Many good pieces of wisdom from Charles Gibson on his last broadcast:
--Jeff
Monday, December 21, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
The "Expert" Advice we all need
Hello SP,
Since I started this blog, I try to remind all of you that I am not an "expert." I am just on a journey to make the act of eating a positive experience for myself and the people I come in contact with. Given the holiday season, you will soon see all sorts of "experts" coming out of the woodwork offering all sorts of "expert" advice. These "experts" want to tell you all about your body and how you should treat it.
I hold a high amount of regard for people who possess a large body of knowledge and wisdom. This displays a commitment and enthusiasm towards a specific subject of interest. I also believe that sharing this knowledge and enthusiam is important for the world. However, holding onto a body of knowledge and using it as a source of power to control people's actions and behaviors is absurd.
This idea was first propogated by Plato, who felt that an intellectual elite (meaning himself and his friends) were to be privy to truth and knowledge and responsible for disseminating this at "appropriate times" to the general population. This may or may not work out. I am not sure...I unfortunately did not fall into the ranks of the elite and do not know Who Shot JFK or if extra terrestials actual run the whole show.
I do know this. The intelligence of the human organism is provided in its entirety at birth. The more we learn about ourselves and the more we tune into our own bodies the more we will know how to treat it. This is not to say ignore the work and words of experts. I read and fill myself with their knowledge regularly. I use this is a pathway from brain back into my body. Real wisdom comes from learning and applying it to yourself as an individual.
With nourishment it is important to always make your eating choices "your eating choice". How often do you hear someone say, "I've been eating seaweed all week because Dr. Octagon says it will help me lose weight." Check in with your body...maybe a piece of advice inspires a choice...only your body can tell you if it is right for you. A person is always operating from their own plane. A priest will tell you to seek God, a doctor will give you a prescription or surgery, a nutrititionist will tell you to eat healthier, an energy worker will tell you to balance your chakras all for the same problem. The truth is all these experts can be "right" at the same time..it is you that will decide the path that works best for you. The most powerful educators see themselves as guides and not as an instructor. Even geniuses were once pupils...such people can only be guided in a safe and positive direction. They will reach heights that no instructor can ever lead them.
You are the genius of your own organism. I hope what is written on this blog inspires you to realize this intelligence. Be safe and enjoy your journey!
Stay Positive,
Matthew
Since I started this blog, I try to remind all of you that I am not an "expert." I am just on a journey to make the act of eating a positive experience for myself and the people I come in contact with. Given the holiday season, you will soon see all sorts of "experts" coming out of the woodwork offering all sorts of "expert" advice. These "experts" want to tell you all about your body and how you should treat it.
I hold a high amount of regard for people who possess a large body of knowledge and wisdom. This displays a commitment and enthusiasm towards a specific subject of interest. I also believe that sharing this knowledge and enthusiam is important for the world. However, holding onto a body of knowledge and using it as a source of power to control people's actions and behaviors is absurd.
This idea was first propogated by Plato, who felt that an intellectual elite (meaning himself and his friends) were to be privy to truth and knowledge and responsible for disseminating this at "appropriate times" to the general population. This may or may not work out. I am not sure...I unfortunately did not fall into the ranks of the elite and do not know Who Shot JFK or if extra terrestials actual run the whole show.
I do know this. The intelligence of the human organism is provided in its entirety at birth. The more we learn about ourselves and the more we tune into our own bodies the more we will know how to treat it. This is not to say ignore the work and words of experts. I read and fill myself with their knowledge regularly. I use this is a pathway from brain back into my body. Real wisdom comes from learning and applying it to yourself as an individual.
With nourishment it is important to always make your eating choices "your eating choice". How often do you hear someone say, "I've been eating seaweed all week because Dr. Octagon says it will help me lose weight." Check in with your body...maybe a piece of advice inspires a choice...only your body can tell you if it is right for you. A person is always operating from their own plane. A priest will tell you to seek God, a doctor will give you a prescription or surgery, a nutrititionist will tell you to eat healthier, an energy worker will tell you to balance your chakras all for the same problem. The truth is all these experts can be "right" at the same time..it is you that will decide the path that works best for you. The most powerful educators see themselves as guides and not as an instructor. Even geniuses were once pupils...such people can only be guided in a safe and positive direction. They will reach heights that no instructor can ever lead them.
