Day 132: Saint Snowflake

It has been a tough two weeks. Since Character Combine, the team has been maintaining full throttle as we head feet first into Evening of Dreams. Michelle Purcell and team have pulled off a series of miracles to make the evening incredible.

Tomorrow night, nearly 700 people will gather in Capital Christian High School's Performing Arts Building. Special Needs Students will hit the red carpet (or since we are doing a Wizard of Oz theme a Yellow Brick Road) and lock arms with their date. The 150+ dates are made up of couragous student athletes who set the standard for leadership. These athletes from across the city are excited to Be the Change!

Two hundred volunteers, nearly 100 VIP Community Leaders and close to two hundred parents of the guest round out the evening.

Its said that in order to become a Saint, you have to complete three miracles. Michelle, Abbie, Travis, and Sherene, you are all Saints.

Michelle, you are Saint Snowflake.

Peace.

JAS

Day 132: Saint Snowflake

It has been a tough two weeks. Since Character Combine, the team has been maintaining full throttle as we head feet first into Evening of Dreams. Michelle Purcell and team have pulled off a series of miracles to make the evening incredible.

Tomorrow night, nearly 700 people will gather in Capital Christian High School's Performing Arts Building. Special Needs Students will hit the red carpet (or since we are doing a Wizard of Oz theme a Yellow Brick Road) and lock arms with their date. The 150+ dates are made up of couragous student athletes who set the standard for leadership. These athletes from across the city are excited to Be the Change!

Two hundred volunteers, nearly 100 VIP Community Leaders and close to two hundred parents of the guest round out the evening.

Its said that in order to become a Saint, you have to complete three miracles. Michelle, Abbie, Travis, and Sherene, you are all Saints.

Michelle, you are Saint Snowflake.

Peace.

JAS

Day 98: Taboo Tuesday: Voices

Each of us will face the inevitable voices that bark at us while running. Its a taboo topic to ask your running buddy, "What are 'they' saying to you?" They may want to have you evaluated. Regardless, if you have ran for any time, "negative-self talk" has crippled your forward motion.

Here are the three most frequent messages rattling around my head when running.

1) "You are not strong enough to finish this distance." Solution: Shorten the distance to a single step and respond, "I am able to finish this distance."

2) "You are not running fast enough and 'those' people will think you are weak."Solution: I have chosen to compete against myself. Rarely can I ever identify who 'those' people are. In fact, 99.9% of those observing are proud of your progress and are cheering you on. (Maybe someday I'll talk about the .1% who are not pulling for you.)

3) "That pain is going to cause a life long injury."Solution: Running is an ongoing dance with comfort and discomfort. There is a big gap between percieved pain and phantom pain. Pain needs to be seperated from injury. Running for 30 minutes, 3 hours or 30 hours can cause discomfort or pain. But it may not be injury. It may be your mind trying to throw a mutiny on you. Press on and see if it subsides. If it is there for more than a couple runs, get it checked out.

Around each of our necks is a keyboard. Those who we allow to get close enough to us will have the ability to type messages (verbal and non-verbal) into our mind's hard drive. Surround yourself with people who build you and value your effort.

RUN (no pun intended) FAR FROM THOSE WHO TEAR YOU DOWN.

Peace,
jas

Running 365: Day 16: "Tick Tock"

The tenths of mile clicked off like hours on a clock. Today was a marathon day and after being gone since 6AM this morning, I walked in at 8:46 PM. Having gone full tilt since the start of the day, I had not ran. I had not posted. I had not finished what I am seeking to do; try to run everyday this year...and/or blog about the process.

First, I have NEVER ran 16 days straight. Friday and Saturday were both long runs, 2 1/2 hours and 3 hours each. Fatigue and stiffness are apparent. But tonight, as the clock tick tocked to to 9pm, I still had to get in a minimum of 2 miles. Before I could even think about it, I grabbed my running clothes and headed to SNAP Fitness, EDH.

Two miles. Thats all I had to run. I did. The dreadmill lost tonight. I won.
Its 10:21. I have 1 hr and 39 min to get this posted and I have completed another day. The micro-goals are the only tool I have. Looking at a whole year and Im done. Right now, I just have to get thru an early morning 8 miler. No worries. I'd rather do 8 miles outdoors than 8 minutes on a Dreadmill.


For today, forward is fast.

I am going to bed.

Peace.

Running 365: Day 14: "2 Down 50 To Go"

Sad but true. Never before has 50 weeks looked to be so far away. More is coming out of this early phased journey than running. The metaphore and typology of needing to be comfortable in the moment and not get impatient with 50 more weeks ahead. As with a long run, I take it 1 step, or in this case, 1 moment at a time.

I'm asked often, "how do you stay motivated?" The short answer is I dont. There are times when I lack motivation. But motivation is not my motor. Committment is what moves me forward. Motivation is the energy behind the movement. My committment is to chase down "the best version of myself." I run to "test the limits of the human souls." Those are the words of David Goggins. One of the ten endurance athletes, every person should know.

