Day 30: Taboo Topic...

Amazing how in the first 30 days of 365, I have wandered with you. The trek through my minds many turns. Organically, we have about three themes unraveling with random interludes. Stay tuned.

Theme 1: Gear Box.
Yesterday, I rolled out the answer to the question, "what are the wraps on your legs?" Answer: Compression. I'll continue to talk about the items I have found helpful. Shoes, GPS, etc. When we are done with the current items, I will probably have a new gadget or opinion.



Theme 2: Mind Tools.
A few days ago, I explained Praxis and before that, we launched with 'Micro Goal Setting." An entire year could just write on this.

Theme 3: Runner's You Should Know.From David Goggins, Ray Zahab, Ray Sanchez, and most recent, Charlie Engle. This coming Monday, we introduce the first four woman of the series...


David Goggins Runs Through Badwater Heat

Theme 4: Why I Run?.Clearing the moments of darkness and the gleaning the summits of significance, it can sometimes be darkness that drives me.

Theme 5: Taboo Topics.
Usually on a longer run, the coversation happen easier. Runners will open up and ask a question they wanted info on but may be to afraid google it. From bloody nipples, chafing, cramping, bloating, puking, slush gut, smell, and on and on. We will give you the answers you want.



The Monthly Wrap...
As we wrap up the first month tomorrow, 28/30 were running days. Eleven were both AM/PM runs. For example, 4 miles in the AM, 4 in the PM. I am using E-Stim most days and icing a ton. How long the running will last, only tomorrow knows.

Until then,

JHARP
www.jasonharper.cc
www.facebook.com/bechange
www.twitter.com/bechange
www.ironexpressenduracerun.com

Day 28 : "Mind Tool: Praxis"

This AM was tougher than ushual. When my alarm awakened me at 4AM, I did a RARE thing. I snoozed it. At 4:10, we battled again. Thats when Praxis showed up.

Praxis, a simple to understand and hard to apply mind tool, moves us towards a proactive best version of you.

PRAXIS DEFINDED: "You are more inclined to have a FEEELING birthed out of an ACTION than to WAIT on a FEELING in order to produce an ACTION."

Two Options This AM:

1. Lay in bed and wait till I feel like getting up to run.

or

2. Get our of bed (action) and do what I need to do regardless of not feeling like it.

*At the end of my run, I would be showered in the feelings of endorphine, dopemine, etc- the very feelings that make you want to get out and live a forward driven existence.


DO and you will HAVE vs HAVE until you will DO.

Do it and you will HAVE the best version moment.
Waiting till you HAVE it in order to DO it and you will be waiting for a long time.

Get going now.
Dig deep and move.

Life is bolstered when you are vibrant and alive. Though you may feel dark and dead at any level, PRAXIS says keep moving as if healthy, happy, and whole is right around the next bend in the trail.




If just may be.

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: 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