Jim Brandstatter,Meghan Arbogast, Western States and Motion Sickness

"Difficult times have helped me to understand better than before how infinitely rich and beautiful life is in every way, and that so many things that one goes worrying about are of no importance whatsoever."– Isak Dinesen

I have learned many things during my research regarding mental toughness. This journey has provided me with enjoyment, insight, grit, awe, and a glimpse into the resourcefulness and strength of male and female human beings. It doesn’t seem to matter whether that individual is a professional football player, an all American college football player, and ultra runner, a gold-medal rower or an equestrian. One thing is certain in those individuals have an amazing capacity to overcome hardships or circumstances not under their control and still achieve at unbelievable levels.

Jim   Brandstatter, the voice of the Detroit Lions and Michigan Wolverines has a story as well.  Jim was born in East Lansing, Michigan. His father was an All-American football player at Michigan State University and was a professor running the Criminal Justice Program at that University. His older brother was the starting tight end for three years on the MSU football team. One might expect that young Jim would follow the footsteps of his father and older brother and play in that competitive program. Would you expect him to leave East Lansing to attend and play football for the Spartan’s archrival, the University of Michigan? Well he did. He became an All-Big Ten for Coach Bo Schembechler’s Wolverines. I’ll bet you’ll find his story interesting to say the least.

I’m delighted to announce that Thursday’s TV talk show guest is none other than Meghan Arbogast. This young lady was, in 2010, the USATF 50 mile trail champion and the 100 K. National Road Champion as well. She lives in Corvallis, Oregon and started running seriously at age 42 about 10 years ago. She is obviously one of the female premier runners in our country. And, on the 29^th is running the Western States 100. Learn about Meghan’s character, how she handled life’s challenges, and became an ultra runner. Incidentally, she’s a frequent training partner of Craig Thornley.

On another note, does anyone get motion sickness? Well it’s not unusual as estimates range that from 25 to 40% of our population suffer from some degree of motion sickness. Did you know that NASA and the US Navy are working together with a pharmaceutical company to develop a nasal spray containing scopolamine? The researchers state that the drug’s possible strong side effects such as drowsiness and dry mouth would be significantly reduced with a nasal spray. In any event some suggestions for dealing with  this ”affliction  include the following:1.if you’re on a boat ,face same direction as the boat is moving; gaze at the  horizon and avoid lying down if you can’t see anything. 2. In an automobile, be the driver and watch traffic and the road; avoid reading books using a smart phone or watching movies. 3 Sit near the wing span, especially on smaller planes; try a window seat in daylight. 4. Sit facing the direction the train is traveling. These suggestions might lessen the degree of motion sickness while traveling. This information was found in the June 18, 2013 edition of the Wall Street Journal.

In any event, keep moving, laughing, smiling and deep breathing.