You are the genius of your own organism. I hope what is written on this blog inspires you to realize this intelligence. Be safe and enjoy your journey!
Stay Positive,
Matthew
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Adam's Arthroscopic Surgery
My second post is regarding my recent injury. I know that some will read out of curiosity. This subject may not be relevant to many of you. I do feel this post is important because I’m hoping to help out (and reach out) to someone who has encountered a similar issue. I know that when I was first told surgery was my best option, I immediately went to Google and searched for anything regarding the left knee. More specifically, the removal of the plica, chondroplasty, and partial medial meniscus tears. In a world wide web full of information, there was actual very little to find. I had several questions regarding recovery, and what I could and could not do. Instead, I found examples which didn’t include any photos or indicate the level of activity of those who created blogs or posts. I have decided to post my story, and hopefully a fellow serious athlete will come across it and find some solace during recovery.
I won’t use my full name, but I’m Adam for those of you who have not yet been introduced. I am a competitive runner, and also enjoy doing several other activities in my free time. I love hockey, wrestling, and skateboarding. Some would say these three activities do not mix. It really doesn’t matter to me, I enjoy doing all three! As a matter of fact, my injury was actually NOT related to any of these. It was the cause of a genetic disposition. Who knew?
First, I will begin by saying I was on crutches for the first 3 days. I was told the day of the surgery, I wouldn’t feel any pain. This is because of the ridiculous amount of drugs you are given in order for the surgery to take place. The second day I was in the worst pain. Pain killers were necessary.
By the end of the week, I was once again mobile. I had the surgery about the time of my midterm exams in college, and only had to miss one of each of my 4 classes. I never fell behind in terms of class work or exams. In fact, one of my teachers was very understanding and allowed me to take the exam at home. About 4 days after the surgery, I was lifting at the gym. I wasn’t walking pretty, but I did all my lifting while sitting on a chair. This was to avoid putting pressure on the knee. Lifting was a serious part of my training. As for core, I am VERY limited. I can only do about half of what I used to be able to largely because most of my exercises involve both legs. I do all that I can at this point.
Three weeks following the surgery, one thing I have noticed is a gain in flexibility in the knee (and leg) with each passing day. The knee specialist told me I would be able to enter a pool after the second week. The reasoning for the two week delay is to avoid infections. The wounds (two holes on each side of the knee) have to close first. I have been pool running for over a week now. I try to simulate my runs in the pool, and have done one workout so far. I simulate my runs with a time goal. This goal is a minimum of 50 minutes to an hour in the pool a day. During this time, I practice the running motions and work my respiratory system by increasing effort in fighting the water’s resistance. I plan on doing at least one pool running workout a week up until I can actually run. During this week, I will also begin physical therapy. The surgeon told me this would be necessary for recovery. I was NOT given permission to use any machines or equipment involving my legs to this point. I think a significant part of the recovery will have to do with following the directions of the doctor. His (or her) word is actually more valuable than anyone. EVEN the physical therapist. There is no such thing as a speedy recovery from this type of surgery. Expect to be out for 3 months, not less. In my case, hopefully not more either. I plan on making a full recovery and will resume normal activities in February. This will mark the end of my 3 month recovery.
I have photos of the operation, and have circled the meniscus tear and scar tissue in blue.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b324/Maleknia/KneeImages.jpg
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Eating Healthier?
Hey Everyone! I think it's time we spoke about positive eating. I know this is a subject area you are well versed in. Ever since I've had my surgery approximately 2 1/2 weeks ago, I've had an epiphany in terms of my eating habits. It seems like all the junk foods I would eat without question were no longer appealing to me. Foods such as buffalo wings, steak and cheese subs, or even pasta with alfredo sauce just doesn't seem too appealing anymore. To further add to this, I was obsessed with late night McDonald's trips over the summer. Not only is the time of day terrible (usually around midnight), but all the crap I was ingesting into my system was probably doing more harm than I expected. I had a former teammate of mine in college ask me "how can you eat nothing but crap and still run well?" This question I am still yet to answer. However, could an improvement in my eating habits benefit me in a race? Could all the fast food and empty calories I took in have hindered me from reaching my potential as an athlete? As this is my first post on the SISU Project blog (and my first post on a blog in general) I hope this creates discussion for a matter I am taking seriously. I want to live as long as I can, and live as healthy as possible too. And, I will ask what can I eat that will be high in protein and iron? These two things are essential for my diet as a blood test showed I was deficient in both areas. My only preference is that the food is delicious, and can give me similar joy to the feeling I used to get when I ate a double cheeseburger and fries!
