Wednesday am- Great great workout. First, the old standbys bike and elliptical. Then 2 durability circuits of 10 min each with ankle weights. First, was step platform/trx sprinters/ burpees. Second was carrying Olympic plates up and down stairs with a shoulder press at the top and one arm rows at the bottom. Then top off with 10 min of nordic track. Total 63 minutes.
pm- 5.37 mile slow jog outside.
I felt so much like a total athlete after this morning's workout. I love it.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Not About Transgender
You probably heard the news about Rachel Dolezal, the undercover trans-black lady.
To look like a black person is not the same as being one. Far from it.
But the issue is deep for any trans-fill-in-the-blank. They say, "I identify with _______ . "
Utter nonsense. You identify with a fantasy, a delusion.
I am a real person. I am really what I am. I don't even wear makeup. My hair is short so I don't have to fix it. I wear earrings to increase the probability someone will call me Ma'am instead of Sir. I look somewhat male; but I would never want to be a man. No freaking way.
But contemplate the deeper issue. Why do people do this on the physical level? Just ponder. Look at the world as humanity evolves and ponder all of our newer human issues. Seriously.
To look like a black person is not the same as being one. Far from it.
But the issue is deep for any trans-fill-in-the-blank. They say, "I identify with _______ . "
Utter nonsense. You identify with a fantasy, a delusion.
I am a real person. I am really what I am. I don't even wear makeup. My hair is short so I don't have to fix it. I wear earrings to increase the probability someone will call me Ma'am instead of Sir. I look somewhat male; but I would never want to be a man. No freaking way.
But contemplate the deeper issue. Why do people do this on the physical level? Just ponder. Look at the world as humanity evolves and ponder all of our newer human issues. Seriously.
Monday, June 15, 2015
Marathon #47 - Maryville MO
A tale of two races. Actual and Spiritual.
The short form, for those who can only stand tweets, I finished my 47th marathon in 5h15 min (chip) and got 2nd place Master Female.
And I spent 2 nights visiting the convent where I lived for 4 years.
First picture is at the finish line with the very nice plaque for second place.
Earlier this year, I thought I would finish 50 marathons by September of this year; so I could celebrate at a marathon where some friends were. But due to one DNF and one cancelled race, that won't happen. I picked the Maryville marathon to be one of the 50 because I had run the race 3 previous times when I lived in Missouri, and it is too hot in Texas now to do a marathon race. Maryville is also near the convent so I could swing by for a visit.
Maryville is one of my BQ courses so I remembered it as being fast. That was in 2009. Now, 2015, I am slow, the hills seemed much higher than I remember; and worst of all, there were only 40 people in the marathon. So the second lap was very lonely.
It is a 2 lap race. The steepest of the hills are around miles 2-3. This part of the course also had very crummy pavement and extremely crummy shoulder, with no cones or traffic control. Nada. On the second lap, I hated this part. It also goes north, but the breeze was south, so sweat drips down your face.
The back side of the course goes south with a nice breeze in the face, and the shoulder was newly paved and there were cones along it. The hills are not steep but there is one long 2 mile uphill grade which falls at mile 20-22 on lap 2. It was killer at that point.
During the 25th mile, I could see one runner in front of me but too far ahead to catch. It turns out, that was the first place Master Female who was ahead by less than 2 minutes. Behind me I couldn't see anyone, but it turns out 3rd place Master Female was less than 2 minutes behind me.
Then I jumped in the car and drove back to the convent.
The convent, the convent. That thing in my life which is like a worrisome tooth which your tongue cannot leave alone.
I have had at least 3 BIG, life changing spiritual events in my life. The first was when I went to Israel when I was 22. This was my "Call to God" moment. Prior to that, I wasn't interested in religion and knew nothing about it. But post Israel, I was intensely interested and have been ever since.
The second big event was entry in the program of Alcoholics Anonymous. It was spiritual because the 12 Step spirituality/ Conscious Contact spirituality was and is tremendously helpful in giving me spiritual tools and ongoing inspiration. It is safe to say I'd have no spirituality without being sober, but AA is so much more than that. I've been steeped in AA for almost 30 years.
The third event was my decision to join a contemplative religious order. I could write a book on this experience. Right at this moment, however, I want to focus on one aspect: Why Spirit?
It is easy to identify the purpose of answering a spiritual call and the purpose of getting sober. But what actually was the purpose of being a monk for 4 years? It wrought changes in my life, but I can't say I got ahead spiritually. It was life changing, but exactly what does it mean? This all may seem obvious if I could detail out all of my spiritual life. But mostly, my heart pines for the fact that I don't live there. I can't let it go.
