Lance Armstrong, Western States100 Mile Run,and Cavemen

 Lance Armstrong, Western States, and Cavemen

What does Lance Armstrong, Western States, and cavemen have in common? Just today, Tony handed me an article titled “Live like the Cavemen and Live Much Longer”. This article was written by Dr. Philip Goscienski. According to Dr. Phil, modern hunter-gatherer societies today have insignificant amounts of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and cancer. He adds that even in the absence of medical care these people are often healthier than the rest of us.

Our ancestors gathered wild fruits which had more fiber, more antioxidants, and fewer sugars than the fruits we buy in supermarkets. These Stone Age individuals expended between 3,500 to 5,000 calories a day. They didn’t do exercise because their lives were exercise. These people were lean and strong unlike many of us today. For example 25% of Americans over the age of 65 need assistance in getting out of bed or bathing. That is one troubling statistic. Another statistic is that only about 10% of Americans regularly get intense physical exercise; and our level of daily activity is about 75% less than it was at the beginning of the 20^th century. These are the facts that we need to remember. To be healthy, then eat the right foods and be active. The more active the better for you.

On our three-hour trail run, Tony and I found Trent Klasna on the trail near his property. Trent is a former professional bike racer turned farmer. He grows fruits and vegetables and appears to like what he’s doing.  He is likely in his late 30s. Previously, I asked him about Lance Armstrong. He told me he had not talked with him recently but mentioned he was in contact with another member of the US postal team. It makes sense that Trent works outdoors, continues to be extremely active, and involved in growing his crops without pesticides. You might ponder what Lance is going to do after bicycle racing? My guess is he’s going to stay active and eat healthy. The lesson is to eat healthy.

After leaving Trent, we took a “new” trail and eventually reached Goat Hill. Then to Browns Bar which is part of the Western States trail. Once we got down to the river trail, we turned toward the infamous Maine Bar or Ball Bearing in the opposite direction from the quarry. Then we reached Maine Bar. After climbing up this rugged, rocky, and twisty, trail with steep elevation, Tony remarked “this is harder than Pig Farm” a trail from last week’s run which is part of the Cool Ride and Tie. Reaching the top of Maine Bar is the 16 mile marker Of the Western States trail. From there it’s about a mile from my home. Another good run with Tony. Thanks’ Tony.