He chases limits.

And you? What do you chase today?

If its more money, you may end up bankrupt.
If its more things, you may get bogged down.

But if its the best version of yourself, you'll find greatness and significance. That's IN YOU.

As for what motivates me? Today, its great people.

PROFILE ONE OF TEN: People Every Athlete Should Know: David Goggins



Oh yea, regarding running. Heading out for a three-hour trail run today and a four-hour tomorrow AM. I love back to back long days. The best version of me is usually along the trail.

Much Hope.

JAS

Running 365: "...Almost Over"

As quick as it begin, it was almost over. I knew by the nature of my schedule, running yesterday was going to be tough. Tuesday night, I got home late from Hood to Coast Premier. Rolling out of bed at 4AM wasnt going to happen because I wanted to see my kids which produces a late start. Without running in the AM, my chances of running everyday drop dratcially. Things come up.

By 8pm last night, I was finishing my last meeting and still had not ran. With anghst in my step, I looked at the pavement. It was cursing at me to go away. I scrolled my IPOD and landed on a song called Almost Over and giggled at the irony of the moment. With a decision before me, if I didnt run, my goal of running everyday for a year was almost over.

For those who wonder, my definition of a run, has to be a measurable distance. A minimum of 2 miles or 20 minutes is the minimum to call it a run for my experiment. I started down the road in the cold air and my lungs burned. But it was worth it. 2 miles, 16:25 Seconds. DONE.

And for those still trying to get a listen to what was on the ipod...



Relax. Run. Remember the reason.

JHARP

Running 365: Day 11: "Run For Courage"

I can feel the affects of running 11 days straight. Its not big miles, but some have asked what distance constitutes "a run." Good question. Seeking to run everyday of the year may not happen and there is zero pressure to complete it. Part of the passion and purpose is just moving forward each day with a desire to run.

A run, being a minimum of 2 miles, could be interupted at any moment by circumstances beyond my control. If that happens, I'll write about what caused me to miss the run. Maybe its travel. Maybe its exhaustion. Maybe its will. Maybe its desire. Regardless, I am just enjoying the process.

If you are going to run, run for a reason.

Yesterday, I had the honor of meeting with Ashlie Bryant and the team that drive Run For Courage. This group of women are convicted to confront the tradgedy of Human Sex Trafficing. By organizing 5K races, they raise funds and then direct those funds to the most effective places and organizations addressing this global epidemic. Amazing.

We sat at Ashlie's home with her family and team and discussed vision for the future. I left feeling so encouraged to see how running is being used as a tool to raise awareness and funding for a couragous cause.

Run for Courage! Run for a Reason. Just run.

Running 365: Day 8: "Flip The Script"

A few words about running as I reflect on my past running pre-occupation.

THROUGH RUNNING, I HAVE...[or have been]

Spiraled.
Moved.
Challenged.
Changed.
Afflicted.
Overwhelmed.
Addicted.
Redeemed.
Driven.
Pained.
Motivated.
Doubted.
Promoted.
Stymied.
Endured.
Suffered.
Eased.
Quoted.
Mis-Quoted.
Loved.
Hated.
Believed.
Damaged.
Timed.
Failed.
Lost.
Won.
Exhausted.
Rested.
Invigoratged.
Dehydrated.
Frozen.
Over-whelmed.
Advocated.
Reasoned.
Determined.
Tolerated.
Celebrated.

Having said that...be inspired and run long today.



SPOKEN TEXT
Here's the thing that makes life so interesting. The theory of evolution claims that "only the strong shall survive". Maybe so, maybe so. But the theory of competition says, "just because they're the strong doesn't mean they can't get their asses kicked."

That's right.

See, what every long shot, come from behind, underdog will tell ya is this: the other guy may in fact be the favorite, the odds may be stacked against you. Fair enough.

But what the odds don't know is this isn't a math test. This is a completely different kind of test. One where passion, has a funny way of trumping logic. So before you step up to the starting line, before the whistle blows, and the clocks start ticking just remember: out here the results don't always add up.

No matter what the stats may say and the experts may think and the commentators may have predicted, when the race is on, all bets are off.

Don't be surprised be if someone decides to flip the script and take a pass on yelling "Uncle". And then suddenly as the old saying goes, "WE'VE GOT OURSELVES A GAME!"

PICTURE: Pulled off-line of an unknown runner pressing through at Badwater

Running 365: Day 5

So all the assessments were made by running down the checklist of "Why This Run Sucks." Yet there were no stand out reasons. Basically, everything panned out. So now what? What do you do?

Here are a couple things that I try to do to move through this.

1. Keep moving forward.
To stop on the trail or path and sit down to figure it out will only make it worse. The legs could seize up or the mind sink deeper into the comfort. Moving forward gets you closer to the goal and keeps your mind off delay.

