NOISE: Embody

My Drinking Problem

 I participated in the crazy obstacle race 'The Warrior Dash' this morning for its inaugural event in Mt. Morris, Michigan, just north of Flint. The race has a lot of mud- I mean a LOT of mud- and 9 other 'warrior tests' including climbing cargo nets, shimmying down ropes, and leaping over fire. The atmosphere overall is sort of like an outdoor music festival crossed with a frat party gone awry, and although I can't think of anywhere else I might be able to catch Speedos, Santa Claus boxer shorts, Xena the Warrior Princess costumes and wedding gowns all in the same place, my fun was cut short by an extreme case of heat stroke shortly after I crossed the finish line.

Starting at the Beginning

As I slowed to a walk for the third time during last weekend's Ele's Race, I was again reminded that all the runners and walkers on the sweltering course that day had a reason they were out there. Whatever the reason, we had all made a commitment, and that decision was what kept us moving forward. I thought about what motivates me...What keeps you moving forward?

Respect and Compassion for All

I've been thinking today a bit about Farm Sanctuary, a non-profit group that rescues, rehabilitates, and houses or places farm animals after removing them from factory farms and CAFO's (confined animal feeding operations). Animal cruelty and how it relates to what I eat is probably the most emotional and visceral topic for me, and without a doubt the one issue I will always advocate for. Not only is respecting all creatures good for my health, it's the right thing to do.

Well Done

As if I would have anything else on my mind to blog about this week regarding health than the heat. It's effing hot. Yeah.

It's summer in Michigan, and sometimes I see people watering their lawns in August and I want to shout, "It's SUMMER! It gets HOT!" This week has been a little different, though. Obviously we are all painfully aware of the stifling heat wave we are still plowing through, and I've been extra careful to drink plenty of H2O and try to stay cool. But today I spent 5 hours baking on a slab of asphalt at the farmer's market, and it took me a few discombobulated sentences and finally almost losing my balance before I realized that I should probably head to some AC for a few minutes to get my bearings back.

I try to push for 100 ounces of water a day, especially if I am running or working out, and today I've managed a little over a gallon. It seems like a lot, but this heat is extreme, and I think today was a real reminder for me that this type of extreme deserves some respect. Please be safe, especially tomorrow (Thursday), and remember our pets and other animals need relief, too.

Time to Commit

I know training for any fitness goal takes commitment. Not only do I need to decide how much time I am willing to allot each week for my workouts, but how much time away from my family and mate I am willing to give up, how much money I am willing to spend on new gear or clothing, and how many other important responsibilities I can safely set aside to create space for a specific training schedule. Up to now, I have failed to truly commit to one of the most important aspects of training: Rest.

A 4- Hour Tour

Today I tried kayaking for the first time. Like any summer adventure, it offered scenery, lively conversation with my traveling partners, and the chance to get a really sweet tan. However, adventures also often include lessons learned the hard way, and this afternoon's trip was no exception.

Sunny Daze

When I was a kid, it felt like summer lasted forever. That 3 months off from school was like an endless stretch of days full of opportunity and sun, and the elation I felt on the last day of school always sent me home with a huge grin and the promise of great things soon to come.