World Run Day at Hugh Birch 2010

One of my favorite spots, it was great to see Hugh Birch state park, now green and lush after all the heat and rain this year...a gorgeous hideaway on the east edge of Ft. Lauderdale, and staging area for my homage to running this WRD.  When I first began to run, I used to come here to feel at peace in a deep pocket of Nature while learning to ramp up my endurance and miles.  For this year, it was an easy, breezy 2 loops with the few fellows who joined me, conversational, convivial, with all the great stuff a group run has going for it- cementing our love of running

The fact that we ran at the same time as the NYC marathon was a nice bonus;  and though I haven't yet read the whole story, our elder hero Haile had to bail at mile 16 giving newbie Geb a surprise win- the Ethiopians still rule!  It goes to show how much can change despite our best efforts and expectations.

Once the boys left, I did a lazy final loop with my camera, catching all my favorite little spots, the magic that makes this park special;  from the intercoastal, to the wild little patch of woods, and sunlight drifting through trees now arcing their way across several stretches of road...the bladers, the bikers, and yes the runners circling their way round and round this oasis of bliss.

We run, us roadsters, to get OUT and into the world.  To experience, on foot, the relaxed attention of taking things in on the move, meandering our way around.  Jim was the real champ- running TO our meet-up over 9 miles, then leaving to complete his designated mileage for another oh, 13....no biggie to him!  You are a real inspiration, Jim!  Your relaxed attitude reminds me that no matter what level I choose to run at, it must retain this core of unexpected pleasure- or else there's no point to it for me.
I have time this week, to organize my runs with a bit more thought to the miles.  But it was good to share the road, and the passion for running with kindred souls.

The Time is Right

Left/Right Brain

While the Reds celebrate their ongoing corporate take-over of democracy (excuse the political rant), Higher Forces are apparently pulling us onward into a direction that will inherently utilize the amazing capacities of the Right Brain to adjust and adapt Wholistically.

It was many years ago in my artist days that I first felt a psychic and intuitive understanding about my life mission;  that what I was able to do/access naturally was a Process that can be augmented and encouraged in others.  As a child,  'natural mystic',  a 'sensitive' and artistic soul who felt more at home in nature, with art, music and books, I knew there was something I was connected to that kept me alive on a broader deeper level than most others.  My path in life has led from one stepping stone to the next, as part of the alchemy of my own development in the healing arts.  First, though I had to learn to live with my own left brain, and forge an alliance between the two hemispheres, which often worked at cross-purposes and created the many 'symptoms' of my younger years.

The times have conspired to lift us all into an awakening of consciousness and awareness- not just of ourselves but of our global reach and responsibilities, our place on Mother Earth and within the very Galaxies.  Where mind and intellect can sometimes grasp the concepts of change, it is heart and soul which leads us into new places.  The Right Brain, as holder of the Big Picture, and its ability to 'translate' experience in ways which anchor it to our personal purpose, is coming into a greater role.   We have 'demonized' the feminine, intuitive, instinctual, cutting ourselves from the font of meaning.  If ever there was a time to galvanize your creative, intuitive self, its NOW.    Whether your means is the arts, athletics, interpersonal or spiritual, take this opportunity to GET into YOUR RIGHT MIND!

There is unprecedented 'help' from unseen and benevolent forces which seek our safe passage into the future.  Tap into them.  Tell them your secrets and dreams.  Write them, paint and dance them AWAKE and seek the highest vision of yourself, your families, your world.

Long(er) Run at Last

This piece was done in '09, an homage' to long runs, specifically the Dania Beach route I used to do in preparation for MCM.  The stretch on Dania Beach Blvd, before the Intercoastal and the beach used to mesmerize me in a kind of blanket of atmosphere;  the briny smell of ocean, crustaceans, sandy soil and sprawling vegetation mixed with the impression of fog and mist....thus the image of -just that.  Those long runs used to take me all the way around the greater Hollywood area, east.  Today, it was just a taste of that as I wound around the Griffin loop...setting off pre-dawn, welcoming a rising sun in clear skies, setting a rhythm in amazingly moderate and pleasant temps;  not chilly, not warm, but 'just right.'