This weekend was about the 3rd visit in the past 11 years. It is the first time I stayed overnight and had time to just be around. I had time for a couple of in depth conversations and ask questions I've not dared to ask. I hope I planted seeds for future relational growth.
I don't think I want to live at the convent now; but I do think a viable connection needs to exist. In terms of existential energy and financial investment, my time served with the Clyde sisters is huge (more than $500,000 in lost wages). I purchased something. Invested in something. It is just that "Something" is not quite identified yet. Or perhaps, the real truth of the experience is non-physical.
I will continue to ponder this weekend, another spiritual jewel to hold in my hand.
I got home late last night. Nothing was injured by the marathon, but I am taking it a bit easy today. The bread machine is in operation. I got groceries. I mowed and trimmed the lawn. Now I might need a nap.
The short form, for those who can only stand tweets, I finished my 47th marathon in 5h15 min (chip) and got 2nd place Master Female.
And I spent 2 nights visiting the convent where I lived for 4 years.
First picture is at the finish line with the very nice plaque for second place.
Earlier this year, I thought I would finish 50 marathons by September of this year; so I could celebrate at a marathon where some friends were. But due to one DNF and one cancelled race, that won't happen. I picked the Maryville marathon to be one of the 50 because I had run the race 3 previous times when I lived in Missouri, and it is too hot in Texas now to do a marathon race. Maryville is also near the convent so I could swing by for a visit.
Maryville is one of my BQ courses so I remembered it as being fast. That was in 2009. Now, 2015, I am slow, the hills seemed much higher than I remember; and worst of all, there were only 40 people in the marathon. So the second lap was very lonely.
It is a 2 lap race. The steepest of the hills are around miles 2-3. This part of the course also had very crummy pavement and extremely crummy shoulder, with no cones or traffic control. Nada. On the second lap, I hated this part. It also goes north, but the breeze was south, so sweat drips down your face.
The back side of the course goes south with a nice breeze in the face, and the shoulder was newly paved and there were cones along it. The hills are not steep but there is one long 2 mile uphill grade which falls at mile 20-22 on lap 2. It was killer at that point.
During the 25th mile, I could see one runner in front of me but too far ahead to catch. It turns out, that was the first place Master Female who was ahead by less than 2 minutes. Behind me I couldn't see anyone, but it turns out 3rd place Master Female was less than 2 minutes behind me.
Then I jumped in the car and drove back to the convent.
The convent, the convent. That thing in my life which is like a worrisome tooth which your tongue cannot leave alone.
I have had at least 3 BIG, life changing spiritual events in my life. The first was when I went to Israel when I was 22. This was my "Call to God" moment. Prior to that, I wasn't interested in religion and knew nothing about it. But post Israel, I was intensely interested and have been ever since.
The second big event was entry in the program of Alcoholics Anonymous. It was spiritual because the 12 Step spirituality/ Conscious Contact spirituality was and is tremendously helpful in giving me spiritual tools and ongoing inspiration. It is safe to say I'd have no spirituality without being sober, but AA is so much more than that. I've been steeped in AA for almost 30 years.
The third event was my decision to join a contemplative religious order. I could write a book on this experience. Right at this moment, however, I want to focus on one aspect: Why Spirit?
It is easy to identify the purpose of answering a spiritual call and the purpose of getting sober. But what actually was the purpose of being a monk for 4 years? It wrought changes in my life, but I can't say I got ahead spiritually. It was life changing, but exactly what does it mean? This all may seem obvious if I could detail out all of my spiritual life. But mostly, my heart pines for the fact that I don't live there. I can't let it go.
This weekend was about the 3rd visit in the past 11 years. It is the first time I stayed overnight and had time to just be around. I had time for a couple of in depth conversations and ask questions I've not dared to ask. I hope I planted seeds for future relational growth.
I don't think I want to live at the convent now; but I do think a viable connection needs to exist. In terms of existential energy and financial investment, my time served with the Clyde sisters is huge (more than $500,000 in lost wages). I purchased something. Invested in something. It is just that "Something" is not quite identified yet. Or perhaps, the real truth of the experience is non-physical.
I will continue to ponder this weekend, another spiritual jewel to hold in my hand.
