Mental Toughness and Running Ultra Marathons

Paying attention to my inner thoughts during the run, I told myself  the following:  I calculated how many miles I had completed ; I calculated how many miles  to go  by  comparing it to  some of the training runs that Secretariat and I do.  For instance, I thought of one our 15 mile loops, then a 10 miler, followed by a 5 mile loop. In other words, I broke up the remaining distance into different, similar and familiar running segments.  I also paid attention to the discomfort in my Achilles tendon. Sometimes it felt okay, and other times it did not.  For me, it seemed better to acknowledge the discomfort than to pretend it was not there.  I also repeated this mantra “I can and I am going to do this.” Further, I told myself, that I was going to run from point to point and then walk from point to point at other junctures on this course.

At some place on the fifth loop, Secretariat said” I want you to beat that man in the green jersey and that is your goal.”  So I made sure to keep and stay in front of that green jersey. A few times, I asked Secretariat to look behind to see if the green jersey was in view. I was pleased when he said “I cannot see the green jersey.”

Mark Richtman passed a few times and I remarked to Secretariat that he did not look good as his head and body seemed more out of whack.  The last time he passed us, we looked at our watches, and it became clear that he was not to break the record today.

On the fifth loop, we were walking on the Wyatt Bridge, and youngster  Mark Falcone called out and referred to us as soft as he passed.  He was a ride and tie competitor, a Tevis Cup completer, as well as a Western States 100 buckle owner.  Shortly after that, Greg Soderlund, race director for the Western States 100, called out “It is still Saturday.”   Thanks guys for your humor.

 On to lap six the final lap and I was not unhappy about that.  Secretariat again ran ahead as he was on a mission for another beer.   Unfortunately, the cute volunteer had left and he was disappointed.  Not only did he not talk to the cute girl, he was without a second beer as well. Poor guy! From Secretariat: It's tough being a pacer, I need beer!!!

To be concluded tomorrow.

How to Live to be a Psychologically Young 100

Part two

Okay, I am now exercising on a regular basis, because I have a specific goal.  A reason to exercise gives it purpose.  And, the more concrete the goal, coupled with desire ,changes the focus as well as thinking about exercise. How we think about something like exercise is very important. My goal is measurable.  I want to participate and compete in ride and tie.   For me, that means I want to do well in the ride and tie sport because of my competitive nature.  In order to do well, I have to improve with my running; have a strong and well conditioned equine; and locate and team up with a partner that runs and rides well.  It took some time, but I accomplished that end.  Not only did I find partners for the competition, but another benefit occurred as many of them became good, solid friends.

I worked on accomplishing my running goals.  My running did improve as I now began to run the hills and my endurance or stamina increased as evidenced by my ability to run longer distances as well.  For example, I entered a half marathon and a 50 K. trail run.  In other words, after a short while, I was able to run or cover the same distance as my horse, during these events. If my horse was able to run 25 and 35 miles during an event then I wanted to be able to do the same. Notice, I had concrete goals that were measurable and attainable with hard work.   I felt good about my accomplishments,so far so good. Success facilitates success, which means positive feelings associated with self.  Seek success experiences, regardless of your age.

Another change that took place that corresponded with my ride and tie experience was learning and being introduced to anti- aging, nutrition, and rejuvenation.  The book, “Stopping the Clock” by doctors Katz and Goldman opened up another dimension for me to think about. I also learned more about such things as hormones, supplements, and models who exemplified anti -aging.  So now, I began to incorporate better eating habits, in addition to getting in excellent physical shape as a result of all the cardio training that I was doing.

Other changes that took place were the many friendships that I made, as well as becoming part of the ride and tie family competitors.  I learned from people,  more experienced or seasoned ,about conditioning techniques, proper clothing, running shoes, and input about nutrition  before, during, and after the event. Of major importance was the ability to nurture affiliative needs.  Affiliative needs play a significant role in the aging process especially for men .Women generally have better support systems.  I was extremely fortunate as my friendships allowed me to be nurtured.