-Adam
-Adam
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
5 Best Yoga Poses For Runners
Yoga is often looked at as a way for runners to stretch tight muscles. Runners tend to gravitate towards power yoga and fast paced vinyasa flow. It’s wonderful to see runners now practicing yoga but this approach of stretching muscles and getting a bonus “workout” is only the tip of the iceberg.
Yoga is a path to relaxation and awareness, two things that should be at the forefront of any runners training program. Many runners, especially competitive high school and college runners experience adrenal burnout from the tremendous amounts of stress placed on their body. The last thing these runners need is another “workout.” What is needed is deep relaxation of the body and mind, allowing the body to repair itself.
Those who practice ChiRunning attempt to minimize the amount of stress they place on the body. Those who practice power running purposely place stress on the body in order to get stronger. The idea is that if you stress the body, and then recover, the body will rebuild itself stronger. In my experience most runners have not maximized their recovery process. The amount of runners I know that have experienced “burnout” is overwhelming. It is time for a better process. We need a better approach.
The recovery process stems from deep relaxation. It goes far beyond “taking an easy day” “going for a recovery run” and eating protein. Below is a list of my five best yoga poses for runners. I suggest finding a good teacher to work with you on these postures as well as researching the postures on your own.
1. Savasana – also known as corpse pose. This is the pose done at the end of class. Many Yogis say this is where the benefit of practice comes. To enter the pose, lie on your back with your legs extended and hands by your waist palms facing up. Bring your heels together and let your toes fall to the side. Close your eyes and relax. Let it go. Let go of any tension you are holding in the body. Just…let…it….go….. This is a great pose to do after you run and stretch. It will help integrate your activity into your body and leave you feeling refreshed for your next run.
2. Childs pose – Childs pose is another deeply relaxing pose. It is done with your shins on the floor, big toes touching, knees spread. Forehead is touching the floor. Your belly will be resting on or between your thighs. If you cannot bring your forehead to the floor use a block to ensure that your forehead is resting on something (this helps foster the relaxation response) arms can be by your side or extended in front of you. Feel your breath flowing into your kidneys and adrenal glands.
3. Meditation posture – Meditation is a way to develop your focus. For most runners I suggest starting in a chair and not lotus position (because of tight hips) Sitting upright in a chair with your feet firmly planted and palms resting in your lap, allow your spine to become straight by pressing up through the crown of your head. You can focus on your breath, a candle flame, picture, word or phrase, sound etc…
4. Legs up the wall pose – bring your hips next to a wall and place your feet above you on the wall while lying flat on your back. Use any blankets or pillows for support. Make sure you are comfortable. This is an inversion for the legs and will help move the waste in your legs through your lymphatic system so you can start each run fresh. This is one pose that many power runners already do, specifically after races and hard workouts. This can be after every run for maximum recovery.
5. Mountain pose – If you practice ChiRunning you are already doing this. It is known as your posture. If you can’t relax in the most basic standing posture, it will be very challenging to relax and more advanced postures and nearly impossible to fully relax when running. You might think you are relaxed when running, but that might be because the endorphins have you feeling so good you don’t notice the tight areas. You should practice this pose as much as possible.
Yoga is a path to relaxation and awareness, two things that should be at the forefront of any runners training program. Many runners, especially competitive high school and college runners experience adrenal burnout from the tremendous amounts of stress placed on their body. The last thing these runners need is another “workout.” What is needed is deep relaxation of the body and mind, allowing the body to repair itself.
Those who practice ChiRunning attempt to minimize the amount of stress they place on the body. Those who practice power running purposely place stress on the body in order to get stronger. The idea is that if you stress the body, and then recover, the body will rebuild itself stronger. In my experience most runners have not maximized their recovery process. The amount of runners I know that have experienced “burnout” is overwhelming. It is time for a better process. We need a better approach.
The recovery process stems from deep relaxation. It goes far beyond “taking an easy day” “going for a recovery run” and eating protein. Below is a list of my five best yoga poses for runners. I suggest finding a good teacher to work with you on these postures as well as researching the postures on your own.