I got home late last night. Nothing was injured by the marathon, but I am taking it a bit easy today. The bread machine is in operation. I got groceries. I mowed and trimmed the lawn. Now I might need a nap.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
More About Ms Jenner
When I am 65, I hope I look like Caitlyn Jenner.
Or that someone photo shops me as well.
But at least I'll still be a bonfide woman.
I hope I can still do marathons.
At first, I though I'd link numerous articles. But, so many interesting articles and blogs! So click on any one of the links below and find more links in the articles.
Why do I care? I became a persona non grata because I said, "When I was your age, Bruce Jenner was a boy." And a campaign was started against me. But I believe deeply in "To Thine Own Self Be True." I find Ms Jenner far more offensive that a little joke about her change.
What about the Ts in LGBT? Any T has a tough road. But be true to your self; not a photo shopped media whore. Wear sweat pants and ball caps on Saturday morning if you want to act like the real women. Don't put lotion on your hands every 5 minutes. Remember, you may be sexually abused, but not raped like real women are. Not property like real women are. Various other things. Be what you are and fight for your civil rights. But you are not a woman. You are a T.
I am woman.
From other places:
From "Unequally Yoked" blog (Roman Catholic):
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/piadesolenni/will-the-real-caitlyn-jenner-please-stand-up/?ref_widget=popular&ref_blog=unequallyyoked&ref_post=running-the-terrible-for-catholics-numbers-on-conversion
Patheos blog (Roman Catholic):
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/thecrescat/2015/06/bruce-jenner-on-a-ledge-world-tells-him-to-jump.html
Living Whole blog:
http://www.livingwhole.org/how-the-cover-of-vanity-fair-and-caitlyn-jenner-objectified-women-everywhere/
Or that someone photo shops me as well.
But at least I'll still be a bonfide woman.
I hope I can still do marathons.
At first, I though I'd link numerous articles. But, so many interesting articles and blogs! So click on any one of the links below and find more links in the articles.
Why do I care? I became a persona non grata because I said, "When I was your age, Bruce Jenner was a boy." And a campaign was started against me. But I believe deeply in "To Thine Own Self Be True." I find Ms Jenner far more offensive that a little joke about her change.
What about the Ts in LGBT? Any T has a tough road. But be true to your self; not a photo shopped media whore. Wear sweat pants and ball caps on Saturday morning if you want to act like the real women. Don't put lotion on your hands every 5 minutes. Remember, you may be sexually abused, but not raped like real women are. Not property like real women are. Various other things. Be what you are and fight for your civil rights. But you are not a woman. You are a T.
I am woman.
From other places:
From "Unequally Yoked" blog (Roman Catholic):
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/piadesolenni/will-the-real-caitlyn-jenner-please-stand-up/?ref_widget=popular&ref_blog=unequallyyoked&ref_post=running-the-terrible-for-catholics-numbers-on-conversion
Patheos blog (Roman Catholic):
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/thecrescat/2015/06/bruce-jenner-on-a-ledge-world-tells-him-to-jump.html
Living Whole blog:
http://www.livingwhole.org/how-the-cover-of-vanity-fair-and-caitlyn-jenner-objectified-women-everywhere/
Monday, June 8, 2015
Bruce Jenner R.I.P.
Besides Vanity Fair and an upcoming E! episode, Ms Jenner "owned Google" this week.
I said, "When I was your age, Caitlyn Jenner was a boy." Some people were offended.
Really? Do you not see this humongous publicity stunt to capitalize on coming out; and Vanity Fair gets to sell tons of magazines? This is not some poor victim of confused genes; it is a celebrity doing what celebrities do: sell themselves as entertainment. (ffs)
I called a spade a spade. I stick by my thoughts. If you are offended, so be it.
I am an androgynous person; so I have given considerable thought to modern transgender people. 90% of service employees call me sir. Even in tight running clothes, people think I am a guy. I just keep on being who I am. I don't try to look or act like the female population. I don't want guys after me for sex and I can't accept the typically subservient role that most women accept. When I was younger, I tried harder to look like a woman but not now. I am not a lesbian either. I've never wanted to be a mother. When I was a kid, dolls got thrown out the window.
I am what I am and just live plainly as what I am. Changing body parts does not a woman make.
I am woman; no matter what I look like.
I said, "When I was your age, Caitlyn Jenner was a boy." Some people were offended.
Really? Do you not see this humongous publicity stunt to capitalize on coming out; and Vanity Fair gets to sell tons of magazines? This is not some poor victim of confused genes; it is a celebrity doing what celebrities do: sell themselves as entertainment. (ffs)
I called a spade a spade. I stick by my thoughts. If you are offended, so be it.
