No Boundaries Greenville

Two Roads

2008-10-03T12:03:00.000-07:00

How far have you come during this journey within a journey?

Think about it for a moment.

You have done amazing things for yourself in such a short amount of time. You are well on your way to improving yourself for the rest of your life. While it has taken you just a short period of time to become runners - and yes, you are runners - it has not been an overnight transformation. Allow me to use myself as an example...

My life of excess and glutton left me, for want of a better word, battered and beaten both physically and emotionally. It was a process, believe me. A long, slow, painful process. Once I decided to start making changes, I wanted to make every change immediately, 100% or not at all. Really, that was a recipe for failure. It is all about pace, folks.

All of the weight I gained over the years did not show up overnight, no matter how I may have tried to rationalize it. So while I wanted it gone yesterday - that is, even faster if possible - there was no way that was going to happen. It was all about pace. Slow and steady wins the race.

Now, let's bring this back to the matter at hand...

Running often implies speed, especially when you talk to a lot of seasoned or even brand new runners. Let's be serious, folks. Why run if you are not fast, right? Wrong. It is an urge you must fight. Why? Running is about endurance. While it may seem funny at first, even shorter races are marathons and not sprints.

Robert Frost said: "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-- I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference."

Poignant. As we continue through your training, remember, the runs get longer. Pace yourself. Pace yourself on your individual runs and pace yourself in the bigger picture. Fight the urge to attempt to blaze a trail that will cause your running shoes to spontaneously combust. A noble effort, but just not what we are after here. Even though we are more than half way to race day, fight the inner pressure to run more than the plan requires. That, my friends, will do nothing less than put you on the road to injury. I really do not want to see that. Not on my watch!

Some may tell you to run faster, harder, grit your teeth, make ugly faces, whatever the case may be... There will be plenty of time for all of this after October 25th. Right now, the goal is to stay injury-free and, above all else... enjoy the runs! Remember, you are already a winner for having taken this step or, rather, many strides for yourself. How quickly we forget just how amazing the simple act of running can be. Do not lose sight of that for fear of losing the beautiful grace that brought you together as a group in the first place.

Relax and enjoy the runs. Enjoy the places your legs can now take you. Contemplate, as the program continues, where your legs will take you next. Enjoy the ride and, when you get to the finish line (whether literal or figurative), put a smile on your face, raise your arms, and know that you have won, yet again.

Why do I run?

2008-09-23T17:14:00.000-07:00

I have gotten this question on several occasions. To be sure though, when I started out with this running thing about four (4) years and weighing about 100 lbs more, I heard the critics... You are too old, too overweight, too slow. You will destroy your knees, ruin your back, wreck your feet. Suffice to say, I am at least something of a testament as to what a little determination can do in order to reach your goals.

Some of you have shared stories with me about people who have questioned your ability to run, to participate in this group, to finish what you started. You are too old, too overweight, too slow. You will destroy your knees, ruin your back, wreck your feet. Many of these detractors have their own ulterior motives, but I would argue that there is something else at work. Some are quick to criticize your developing self-care plan, but those who criticize may be doing so as a result of never having left home... that is, you never know what is in store on your particular journey until you take that first step. You have done that. You have left the house and given your couch separation anxiety. You have the tools and are applying the knowledge you have been given. You are pushing yourselves to points where, if you were asked, you would not have believed just a handful of weeks ago.

You are driven. Your drive may be the result of a desire to prove the naysayers wrong. It may be to prove yourself and inner doubt wrong. Or, it may be to confirm that you could do something initially thought to be incomprehensible.

The motivation you needed to come out with the group was already within yourself. Your motivation left with you when you finished your run tonight, knowing you did more than you ever thought you could. You are even further motivated by the notion that you can do even more than you did tonight.

So I ask you to remember this the next time someone asks you why you run... You are running now because you have accepted your own self-care as an inevitability. Think about it.

Be well.