 Further, I learned about other extreme events such as, but not limited to, the Tevis Cup, Way Too Cool 50 K., American River 50 and The Western States 100.  It did not take long for me to begin riding in a 50 mile endurance ride or running in a 50 mile ultra- run.  Remember, I wanted to be able to run the distance that my horse had to travel in these events.  So when I completed a 100 mile endurance ride, I then had to be able to run 100 miles as well.  Simply put, I accomplished that as well. Important psychological –motivational principles that I applied included a realistic level of aspiration or expectancy. I expected to do well and saw my level of competency continue to get better and improve.  I made concrete goals .I competed in  ultra-events.  I incorporated mindfulness  by being in and acknowledging the present . For example ,if I was experiencing  pain or discomfort, I acknowledged it. I continued to  be future oriented. I was always planning for the next run or the next training. In the process I found meaning and passion in my life.  As a consequence, I became happier with myself, within my life space.   More to follow next week.

How to Find the Fountain of Youth

 Ponce De Leon did not find the fountain of youth-but you can.  Part 4

In addition to the significant and powerful mind-body connection, there are other important psychological components to consider as well.  Finding meaning in one’s life is significant and differs from man to man, and likely moment to moment.  It is the finding of your destiny or purpose-passion, which is different and unique for each individual.  As a consequence, it is up to the individual to define and discover that which gives him or her meaning. Meaning or purpose could be work or work-related, it could be a physical activity or sport, it could be some volunteer or hobby related activity. I cannot tell you what your meaning should be nor can you tell me what my meaning should be. For me, I found meaning and purpose in an athletic event, called Ride and Tie.  Even though I was a practicing psychologist, making a good living, that was not enough for me, and I was not totally fulfilled.  At that time, I knew something in my life was missing as I was not content, but I was unable to put my finger on it –I was unable to figure it out at the time.  I will share a couple of fantasies that I had prior, which provides insight into my mental state.

First, even though I was riding motorcycles at that time, I was unsatisfied with my Honda, Yamaha, or BMW motorcycles and purchased a new one practically every year. Then I had a midlife crisis and purchased my first Harley.  One of my favorite movies as a teenager was the Marlin Brando movie “The Wild One.” In fact, in memory of that film, there became a yearly motorcycle event in the small town -Hollister where the movie was filmed. Of course I had to go there and join the happening with the other riders. Could I recapture my youth and be just like Marlon-he was cool and bad?

 Another fantasy that I had in the 1990s was returning to college to play football again since I had three years of football eligibility left.  Mind you I am in my 50s, and I thought I wanted to play college football again especially toward the end of summer, around September.   In fact one day I even read about one older individual who did just that.  I thought that was pretty neat.  Well, I did not go back to college to play football, recapture my youth, but instead discovered the sport of ride and tie. Simply, ride and tie consists of two people and a horse.  One person rides while the other runs-they switch off riding and running until they reach the finish line.

In ride and tie, I could be physical again, become part of the team, have goals, and be competitive. With this sport, I had to get in running shape, which meant that I had to exercise and eat differently.  I now had to plan and follow through in order to become an athlete again.  I would condition my horse on training rides, and I started running in the hills to develop my cardio.  Typically, ride and tie events are held in the mountains, at a distance of 25 to 35 miles.  I decided that I wanted to be able to cover the same distance on the ground that my horse did. Translated that meant that I had to be able to run the distance of a marathon. Shortly thereafter, I was able to do just that.

 My first ultra run was a 50 K. (31 miles), and that was followed by a marathon a few years later.  My running, cardio, and endurance improved.  Then back in 2000( age 60), I completed the Tevis Cup –a distance of 100 miles in one day on my horse, Raider.  I felt great about that accomplishment and goal.  But I was not done with goals.  If my horse could travel 100 miles, should not I be able to run 100 miles in one day?  Well now I had a second goal.  So, in 2002 (age 62), I ran the Western States 100.  I could now cover on the ground the same distance as my horse.  That accomplishment was satisfying, and gave meaning and purpose to what I was doing.  I was on my way, as I found passion, meaning and purpose as result of ride and tie.  I became pretty good rider and an ultra runner in the process.  Of course, I was not finished with goals as the journey continues.

