As I stepped onto the jet-bridge there was a blast of warmth and a flash of bright light – and then the cool shade of the air-conditioned tunnel.  It was a hot summer day in Dallas.  My ultimate destination was the mountains of California’s High Sierra, where I’d planned a three-week hike — but right now, the clock was ticking down to the departure of my next connection, and I needed to find the gate.  Walk quickly, I told myself.  Pay Attention!

Two days earlier, I’d met a college student for coffee.  A friend of mine, her mentor, thought she’d benefit from my experience.  Over cappuccinos we chatted about a number of things, including the concept of “balance.”  The idea that a person could enjoy success at work and participate in other interests.  And spend time with friends.  And read books.  She was young, so family wasn’t in the mix yet.  In life there are a lot of and’s, I pointed out.  If you want A and B and C, it’s up to you to figure out how. Continue reading “Pondering Clouds, Sparks, and Disney’s “Soul”” →

On December 31, 2020, I participated in the Hainesport Hundred and 24-hour Endurance Run, completing my goal of 50 miles.  The run was notable for me:  it was my 91st event of marathon distance or longer; it was my 6th barefoot marathon and 25th barefoot race and my longest-ever distance without shoes; and I ran this race without calories or fluid for the first 39 miles as a way to practice another dimension of endurance.

Before getting into my report, I need to give credit to race directors John Swanson and Vanessa Kline of Batona Trail Runs, who organized an excellent event:  it was a perfect site for this kind of race, the aid station was well-stocked, the volunteers were enthusiastic, directions were clear, and given concerns about the lingering Covid pandemic, they managed to execute the event with reasonable social-distancing protocols that met the acceptance of local authorities.

The event took place in the town of Hainesport, New Jersey, and the course followed a 0.9913-mile loop through the local municipal park.  This format requires a certain mindset, because there’s no distraction from changing scenery when you repeat the same loop 51 times (or 101 times for those going the full distance).  In this report I aim to give you a sense as to what a loop-type experience is like — so come on with me, let’s go on a quick tour of Hainesport Municipal Park…

Continue reading “50 Miles at Hainesport” →