Love Is Elusive

 

Love is a word that's commonly misused .There are a variety of meanings employed when referring to love. As a result, the use of the word is often misleading. The  history of man, musical lyrics, novels, poetry ,myths etc. describe a multitude of sentiments and facets called” love.”  Cleopatra and Mark Antony, Abelard and Heloise, Romeo and Juliet and Frankie and Johnny come to mind.Was it  love?  Masters and Johnson, The Pill, Hugh Hefner, Gloria Steinem, Larry Flynt,Viagra, and Dr. Ruth were household words regarding sex .This disquisition  describes qualities of thinking, feeling and behavior associated with love.In other words, love has to do with thinking , feeling and interacting with somebody ..

Love is a feeling or sentiment even though feelings rapidly change, are difficult at times to label, and are of short duration.Love ,in addition to a feeling ,has to do with thinking and behavior. Attitude is defined as a set of emotions, beliefs and behaviors towards a particular object or person. This disquisition pertains to love within an interpersonal union and not to an event,abstract or idea like god,freedom,democracy,followers, possessions etc. .Qualities and the aim of love include care,security, growth and satisfaction within a significant union.

Care encompasses health, welfare, protection and  trust. Health refers to both mind-body being free of impairment.Health refers to physical condition. If the lover is overweight or obese or that demonstrates inadequate caring for self.Obesity is associated with illness,delusion rationalization and not longevity. Obesity is a disease that occurs because of self-defeating behavior. These characteristics suggest one has to be able care for themselves before they can care for another.

 Psychologically, the individual has to be free of neurosis,addictions,drugs and  to be able to receive love. Further, tendencies of  defensiveness,deceitfulness, sadomasochism,selfishness, and narcissism are also not healthy character traits. Instead, rationality,reason are important and not having tendencies for mistrust, hate and division. Caring is  being able to listen without judgment. The goal for listening is to provide  understanding with empathy; being able to give necessary assistance when asked; and being able to have the knowledge,expertise without being a rescuer .For instance, the ability to say: “ I do not know” is necessary for honesty and for developing trust. In other words, caring has to be more than words. It's like an attitude. It's more than a feeling, because the behavior encompasses rationality,honesty and not just a means to an end. Appropriate  honesty and consistency helps establish trust with the notion that I can count on you to be there.

Security has to do with the occurrence of both the physiological and the psychological stresses. Security has to encompass  the  well-being of both.  Can an attitude, feeling of safety and reliability exist without emotional security?  It’s also about understanding, the insecurities and the emotional triggers at play. Can the giver provide a sense of security in those circumstances?  Verbal and behavioral reassurance must be employed with reliability and consistency for trust to develop.  For example, telling someone they are crazy, nothing to be fearful about, I have it covered,don't feel scared is not helpful. Everyone’s  thoughts and feelings are uniquely their own. First, understand the threat and second provide reassurance in words, silence and/or actions.Perhaps saying: I understand or saying nothing but providing physical contact like a hug might be all that's necessary. Perhaps calmly expressing rational explanations might work.  It's important to  understand the intellectual and emotional triggers and fight against tendencies to rescue, to fix,to make it go away. Do not allow personal insecurities to get in the way. Be there in the present.

 For Intellectual, creative  and physical growth to occur, one mission for the partner is to provide positive reinforcement for the interests and passions. It's not about control, restraint or restrictions.  It's about acknowledging the interplay between satisfying the recurring dependent and the independent dynamic.Retentive tendencies can squash and stifle  growth.  Controlling behavior is counterproductive and interferes  with facilitating and reinforcing someone's interest or passions.Linda has a passion for  music, so I support and reinforce her passion.Rivalry is also counterproductive and stifles growth.Warmth,empathy ,reinforcement, and being in the present is imperative. 

Satisfaction encompasses much within an interpersonal relationship, especially when it comes to sex. Mutual sexual satisfaction for both is an important element  and not just focusing on one partners pleasure. Jane Fonda, age 84, stated women get better at sex as they age:  "Give me what I want." Well that's half the story .Mutuality is prime. Satisfaction has to deal with pleasure ,fulfillment of wishes, expectations and needs. One must  enjoy and receive pleasure from  their partner.Temporary chemical and behavioral craziness can exist at the beginning of a sexual relationship and eventually fades. Sex is wonderful with a person that you love. It's the foreplay, jubilation, exaltation, unparalleled pleasure, super delight with  sensuality.  It's reaching the top of the mountain, not at all like Sisyphus. Internal thoughts during and after the wonderful sexual  experience tells  the true story of love. Freud referred to it, in part, as genital love;  Maslow, in part, as the most intense ecstatic perfection approaching the level of a mystic experience ;and Fromm, in part , as experience of sharing, of communion which permits the full unfolding of one's own inner activity and its the mystical experience within a union. 

 Infatuation fades. What  happens after the initial "romantic" episode? Individuals have histories, needs,expectations,goals and interests and so forth. It’s unrealistic to expect  to find personal satisfaction,pleasure or fulfillment in all the activities of the other. Linda likes to fly fish,not me.However, I accompany her on her outings. However, one must like their partner. It’s also a fact that sexual satisfaction does not cure neurosis ,addictions,isolation or sadism.

