Way Too Cool 50 Km

"Could we change our attitude, we should not only see life differently, but life itself would come to be different."
– Katherine Mansfield

On March 8, I ran the 25^th annual, Way Too Cool, 50 km trail run. I am pleased to report that I ran it faster than last year. A couple of possible explanations are in order for the faster time, even with the wet and muddy trail conditions. For the past six months or so, I began running the hills and not worrying about my Achilles. Running the hills likely increased my cardio (overloading my cardiovascular system), which contributed to additional endurance. I’m considering running with a heart rate monitor to more accurately measure my cardio rate. I’ll  keep you posted. Not thinking about injuring my Achilles eliminated negative self-thoughts, which likely helped also.

I’m pleased to report that Tony, after a long Way Too Cool absence, met his running goal too. Further, my 100 mile ride and tie partner and friend Jonathan Jordan again ran in the event also. Jonathan, last year, experienced cramping at about 20 miles. This year, he ran well and didn’t cramp.

At about 14- 15 miles or so, Jonathan and I were accompanied by my friend Madhu. Once we reached the recycling center (21 miles), Chris and Bill joined us. My wife Linda and Chris’s wife Michelle were there also. At Goat Hill, Randall joined Linda and Michelle to welcome us. Meanwhile, Jonathan continued to stay in front.

It was great seeing everyone on the trail and at the aid stations. It certainly makes running more enjoyable. We all hung around at the finish, ate pizza, drank Coke’s and took pictures.

Afterwards, Linda and I hosted a potluck and were joined by spouses (Farah, Diane etc.}. We ate, drank, and it was all good. Further, I did not require any ibuprofen or icing afterwards. On Sunday, Jonathan, Linda and I hung out and took the day off. It was all good.’

An article from February 15, 2014, Bottom Line had a list of 9 Things Happy People Don’t Do. According to Dr. Dan Baker, he said that happy people don’t blame others for their problems. He said that taking responsibility for problems can lead to feelings of shame, guilt and inadequacy, but if we blame other people it’s more likely to lead to unhappiness. Because then, according to him, our happiness is outside our control, and then we are victims. He said take responsibility for solving your problems to learn that you have the power to set things right.

Taking responsibility for your issues, allows the individual to evaluate the effectiveness of decision-making. Hopefully, if poor decisions are made, we can then make proper changes. And as Katherine Mansfield states, it may be as” simple” as changing one’s attitude.

In any event, use the space between your ears, and employ effective, and self-fulfilling behaviors. That means keep moving, smiling, laughing, loving, appreciating and bonding.