To be continued Friday

Tevis Cup, Hawaiian Ironman, and Molokai Hoe

"I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I have just lived the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well."– Diane Ackerman

Last night, Secretariat and I attended a Rotary meeting at the Buckeye restaurant near Drew Barner Park.  We were there to make a presentation as well as a book signing.  In addition, I showed the short book trailer that Secretariat put together.

While eating dinner, I talked with Secretariat about what this group might be interested in hearing and how it relates to them as businesspeople.  Secretariat thought that talking about stress could be a good beginning.  I agreed with him.

Incorporating, Diane Ackerman’s quote is quite apropos.  To briefly paraphrase her.  I agree that it is important to live life to its fullest.  It is extremely important to get the most out of every day, especially after you pass the midpoint of life and realize that the window or the opening is closing.  It is not like adolescence when it seems the end is infinite.

I looked around the room, and briefly surmised about 20 to 25 in attendance with everyone  at least middle aged with one man approaching his mid-80s.  A couple of the individuals were medium build, while the vast majority seemed heavy to say the least.  The problem was apparent. How does a business person in these difficult times deal with stress and everyday living?  How does a busy businessman or businesswoman find the time and energy to eat and exercise properly?  We all know that stress is a killer and that often, we turn to food, to gratify our needs.

One example that I gave related to my NFL football friend and comrade Ed Budde.  I told the audience that I talked with Ed earlier in the day and that his motto is” keep moving”.  And I added that I agreed with the idea of “keep moving, start moving”.   Norm a member in the audience commented that he moved in and out of his car today.   His response got a good chuckle.

I know for me that when I was working full-time, I said, work got in the way of what I wanted to do.  Did I have time eat properly and to do what I wanted to do, well not always.  So I can relate to the men and women in the audience and their busy stressful lives.

After my presentation, one gentleman came up to me and talked about competing in the Tevis, with his mule.  He is in his late 60s.  We talked for a while, and I said to him.  “There are no do over’s-do not miss your opportunity.”  Hopefully, what I said to him and what he saw on the trailer will make a difference in his life.  I would like him to enter the Tevis.

My professional career is teaching and psychology.  Some of my reasons for entering those two professions where I wanted to make a difference in the lives of people.  That element has not changed for me.  Hopefully my book, “It Has Nothing To Do With Age “can reach people and make a difference in their lives.

On 13^th of October I plan to make a presentation at the El Dorado Equestrian Trails Foundation at 6:30 PM in Greenwood and on the 15^th of October from 3 to 5 PM, I will be at the Auburn Running Company in Auburn. Please join me.

Good luck Tevis Cup equestrians, Lew Hollander-Hawaiian Ironman, and Doc Shay Sammie Stanbro on the Molokai to Oahu Outrigger canoe race.

Tevis Cup, Hawaiian Ironman, and Molokai Hoe

Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once eccentric."– Bertrand Russell

The month of October is filled with so many sporting events that are difficult to keep track.  After the Cool Ride and Tie, we have the following: The Tevis Cup, The Hawaiian Iron man, and the Molokai Hoe (women’s Outrigger canoe race).  These races begin a long time ago, and at first were considered to be unpopular. Bertrand Russell makes a good point, as these events were considered eccentric but are quite popular today even though they are extreme. 

The Tevis Cup is a 100 mile horse race that begins at Robbie Park and finishes at Auburn.  This race began in the 50s as a result of an idea by Wendell Robie himself.  He was an excellent horseman and exceptional businessman.  What a way to bring publicity to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.   He certainly knew what he was doing.  Let us face it, to ride a horse 100 miles in mountainous terrain during the day and night and to complete this event in one day is spectacular.  People were concerned that the animal would be harmed during the event. Robbie countered that argument by giving expert opinion from his vet from the University of California at Davis. It Has Nothing To Do With Age has more information about this event.  Go to Forest Hill and take a look for yourself on Saturday.