Emotional maturity is also important for the ability to love self and the object.Is the individual emotionally ready for love, without unresolved conflicts or attachments ? Emotional readiness is not of chronological age, gender or color of skin .Some individuals may be capable and have the emotional maturity for love in their 20’s, 30s, 40s, 50s , 60s etc.  In other words, it’s definitely not teenage” love “ with their rising hormones . My research study of pregnant teenagers found they had low self-esteem, poor body image and not a clear sense of who they were. Deficits of an emotional understanding of self  becomes obvious. For many, the task of adolescence is not about love, but about sex, affiliation and acquiring money. Within emotional readiness, the individual has to be capable of intimacy, giving  and not simply in a quid pro quo relationship  There has to be an absence of submission to power,seeking approval and especially not pursuing fiction, romance and illusions. Emotionally it’s the giving to another that enhances both The capability of care, security ,growth and satisfaction contributes to an actualization intellectually and physically for well being.

Selfishness is not part of the love equation. Selfishness is not  self-love.Selfishness is a type of greediness. Greediness is an element of the insatiable desire in which  the  individual never finds any real satisfaction. It’s a bottomless pit .It’s the pursuit to satisfy that need, without ever reaching it. It’s like always being hungry, never being full. We also know that with greediness, the individual fears not getting enough, of missing something or being deprived.  Selfishness is a deficit based on insecurity and non fulfillment. Individuals struggling with insecurities, and so forth are not in a position to give to another. Persons that are selfish also have low self esteem and dislike themselves. If one has a negative view of self, one is not capable of loving another.

Narcissism ,which is self adulation, is also  an example of someone who is deficient in security and satisfaction. If one has achieved a belief in self and is not totally subservient to the pursuit of money, career,power, possessions and so forth, that can be a plus. If one is devoted more towards accumulation, possessing, achieving and is driven primarily by tendencies for self-interest or adulation that can interfere with loving another.  So there can be too much self absorption.It's really the ability to  balance the life ratio between needs of self and the needs of another. Also important in the ability to love is need coherence and not need dissonance. For example, if my need for succorance is critical-have my needs satisfied by the sympathetic aid of another; to be appreciated, nurtured, and to always have a supporter ,then finding that characteristic in the partner is critical .I certainly don't want to partner with someone that has a need for abasement which is to accept injury, to blame ,to criticize, and one that self punishes.

Sadomasochism, as in spousal abuse, is also not associated with love and yet we see couples in dysfunctional relationships .It’s critical not to sacrifice and  be dependent based on subordination. With sadomasochism, first  the beating occurs; next the object threatens to leave; then the sadist pleads and begs for forgiveness ;and then the object submits and remains. In essence,it’s a symbiotic relationship . One has to dominate and exploit the other with  mastery and control while the other submits to the power and abuse of her partner. In essence, both are co dependent, insecure,and terrified of being alone.They need the attachment. Although these  behaviors seem contradictory, both of these individuals lack independence,autonomy, strength and unconsciously require the irrational security provided. Caring and growth are clearly absent.

In closing, it has been suggested by Watson that love is learned. On the contrary, one can love  providing they have positive self esteem, temperament and character. Psychological and physical sickness,addictions, selfishness, sadomasochistic, and narcissism,tendencies interfere with being able to give and receive .The ability to love self , love others and capability to engage in, meaningful and purposeful work results in optimum potential for care, security,growth and satisfaction. Additionally, check out and enjoy the lyrics and music to "This Magic Moment," "Unchained Melody," "At Last," "I Will Always Love You" for smiles and pleasure. On a more sobering note, according to Kurt Vonnegut.  "We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be."

American Terrorists

 

Neurophysiologically, man is born helpless and is one of the most frail of all animals and yet in his quest for survival, becomes driven by passions to  torture,destroy and kill without any rational gain. This essay refers to violence and terrorism pertaining to Trump’s character , and the character of his  criminals. 

Aggression can be viewed both from an internal and external point of view .  For example, aggression can be considered playful or benign as  pertaining to sports.Recently, Gary Payton 11, was injured in a NBA playoff game and left the game with a fractured elbow.  While Peyton was in the air, on his way to making a basket, an opposing player aggressively knocked Peyton to the ground. The referee threw the opposing player out of the game for a flagrant foul 2.  The opposing player was not trying to kill, torture or destroy Peyton, nor was he going to receive any short-term gain from the act. The opposing players' motivation, in blocking the shot, was based on competitive aggression.

Psycho-dynamically , aggression is  instinctive with evidence of oral aggressiveness;  sibling rivalry, and with sadomasochism . Freud, not content, added another instinct  to more fully explain the insanity of violence, death, destruction and aggression seen in World War I. Freud postulated a drive of death called Thanatos. This drive was directed both inward and outward towards others.Freud's model depicted and described the interplay or struggle between the instincts for man's survival and for his death.