1. Savasana – also known as corpse pose. This is the pose done at the end of class. Many Yogis say this is where the benefit of practice comes. To enter the pose, lie on your back with your legs extended and hands by your waist palms facing up. Bring your heels together and let your toes fall to the side. Close your eyes and relax. Let it go. Let go of any tension you are holding in the body. Just…let…it….go….. This is a great pose to do after you run and stretch. It will help integrate your activity into your body and leave you feeling refreshed for your next run.
2. Childs pose – Childs pose is another deeply relaxing pose. It is done with your shins on the floor, big toes touching, knees spread. Forehead is touching the floor. Your belly will be resting on or between your thighs. If you cannot bring your forehead to the floor use a block to ensure that your forehead is resting on something (this helps foster the relaxation response) arms can be by your side or extended in front of you. Feel your breath flowing into your kidneys and adrenal glands.
3. Meditation posture – Meditation is a way to develop your focus. For most runners I suggest starting in a chair and not lotus position (because of tight hips) Sitting upright in a chair with your feet firmly planted and palms resting in your lap, allow your spine to become straight by pressing up through the crown of your head. You can focus on your breath, a candle flame, picture, word or phrase, sound etc…
4. Legs up the wall pose – bring your hips next to a wall and place your feet above you on the wall while lying flat on your back. Use any blankets or pillows for support. Make sure you are comfortable. This is an inversion for the legs and will help move the waste in your legs through your lymphatic system so you can start each run fresh. This is one pose that many power runners already do, specifically after races and hard workouts. This can be after every run for maximum recovery.
5. Mountain pose – If you practice ChiRunning you are already doing this. It is known as your posture. If you can’t relax in the most basic standing posture, it will be very challenging to relax and more advanced postures and nearly impossible to fully relax when running. You might think you are relaxed when running, but that might be because the endorphins have you feeling so good you don’t notice the tight areas. You should practice this pose as much as possible.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
ChiRunning - How long does it take to get it?
How long does it take to get it? I get this question all the time, and it is a difficult one to answer. In my own experience, I have “gotten it” several different times over the course of my learning journey. We call these “AHA moments.” Those moments where everything clicks and you say “AHA, I got it!” These AHA moments add a tremendous amount of joy to my running practice. As in learning any skill, when things suddenly click, and your brain and body are synched up magic begins to happen…
Like many others, I’ve experienced several AHA moments throughout my ChiRunning practice. I had several when I first read the book, and continue to have them as I run and walk. This is the beauty of ChiRunning, you are constantly learning something about your body, your mind, and your self.
AHA moments come in all forms and sizes. You might have a physical AHA moment, such as feeling gravity pull you forward, rather than using your legs to propel you. One of the more profound AHA moment s for me was an emotional one. It was my senior year of college. I had been practicing ChiRunning for a year, and my college career was coming to an end. As I entered into the championship part of the season I ran a continuous streak of PRs in the 10K (6.2miles) I had an emotional attachment to making the national meet, which requires you run a certain time to qualify. Through my ChiRunning practice I found that by NOT focusing on time, my race times improved DRAMATICALLY.
I ran 32:42, 32:20, 31:52 and 5 days after that 31:15. There was no recovery time needed from these races. The 31:15 was truly a magical race for me. Everything aligned and flowed smooth that day. The entire race was like one giant AHA moment. Although I did run considerably faster than I ever had before, it wasn’t the time I was most happy with, it was the emotional feeling I had inside my body. I was happy and everybody close to me was happy. I was projecting pure joy and relaxation and that was being reflected back to me.
That was in 2005. Close to 5 years later I’m still getting AHA moments. When I’m setting up a training plan for somebody and they ask me, “how long will it take to get it?” I explain to them that many people notice benefits right away. You are likely to experience a few AHA moments in your first session with a certified ChiRunning instructor. If you continue to practice you will continue to grow, and your journey will be a series of one AHA moment after the next. You will "get it" as soon as you start practicing, but there is always more to learn, more to grow, more to see, and more to feel. The important thing is to enjoy the journey and not worry about the destination.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Marathon - Modern Day Ritual
We often think of rituals as esoteric acts of clandestine groups done in the woods around Halloween. However, a ritual is merely a ceremonious act that is passed on through generations. These acts create connectivity between people within a certain culture. Whether done in private or amongst a large group one feels a sense of union with a greater community. Rituals are often symbolic and can be very simple or complex. In the case of the Marathon, it is a grueling race that tests one physically, mentally and spiritually.
