The Perfect Storm

I just finished reading The Perfect Storm, by Sebastian Junger.

As a transplant to New England, the storms that ravaged the eastern seaboard affected me differently, than those who lived through the events of this storm. It was eye opening to me, to learn more about the risks and hardships involved with commercial fishing.

Junger does a great job in presentation of the events surrounding the loss of the Andrea Gail, the ship lost at sea and its six crewman. He also exposes the not so glamorous life of a commercial fisherman, and the hardships e cured by those involved by those involved in this livelihood.

For me, I found that the descriptions of the towns (which are now in my backyard) that rely on commercial fishing, very realistic. It was once a story, but now resounds as an event that is close to home. As a write this, I learned of a another family that lost a son at sea from fishing. Since moving to a coastal town, my appreciation for the sea and the secrets she holds has grown, and changed. I have always respected and loved the ocean, but now the respect has deepened.

 

 

 

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Happy New Year!

 

Happy New Year from Me! With the arrival of 2015, I have reflected on my lack of commitment to myself in the last several months of last year. I have been overwhelmed with several changes, and my crazy work schedule-- which has resulted in many hours on my bottom, and fewer hours training.

In that, I am determined to make a BANG out of 2015. I am dreaming big!!!!!

My word for this year is LEAP! I look forward to the challenge and stepping forward to create new adventures and seizing the challenges ahead.

My current fitness goals include:

Swimming to Boston (26.2miles, or 42165meters) before the Boston Marathon.

I also want to row this distance.

 

I am taking my focus away from the vision in the mirror and focusing on loving life and who I am. In this, I trust my attitude toward eating and training will change. I am making the commitment to me. While I sit on my bottom for work, I still MUST be fit and healthy for the work I do. Sometimes, it seems counter-intuitive.

And alas, as I write this I am looking at the clock thinking I have to leave for work soon. My day in pajamas has come to an end.

 

When is my next day off?

 

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Be Still

I was challenged last night to 'Be Still' and meditate or rest for five minutes a day this week,

and then continue through the month.

Five minutes of sitting still, being quiet and listening to God.

'Be still and know I am God'.

 

Five minutes is 300 seconds, is the time I can cover close to 3/4 of a mile (well, over half on a slow day). Five minutes is how long it takes to swim nearly 500 yards, and bike a little over a mile. And you want me to be still for five minutes.

 

Honestly, I am not certain I can sit still that long. The phone, the cats, all those things I am reminded I need to do..... The thoughts come running in my head.... For five whole minutes.

 

'Be still and know that I am God'

 

I was reminded of a segment in the book, Eat, Pray, Love where the other describes her first day of meditation in India. She was all set to meditate through this one prayer, and she opens her eyes and only one minute has gone by.

I totally can relate to the dilemma. How can I sit still for five whole minutes, when my boys are climbing on me, scampering across the apartment and...... And...... And.

 

Funny. This morning. As I sat, and focused on nothing specific. Just to be still. Just to listen. The apartment became silent. My phone. Was on vibrate in the other room, so I could not hear it. The boys curled up at my feet. The only sounds were the regular noises of the world outside. Inside it was still, and I felt the presence of God, and I felt safe, secure, peace and rest.

'Be still and know that I am God.'

 

I challenge you to take five minutes of your day this week, and be still. Take a break from the madness.

 

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The newest member of the tribe

This is Jasper, the newest member of my tribe.

Adopted at the end of the summer, he has already captured my heart and terrorized the others, and given us a scare with a blockage. Poor guy has had surgery.

I love how the other boys have accepted him, and the bond he has with Nanuk.

 

 

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Running Pain-Free

The last three days, I have run. And I have run pain free. No feet issues, or back or hamstring! For that matter. The run has been happy, well that might be a stretch...... It has been PAIN Free!

For the first time since my hamstring tear, I feel I can really push myself. It has taken two (plus) years to get to this point. I was not willing to give up the run, so I spent time on squats, lunges and other activities, skipping, jumping and hopping, rowing, swimming and cycling. I feel like I can finally chase down some of the goals that have been dancing in front of me.

 

And in that....... I looked somewhat critically of myself in the photo above. And then I exhaled.

One step at a time, one day at a time.... I will reach 165. That is the biggest goal.

 

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28-Day Challenge

Because this summer has provided for a lot of work, and swimming, kayaking and walks on the beach, I have absorbed the laziness of summer. My training has been somewhat ineffective. It is my goal to use the next 28-days to lay a foundation for training. I have some big goals coming in the next two years, and I want to be prepared.

 

It seems fitting that yesterday, the challenge commenced with a handful of chocolate chips, and ended with a bowl of Brussels sprouts. I ran to the beach to swim and walked home.

With my birthday on Friday, I am seizing the opportunity to,give myself the gift of health. This was truly my last *fat* summer.

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I ate meat!

I am now in Day Three of a 28-Day challenge, for animal product free diet.

I do this periodically, as I start to feel yucky from consuming too much meat. Personally, I feel better when I eat lots of fruits and vegetables and view the animal products as a garnish, and not the main event.

I am not opposed to eating meat, I just feel better when I eat less.

Yes, I get lots of protein and yes I get plenty of calories. BTW, In general we eat too much protein.

 

With that said, I had a little bit of duck, a piece of shrimp and a skewered piece of beef yesterday at a celebration with friends. I did not over eat and was satisfied with the taste of the meat. Today, I resumed my eating style with a bowl of fresh pineapple.

I feel wonderful!!!!!!

 

*I am reading My Beef With Meat, by Rip Esselstyn. Rip is a firefighter and a multi-sport athlete.

 

My challenge premised from his suggestion for a 28-day challenge, and the fact that. I have felt like I am in a slump. Trying to shake things up a bit, and make positive changes.

 

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