I know it sounds old, but my constant ambivalence about the Miami marathon continues.  I'm enjoying these runs right now and know fully what it would take to ramp sufficiently up to 'marathon training' and the necessary miles to handle it.   Working 6 days a week, adjusting the new reality of my physical changes (post-menopause) and trying to interpret my attitude and willingness has put an ultimate decision on hold.

Somehow I'm no longer a fan of 'forced' or obligatory running.  I may be rationalizing- and please tell me if I am- but as time has now caught up with necessity,  the idea of 'mandatory' runs are beginning to change my attitude towards running for the worse.  It's been about 7 years now;  working from pure walking, to 5ks, 10ks, half and full marathons.  I am a turtle.  I do not run for speed.  I love the 'theater' of races, the democracy of group runs.  But deep down I am a solitary runner just as content to take off for whatever route beckons and as far as I'd like...my dreams are still to find off-road places where quiet trails or roadways will bring me that lovely loneliness that the long-distance runner craves.  The space for wishful thinking and dreaming of all kinds...the chance to stretch out tired legs, weary mind and let loose into a rhythm of movement.

If anyone can convince me to grab on to the marathon, I am open to your feedback.  Meanwhile, see you on World Run Day at Hugh Birch Park - Sunday Nov. 7 @ 9AM.  Don't forget the gate fee.  And whatever you do, ENJOY THE RIDE!

World Running

It's that time again, the annual World Run Day and opportunity to celebrate what we enjoy- whether it's the solo run out on the lonely roads, or training with our club, group or training partner(s).  I've been in the habit of running at Hugh Birch state park/Ft. Lauderdale.  This year I'm open to suggestions in case anyone is interested in marking this event.

So local runners, let me know what you think!  Even if a group run doesn't materialize, mark the date to pay homage' to the sport which gives us strength, stamina and a peace of mind which comes from letting our bodies and minds get in sync with our spirits....There is an Elder Soul of Running, maybe it's Mercury, the Messenger.  And I often feel that the wings on my feet are really those in my heart.  It is the thrill, beauty and persistence of the run which lifts me into that mythic connection.  Want to run?

North/South, East/West

Thanks to Michael who turned me on to this trail run last year pre-MCM, I was back on it the week up in DC (I know, its really Virginia...).  Two days of this, plus daily walking the hill(s) to the kids place kept me in shape, and thanks to the hotel, a really great 'staging' place, all the bells and whistles. 

Amazing to meld the cultures of our families, to share the joy of our new family member Claire despite language barriers....which shows how the language of love transcends all.....Michael's in-laws were a lesson in great elder-hood;  spry, lively,  calm and content, running circles around all of us as they maintained the daily routine of the household and baby care.  Mike's Dad and I commented over and over, 'wow and we did it all alone...'....demonstrating one of the big cultural differences right there!  It was my mother's generation who was surrounded by/assisted by family when her children were born.  Our generation had moved far away from our family ties to go it alone....

The circle's turn back around to a new generation, and becoming grandparents feels like a rebirth for all of us, together with our various struggles, changes and challenges.  Realizing that each of us brings a strength to the link in the family chain, amplifies the sense of love and devotion. 

Our international matrix grows by the bond these two created many years ago in France....no matter what seems to happen, there is something which supports the journey of adventure the kids have had in unfolding their lives.  So here's to you, beautiful Claire!  It will be too long before I see and hold you again- but you are already deep in my heart.  Granny Florida has your back, always!!! xoxox

I Take You With Me

When I saw Mom on Sunday I had Shirley's set of photos from the fam in California to share...she knew most everyone, and got emotional at the pix of Butch in his dress suit and sunglasses striking a very 'Dad'-like pose.  The best part was a singer brought in her karaoke machine and old songs, and together we all sang and clapped....(well those who were awake/alert)...Mom and I clasped hands, and did a lot of smiling at each other. I was overcome with gratitude and emotion that I had this time with her still.