Henry Murray subsequently identified a number of man's needs.  For him, aggression was a need: "To overcome opposition forcefully.  To fight.  Revenge and injury.  To attack, injure or kill another.  To oppose forcefully or punish another. “ 

Dollard and  Miller Incorporated BF Skinner's Behavioristic model and suggested that aggression was learned. Employing rewards, punishment, ratios and concepts of extinction, they demonstrated that aggression occurred within a reinforcement schedule. Further, Albert  Bandura's research demonstrated that an individual learns to imitate aggression from a physically aggressive model . Aggression can also occur with frustration. When goal accomplishment becomes thwarted, aggression frequently follows. For example, If the goal was to reach the Capital in order to stop the peaceful transition of power and that was stymied, the likelihood of aggression followed. While attacking the capital , the rioters were confronted with barriers of fences, capitol police and locked doors.  We  saw a Capital policeman being crushed inside the door as there was frustration and violence all around. Aggression can also be seen when being trained to plan, to kill , to attack and to obey orders as in the military.  

Parental upbringing reinforces aggression with Insults of a verbal or physical nature  by father with a permissive mother. Allowing the children to express anger towards their mother and others with a punitive father results in later aggression in adulthood.How the parents react to the aggressiveness of their children becomes important. An example follows:  My friend was dating a woman with her adult children living at home. One occasion, she was at his place when her phone rang. She put it on speaker while her daughter yelled at her “ You didn’t turn the fu..ing oven off.” Permissiveness and anger was in full display as evidenced by mother-daughter interaction.  

 Trump’s armed terrorist followers didn't stop the vote count or hang Mike Pence. If the goal was to stop the transition of power and that was rewarded, more of the same can be expected.  However, if that criminal behavior led to punishment like an indictment or jail sentence, then that behavior is likely to be diminished.  Aggression can become a learned habit of attacking.  If one joins the military or the police force,aggression becomes reinforced with muscle memory practice.  Not too long ago, a police officer shot an unarmed man in the back of the head while he was the citizens back. One can argue that the attacking behavior was related to the habit of learned aggression with  positive reinforcement. In the history of policing ,police have killed for minor offenses and have received little punishment. 

On November 6, at the rally preceding the attack on the capital, the commander-in-chief gave a clear message to his unlawfully armed terrorists that already had their battle plan assignment drawn .Trump told his group to fight like hell and to take back the government. He told them to march to the capital, he loves them and he would be there too. Note, he did not command his armed crazies to stand down, at ease. leave your weapons here, protest peacefully and sing on the way “We shall overcome.”

 Briefly, destructiveness can be vengeful as a response to intense and perceived unjustified suffering inflicted by or upon Trump. The lie that the election was stolen from him,was his manipulation strategy .He wanted to solidify his fame, power and money. Vengeful destructiveness was not a defense against current physical danger. Vengefulness that was cruel, amoral was exhibited by Trump in order to take back power that he lost. There was plotting, many fraudulent attempts like going to court etc. Without justice from the courts,Trump and his cronies, out of desperation, with one last attempt planned the January 6 attack.

Trump was the commander-in-chief, and he could order his sycophants to do anything because he justified it. Legally It didn't matter. He was master in charge. The followers believed in magic,irrational and illusion that he could do no wrong even though it was against the constitutional democracy.

Trump took justice into his own hands.He even attempted to take charge of the steering wheel and choke another. It was a violent gesture. His passion for vengeance became godlike. Maybe his greatest hour was this particular vengeance because he reached a height never seen before in our country?  Likely his defense against this travesty of his own destructiveness was to use  projection. They-not I- are fraudulent, destructive, cruel and cheat.

  Briefly, this anxious, hoarder has to have money and material things. Love ,for him, is essentially a possession . He does not give love , he wants to retain it at any cost. He lies and cheats- his taxes,university, foundation etc. It is about possession. His exploitative nature is associated with pedantic orderliness. Can't touch dirt in the outer world as it threatens to break into his fortified position of orderliness. He has to keep everything in its proper place. Compulsive cleanliness is anything beyond his own frontiers that can be dangerous, as germs are examples. His narcissistic character displays anxiety, hate and hoarding . This means that even a slight damage to a fragile ego will arouse an intense craving for revenge by him. Vengeance is a persistent tendency, as evidenced by what he does to anyone not loyal. He attacks - calls them cheats, lowlife etc.His obsessive neurosis was in full view  as evidenced by those late night hateful tweets. It was his attempt ,with activity, to reduce his discomfort and dreaded anxiety.

The severely changing economic conditions in our economy has exacerbated the inability of the followers to compete and succeed in today's socioeconomic political system. Rising disparities perpetuated their reality.   One obvious way to compensate for the insecurities and threats to security and satisfaction is through education and acquiring prestigious economic opportunities. These mobsters chose military and police careers with weapons in an attempt to combat their insecurities. However, the elites, people of color, made successful strides in economic,political, sports and social advancement .This fact raised  increasing doubts about the certainty for security, privilege,domination, safety and satisfaction for Anglo-Saxon rule. Even though they were militarily trained, they suffered economic exploitation,indignity and debt because ,in part, by greedy profiters while on military bases .They were primed, anxious and  ready for combat against further government injustice. Election fraud was the excuse for violence and combat . It was simply the conscious vehicle to reduce their anxiety, insignificance and insecurity. In fact, it gave them permission to act out their anger with violence .It was an activity that masked their inadequacies.Prior, their hostility was repressed. However, with Obama and Trump ,it became fashionable to express hate,prejudice and hostility openly. Hate crimes and gun sales statistics rose by leaps and bounds.

