Smoke in your eyes

I have always loved basketball. My family grew up with woods behind the house and before we could afford a nice cement court with lights, dad leveled a large area of dirt, fell a tree nearby which became a sturdy post, built a strong wooden frame, attached the backboard and rim and then dropped the whole assembly into a deep hole with cement so the rim came miraculously close to 10 feet high.

My brothers and I were in heaven. With our red, white and blue basketball we hosted some great games with the likes of Russell and Havlicek; Goodrich, West and Chamberlain; Alcindor and Robertson; Reed and Frazier; and Unsel with Monroe. I was partial to being Havilcek or Monroe.

On that court we knew where all the roots and low spots were. Whether in the dust or mud we spent hours playing every game we could think of, often coming inside only when the mud on our hands was too thick or when mom yelled that it was time for dinner.

After I was first married, we lived in apartments that backed up to a big park. When getting home from work I would at times unwind by grabbing the basketball and walking across the park to a black top that had two small courts separated by a single high cement-block wall.

One evening I had a half hour to burn so threw on my old running shoes while leaving on my black socks, dress pants and shirt. I just wanted to shoot around a bit and didn’t expect to work up a sweat. After taking a few shots, a short guy appears from around the cement wall to my side, and upon taking an extended drag on his cigarette asks me if I would like to join him in a quick 2-on-2 game with some guys I couldn’t see. I loved playing 2-on-2.

My new smoker friend didn’t project athleticism as I followed him in his old blue jeans and worn tee shirt to the other court. Just as I got my first chance to assess our opponents, who are wearing the latest matching Nike gear with matching “sport” bags, my new acquaintance drops his cigarette to the ground, snuffing it dead with his left foot while yelling out, “want to play us in a game?” The two looked us up and down, smiled and said, “Sure”.

The sport bag duo started out at 70% effort, letting us take a few outside shots without too much resistance. After the first three went in they looked at each other and adjusted their jock straps. My friend “Nic”otine was launching long and finishing at the rim. Everything he and I did was golden. We had played before. That evening we completely smoked the young bucks and they were not happy. Their frustration turned to humility when three of their friends arrived, also in matching gear, and asked what the score was.

Nic and I didn’t say a word but just let their silence reveal what we didn’t have to.

Time to say good game and exit. Nic lit up and headed across the park. For me, it was time for dinner. For at least that moment, Nic and I were Havilcek and Monroe.

To this day, I never underestimate a person on any “court” with the cig or black socks.

"Yes"

I hit the send button and immediately thought “oh *#@+!”. 26.2 miles was never ever something I aspired to. My dad had done it many times and I always admired his discipline but secretly thought he was a crazed man! Dad is a machine with joints of steel and a mind set to complete a goal with only the occasional break for his one weakness – Smokehouse almonds and a fine box of wine.

The last number of months of training have had me both “begging for mercy” and at other times singing “let’s get this party started”. I read about ultra runners who barely break a sweat the first 26.2 miles on their way to 100 miles! Who are these people? Training with the Portland Marathon Training group has made it clear that people of all shapes, sizes and ages are adept at pounding out miles. A lot of people are pushing themselves to new limits.

The thing I like about extended distance training is that at some point it will expose my weakness. There is no faking lack of fitness, sustained pain, overheating or dehydration. Saying “yes” and pushing the boundaries of comfort has been both humbling and encouraging. Doing it with others who are pushing their own limits creates a scenario where there is mutual respect and understanding. There is something admirable about these runners who willingly risk exposing their weakness.

Saying “yes” has set me on a journey that in many ways is greater than the event I am training for. It’s a huge investment of time and energy but it has been worth it.

Speaking of journeys that started with saying “yes”, today my wife and I celebrate 27 years of marriage. Jean I love you and I so value the road we have traveled and the plans for new memories ahead. Thanks for being patient with my recent long runs and even longer recovery periods on the weekends. You rock.

Joy

My daughter Amy has been such a gift in my life. With eyes that connect, a contagious laugh and a heart that embraces, she has impact. I grew up with brothers, so having a daughter was always a desire yet a complete mystery. With a wife who grew up with all sisters, I learned quickly as I stumbled along. I must say, however, there are some things I will never understand!

Amy has many great qualities but joy is very high on the list. For me, joy is much more than happiness. While happiness may be present, joy runs deeper and can even exist when times are very uncertain and hard. It comes from something much deeper than that which can be purchased or things I occupy myself with.

I believe it comes through knowing that I am part of something greater than myself – both through faith and having a place in community. It involves knowing I am loved, that the number of do-overs allowed exceeds my reach and that others are there to share in life’s hardships and celebrations. I believe joy is a reflection of first being poured into by one or many. A personal gift.

Amy you are a gift as a daughter and special friend. Thank you for being awesome. I can’t wait to walk you down the aisle and watch as you impact those in the days ahead. Blessings from your dad.

Awake Oh Body

Yoga class was the bees knees but not quite what I had in mind. You see, dark rooms with water sounds and chants of “awake oh body awake” were endured but only drew me closer to the light and sounds across the hallway.

Most teachers try to learn names to connect. Well our well-intentioned yoga teacher called a graying woman Bonnie one session. “Bonnie” informed the teacher that she appreciated the effort as her name started with a “B” but it was not Bonnie. Then Mrs. “B” said something that made the beat and light across the hall more appealing still. She said, “Most people call me bitch, so anything starting with a ‘B’ is fine”. My laughter broke the silence and soon a new B-word entered my vocabulary – Bootcamp.

Across the hall was a room full of light, sound and sweat. It was the fitness start I needed after years of sitting with a few too many helpings of chips. After my first Bootcamp class my muscles were spent but my body and mind were fully awake. I was in the right place. Now a few years later, I am trying more classes, signing up for runs and enjoying fitness like I did in my twenties. I feel great.

Along with my beautiful wife, I now prefer being pushed by one whose name might as well be Mrs. “T” (Torture). One who dishes out pain with a smile. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The Great Blue Heron

First light and bird life is in full motion in our neighborhood. On my crack of dawn wake-up stroll with camera in hand, I visit the lake and observe one bird standing above the rest – the Great Blue Heron.

While ducks are rooting grass to mud, seagulls soar, small birds perch, geese…well geese do what geese do, the Great Blue Heron moves with purpose, stealthily fishing the shore.

There are multiples of every other species scurrying about but one Great Blue Heron at this lake. She demands attention. She is beautiful, wise, incredibly patient and has full bragging rights in any fishing camp.

Trail Running

Pounding the pavement has almost completely lost its appeal to me.

I am hooked on trails. Outdoors and fitness are in my DNA and since front door to trailhead is at tops only 20 minutes away, I often hear the trail calling me out. While the run may start in isolation the trail draws others too. Trail runners emerge as small herds without warning. A quick nod and "hey" and they are gone. I resonate with this culture.

Unpredictable simplicity is at the heart of running trails. Good shoes, some dirt and a little strategically placed poly, and you are good to go. Because trail conditions, forces of nature and seasons ensure a dynamic experience, I keep coming back.

Running on the roads is straight ahead linear training. Pace can change but you are for the most part running a line. Muscles slip into their familiar zone.

Trail running can at times be linear yet without warning becomes a dance with the wolves – rocks, roots, downed trees and unleashed dogs...which I truly don't mind. Short climbs precede steep rocky drops which morph to tight turns and sudden changes in pace. It is linear and lateral, slow then fast. Without question it works more muscles and requires more mental acuity than skimming the asphalt. Eyes are always darting to find the best path.

It makes me feel like a kid and I welcome that. Trail running is my new recess.