I am an androgynous person; so I have given considerable thought to modern transgender people. 90% of service employees call me sir. Even in tight running clothes, people think I am a guy. I just keep on being who I am. I don't try to look or act like the female population. I don't want guys after me for sex and I can't accept the typically subservient role that most women accept. When I was younger, I tried harder to look like a woman but not now. I am not a lesbian either. I've never wanted to be a mother. When I was a kid, dolls got thrown out the window.
I am what I am and just live plainly as what I am. Changing body parts does not a woman make.
I am woman; no matter what I look like.
Sunday, June 7, 2015
Its Not All Running
Its about Texas and how hot it is.
I didn't make it out of bed when I woke up at 5 am. So running outside wasn't happening today.
Instead I first did an eight station cross training workout plus a 100 min treadmill run.
My cross training did cause me to feel a bit quivery and it burned 656 calories. Each station was 10 minutes. The stations were: bike, elliptical, step platform side to side, nordic track, versa climber, durability circuit and rowing. Durability circuit means I carried 20 weights up and down stairs and at the top of the stairs I did 2 shoulder presses; and at the bottom I did a few kettle bell swings, pushups and russian twists.
This sort of workout is actually much more energetic than walk jog outside. But I miss doing laps in the trees.
I didn't make it out of bed when I woke up at 5 am. So running outside wasn't happening today.
Instead I first did an eight station cross training workout plus a 100 min treadmill run.
My cross training did cause me to feel a bit quivery and it burned 656 calories. Each station was 10 minutes. The stations were: bike, elliptical, step platform side to side, nordic track, versa climber, durability circuit and rowing. Durability circuit means I carried 20 weights up and down stairs and at the top of the stairs I did 2 shoulder presses; and at the bottom I did a few kettle bell swings, pushups and russian twists.
This sort of workout is actually much more energetic than walk jog outside. But I miss doing laps in the trees.
Saturday, June 6, 2015
Glimpses
It is hot in Texas. Usually, along the coast, we get some cloudiness which keeps the temperature down; but not now. The sky is an unrelenting blue.
I made it out of bed early and got to the trails at 6:30. Fast forward 1 1/2 hours.
I was jogging along in mantra mode, keeping my ego at bay. I was watching the stead drip of sweat off the front brim of my running hat. I was listening mostly to tractors and dump trucks. I saw a few white sea birds in the empty bayou. The shade of the forest was nice.
Mantra mode got me to where I needed to be mentally. I spent the first bit of time rationally going over the difference between ego and higher self. I kept up the mental changing of channels and looking at attachments and approval addictions. I went back to the mantra. The convent.... flick.... Pittsburgh ... flick .... running.... flick .... Texas.....
Then I got the glimpse. Finally, the tractors and dump trucks were a distraction from the ever present peace of the forest. The turmoil was just a drop in the ocean which goes unnoticed by the ocean. This was the glimpse of the ever present peace, the ever present benign happiness which exists.
Though it was hot, I wished I had more drink so I could run laps in the forest longer. I only got 2.5 hours. Then I headed home for a quick turn around and went to a fellowship meeting. I got my groceries and my gas. I've made my peanut butter and lunch was a bowl of vegetables.
More jogging tomorrow. I'll bring more drink.
I made it out of bed early and got to the trails at 6:30. Fast forward 1 1/2 hours.
I was jogging along in mantra mode, keeping my ego at bay. I was watching the stead drip of sweat off the front brim of my running hat. I was listening mostly to tractors and dump trucks. I saw a few white sea birds in the empty bayou. The shade of the forest was nice.
Mantra mode got me to where I needed to be mentally. I spent the first bit of time rationally going over the difference between ego and higher self. I kept up the mental changing of channels and looking at attachments and approval addictions. I went back to the mantra. The convent.... flick.... Pittsburgh ... flick .... running.... flick .... Texas.....
Then I got the glimpse. Finally, the tractors and dump trucks were a distraction from the ever present peace of the forest. The turmoil was just a drop in the ocean which goes unnoticed by the ocean. This was the glimpse of the ever present peace, the ever present benign happiness which exists.
Though it was hot, I wished I had more drink so I could run laps in the forest longer. I only got 2.5 hours. Then I headed home for a quick turn around and went to a fellowship meeting. I got my groceries and my gas. I've made my peanut butter and lunch was a bowl of vegetables.
More jogging tomorrow. I'll bring more drink.
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