Trump's messaging appealed to those thwarted socioeconomically. They were rapidly being left behind, unable to compete, were exploited and were hostile,jealous and envious of all  those “ undesirables “ getting ahead. Salaries of the rich and famous exploded and out of reach and they were without pride and lacked dignity for the most part except when they were associated with Trump and his cronies.They were also ambivalent regarding authority in that they followed orders, directions, chain of command while in the military and yet they acted out against the capitol police and the rule of law. With love ,hate can follow as evidenced by those loyal staffers telling the truth. More will follow

The terrorists also had similar character traits with the leader. They believed Trump when he told them that the system was rigged and fixed, in a simple language and his fooling around with other women was normal within their moral code. So, to participate in the overthrowing of the government was something permissible, as they were following orders of their leader. They could then participate in his glory by being successful ,and why wouldn't they be successful?   They believed in magic. Could the commander-in-chief  rationally overturn the election results and overthrow the government?  That's not rational at all. They followed the power of the commander-in-chief, based on their own emotional insecurity of being fearful, dependent and trained as killers. They followed his demonstrations of power. He nominated individuals to the supreme court; he withdrew from  the Iran deal; withdrew from climate change ; and cozied up to authoritarians. He demonstrated all kinds of power and he belittled( his projection of hate and hostility) against all his political and media opponents . He couldn’t  even be convicted of Impeachment.However, there were doubts. On one hand he would protect them and even pardon them for their crimes. If he was still the leader, they wouldn't have  been charged with crimes.Thus, their hostility and hate  was now  being directed inward as they faced incarceration.

 His terrorist  followers  did not critically evaluate the reality of Trump's terrorist behavior. These characters were willing to sacrifice, put up with hardships( go to jail) and do whatever it took because Trump had a right to demand their sacrifice. Trump's attitudes were incorporated by followers. His amoral conscience became  like a mirror that resulted in an irrational submission to a tyrannical Trump.  Ambivalence was also exhibited by initially being in “ love”  but now a betrayal as some of these arrested types agreed to cooperate with  prosecutors. Stay tuned ,the story is not over.  According to Hosea, "My people are destroyed by the lack of knowledge; because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee.”

Reference

Fromm, Erich.  The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness

The Infamous

 

 Statistically, there are approximately two mass shootings per day in this country. Mass shooting is defined as killing four individuals. This occurrence happens regardless of all the prayers. Eliminating  the sale of AR 15 type weapons would be a step in the right direction.  This disposition identifies  important psychological variables associated with these killers.

In the beginning,Homo sapiens are anxious, helpless and remain in this psychological state for periods of time. Newborns are totally dependent on the assistance of the caretaker for survival.  Being in this state, the newborn submits to the power, control,demands and the inconsistent quirks of that provider regardless, while seeking safety and security. This state is called being in  primary narcissism . There is total reliance and submission for survival.  Within this primary narcissism state , frustration ,conflicts,  anger occurs as a result of various and many barriers or circumstances that interfere with the meeting of one's physiological and psychological needs.

Developmentally, the process of secondary narcissism occurs with the process of individuation .With individuation, one psychologically becomes separate from the caretaker. Separation results with isolation, insecurity, powerlessness and always anxiety.  This individuation dynamic psychologically propels that individual back  to or a return to the safety and security of the caretaker to avoid the dread of anxiety-fear of being alone and separate as in separation anxiety. In other words, the pattern of being dependent, requiring assistance, and combating helplessness begins to occur  with individuation and then  returning  to the protection, safety and security of another. Also present during this psychological interplay occurs anxiety, frustration, conflict and anger. Thus, we have a lifelong repetition of dependence,relying on and submitting to another for protection along with the pursuit of individuation, and again the cycle which results in anxiety from separating and being alone.

During development, there is a dance or tug of war between being dependent and being independent. Therefore, rebelling,obstructing,fighting against the primary ties of caretaker and family occur during individuation.Then,what follows becomes a searching  for union, protection in order to escape isolation and loneliness. This occurrence gives rise to seeking the same from others like a  peer group.  Of course there are other ways to combat being alone .One can use alcohol ,take drugs,seek an ideology , identify with nature, tribe, religion,political group, sports-something to mitigate against loneliness and provide that security by belonging and defending against isolation, insignificance and powerlessness. Of course, interpersonal interactions always result in various forms of conflicts, frustration and aggression. Anger becomes either repressed and/or expressed because of fear of potential object loss. Disappointments, no matter how slight, occur with differences in perception of expectations or goals ,faulty communication, lies , betrayals, infidelity and so forth. With spousal abuse, the verbally and physically abusive male subjugates, dominates ,exploits and then pleads for forgiveness for her to take him back-the ugly head of sadomasochism and the dependency motive in full view. On the other hand, relationships are similar to quid pro quo , a give-and-take and friendship.  If I do this,you will do that. Then, this can occur, I did this for you,and you don't appreciate that, how can you ? I might have to compromise and do what you command . Of course, too much compromise , results in frustration, irritation and anger that likely gets expressed passively and/or aggressively.

