Lane 8.org

Fellow Runner From India

In running, most sports, and life, pace is a crucial factor.

Real life. There’s a runner I know that recently ran two 5k’s. He preaches pace, trains pace, delivers pace. He says pace is key.

His goal was to run the first two miles at exactly 7:00 each, and then gradually run faster the third mile, aiming for sub-22:00

First 5k mile splits:

1. 7:00 (perfect)
2. 7:00 (perfect)
3. 6:40 (nice)
4. :40
5. 21:20 result

His other 5k was the same plan, first two miles at seven-minutes each, final mile gradually faster.

1. 6:40 (way too fast – the adrenaline of 12,000+ runners)
2. 6:55 (back on track – almost perfect)
3. 6:25 (wow)
4. :35
5. 20:35 result

Few things more rewarding than practicing what you preach.

Busy, Busy, Dreadfully Busy

We hear it all the time don’t we?

“I’m just so busy, I don’t have time to exercise”.

Happens all the time doesn’t it. In fact, we’ve all been guilty of saying something like this. Which begs the next question.

When your health falters, then will you have time?

Ever know you know something important about yourself, but you either can’t quite put your finger on it, or, you simply don’t want to admit it?

Yeah, me too.  So, with New Year’s Eve one day away, and the opportunity to resolve, finally, to do something great, here goes:

I hate being “unhealthy”.

And I hate it so much that I’m willing to do all the common sense things that healthy people do.

Common sense, but not common practice.

Not any more.  Not this year. Ya with me?  Is this your year?

This Is Your Year

A Lane 8 Christmas wish to all of you.

May Santa bring you one or all of the following:

• Lower Cholesterol
• Lower Blood Pressure
• Higher HDL
• Great Triglyceride Levels
• Lower Resting Heart Rate
• Lower BMI
• Appropriate Weight Gain or Loss
• Better Eating Habits
• Proper Equipment for Your Activity
• Motivation
• Inspiration
• Focus
• Discipline
• Impossible Goals
• Fun, Friendship, Fellowship
• Another Day to Smile

Long lists are good sometimes.  Hoping you get it all this year.  You deserve it.

And, oh yeah, one more thing from Santa, hope he brings you an indomitable will.

Lane 8 Hypocrite?

Maybe. Maybe not.

On January 5, 2009 my Family Physician wrote a script for a routine colonoscopy, since this is the year I turned 50.

Well, here we are, almost January, 2010 – a year later.  No colonoscopy.  Not even scheduled yet.

How in the hell can that happen?

Simple.  You already know, don’t you?  We get busy.  Distracted. Paralyzed – with the fear of making a commitment.

So, please know I ain’t perfect.  Big dreamer?  Absolutely.  Perfect?  No way.

But if you look at the batting average, it represents a decent overall “practice what you preach” reality.

How’s your batting average?

Lane 8

Because we see it every time we visit Lane 8, we don’t see it any more.

The tag line.

Huh?

The tag line beneath the title, Lane 8, at the very top (header) of this page”

“If your goal isn’t impossible, you’re not reaching high enough.”

As soon as I start taking the most important things for granted, I lose. Are ya with me?

Drumroll please……

Wait. But first, let’s just make sure we’re all on the same page. Two days ago was the anniversary of John Lennon’s death, and the topic of yesterday’s post.

But today’s Lane 8 blog post is not about John Lennon, it’s about motivation.

It’s also about the number one most contagious thing (and greatest success factor) in the world when it comes to motivation.

Are you ready?

Okay, back to the drumroll.  Drumroll please…..

The number one most contagious thing in the world is…….ENTHUSIASM!!!!!

Can you hear the echos of some people saying, “That’s it?  That’s all you got?  You’re wasting my time!”

And others, “Yes, that’s exactly it. Try to do anything well without a mountain of enthusiasm.  Seriously, go ahead and try.”

What works best for you?

Blah, blah, blah….hurts like hell. Still.  My foot hurts.  A lot.

If you’re new to Lane 8, welcome.  Earlier this year, there were quite a few Lane 8 blog posts discussing my foot pain and whether or not I could travel to Finland for the Master’s Track & Field World Championships.

And yesterday, after writing the post, “43rd”, it caused me to do several things:

• Be amazingly thankful
• Become more confident
• To feel like a victor, rather than a victim
• Pray for others to overcome their own struggles

The last one in particular is the one that seems most important.

When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

Fall down seven times, get up eight.

If you’re goal isn’t impossible, you’re not reaching high enough.

Carpe diem.  It’s completely up to you. You are the CEO of YOU, Inc.

Yep, it’s gonna hurt like hell to reach your big dreams.  Nothing worthwhile is ever easy. Once you realize that hard work is the way, the way gets easier.  It doesn’t become easy, simply easier.

As a general rule, there is no running when it’s below 32 degrees. Call me a light-weight.

Click here to go to the WMA Masters Athletics Track & Field 2010 Indoor World Championships in Kaamloops, British Columbia.

Most likely, I’ll be the only one clicking on the link.  Why?  Because there are not too many people smart enough over 40 years old (any age really), who focus on their wellness as much as I’m motivated to do.

Why?  Well, um, well, I really don’t know.  Probably has something to do with an unresolved emotional issue or a predisposition to over-achieve.  Everyone has unique quirks.  Staying healthy is one of mine.

What is Lane 8?  I’m sort of confused about Lane 8.

Okay, Lane 8 is about the physical gifts we have been given – our body and all the things that make it work.

How we take care of it is our responsibility.  No one else.  Ours!  We own it.  Or not.

At 50, I’ve found that taking care of this “gift” is increasingly more challenging.  As we age, if we get that privilege, we experience things that no one talks about with any decent wisdom.

Part of my vision at Lane 8 is to help people make common sense, common practice.  And, um, oh yes, one other thing – to help people not only get motivated and reach a great health goal – but to stay there.  That’s the key.  Staying healthy.