The first ever Marathon was not a symbolic gesture at all. The dawn of western civilization was tumultous. As a new civilization began to spread throughout Europe, Eurasia and northern Africa it came in direct contact with other people and their beliefs. Many wars were fought and people and cultures were spread across the globe by force. The first Marathon was ran by Pheidippides from Marathon to Athens to spread the news that the Greeks had triumphed over the Persians. When he reached his destination he dropped dead leaving the parting message "we are victorious." Some also name Pheidippides as the messenger who ran from Athens to Sparta to plead King Leonidas and his fabled army for help (for all you 300 fans out there).
Today, Marathons are very big affairs. Thousands of men and women of all different ages and backgrounds will take part in a single race. Everyone knows at least one person who has run a Marathon. This is no small feat, we are talking about a 26.2 mile race! That being said, 500,000 people will complete a marathon this year alone.Even though there are 50, 100 and even 150 mile races the Marathon still inspires a certain awe and respect among us.
I believe the Marathon serves as a modern day ritual for us. Whether we participate in one or simply act as spectators and supporters, there is a sense of being firmly connected to what keeps our civilization and the human race moving forward. Thousands participate, hundreds volunteer and countless turn their attention to these events in order to be reminded that we can and will endure as a people. It is amazing that the people of West Africa dominate this sport. West Africa is considered by many the "cradle of civilization"; the place where homo sapiens may have first walked the Earth. The Marathon has evolved into a ritual that symbolizes the endurance of all human beings and not just Western Civilization. Today thousands of people cross the finish line at these races...not just eccentric athletes.
The New York City Marathon will take place this weekend and a wave of people from all corners of the globe will wind through the burroughs of arguably the most culturally diverse city in the world. New York now stands as Athens once did, a city at the center of an Empire. This Empire has known art, intellectual achievement and modern innovation as well as greed, corruption and terrorism. What is so great about rituals like these is that theyt spread an energy out into the world that says "we are victorious" as Pheidippides did when he arrived in Athens. Our great cities will fall and our Empires will be replaced but these rituals will remain. They will survive to remind us that collectively we can accomplish anything.
Stay Positive,
Matthew
The first ever Marathon was not a symbolic gesture at all. The dawn of western civilization was tumultous. As a new civilization began to spread throughout Europe, Eurasia and northern Africa it came in direct contact with other people and their beliefs. Many wars were fought and people and cultures were spread across the globe by force. The first Marathon was ran by Pheidippides from Marathon to Athens to spread the news that the Greeks had triumphed over the Persians. When he reached his destination he dropped dead leaving the parting message "we are victorious." Some also name Pheidippides as the messenger who ran from Athens to Sparta to plead King Leonidas and his fabled army for help (for all you 300 fans out there).
Today, Marathons are very big affairs. Thousands of men and women of all different ages and backgrounds will take part in a single race. Everyone knows at least one person who has run a Marathon. This is no small feat, we are talking about a 26.2 mile race! That being said, 500,000 people will complete a marathon this year alone.Even though there are 50, 100 and even 150 mile races the Marathon still inspires a certain awe and respect among us.
I believe the Marathon serves as a modern day ritual for us. Whether we participate in one or simply act as spectators and supporters, there is a sense of being firmly connected to what keeps our civilization and the human race moving forward. Thousands participate, hundreds volunteer and countless turn their attention to these events in order to be reminded that we can and will endure as a people. It is amazing that the people of West Africa dominate this sport. West Africa is considered by many the "cradle of civilization"; the place where homo sapiens may have first walked the Earth. The Marathon has evolved into a ritual that symbolizes the endurance of all human beings and not just Western Civilization. Today thousands of people cross the finish line at these races...not just eccentric athletes.
The New York City Marathon will take place this weekend and a wave of people from all corners of the globe will wind through the burroughs of arguably the most culturally diverse city in the world. New York now stands as Athens once did, a city at the center of an Empire. This Empire has known art, intellectual achievement and modern innovation as well as greed, corruption and terrorism. What is so great about rituals like these is that theyt spread an energy out into the world that says "we are victorious" as Pheidippides did when he arrived in Athens. Our great cities will fall and our Empires will be replaced but these rituals will remain. They will survive to remind us that collectively we can accomplish anything.
Stay Positive,
Matthew
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