The dependency submission independent drive occurrence becomes the ground floor and it is one of the most if not the most powerful dynamics during man's lifespan.  This dynamic gets played out over and over again within significant interpersonal relationships.  We find these characterizations or themes in novels, movies, poetry and especially love songs. The word love is often misinterpreted,mislabeled as the dependency or codependency need is enmeshed in that union and can become the predominant force. Couples often remain in their union primarily because of dependency which translates into the fear of  avoiding being alone. They rationalize about staying together for the children; embarrassment, failure or shame in a breakup; the financial cost, or even it's not good for one's career.  It's apparent when we see, In one instance, how an aggressive, independent dynamo interacts in the world  of work with others and then in the confines of home , much different interactions occur often characterized by passivity, submission and dependency. Of course there are many differences and variability in role reversals, duration, intensity,passive aggressiveness and control taking place between couples. 

It appears that these shooters have not developed satisfactory or quality unions with school peers. They are not popular,nor  captain of the football team or class president. Instead they are classified and identified as being loners, weird, secretive,not friendly and so forth.  The shooter's relationship with caretakers also becomes unsatisfactory with rejection, conflict, anger and aggression.  With that being said, that individual has been rejected and looks for some security and connection from any source, including anonymous social media.It’s an electronic connection -who's on the other end?  But, there seems to be some consensus, some similarities that provide  the temporary escape from loneliness and a sense of belonging. A dependency on the superficial technical device with  its diseased  messaging becomes consonant and the only option for reinforcement with contact  for these despicables. They can print about  hate, distrust , betrayal, entitlements, grievances,righteousness and  their beloved killing object possessions. Their plans , their so-called ideology,represents age old scapegoating and blaming others with no original ideas.but only primitive propaganda, myths and illusions. These others become non entities to be eliminated in  a sadistic manner.This  online occurrence contributes  and reinforces their opposition to societies ethical, moral and human values and perpetuates their negative identity formation. They can now associate with other alienated souls with their hateful attitude .With the new association, these characters have severed their primary ties as they attempt to create security, belongingness, mastery and some form of satisfaction . However, in the process, these individuals are easily manipulated and prey to anonymous messaging.  So, fulfilling dependency needs and interests are based on some peripheral form of "friendship" with a hateful, sadistic, cynical group that attacks others, not in their circle. These others are to be sadistically destroyed and murdered as they are not worthy, they are non human objects .

Within the dynamics of attempting to compensate for feelings of rejection and isolation without skepticism that results from anxiety can be and is severe. To find meaning and to solidify one's connection with these others is the attempt to find the missing security through the same.How can these sick individuals become part of, one has to silence, to remove any doubt in order to solidify with this fraternity of crazies?  To “join” they have to establish “fame,” In our society  that requires committing a sadistic massacre that turns into 24-7 TV and media coverage With that media coverage, their names are now known to their contemporaries and in the record book.  Further, their abysmal life ,for them, has gone from meaningless insignificance to being in the news.  Being in the news must mean they are celebrities of sorts .  So in order to get TV coverage and fame,all one has to do is to become a mass murderer .It doesn’t matter if the notoriety fades with the next occurring news cycle. They have achieved their goal and become another statistic, an integral part of this sickness in  our country.

With this recurring dynamic which is the design of man, having an assault weapons ban will not eliminate mass killings nor improve disturbed interpersonal relations. We've always had killing occurrences within society as the wealthy powerful continue exploiting the masses. This country cannot put a political ban on assault weapons. That fact demonstrates the power of the wealthy elites, tremendous insecurity, loneliness and the submission and worship of the gun for “ safety, security and  protection.” The gun manufacturers  pander to the evangelicals with messaging” The only way to stop the bad guy with the gun is a good guy with the gun."  And, a gun manufacturer advertises "commitment to meet each and every morning to pray for God's wisdom in managing the enormous responsibility that comes with this business."  Neurophysiologically Homo sapiens are anxious, fearful and aggressive. They seek  dependency, safety and security from others and/or groups for survival. Man’s history has revealed that providing a hateful powerless human feeling insignificant, isolated, and alone weapons, they seek and submit to a powerful force with similar qualities with consequences of destruction, sadism and murder.

Friendships

 

For the past 22 years, while residing in the foothills,  a significant part of my life experience has taken part in competing on the trails with friends.  This essay focuses on the many experiences with friends. My long-term running friend Tony is moving to Washington next week, and his upcoming departure triggered these memories.

I moved to the foothills in December, 1999 as a result of retiring and because of individuals that  had met in  Ride and  Tie .  Initially, I ran on the trail with my ride and tie partner Bob E and one of my Western States pacers Jerome B. That was followed by running with Joan G and Audrey V past Western States finishers. Jim H also ran with us and he was going to be one of my Western States pacers but died in a skiing accident prior.

