How in running, kayaking, (and in life)..."hard line" attitudes can land you short of the runway!

In my (humble) opinion, having a broad, flexible, and open mind is the ideal approach to life. It's the "hard line" (dogmatic, inflexible, absolutist, and narrow) attitudes that get us in trouble and can cause us to land "short of the runway". Here's a little recent background to that thought.

Yesterday, while running on a fairly "technical" trail (simply meaning, lots of rocks, roots, and fallen trees etc) in my Vibram FiveFingers (extremely minimalist running "shoes"), I landed on a small, but pointed rock, resulting in a very slight bruising to the forefoot. No big deal, but this morning, it was still a little tender and that presented the following dilemma:

• Should I go back out today in the VFFs, and, given that they offer very little protection, possibly risk further bruising? Hmm, this could result in further injury that might require several more days of recovery.
• OK, Option 2: Would it be better to take the day off from running and give the foot a little time to settle down? Seemed a responsible solution, but it didn't hurt that much and I really wanted to go running.
• Or, Option 3: Should I simply bring out the old and trusty Salomon trail runners (conventional running shoes) and give the forefoot a little more protection for the day?

Wear running shoes? Never! After all, I'm a minimalist runner. Heck, I even drive some people crazy (others I seem to have driven away) by going on about it and if I go back to running shoes, even for a day, I may appear insincere. Worse, I might even be seen to be a hypocrite, given my constant "sermonizing" about the benefits and common sense elements of minimalist running. (Ahh, you see, there's my own hard line attitude creeping in there!)

I  began to realize that I had gone through all this self-questioning because I had begun to "buy in" to the philosophy of a few minimalist and barefoot runners out there. Again, it's the hard line, the "take no prisoners", no compromising attitude. If you're not running exclusively barefoot, you're not a barefoot runner. If you wear anything more substantial than Vibram FiveFingers, you're not really a minimalist runner. If you wear conventional running shoes, then you're probably a heel-striker. I've even heard some folks distinguish between "runners" and "joggers" - the latter described by the former with a slight rolling of the eye and disparaging tone. Rather, I like what John 'The Penguin" Bingham said, "If you run, you are a runner." That's an open attitude.

You see hard line attitudes in the sea kayaking world as well. Some folks get themselves in a knot over whether a kayak should have a rudder or a skeg or whether a paddle should be feathered or unfeathered or whether an inflatable kayak is a real kayak. I read in one blog that if a paddler doesn't have a "bomb proof" roll, then he's (she's) not an authentic sea kayaker. Give me a break!

In my mind, anyone who, for example, loves to run or sea kayak should remember that the most important thing about either sport is that the participant experiences the inherent joy of the activity. We sometimes forget that. Runners wearing "proper" running shoes sometimes look at barefoot runners as if they're nut cases. In a similarly narrow way, barefoot runners can be guilty of making shod runners feel as if they are anachronisms for not stepping up to this new (to our generation) form of running. I've said this before, if someone feels the joy and exhilaration of running while wearing cowboy boots or stilettos, and doesn't get injured, what's the problem? Unless they're running on your expensive hardwood floors!

I'm impressed by a common thread in the words of accomplished runners such as Danny Dreyer, Christopher McDougall, Michael Sandler, Caballo Blanco de la Sierra Madre (Micah True), Barefoot Ted McDonald, and the late Dr. George Sheehan. All of these amazing individuals and athletes have their preferences but all show an open mind. It is my observation, that with each of the above, the common thread is the joy they feel for running. Hard line attitudes rarely radiate joy and they most often result in the drawing of lines in the sand (or on the trail or on the water or whatever). Drawing such lines in the sand distracts and diminishes the possibility of shared joy. It's the same, I think, in life. Hard line attitudes alienate, divide, and turn people against one another. A broad, flexible, and open mind invites the fullest experience of the outdoor self-propelled passions we pursue and the shared and cooperative life most of us seek to live on this planet.