2. Find a short 'Micro-goal.'
If the remaining distance is to far to fathom, break it down to a short, achieveable goal. I call these 'micro-goal.' Sometimes its to just make it to the next tree. Other times its to far to get to the next tree...I try to just get to the next step.

3. Shorten your stride and slow the pace.
A shorter stride reduces energy output which will lower your heart rate. A lower heart rate allows you to breathe easier and recover more healthy thoughts of finishing. By slowing the pace, you have redefined your pace. Sometimes the fastest you can run is 'forward.'

4. Tune in your favorite song.
Many people run with in ipod. If you do, scroll to your favorite song. Some call it a power song. Its that song the motivates your motor to rev. Hard rock, rap, hip-hop...who cares? Just find something that motivates you. My playlist is diverese, but distinct. I just caution you that sometimes, if over-used, the power song loses its ability to bring pop. Don't depend on it.

Today, when you run, jog, or walk...just enjoy the process. It will keep your heart healthy and your mind fresh.

Much hope.

jas

*PICTURE: This picture was posted on Texas' and Be Change Runner Dave Carder's fb site a few months ago. If I could only tatt this on my hand...

Running 365: Day 3

Its Monday and often the first day of the week can offer hurdles to the mind and soul. We delay. We procrastinate. We put off. Sometimes we dont enjoy what we are doing in the workout. Then change. If you are not a runner, no worries. Then ride. If not a rider, swim. Just get moving.


The reality is that IF we will just dive in and get after it, the result boosts our mind's health. Confidence increases. Cardio is impacted. Essential chemicals in the brain are released in the brain that control mood, appetite, vibrancy, and clarity.

MAKE PRAXIS PRESENT.

Praxis is the psyhcological response of having a feeling birthed out of an action rather than waiting on a feeling to produce an action.

PRACTICAL...We are more inclined to have a motivational feeling after the workout than before. The feeling we waited for to move us to go workout will be there after the workout. Dont wait on the feeling to go do it. Just get after it.

Ready to run.

jas

Running 365: Day 2

The rain poured as Tracy and I took off at 11:11AM for his 11 mile run. It was 1/1/11 and we wanted to find a worthy reason to run on Day 1 of 2011. The cold rain was a far cry from the last serious run I had with Tracy on the North Shore of Oahu.

Headed over some long ascents followed by some rolling hills along the lake, we were thrilled to have Be Change Runner Erika Small, joined us at mile 3. The three of us embraced the run, the rain, and the reason.

Mind swirling with race dates, I was determined to finalize which marathons, ultras, and shorts I would run. Maybe you are venturing into the running world for the first time. My friend BK is diving in. He had a staggering goal for 2011. With one marathon in 2005 under his belt and little running since, we have ventured into an aggressive, injury free, run schedule starting in January with a 5k. We will continue to ramp up with a healthy goals and successful steps towards his goals.

What are your goals? Have you ever wanted to be part of something larger than you? A team of people gathered for a common cause? Have you ever wanted to line up and run a race and recieve a medal of completion? You can.

Each person has a story. What is yours?

Begin to dream. Create a running calendar and start training...slowly. There are others out there wanting to do what you are venturing to do.

To start, visit this race list for runs near you.

Until then, lace 'em up and get out there today.

JAS

*PICTURE: Tracy and I running the North Short of Oahu in late November.

Running 365: Day 1

I've awaited the arrival of 2011. Twenty-ten was a fabulous year. It began with Michelle and Ashley crewing Ray in his first race of the BAD 135 Cup. I met him in Minnesota and cheered, supported and crewed him to a (-)fifty cold finish.

For me the year was spent in Rehab for my broken tibia. I never dreamed that the year would lead me to multiple 50 milers, a DNF on Rio Del Lago with Kidney Failure and the birthing of our own race in August of 2011...(more on that another day.)

I think of the more than 200 runners we have trained this year to 'resist the common.' I think of the Be Change Running Family that spread to Pennsylvania and now, Texas (DC) and Arizona (JS). I think of the numerous runners here in Sacramento that I call family. From Lodi to Loomis- From San Francisco to South Lake Tahoe...Be Change Runners...embracing pain for purpose. I am thankful.

Even as I blog this, Tracy Neal, a recent first time marathon finisher is texting me. "Rally Harp, "It's 1/1/11. At 11:11AM, I am running for 111 minutes." He is contagious. I probably need to grab my shoes and run with him.

What would this year look like if I ran everyday? Could my body handle it. What if I journaled it. What if I took a blunt look at the mental joust of hating it and loving it-needing it and dreading it. Would anyone read it?

What if I wrote about the pain and purpose that comes with running? What if I spoke to the aches and pains, the nutrition and race scheduling? What if I brain dumped all things running here?

I get to run with Tracy on his run...in the rain.

What if? Day One, done.

*Picture: Jimmy Dean Freeman, Jason Harper, Christina Silvas, Ray Sanchez on the course run of what will be Run for a Reason's IRON EXPRESS ENDURANCE RUN; July, 2010