In my last post, I wrote about how I needed an Epiphany. Something unexpected to give me an emotional lift. An emotional drive to enjoy things a little more. I GOT IT IN THE STRANGEST WAY YESTERDAY...
I was Eric's Bike shop getting a rack and saddlebags put on my bike. As I stood there waiting, I looked to my right and thought "I know her" but really had no idea who she was. Another 20 seconds go by, I stared at her again. She was looking at nice road bikes. I knew her but why and from where? I have had some memory issues since my concussion last summer but was never so sure. Another minute goes bye and I look at her again. I just could not place her anywhere in my life.
Then I look more to my right and without hesitation, I exclaimed "O'Neal". He smiled and said "yes". It was O'Neal Hampton from the biggest loser and that girl, was Sunshine. They are in the middle of the home part of the show. I think there they have been home for about 12 weeks and they have about 4 weeks to go? She look so GREAT I did not really know it was her! He has done so well also but she was hard to recognize. Her face showed the cheek bones, not in a bad way but she really has her best features shining through!
We were not allowed to talk about the show but I spoke to O'Neal for about 15 minutes on a variety of topics. I suggested if Sunshine loves to run she join MNDRS and meet for some organized trail runs. I told her about my ultra idol Julie and her love of the show and how she would run any pace with her just for the chance to talk about her experience. I also let her know that veteran trail runners are not overly concerned with pace on every run. We know camaraderie and the joy of getting out on the trails and hoped she would not feel like she is to slow (or to fact) as it is the joy of the run that counts. Afterward I felt bad for not suggesting UMTR. Sunshine, if you read this, also check out UTMR.
What I came away with is O'Neal is more genuine and real as a person in real life than on the show. Really impressed me! To see how far these two have come and then to take the time to speak with me like a friend, WOW. I can not say enough about the positive impact it had on me. I have watched O'Neal with his knees lose so much weight and I bitch about my weight and really do not feel that bad physically. As a result, I ran 3.3 miles in 35 minutes, bikes 28 miles and lifted weights today and according to the computer program, I had a negative calorie intake for the day and feel great.
ATTITUDE... That is the difference. The desired epiphany, it is here. How long it will last, I do not know, but I am going to ride this as along as I can! Nothing like a great Epiphany...
Carry on...
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Thursday, April 8, 2010
I need an epiphany...
Been a long time between posts but not much to say. Spring has brought me a little more joy and positive outlook. Before I start explaining the title, a little workout update… I am running a little and biking a lot and the legs feel strong with occasional morning soreness but nothing that would be a concern. I have completed several bikes rides over 30 miles each day several times in the past weeks. Things are getting better, but I am looking for a little push in the right direction. I need that Epiphany, like I know we all have had several times in each of our lives…
You know, that time in your life that something strange happens that has a long-term impact on your life. A single momentary act, which has more power than anything we could imagine. An Epiphany… That is what I call it.
Epiphany is defined as “a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience”.
Most people relate to an epiphany as a religious experience. The Western Christian tradition celebrates January 6 as Epiphany. This is by another name in some cultures. In Hispanic or Latin culture, as well in many places in Europe, it is known as Three Kings Day. There are many other religious connotations for Epiphany.
I have had many Epiphanies’ in my life. That first kiss from someone who was out of my league made me feel so much better about myself. That looks in the eyes of a dying person whose life was cut short from a terrible car accident. That last words of wisdom from my 99 year 352 day old grandfather who lived a full rewarding life. Holding my child when he was minutes old… The day I finally understood Quantum Mechanics in College.
In 2006, I met a friend who I consider an Epiphany. I am so grateful to her for opening my eyes to the brighter side of life. She contacted me every single day and made sure I was okay as I was going through a hard physical and emotional time. The way she handled her recent issues of the death of her husband made me stronger. She gave me inspiration to do the things I did not think I could do. It was the jump I needed after several down (negative) years. Our friendship was a bit odd, but nevertheless an epiphany for me.
I had an Epiphany when I was at mile 44 of the Superior 50 mile and it caused me to finish. My post on that race had the following information:
"At 1:57 PM, I was on my way, feeling good. Then came the rocks… I climbed, climbed and climbed. Finally, I felt dizzy, sick and totally spent. I reached the top and laid on the rock and cried. I decided I can not go on, my heart was low. I was going to lie there until someone came and got me. After a few minutes, some rock climbers came and asked if I was OK. I said yes, I need a break and opened my pack and found the 25 notes my girlfriend pasted all over the motel room the night before. That morning, I placed them in the pack in case I needed inspiration. I started to read them. The quotes were such as “It hurts up to a point and then it does not get any worse” from Ann Trason, the Ron Hill quote “get going, get up and walk if you have to, but finish the damned race”, and Robert Frost “The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep”. I thought about my Promise to Dana that “we would finish” the race. I thought of how she died getting in better shape. The at that moment I looked to the sky and the sun hit my face with amazing strength. I felt my heart expand. I felt I was imagining how the Grinch felt as his heart grew… I looked at the rock climbers and said, “I am going to finish this race”. I got up, put the notes in my pack and had an amazing feeling. I started running. I got to the Britton station and I was smiling, laughing and having a good time. 2:31:11. Not bad considering I bawled on the rocks for an undetermined amount of time. I hugged my girlfriend and told her I will finish. I felt like no hand pain, ankle pain or heart pain could stop me."