By the way, this morning, I ended up putting the Salomon trail runners on - and headed out the door. Having made the "attitude adjustment", it was a great run. That choice made a whole lot more sense than staying home and being a grumpy "minimalist-only" runner - an experience, in my mind, that would be similar to landing short of the runway!

At least that's the way I see it. Your thoughts on this would be warmly welcome.

Cheers all,

Duncan.

PS:  The image above is one we took at the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum (the home of the "Spruce Goose"), in McMinnville, Oregon.

Another PS: This posting was the featured "Blog of the Week" at the Barefoot Runners Society website. Gosh, thanks folks!

Osprey: my greatest surprise and joy

Osprey taking off

First of all I must retract a statement I made in an earlier post.  Apparently I made a huge mistake when I stated in my post on Ospreys that I was unlikely to see this magnificent bird of prey here in the city.  Ospreys apparently dwell in almost every corner of the world, and if  I would have paid more attention to my research I would have realized that they also reside here in Alberta.  Indeed they have been known to reside near urban areas as long as their nests are not disturbed, although not necessarily in this city.  But let me tell you, it was both the biggest surprise and the greatest joy to find out just how mistaken I was.

Osprey clutching prey

It was also exciting. Just like when you think you failed an exam and then discover you actually passed the same exam with  98 %.

So here is how I found my mistake.  Early in the morning yesterday, before work, I stopped at the bank to withdraw some cash and then decided to check out the pond behind the bank to see if there were any new birds for me to take pictures of.  I haven't had much time recently for birdwatching as I was in the process of moving, and was just then feeling tired and more than a little stressed.  Bird watching never fails to relax me, which was why I decided to spend a little time at the pond.

I was only part of the way through the parking lot when I spotted a huge bird in the sky circling the pond.  I didn't have my glasses on and at that moment couldn't really make out much about the bird, but I recognized that it was different by his long narrow wings and the way he flew.  And so, my camera was out of the camera bag and trained on the bird before I really even thought about it.

Osprey in the distance

Now this little pond actually has some fairly large fish swimming in it, mostly gold fish that someone released in there quite some time ago.  These fish are apparently thriving in the pond, and after taking several pictures of what, by now, I suspected to be an Osprey,  I realized that he had caught a fish in the pond and was looking for a perch somewhere to enjoy his catch.

In order for me to recognize that the Osprey was carrying a fish, it has to be quite large, because even though the camera lens sort of makes up for my lack of glasses when I zoom in, it doesn't quite replace them. Then there is the fact that an Osprey has a six foot wingspan and huge talons, which as you can see clearly if you enlarge the images above, surround the fish but not in such a way that they are stretched.  Seeing him clutching the fish also confirmed quite nicely that I was indeed looking at an Osprey, because they feed almost exclusively on fish.

Osprey wings spread wide

Osprey in flight

 I hadn't realized that the fish in this pond were quite that large, but that fact must have been what attracted the Osprey to the pond in the first place. Needless to say I was thrilled and excited, and couldn't wait to get home to see my pictures.  My day, following the sighting of the Osprey, went smoothly and well.  It was as if, seeing the Osprey, was a gift to me from the universe which carried the message that no matter how much you have on your plate there is still joy to be found, and this helped to relax me immensely.  LOL and maybe the universe was laughing at me just a little.

If you wish to learn more about this beautiful bird just follow the links below:

http://www.srd.alberta.ca/BioDiversityStewardship/WildSpecies/Birds/LargeHawksEagles/Osprey.aspx
http://www.naturia.per.sg/buloh/birds/Pandion_haliaetus.htm

An added treat, live web cam:  view of an Osprey nest with chicks:

http://www.enmax.com/Energy/Res/Greenmax/Osprey+Camera/OspreyLiveCamera2.htm

Enjoy,
Susan

The nature of "patient" paddling...chillin' on a warm summer day.

Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Last time we were out paddling, we had to do a little waiting. Not having a schedule with us and a little unsure of when the ferry from Gabriola to Nanaimo was due to leave, we didn't want to risk: A) Becoming a Kevlar "speed bump" (not likely); B) Causing the ferry to blow its horn as a warning (extremely embarrassing given that it would bring attention to poor judgement.); or, C) Causing the ferry to delay its departure which could impact its schedule for hours and cause certain passengers to unnecessarily experience elevated blood pressure. We, therefore, did the proper and responsible thing - we patiently waited until the vessel exited the harbour. It wasn't a big deal, of course, given that the "waiting room" was a little piece of marine paradise.

I must confess that I'm not a particularly patient person and waiting is something that I do very badly. Joan, on the other hand, is infinitely patient. If patience is "an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay", she's good. While my dear spouse takes absolutely everything in stride, I cannot cope with waiting in the supermarket or in stores and so rarely put myself in that position. Quite frankly, I would rather sit in a hot car in the parking lot and count sea gulls. I could never line up for a movie or a concert or a restaurant seat so, as a consequence, we don't get out much for entertainment, cultural, or culinary events - at least, not the popular ones. As for Boxing Day sales or any other such "12-hour-only shopping extravaganzas", well, I guess I'll just have to find a way to live without all of the "once-in-a-lifetime-deeply-discounted-stuff" I'm missing out on. Dang, that Nikon, with interchangeable lenses, tripod and deluxe spotting scope included, did look good!

Having said all this, however, I have discovered that when stopped at a traffic light or when waiting to board a late ferry, or when in bumper to bumper traffic (as we were on the I-5, south of Portland last week), there are alternatives to feeling annoyed. Focusing on your breath - breathing in...1,2,3...breathing out...1,2,3 works every time. It seems, when I do that, the red light turns green all too soon! Reflecting on and allowing visual images of those for whom we are thankful also calms and steadies the stream of impatient thoughts. Acknowledging with appreciation, the fact that we are alive and able to come and go with freedom and choice, transforms a long ferry wait into a opportunity for valuable concurrent activity whether it's leafing through a magazine or taking time to breath in the invigorating sea air. Patience changes perspective..for the good.

When paddling on the ocean, the impatient sea kayaker, not unlike the impatient driver, is a kayaker at risk. Weather, sea state, marine traffic, exhaustion, can be very unforgiving. When learning a new skill, whether it be improving a paddling stroke or a roll, transitioning to running barefoot, learning to successfully navigate by a map and compass, learning to play a musical instrument or whatever, it's the "ability or willingness to suppress...annoyance when confronted by delay". Achievement in life, in any sport, activity, or avocation often depends on "gradual progress". It's the acceptance of gradual progress that minimizes the time-wasting injuries that impacts our training. Patience is an essential ingredient of gradual progress. It just makes plain good sense and it keeps us alive on the water to paddle another day.

Patience is a good thing. Heck, chillin' can be a virtue...of heroic proportions.

Gotta run! Breathe in...1,2,3...breathe out...1,2,3...

Duncan.

PS For those who have been kindly asking, Joan's broken toe (see earlier posting) is coming along, but not quite ready to hit the trails yet. So yeah, running solo for a bit yet. I know, I know...patience. :-)

Beautiful Rakhi Collection: Designer Rakhi, Fancy Rakhi, Decorative Rakhi

Raksha Bandhan is a beautiful festival of India which is globally celebrated with immense faith and enthusiasm. Rakhi or Rakshabandhan is a beautiful festival which is especially celebrated on account of brothers and sisters. If you are looking for an exclusive collection of fancy Rakhi for Rakshabandhan, Here are at the right place to send fancy Rakhi for your little brother. Here you can also see latest collection of designer rakhi, fancy rakhis, dori rakhi, crystal rakhi, rudraksh rakhi, raksh bandhan rakhi, beautiful rakhi.

ChiRunning workshop in Seattle - towards effortless, injury-free running...with a side order of sheer joy!

Ultra-marathoner and master of ChiRunning, Danny Dreyer, with instructors Angela, and Donna - spreading the joy of running, "Chi-fully"!

Those warm and enthusiastic smiles in the image above tell the whole story...but I'll share a little additional background anyway. It's a good story!