I also ran and joined a ride and tie group of runners that met Wednesday evening at the Overlook in Auburn.  Tony, Chuck M , Tom C.,  Chris T. , Becky W.,and   Melissa R were regulars that met after their workday.  I preferred running in the morning and as a result I only ran with them occasionally. Within a short while, I met an attractive woman named Linda R. at the 16 mile marker on the Western States trail.I knew her earlier from the Quicksilver Ride and Tie and discovered she had moved nearby to Greenwood.  Linda was an accomplished marathoner and told me about the Western States 100.  She asked me if I was interested and I told her I was.  She was thinking about running it in 2003.  I returned home and researched the run and found out that  in two months or November there was a 50 mile Helem Klein qualifying run for the 2002 Western States 100.  Up to that point I had run one 50 K as my longest trail run.  I called Linda and told her we could train the next two months and then enter that 50 mile  qualifying run this year and run States in 2002.  She thought about it, said she hadn't run anywhere near that distance either but I told her we could do a 50 K training run to prepare us for the 50 mile qualifier and that meant there would only be an additional 19 miles.  She agreed and we began running together and attempted to qualify for the 2002 Western States run.  As it turned out we ran that Helen Klein qualifier in November 2001.  She had to run the 50 miles in about nine hours and  I was given about 30 minutes more time because of my age.  Jerome B was at the start which was helpful.  At about 25 miles or so, I developed an upset stomach.  Luckily for me ,Joan G.  was there for aid.  She walked with me and fed me ginger in order to settle my stomach.  I felt better after a while, continued running and qualified for the Western States drawing as did Linda R. The drawing was shortly thereafter and Linda attended the drawing. Instead, I ran with a bunch of ride and tie individuals and later she met  me at Chris T's home after our trail run. We talked about our excitement and upcoming run.  At  the gathering,  I asked Chuck M along with Bill J if they would be my  pacers for the run.  They agreed.  Serious training began for that June 2002 Western States event.  Prior to Western States I had Chris, a two time finisher and William E for dinner.  Chris and William recently won the Ride and Tie championship and William was one of the favorites for the Western States run.  I had planned to use my camel pack for water.  William took me to the kitchen sink and demonstrated how long it would take to fill that container and then we filled a water bottle.  He told me that time was of the essence.  I discarded my camel pack and used water bottles from then on.

Linda R.  and I ran and trained at least five days a week and we were joined by Steve R.  and Bill J as well.  Linda R, Steve R and I went to the Oakland hills to run a 50 mile race around January 2002.  As it turned out, the run was canceled but another knowledgeable runner was at the starting point.  He told us about the cancellation and joined us on that 50 mile run.  Essentially, it was the starting point  and we would run to the Lake Chabot  boat rental , get water and run back to the car for the first  25 miles and then we did it again.  In other words, we had water available at 12 1/2 miles and were able to get food at 25 miles.  These three runners were faster than when I was.  At 37 i/2 miles ,on that second turnaround, they got out ahead of me. Maybe at 40 miles or so out of sight.  It was getting dark and I knew I had at least 8-10 miles to go. I decided to stop at Redwood Road and flag down a car.  Luckily, this young man heard my sad story and agreed to drive me back to where our car was parked.  He did and Linda was relieved and really worried because one cannot run in the dark without any light.

 During that year and years following,  I ran Way Too Cool 50 K with Kevin and Diane L.,  Bill J.,  Jerome B. , Tony ,Jonathan J, Victoria O ,Rufus S and numerous pacers like Randall H. and Matt ,  In fact, in one of the 50 K’s, I developed hernia issues and was in a lot of discomfort.  Fortunately, Randall was there with me and helped me greatly.  He brought his guitar and his serenading helped dramatically. I also ran multiple AR 50 milers as well.  In fact, my grandson Alex, Tony  and Steve A accompanied me for the last 10 miles on one occasion.  I ran numerous Jed Smith 50 milers and 50 's and was accompanied by Chris T , Susan S.,  Matt and Tony.  On one Jed Smith, Tony and I met Megan A and Mark Richtman who were there to break the 50 mile record .Also there, he became the current Western States  director Craig Thornley.

Ride and  Tie partner, Jonathan Jordan from Alpine, California ,Tony, Matt and I ran an event in San Jose at Quicksilver. On another occasion, Jonathan, Tony and I stayed with Tony's sister Penny in Malibu  for a trail run. Jonathan ran with us at the Cool and Coloma’s 50 K’ as well.  In fact, Jonathan's oldest  son, Atticus once beat  us all.

Tony and I ran numerous races up and down the state over many years.  We stayed with various people such as George H in Santa Cruz. Steve  S.  In Santa Cruz, and in fact my daughters X mother-in-law Elaine R in San Leandro. We also stayed with Bill and Gwen B in San Ramon and  Pat and Mike D in Donner Lake  the night before our various runs.Tony and I stayed at Carrie B in Tiburon at  Beverlee B in Marin and a friend of Gloria J in Oakland.  Tony and I and Susan S. once joined us on a Western States training run from Forest Hill to White Oak Flat. We also ran from Green Gate to Auburn and on many Resolution Runs. After the Resolution event we showered at Sidne’s , Linda’s oldest. Tony was not available so I recruited Dennis S (Jed Smith Race Director) and Tom C for the  World’s Oldest Triathlon called Eppie's Great Race.  I ran, Tom Christofk biked and Dennis S  kayaked. I also stayed at one of Dave V.W  residences in Marin for the Double Dipsea event.

Tony and I and our dogs have run many trail miles over the years.  We used to run religiously on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.  Then Tony started spending time in Washington, built a home there and sold his home here and moved full time to Whidbey Island.  His loss is approaching.  It's hard to put in words what and how I'm going to deal with his moving. I will miss his meaningful friendship; his keen insights; his all around assistance; his infectious laughter; and of course going to Baskin-Robbins. Tony is a true friend that I could always count on him for being there.  Thanks Tony for your availability the last 25 years.  Paul, his lady friend Dave ,Joyce, Linda and I are sending him off on a Boy voyage Sunday.  See you on Whidbey Island.