The Hawaiian Iron man also takes place on Saturday, but on the big island in Hawaii.  Once again, all it takes is an idea or vision to start.  A small group of Navy officers came up with this idea to determine toughness.  A 2.2 mile ocean swim, followed by 110 mile bike ride, and then a 26.1 mile marathon run completes this event.  This happening has skyrocketed in popularity.  There is television coverage, and it is more of a spectator sport than the Tevis.  Lew Hollander is likely to be a record holder this year.  Check the finisher list and look for his name. More information about Lew can be found in It Has Nothing To Do with Age.

The women’s Molokai to Oahu Outrigger canoe race takes place on this weekend as well.  Of course, there was the men’s race first.  The men were discouraged from putting on this race because they were told it was too dangerous and this was in the 1950s.  One can imagine the difficulty the women faced when they wanted to put on a race of their own.   It was not until the late 70s that officially their race began. Doc Shay was in the very first canoe of women to complete this rough ordeal.  These women completed this race before it became official.  Read about Doc Shay and Sammie Stanbro and their canoeing exploits in It Has Nothing To Do With Age.

By the book and come to The Auburn Running Company on Saturday the 15^th.  I plan on giving a short presentation and book signing.  Watch for the time.

Cool Ride and Tie , Auburn Running Store,and Tevis Cup

The main thing is to care. Care very hard, even if it is only a game you are playing."– Billie Jean King

The Sixth Annual Cool Ride and Tie has been completed.  The winning team was Mark Richtman and Carrie Barrett on her horse Will.  For Mark, this is his third consecutive win, with three different partners, with three different horses, at three different trail locations.  This means that he has won three races which make him the King of Cool Ride and Tie. Way to go Mark, you’re the best. Susan Smyth and Emily Gragj were winners in the 18 mile course on Joe Peshi: Amrita Oleary  and Simone Julian on Candy won at 13 miles; while Justin and  Christina Hirst on Ruby won at 5 miles.

Secretariat, Randall, and I did a trail run. Secretariat and Randall ran the 13 mile trail loop while I peeled off and came in on the second trail, which was a 5 mile loop. Secretariat said he was not feeling great during the run and was surprised that Randall was keeping up with him.  With about a mile and a half or so to go Secretariat as Billie Jean would say “care very hard.” Secretariat, in true character , ran hard so that he could increase the distance between him and his running partner.  There was no other way for Secretariat.  He has to win.  Way to go Secretariat.

Linda, Nails, and I entered the 5 mile ride and tie.  Linda was determined to compete this year and did so.  It was a good opportunity for her to see her horse in competition as this Rush Creek Arabian wanted to go.  We all were quite happy when we finished. Way to go Linda and Nails.

In order for any event to be successful, it is necessary to have participants, volunteers, and contributors.  Thank you participants.

Also, I mention the great contributors to our sport of Ride and Tie.  They include: The Australian Connection; Echo Valley Ranch, Cool Feed, Platinum Performance, Animal Medical Center, Scotty’s Automotive, Farmers Insurance-Doug Gordon, Auburn Drug, Fleet Fair Oaks-Kirk Edgerton ,Divide Supply , Sunrise Natural Foods, Placer Farm Supply, Sundowner  of California, Mar Val, Holiday Markets, and  Victory  Velo,  Thank you contributors.

The volunteers are also important and they include : Secretariat and Deb  Brickel, Kellie Halsey, Dale Lake, Sue Walz, Deb Wagner, Sylvia Harmon, Deb Kramer , Rick Andrus, Mervyn  and Judy Pyorre, Linda Smith, Deb Peter  , Pat  Dallan, Michael and Mary Buck, Randall and  Diane Harris and Carl  Depietro .

Kathleen and Scott Mcfarren from Honest Horses attended and interviewed race participants.

An appreciation  to  Dr. Langdon Fielding our veterinarian.   And a very special thanks to my wife Linda, Secretariat, and everyone else for a successful Cool Ride and Tie. Thank you Chris Grey of the Foothills Ranch for being a good host.

Bring on the Tevis Cup. I am thinking of doing a book signing at Auburn Running Store this weekend.