Monday Evening Sermon

2008-09-22T16:39:00.000-07:00

Something led you to join the No Boundaries program - and believe me when I say, I am thrilled to be with you on this journey. Many of us have a tendency to stroll through life, whether it be relative to our jobs, family, friends, self-care plans, whatever have you. Part of that, I believe, is the result of a lack of series of goals. It is easy to set a singular goal (i.e., for the purpose of a vast majority of our group, the Spinx Runfest 5K). Once that day comes and goes, the pinnacle has been reached and, as the story goes, it is over. Happy ending. Thank you for tuning in.

As I found out along the way of my own self-care plan, just when you think you have reached your own proverbial finish line, the reality of it is that your journey has just begun.

Where do you see yourself with regard to your self-care plan in, say, 2 months? How about in 2 years? I ask this question not in any way to elicit an answer of "running" or "marathoning", although should you choose to go down that road, good for you. Rather, I encourage you to take a step back and look at your self-care plan in a more broad view, and consider what additional steps you can take to further carry on the amazing paces you have already taken.

Will you continue to watch what you eat? Will you continue to be active, perhaps even looking to continue running or looking towards another activity like biking or swimming? How does the thought of considering yourself an active, more fit person make you feel?

Sure, goals offer a huge sense of accomplishment, without a doubt. But as life does not suddenly come to a screeching halt once we achieve a certain goal, it is safe to say that life can provide you with something so much more rewarding. Rather, if you devote your mind, body, and soul into yourself, which is something we are all capable of doing, you can be faced with a series of finish lines, one progressively more rewarding that the prior. These finish lines can be anything... dress sizes, quitting smoking, running a series of 5Ks, running a 10K, walking with your family as often as possible, living a longer life to be with your friends and loved ones, or perhaps being in a position to help others find and polish their own self-care plans. Sure, this starts with you, but it can radiate as far as you can imagine.

You have invested this time and effort, both physically and mentally, into yourself - without question the best investment you can make. Continue to do well by it and forge ahead. Continue to challenge yourself not only physically - which I will be sure to help you with for the remaining few weeks of our program - but in any way possible. Continue to set goals for yourself. Write them down, understand for yourself what you need to do to get there, and make it happen. Not sure you can do it? You should be... You are here, reading this on the eve of yet another Tuesday evening run. You have already achieved so many things, so many finish lines already crossed.

You are here. You are on your way. It is said that an object in motion tends to stay in motion... Don't stop. Don't stop.

Three myths - and one truth - about running and your health (USNews.com)

2008-09-03T10:23:00.000-07:00

Every person who takes up running has, at one time or another, been confronted by a helpful critic who is more than happy to reel off the reasons running will ruin your life. It will cripple you in your later years; you might drop dead in the middle of a marathon; and on and on. As an avid runner, I have a lot riding on whether or not these ideas about the sport are true. Here is a look at four questionable claims about running and health, including results from a new study looking at running, longevity, and disability.

To read the article, in its entirety, visit: http://www.usnews.com/blogs/on-fitness/2008/8/12/3-myths--and-1-truth--about-running-and-your-health.html

Running slows the aging clock, researchers find

2008-09-03T08:04:00.000-07:00

STANFORD, Calif. — Regular running slows the effects of aging, according to a new study from the Stanford University School of Medicine that has tracked 500 older runners for more than 20 years. Elderly runners have fewer disabilities, a longer span of active life and are half as likely as aging nonrunners to die early deaths, the research found.

“The study has a very pro-exercise message,” said James Fries, MD, an emeritus professor of medicine at the medical school and the study’s senior author. “If you had to pick one thing to make people healthier as they age, it would be aerobic exercise.” The new findings appear in the Aug. 11 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.

You can read the story, in its entirety, here: http://med.stanford.edu/news_releases/2008/august/running.html

No Boundaries Greenville Kicks Off!

2008-08-24T07:45:00.000-07:00

On Saturday morning, August 23rd, over 40 soon-to-be runners started out on their journey towards the Spinx Runfest 5K.

Click below for a photo album of pictures taken by one of our great coaches, Lisa Corley.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lisa.marie.co/NoBoundaries82308?authkey=kUmfBZgm6AE

Stay tuned for more great articles and pictures to come!