A couple of years ago, on a rainy, Island day, we were browsing books in Chapters in Nanaimo. While Joan's admittedly broader interests take her to a number of different locations in the store, I usually head to my favourite back-to-back shelves. On one side are books that recount experiences of epic outdoor adventures and survival, in the mountains or on the ocean. On the other side of the book shelf are rows of books on miscellaneous activities and sports...including running. Over the years, I have collected and enjoyed a large number of books on the subject of running, always searching out new perspectives and training tips and always hoping that the secret would one day be revealed that would improve and enhance my modest abilities.

On that particular day, one book called out, with unmistakable eagerness. It had the intriguing title, ChiRunning, by Danny and Katherine Dreyer. It was the subtitle, however, that caused my heart rate to accelerate with excitement and growing anticipation: A revolutionary approach to effortless, injury-free running. "Effortless, injury-free running"? OK, that just about sums up what I've been looking for! Quickly perusing the table of contents, I remember thinking, "This may be it." It was.

Lots of books make promises to the reader but this is one that will fulfil your expectations. After more than thirty years of enjoying running, but also experiencing injury after tedious injury, the purchase of ChiRunning on that rainy day was the beginning of a most extraordinary adventure. Since then, Joan and I have participated in three workshops - all were thoroughly enjoyable, rewarding, and most assuredly, helpful. What is even cooler is that the ChiRunning technique is consistent with barefoot / minimalist running technique - the way, increasing numbers are discovering, that we human beings were built to run. Christopher McDougall's book, Born to Run, is an absolute jaw-dropping and convincing read on this subject. (You can check out his blog, listed on the side bar, or click here.)

The open-to-new-approaches student who is patient and willing to allow careful "gradual progress" will find that the ChiRunning form offers a running technique that will preclude the vast majority of the all-too-common injuries. For the two of us, it has led to a whole new understanding of how the body was created to move...and run, lightly and quietly. More than anything else, however, ChiRunning has made possible significantly more joyful, mindful, and (increasingly) effortless running...and virtually injury free. Hard to understand how that alone would not be irresistible to runners!

This past week, we went down to Seattle to take in the Level 2 workshop, led by Danny - an inspiring teacher, author, running instructor, and nationally ranked ultra-marathoner. He exudes energy and joy but the overwhelming sense you have is of a man at peace with himself and with the universe. Like another one of our favourite running people with whom we have been fortunate to spend some time, Barefoot Ted McDonald, Danny runs ultra-marathon distances, and has run the Leadville Trail 100 - a hundred miles of difficult, rough, high-elevation trails in Colorado. Yup, it's one of the most gruelling. When folks have done that, you "listen up" to what they have to say. "Chi" is all about energy and Danny and his incredibly impressive team of instructors have it in abundance. More than that though, each and every one of his staff shares a special warmth and a tangible joie de vivre. Folks like that are energizing - and that experience is priceless in itself.

The smiles in the pic at the top of this posting tell the story.

Duncan.


PS Barefoot Ted's Luna Huarache Running Sandals arrived today - yes! Now I just have to figure out how to tie the laces. Watch this space for news on the "inaugural" run". :-)

Free Rakhi Greetings, Rakhi eCards, Raksha Bandhan Greeting Cards

Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is a Hindu festival, which celebrates the relationship between brothers and sisters. Raksha bandhan is one of the most popular festivals in India. Raksha Bandhan is not just about rakhi, roli and mithai... It's also about the unique bond between a brother and a sister. It is also known as 'Rakhi'. Rakhi is a sacred thread embellished with sister's love and affection for her brother. On this auspicious day, sisters prays to God for the safety of her brother. IT is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Shraavan. So Send our warm and bright Rakhi Greetings, Raksha Bandhan Cards, Rakhi eCards and Raksha Bandhan Greeting Cards to your brother and sister.

Dark Evil Wallpapers

Dark Evil Wallpapers

Dark Evil Wallpapers

Dark Evil Wallpapers

Dark Evil Wallpapers

Dark Evil Wallpapers

Dark Evil Wallpapers

Dark Evil Wallpapers

Dark Evil Wallpapers