If my Dad were alive he would be ecstatic about little Claire, and my trip north!  Mom has a conflicted attitude about all the family now;  she doesn't like to 'bother' anyone, or initiate a call.  And yet, as the newly minted grandmama of the bunch I know I carry them with me into this experience.  Suddenly, I am the Elder, and get to watch my own son make his parental mark on the next generation together with his dear wife.  It will be a thrill to participate in this grand Dance, even if a short time;  but I feel very connected to the whole scene.

I am nostalgic that this time last year I was also preparing to travel north: for the Marine Corp marathon.  This year, I will hopefully get some training runs in, on that lovely trail Michael and I hit last year and enjoy what Fall has to offer a place with seasons.  Time away is also time with....and whether I am here, or there, the inner landscape is populated with caring souls.

Vitae has also been much on my mind.  Last year's race was my last time with him, as he made the trek from the Valley up to see me run, with the rest of my 'team'.  I will never forget the outpouring of love and support in the midst of his herculean effort to maintain the route, walking from point to point with the younger folk.   It seems the message he keeps sending is "LOVE....", he who always was - and still is- my spiritual father.

If we bring with us all whom we love, and those who love us, then each introduction is a meeting of many souls.  Claire, you are welcomed into a very big Family of connections;  and already cherished as our newly beloved!!  See you soon!

Past and Future

"Love looks not with eyes but with heart." - Sri Swami Sivinanda

The face of a baby can inspire the deepest resonance in our nature;  how else can you explain the perfect rest and togetherness in this photo?  Where past generations gave their struggle to see mine take the reins at the cusp of change, now a new one comes along to continue where our children began...a journey into the future, taking with them ancestors who are embedded within them.

With all the turmoil in my young life, it does my heart good to witness the unfolding of my son's and his own family.  I suddenly feel as if I've come out from a very long desert trek, full of thirst and angst, lost to my own perceived fight for survival only to find it was me who got me lost, circling around and around all this time.

   I can run to get away, and end up in such circles;  the same loop, the same landscape, the same amount of effort or challenge where mindlessness makes due for metaphysical connection; lost in the miasma of my own past illusions holding on for dear life knowing their end is near.
   I can run to release from the perceived bondage of the body, even as I take it along and challenge it, punish it, and ultimately demand it give me my youth and health on a silver platter.  Denial of death, of aging, as long as I am 'athlete' I am clinging on to a younger self.
   I can run to follow a dream;  whether its a marathon, a deeper connection to my own inner mind, or a sense of unification between my body, mind and spirit.  Whatever the dream which drives me, recognizing that not every dream is known comes with not having full control of the run.  Some runs are beautiful, inspired, charged with energy and purpose.  Yesterday I did the big Griffin loop after 2 days off and found myself exhilarated with the cooler temps and nice long stretches down the back side of 40th and along the Emerald Hills road.  Sure I walked here and there, and no doubt about it my overall endurance is down.  But the road met me with reassurance, as if it 'knew' the rhythm of my gait and supported my breath in the morning air.
   Some runs, like today are nothing special- a few rounds on the overpass for hills (such as they are), just enough to wake me and fire up the muscles which have protested anything beyond a flat.  Throwing some 'hill' repeats into the week will do me good to break out of the endurance gap, and hopefully relax into the bigger miles to come.

But today I hold a new feeling which puts everything in perspective.  The desert trek ends with the fall of illusion, knowing that the deep isolation and frustration were persistent echoes from the past which kept clouding my vision of now.  What I see is love, support and optimism.  The same light which shines for the sake of my clients, or my family I am willing to shine within- and for- me.  It is good to know that no matter how dire the hold Maya tries to have, She will eventually lead me back to My Self;  her aim apparently, to make me appreciate, when I get there,  the grace of a Loving Kindness which allows ALL.