Finding Meaning,Passion,Mental Toughness,Tom Christofk and Reggie McKenzie

"Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experiment." – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Last Thursday’s TV show featured Tom Christofk. http://youtu.be/E7pVe44sqSA The show was a blast to say the least. Tom  revealed how important sculling was to him and in fact changed his life. Once again, the importance of sports was demonstrated. Although Tom  didn’t know anything about the sport of sculling, he became quite proficient and was heading in the direction of the 1972 Olympics. He lost  approximately 60   pounds of body weight (a slug) to become someone mean and lean. This adolescent, with raging hormones, discovered that sex and food did not solve his condition. The change he talked about was that he essentially found meaning, passion, and discipline  in the sport. Also important, was his interpersonal relationship teammates and its coaches. It is clear that finding meaning in  life and passion propels us to new dimensions or different equilibrium’s.

Tom also talked about his most dangerous ride and tie experience as well as his running of the Catalina Marathon with Tony. It was acknowledged that Chris Turney, in the audience, finished in front of them. Learn more about Tom by watching the show.

I began interviewing Reggie McKenzie for my next book with the theme of mental toughness. Reggie came from a large family in Highland Park, Michigan and played for that special 1969 University of Michigan football team that beat number one -ranked Ohio State at the time. How did this young African-American football player, from a working-class family, achieve All-American and All-Pro honors ? Reggie’s  father, born in Georgia, had to withdraw from  school, at  the youthful age of 13, to help support the family by farming. Trust me, Reggie’s father was mentally and physically tough.

Reggie’s mental toughness started as a young boy. He did not ask  for money ; he knew that if he wanted money, he had to work for it. And of course, when he played for Bo Schembechler, he learned more about himself, about his teammates and his passion. Reggie, while young, started a foundation to assist the disadvantaged. I’m excited in learning more about him. At this point I know he is a tough, loving and giving human being.

Last Saturday, Tony and I ran a 30 K in the Sierra mountains. Our run started about 5700 feet above sea level and then climbed to about 8200 feet. This particular run was called “Lovers Leap of Faith.” It wasn’t until last week, that Tony told me he needed a harder challenge. I told him, “thanks.” As it turned out, this run was more difficult than he expected because of the elevation and its changes, as well as the technical aspects of the trail.

During his run, he worried that I would be unhappy with this choice of a running event. However, that didn’t stop him from setting the course record.

My reward was being treated to ice cream  at the Original Mel’s in Placerville by Tony. I thanked him for the run as well as the ice cream. Some of you may not know that Placerville was originally called “Hangtown.” That’s progress say the least.

Our TV guest on Thursday is Dan Barger. You will hear more about him. In the meantime, keep moving, laughing, smiling and deep breathing.