Cool Ride and Tie,Tevis, Outrigger Canoe Race and Ironman

Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor."– Truman Capote

Truman is right on.  We know when we have experienced failure, and how that feels.  It is great to compare failure with success. And we all have our own definitions of success and failure.  Make sure that you rethink your definitions.  Since we control the definition do not make the mistake of shortchanging yourself.  Failure to one is not failure to another.  By the same token, success varies based on the perception of the beholder.

Secretariat, Randall, and I are going to mark trails for the Coolest Ride and Tie. The day of the event is just around the corner, and I hope to see you there.

Today is the third installment of Fran’s review of   It Has Nothing To Do with Age.  The book is available at Barnes & Noble, as well as Amazon.  Hope you like it.

Meet Gypsy his horse. The turning point of his life happened in 2009 with a serious accident. Things would radically change for him but never his spirit. Thrown from his horse, seriously injured and learning through the many tests taken that he had Stenosis which is a narrowing of his spinal cord, Frank has to learn to deal with life in a different way. Wearing a brace all the time and hoping for a miracle it is no wonder that he managed to rid himself of it, go to rehab and rejuvenate himself. There are many more stories of older people overcoming the odds, like Jack Sholl. Read the many stories in Chapters 14-16. The last two were my favorite: Paddler of the World and the Ultimate Caregiver.

Let’s sum up the journey: You can learn a lot from reading this book, those he meets along the way and the reasons behind writing this book. At 71 years of age he is out there running, riding, exercising, going to rehab and meeting great and inspired human beings. I have to agree with our young at heart author that genetics does not control what you can do and age means nothing. Parental models, guiding your children to want to play sports, compete and get out there is paramount. Walking, exercising and creating a framework for your child to want to develop and live a healthy life are so important. I agree that where you live and your environment often plays a part in how well you live. Playing with your kids, encouraging them to participate in sports and teams, understanding that competition is healthy and doing their best win or lose if really what it is all about. Competition is healthy, good and does influence you. Live longer, get out and find a sport of something that you can do and meet people, get off that couch and start today. You just might feel better, younger and those aches and pains might disappear.

Your life is not defined by your age. I know that. If these determined athletes our author tells us about can do it SO CAN YOU! I walk every day, I try and run several times a week, I am in great shape and this book is a brain and energy booster for anyone who wants to live longer and realize: AGE HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH IT! YOU DO!

Great book for seniors, even younger people to motivate them to get started before it is too late.
Fran Lewis: Reviewer

Henry Miller,Tevis Cup, and Western States 100

" In this age, which believes that there is a shortcut to everything, the greatest lesson to be learned is that the most difficult way is, in the long run, the easiest" stated Henry Miller, the rebel, who wrote the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. You will be able to read his sexually explicit autobiographical novels today which are a good thing. Miller was born in 1891 in New York, and died in 1980 in California. He lived a long life.

If you disagree with this quote let me know. I think that he is right on and that this quote applies to all of us today.  In my experience, with endurance riding, running, and ride and tie, I have not discovered an easy way or shortcut in terms of training or conditioning. If you have, share your shortcuts with us. The real key is knowing about self-assessment addressing whether or not you’ve under trained or over trained.

For me, over training generally results from being nervous about an event. When I am nervous or worried about the activity, myself talk often has to do with “I haven’t done enough”. The self talk message is filtered by the worry and distorts the reality. So you have to know and be able to determine what the worry is about and analyzing your training method. Knowing oneself is paramount. I know since I have over trained and not analyzed myself correctly nor the activity.

Just think of the Western states runners this year. The snow conditions are extreme and likely the heat conditions will be also. How do you properly train for running in the snow? And at this late date, how does one train for the extreme heat during that one day event? The temperature is heating up and is likely to be extreme within the next two weeks.

As many of you know by now, the Tevis has been rescheduled to October 8 of this year. It is clear that with the extra time between July and October that it is important not to over train or lame your horse. Everybody wants to get to the start.  So ,for those of you that are going to do that ride be careful and protect your horse. Another problem for you riders is going to be the limited daylight conditions. Night riding is going to be another key this year .Good Luck. Pay attention to “how the thinking process affects achievement and performance” which is a learning from “It Has Nothing to Do with Age”.