I call that an epiphany for me!
I really need an epiphany like that now. It is not here but I am sure one day it will hit me. Writing this strange things come back to my mind...
I recall in High School and Sheri Fjelstad had just dumped me. I turned on the radio and I hear Cliff Richard signing “We don’t Talk Anymore”. We never talked again… An Epiphany of another sort. Messages at a strange time. This is a perfect Epiphany that I needed that time of my life. I was reminded that no matter what we do, it is the simple thing that can bring the most happiness or remove sadness.
Then there are just random acts of kindness, which can be epiphanies… These unselfish actions, which make life full rich, beyond what I often, realize. I am sure the opportunity will present itself soon; I just hope I have the kindness and knowledge to grab it.
I am sure that there are many of you who have these special thoughts several times when trying to complete a 100-mile race. I hope to complete a 100 mile rune someday so I can really know if it will give me that elusive epiphany or just nice rewarding pain…
That is all I have to say.
Until I have more to say, or finally get my much needed Epiphany… Carry on my friends!!!
You know, that time in your life that something strange happens that has a long-term impact on your life. A single momentary act, which has more power than anything we could imagine. An Epiphany… That is what I call it.
Epiphany is defined as “a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience”.
Most people relate to an epiphany as a religious experience. The Western Christian tradition celebrates January 6 as Epiphany. This is by another name in some cultures. In Hispanic or Latin culture, as well in many places in Europe, it is known as Three Kings Day. There are many other religious connotations for Epiphany.
I have had many Epiphanies’ in my life. That first kiss from someone who was out of my league made me feel so much better about myself. That looks in the eyes of a dying person whose life was cut short from a terrible car accident. That last words of wisdom from my 99 year 352 day old grandfather who lived a full rewarding life. Holding my child when he was minutes old… The day I finally understood Quantum Mechanics in College.
In 2006, I met a friend who I consider an Epiphany. I am so grateful to her for opening my eyes to the brighter side of life. She contacted me every single day and made sure I was okay as I was going through a hard physical and emotional time. The way she handled her recent issues of the death of her husband made me stronger. She gave me inspiration to do the things I did not think I could do. It was the jump I needed after several down (negative) years. Our friendship was a bit odd, but nevertheless an epiphany for me.
I had an Epiphany when I was at mile 44 of the Superior 50 mile and it caused me to finish. My post on that race had the following information:
"At 1:57 PM, I was on my way, feeling good. Then came the rocks… I climbed, climbed and climbed. Finally, I felt dizzy, sick and totally spent. I reached the top and laid on the rock and cried. I decided I can not go on, my heart was low. I was going to lie there until someone came and got me. After a few minutes, some rock climbers came and asked if I was OK. I said yes, I need a break and opened my pack and found the 25 notes my girlfriend pasted all over the motel room the night before. That morning, I placed them in the pack in case I needed inspiration. I started to read them. The quotes were such as “It hurts up to a point and then it does not get any worse” from Ann Trason, the Ron Hill quote “get going, get up and walk if you have to, but finish the damned race”, and Robert Frost “The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep”. I thought about my Promise to Dana that “we would finish” the race. I thought of how she died getting in better shape. The at that moment I looked to the sky and the sun hit my face with amazing strength. I felt my heart expand. I felt I was imagining how the Grinch felt as his heart grew… I looked at the rock climbers and said, “I am going to finish this race”. I got up, put the notes in my pack and had an amazing feeling. I started running. I got to the Britton station and I was smiling, laughing and having a good time. 2:31:11. Not bad considering I bawled on the rocks for an undetermined amount of time. I hugged my girlfriend and told her I will finish. I felt like no hand pain, ankle pain or heart pain could stop me."
I call that an epiphany for me!
I really need an epiphany like that now. It is not here but I am sure one day it will hit me. Writing this strange things come back to my mind...
I recall in High School and Sheri Fjelstad had just dumped me. I turned on the radio and I hear Cliff Richard signing “We don’t Talk Anymore”. We never talked again… An Epiphany of another sort. Messages at a strange time. This is a perfect Epiphany that I needed that time of my life. I was reminded that no matter what we do, it is the simple thing that can bring the most happiness or remove sadness.
Then there are just random acts of kindness, which can be epiphanies… These unselfish actions, which make life full rich, beyond what I often, realize. I am sure the opportunity will present itself soon; I just hope I have the kindness and knowledge to grab it.
I am sure that there are many of you who have these special thoughts several times when trying to complete a 100-mile race. I hope to complete a 100 mile rune someday so I can really know if it will give me that elusive epiphany or just nice rewarding pain…
That is all I have to say.
Until I have more to say, or finally get my much needed Epiphany… Carry on my friends!!!
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