On top of that, the following are  friends that have passed : Jonathan Jordan , Tom Christofk  ,Bob Edwards,  Mark Richtman, Jeff Windenhausen ,Jim Harris , Joan and  Warren Hellman. Friends that have moved : Linda R. , Steve  A.  Matt, Randall H, Joan G ,Audrey  V ,Jerome B., Doyle E, Rick,Marty and Carrie B,  to name a few. I have been very fortunate over these last 25 years and very thankful for all the people that I encountered on my journey.  Thank you all.  The next 25 years are going to be different. Albert Einstein said, "Try not to become a person of success, but rather try to become a person of value." 

Aging Insights

 

Although research has provided data regarding health and exercise, there are  unfortunately many unknowns.  Today's essay is based on  Insights found  in four articles published by the New York Times. Are the findings relevant , helpful, and might they contribute to your well-being?

The November 7, 2021 article was titled "Why Do More Men Die of Covid-19?"  The credible doctor reported that men are much more likely than women to die of Covid- 19, are more likely to be intubated  and have longer hospitalizations  prior to being vaccinated.  Men are also more likely to develop certain rare complications from the same Covid-19 vaccines and  experience a faster decline in measures of immunity once vaccinated.  Reasons for this discrepancy remain unclear.  Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that in the United States, women accounted for 45.6% of Covid-19 deaths so far and men accounted for 54.4% even though there are more women than men .  Further, among  Americans ages 65 to 84, the group at the highest risk for severe Covid-19 and death were men, 57.9% and among women 42.1% .  According to the Brookings Institution, at least 65,000 more men than women have died of Covid-19 in the United States. The weaker sex title goes to?  

Other studies found that the incidence of myocarditis, inflammation of the heart muscle to be nearly 18 times  higher among men compared to women over age 16.  Also there was evidence that for men,  the immunity from the Pfizer vaccine wanes more rapidly compared to women.  Another study found that six months after the second dose of that vaccine ,levels of antibodies were substantially lower among men than among women ages 65 and older .Men are the sicker sex.

 Some possible contributing factors for men might be adherence to mask wearing , underlying health conditions or  perhaps  high rates of smoking.  Diseases like tuberculosis, higher viral loads of hepatitis C virus and HIV are also  more common among men.  Some researchers hypothesize that hormonal factors might be at play like estrogen.For instance, women  have more immune B cells which produce antibodies.  Perhaps these differences suggest that males are physiologically inferior to females, which can be explained by Eve receiving Adam's good rib leaving him with the bad ribs. 

 Perhaps the following  3 studies might be helpful to one's health, especially  males . The article published on 12/11/ 16 titled "Keep It Moving"  found that inactivity altered man's physiology in many ways and apparently prevented exercise from improving  the metabolic metabolism of fat.  Physical inactivity is bad and linked to 6% of all cases of heart disease worldwide and 11% of all premature deaths in the United States. Exercise tends to increase lifespan and protect against heart disease.  This study found  an unhealthy impact of too much sitting. and perhaps a single vigorous workout may do little to counter the effects of prolonged sitting compared to  walking.

 This study had seven healthy young male volunteers with monitors .They spent four active days in a row followed by four sedentary days in a row . Active  walkers averaged more than 17,000 daily steps and then sat for roughly  8 hours a day . The second group sat daily for 14 hours or so.  Then in the evening of the fourth day, they ran for an hour and next morning they ate a high-fat, sugary breakfast.  Researchers found that this first group  regime led to a healthful reduction in triglycerides- fat associated with heart disease that enters the bloodstream after meals. However, when men  sat for 14 hours a day, without activity, that did not bring down the high levels of triglycerides in their blood.  In other words,  sitting seemed to have made man's body exercise resistant and the inactivity altered the man's physiology that prevented exercise from improving the metabolism of fat.

In response to this research, the generalizations are  limited.  1.  Only men were studied.  2.  Sample size of seven.  3.  How healthy were these seven?  4.  Averaging so many steps at what pace and under what conditions?  5.  How was sedentary defined ?6.  What did the men do for the remaining 10 hours of day  ?7.  What findings would be found from other breakfasts and women subjects?. 8.  The long-term effects from reduced triglycerides for these men were? Yes, this study found results using limited variables. Physiologically, God did  not design us to sit.

On a personal note, when I trained for my Western States 100 run, I stood as much as possible during the day to prepare and condition my being to be on my feet for long periods of time. Also, for the last 12 years or so, I have placed my computer on a platform so that I have to stand when  engaged. 

Another article dated 10/ 30/ 16 was titled "Give Yourself a Break?"  Could there be a technique to make running a marathon less stressful on the heart? Many recreational marathoners have been found to have high levels of enzymes in their blood that indicate cardiac damage .However, enzyme levels generally return to normal within a week or so after competition.  Can running  a marathon  be with less heart damage ? Researchers recruited 42 recreational runners training for the first marathon and then just before the race randomly split them into groups.  Some were told to walk for a minute after roughly every 1 1/2  miles and the others to run the entire race.  All the runners that finished, ran it in a little more than four hours.  Walkers tended to speed up when they resumed running, producing faster average times than those in the other group. Yes, read the Run-Walk-Run method written by Jeff Galloway.  He claimed it is an injury free marathon training program . 

