :)

Thanks for all your support!

MYBWH&P!
May You Be Well Happy and Peaceful!

So Why CRSF?

Last Christmas I traveled to the Indian Ocean island of Sri Lanka. It was a spectacular trip and I hope to visit often. When I returned to the States I had the great fortune of befriending a wonderful Buddhist Monk by the name of Venerable Dr. Beligalle Dhammajoti. Dr. Dhammajoiti was on Sabbatical from the University where he teaches in Sri Lanka. It just so happened he was living at the Temple I attend in Washington DC. We spent a great deal of time together and we developed a close and tender friendship. I learned so much from him but most of all I was benefited by his kindness and compassion.

Dr. Dhammajoti told me about a Buddhist monk in Sri Lanka who is the administrator of an orphanage which provides refuge for children who are victims of war and most recently the 2004 Tsunami. He humbly asked if I would be able to make a small donation to this orphanage whenever I could. Dr. Dhammajoti was sensitive to my humble economic status and knew that I was willing to do whatever I could.

I remember when Oprah opened her school for girls in South Africa earlier this year. I heard a lot of people complaining that there were plenty of girls here "at home" that she could have built that school for. Some people couldn't understand nor support her desire to help these girls in need.

I have also heard similar responses from people when I have mentioned my support for helping children's funds in other countries such as The Sri Lankan Children's Relief Services Foundation and The Cambodian Children's Fund. One friend scowled at me "Why don't you help Dominican children?" When I asked if he could refer me to an organization I could support he had no answer. He was just angry at the fact I was helping non Dominicans.

It's difficult to address these kinds of challenges from people: actually it's quite easy but I prefer not to argue about why I want to HELP PEOPLE IN NEED. I just want to see people and children in particular get help.

Another thing that drew me to CRSF was the leadership. I have a special place in my heart for the self sacrifice that Buddhist monks make in their lives. The fact that a homeless, penniless monk is trying to improve the lives of these children is something worthy of my respect and admiration.

I certainly agree that there are children "here" that need help. I am an advocate for PEOPLE so ultimately their geographic location really doesn't matter as much. This is a charity that pulls at me and I am inclined to help it. Some of you out there will feel the same about it and some of you will not. For me it goes beyond nationality or weather or not someone speaks my language or is of the same racial or cultural descent and background. I am glad to see people being helped no matter where they are in the world and I am just trying to play any role I can in that effort.

MYBWH&P!

Pushing the limit

When I started running back in May I could run a mile and a quarter solid. I wouldn't push beyond that distance and always had excuses for why I couldn't. I would be in a lot of pain or completely winded and generally was satisfied with my under achievement.

Then one day something happened. I just decided to run three miles. I did it and from that moment on I have been inching my way up to more distance. One of the things I realized when I reached the three mile mark was how easy it was to lie to myself. I would tell myself I couldn't take another step because I was so exhausted, yet in the time it took me to think that thought and try to talk myself out of the discomfort of running I had probably taken at least ten more steps. I soon realized that what I was thinking and telling myself was not true. I could actually take one more step. It was never that I could not do it but instead that I would not do it.

Lately I have been using time instead of distance to kind of gauge my progress. I know I can run about five miles in about 52 minutes or so. This has been my limit for some time now so yesterday I decided to push my time to at least an hour and ten minutes. An extra twenty minutes is nothing if you are having a good time but when you are exhausted it is quite a bit of time and you feel every second. I am happy to say that I ran for an hour and twenty-four minutes yesterday.

That certainly is no great feat for a seasoned runner but every seasoned runner has at one time been where I am and can relate to what it feels like to push their body farther than it thinks it can go.

I'll keep pushing and see where it gets me.

Getting Started!

Well I signed up today for the Rock n Roll half Marathon which will take place Labor Day Weekend 2008 in Virgina Beach, VA.

Let me give you just a little background here regarding this Marathon business. In general I hate running! My knees are not in the best of shape and in the past if I ran or even walked briskly I would be in pain.

However after watching my girlfriend's brother run a few of these things I have been nothing short of inspired. He is a couple of years older than I am and in phenomenal shape. Watching his work ethic and overall concern for his health inspired me to do a better job of eating right and exercising.

So since July I have been running on a regular basis. I have to say my girlfriend has also been an inspiration as well. She is a runner and in great shape so I guess basically I got tired of being the lazy third wheel.

At any rate she and I thought it would be a good idea to try and run a "half" next year. So we will be training for this event.

Of course to make this even more rewarding I thought I would use this opportunity to see if friends, family and if I'm lucky a few strangers would sponsor my run in an attempt to raise some money for a charity that is dear to me. So I will be running for The Sri Lankan Children Relief Services Foundation (CRSF). CRSF is an orphanage in Innamaluwa, Sri Lanka that takes care of children affected by war and the 2004 Tsunami. It is run by a Buddhist Monk, Venerable Kirama Dhammananda and completely dependant on donations.

A little goes a long way in Sri Lanka so I am going to be asking for donations as small as $10.00 and up (Details on how to Donate are forth coming).

I hope that you will join me in this little endeavor!

May you be well, happy and Peaceful! (MYBWHP!)