Be well,
Dan

Need help tracking your health and wellness progress?

2008-08-24T07:22:00.000-07:00

With life being as hectic as it is, few of us really have time to journal everything we do along the way of our self-care plan. However, many of us find ourselves in front of a computer on a regular basis, either for work or entertainment.

In an effort to keep on track and have a real way to watch your results, there are several free websites available to you.

One is Spark People (http://www.sparkpeople.com/). Spark People is a fantastic, free website that can help you track your food intake, physical activity, and weight management progress and goals. They offer a wide array of, again, free articles on health, wellness, and exercise and even various message boards that allow individuals with similar interests to share thoughts and ideas. As you move forward on Spark People, you earn Spark Points, which allow you to purchase special items to help keep you motivated.

Another great website is Fit Day (http://www.fitday.com/). Fit Day is very similar to Spark People in that it allows you to track your food intake, physical activity, and weight goals. Like Spark People, this is all free. Fit Day is a little more basic in its interface, but still highly effective.

Both of these sites are very user-friendly and require just a few minutes to register. Oh, and did I mention they are both free?

Now, if you are of the low-tech variety, much like me, you may find yourself looking for an even simpler option. I have found that a composition book and pen work wonders for me, personally. I carry them in my bag and jot down notes on what I am eating, when I exercise, and changes in weight. It is a wonderful tool to help me keep on track in my self-care plan.

Whatever your preference, definitely take the time to track your progress along your self-care plan. Your body will thank you for it!

No Boundaries Training Group Information

2008-08-06T10:46:00.001-07:00

Thank you for visiting the blog for No Boundaries Greenville. This blog will be updated constantly with progress on our participants, useful tips on health and wellness, and information on upcoming events in your community. As the training group progresses, we will post updates and photographs along the way.

There will be two (2) informational meetings in preparation for this No Boundaries training group: Thursday, August 14, 2008, starting at 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 16, 2008, starting at 8:00 a.m. Both meetings will be held at Fleet Feet Sports, located at 1708-A Augusta Road in Greenville, South Carolina.

The first group training session is on Saturday, August 23, 2008 at 8:00 a.m. at a location to be determined. This program will run for a little over nine (9) weeks leading up to the Spinx Runfest 5K.

The cost for this program is $40.00. Each participant receives a technical shirt and socks, admission to seminars with informational speakers covering an array of health and wellness topics, coaching, motivational support, and the chance to be around some really fantastic people in your community while working towards a healthier you! As if being in the best shape of your life is not enough, there will be other incentives along the way to help motivate you.

Registration is open and spots are limited, so get in now! You can download an informational brochure a registration form by clicking on the links above. Simply complete your registration and take it to Fleet Feet Sports. It is that easy! For even more information about this great program, call 864-235-4800 or email Dan at danjherman@gmail.com.

Upstate Residents, New Runners Take Part in Candlelight Run 2008

2008-06-22T10:55:00.000-07:00

On the evening of June 21, 2008, 1,200 participants took off on the 5K course known as the Candlelight 5K Run. It really was a magnificent sight as runners of all ages and abilities made their way through the course with thousands of illuminaries guiding the way. It was even more special for the registrants of the No Boundaries Program who took it upon themselves, 12 weeks prior, to start out towards a healthier lifestyle.

Forty-five (45) people just like you from the Upstate area joined the Fleet Feet Coaching Staff for this program and great fun was had by all who attended. The culminating event, of course, was the Candlelight 5K Run which, for many of the participants, was their first ever organized run. This training group included people from all walks of life, of all ages and fitness levels... However they all shared one common goal - the desire to give their couch separation anxiety.

The feedback from the first No Boundaries group has been stellar and many of the participants continue to run, bike, swim, and do the things necessary to acheive and maintain their health and wellness goals.

The next No Boundaries training group, leading up to the Spinx Runfest 5K, begins on August 23rd. Stay tuned for additional details. If you have any questions on this program, please call Fleet Feet Sports Greenville at 864-235-4800, or email the group coordinato, Dan Herman, at danjherman@gmail.com.