The researchers did a follow-up test four days after the race that showed elevated levels of enzymes in the runners but returned to normal.  Walking did not eliminate the stress on one's heart. However, the group of walkers  showed there was much less strain on the rest of the body such as decreased  fatigue and  less muscle soreness at the end of the race.I'm not sure how less was defined. Running 26.2 miles results in enzyme elevation. Not sure how elevated enzymes were  defined.  What are the long-term cardiac effects of running marathons?How many marathons produce negative enzyme effects? I have run more trail 50 milers and more trail 50 K's, than marathons.  Has that been good for me?   And how does all this relate to longevity and well-being?

Yes, the run, walk, run method is terrific as I know from personal Ride and Tie experience. I was first introduced to  walking hills by Dan, a collegiate swimmer who competed against Mark Spitz.  He told me that I would conserve energy by walking some of these steep hills ,so I did.  A few years later, I ran my first marathon in Maui.  During the run, I met a young attractive runner who employed the Galloway method. I was able to keep up with her for a while. But,she finished before me.  I have no trouble incorporating run, walk, run, when encountering certain hills on my daily runs.  Lately, with Tony and Dale, we walk.  I may have damaged my heart over 25 years of trail running. However, on the positive side, I consulted with the orthopedic surgeon a few years ago regarding discomfort in my knees.  He told me that I have young knees and emphasized the fact that when running downhill,  I should have my heel strike first to protect my knees. Also , I have not had an overuse injury for the last couple years, which means no ibuprofen, no icing and not seeing The Monster of Massage.  Once again, were there any recreational women marathoners in the study?

 "Powerhouse Renovation" was found In the March 26, 2017 edition.  In this study, could certain kinds of exercise mitigate the effects of aging at the cellular level?   The damage accrued by cells in older muscles is especially severe because they do not regenerate easily and become weaker as mitochondria produce energy, and that diminishes with vigor and number.  Therefore, can certain workouts minimize what years  do to mitochondria?

This study had 72 healthy,  sedentary men and women who were 30 years or younger or older than 64.  Base levels of aerobic fitness, blood sugar levels, gene activity and mitochondrial health in their muscle cells were measured.  These volunteers were randomly separated Into the following groups: 1.  Vigorous weight training several times a week.  2.  Brief interval training three times a week with stationary bike pedaling  for four minutes, resting for three and then repeating that sequence three more times.  3. Stationary bikes at a moderate pace for 30 minutes three times a week and lifted weights lightly on other days.  4.  The control group did not exercise.

 The exercise groups experienced improvements in fitness and the ability to regulate blood sugar.  There were some differences.  The gains in muscle mass and strength were greater for those who exercised only with weights.  Interval training had the strongest influence . Among younger subjects, their activity changed 274 genes compared with 170 genes for those who exercised more moderately and 74 for weightlifters.  Among the older, almost 400 genes worked differently now, compared with 33 for the weightlifters and only 19 for the moderate exercisers.  It's believed the cells of the interval trainers  influenced the ability of mitochondria to produce energy for muscle cells.  The impact was particularly more pronounced among the older .

There was no clear definition of interval training.  My definition of cross or interval training is running and walking, which varies depending upon the distance, elevation and degree of heat. My definition has lots of latitude because of the variables.  When walking up the hill, I pump my arms vigorously.

The major problem in all studies was the selection of the population. Subjects were not randomly selected.  With these volunteers, one is measuring only those volunteers to other volunteers -It's not random which affects generalizing results.  Therefore, the results from these studies are extremely limited.  With that being said,  interval training(as defined by them) had better results among the variables studied.  Other studies, and from personal experience have found  Interval training to be best and believed to be superior.  Can one generalize riding a stationary bike for four minutes and then resting for three and repeating that sequence for three more times to other exercise techniques? Would one get the same results by running hard up hills and then walking regarding gene increase or producing energy? Is it very difficult to accurately compare   riding a bike  or running  on the trail? 

A couple of points to consider follow: 1.  Exercise-activity requiring physical effort, carried out to sustain or improve health and fitness.  2.  Walking-move at a regular pace by lifting and sitting down each foot  In turn, never having both feet off the ground at once.There are tremendous differences in activity requiring physical effort as well as moving at a regular pace.  All of us have some definition of exercise and walking.  How different is your definition of exercise and walking compared to Steph Curry or Mike Tyson?  For me, my current daily activity includes both exercise and walking.This routine , for the last 25 years or so, benefits me  both mentally, physically, as they play a role in my well-being.  Approaching my mid 80s , I believe I'm doing the right thing, as indicated in the reference "Stopping the Clock" written by doctors  Klatz and  Goldman.  This reference was given to me by a friend over 25 years ago. It has provided me with a good baseline understanding of aging.  Additionally, I have been running, rain or shine, consistently averaging over six days a week while incorporating information from the previous articles.  Further , check out the insights from Russ Kiernan, Jim Steere, Lew Hollander, Jack Sholl, Doc Shay , Sammie Stanbro and Beverlee Bentley  found in "It Has Nothing to Do With 

Age.-Stories of driven athletes who compete in extraordinary sports" published by  Winter Goose. According to W.  Somerset Maugham “The fact that a great many people believe something is no guarantee of its truth."