The Goofy Marathon Challenge

Jan 11th, 2009

Reflecting

    Yesterday, I experienced one of the most miserable runs this year, if not for an entire decade.  It was bone-shivering cold; it snowed, then rained giving all 20,000 plus runners a dripping wet feeling from brow to bun. C'mon, I could get this cold treatment back home in DC.

    It was the coldest Disney Marathon on record and arguably the longest cold streak in the sunshine state in a seeming eternity.

    To add frostbite to injury, I dropped and cracked my Canon video camera; my legs perpetually stayed frozen, if not cramped, and I was literally on the verge of acquiring a mild case of hypothermia, if not pneumonia.

    My bitter memories of yesterday crammed down my brain as I rammed down the snooze button not yet ready for the morning with all its searing pain ahead, but over the horizon, there would be lots to gain. Even though I knew it would hurt, I knew in a way that not completing this would be a mistake. I came to Disney to run and run I shall. 

Understanding

    As I mentioned the day before, I wanted to see how far I could push myself to reach my upper limit of physical ability.  VO2 max, endurance, heart rate, muscles and joints -- all would be seriously put to the test today.

  But the Goofy Challenge wasn't strictly physical.  It was a social economic opportunity as well.  I also wanted to capitalize on the opportune moment to meet a diverse group of people, young and old, from all walks of life and from all over the world. I wanted to meet them, see what made them tick and to be inspired by their greatness and gratitude for limit-free living.  

     And I had other personal motives.  I also wanted to use the marathon as a way to tour the theme parks, and perhaps catch a few rides (Dinosaur in Animal Kingdom, Rock and Roller Coaster in Hollywood Studios), go country hopping along the International Gateway -- In doing so, I would gain a greater appreciation for other people, their cultures, and why it is truly important to take time to smell the Glories.

Negotiating

    The decision I had to make was whether to push myself hard, or to take my time and value the nuance of the moment.

  

    As usual, I wanted to make the best of each and every moment I held a pulse.  I was firmly committed to make this experience both wholistic in events and wholesome in lessons-- so I decided to capitalize on the prime opportunity to visit each theme park that we ran through and to chat and get to know some of my fellow runners and sightseers.

Inspiring 

    I was inspired by the service and commitment for Distance 4 Dreams that each year fundraises hundreds of thousands of dollars to sponsor the wish of a child with a life-threatening disease to spend a week at Disney World.

    The wonderful young ladies who I met were specifically raising money for Paige and her family to stay at Give Kids the World Village.

   I was also inspired by Walt Disney, himself, the quasi-experimenter and quintessential entrepreneur.  He used his imagination to chase his dreams and to spread his wings.  

   What was amazing about the founder of the "Happiest Place on Earth" was that he was resourceful and clever in making the best choices despite his spartan and unstructured upbringing. 

   Another neat thing about Disney is that he did not set off on a single career.  Instead, Disney continually reinvented himself.  He started out drawing, then started making films.  Then he opened up Disneyland and started planning Disney World before his death at 65.  If something didn't work, he wouldn't mind going back to the chalk board to start all over again.

Innovating

    The "I" in RUNIN also stands for Innovating.   Cigna, who is sponsoring the Marathon events, has been experimenting with a virtual reality game designed to help treat cancer in young adults and children.

    Disney as a company is also known for its Innovation.  From its purchase of Pixar to its reinvention as a digital entertainment powerhouse, Disney has recently entered the emerging field of visualization.

   In terms of its theme parks, Disney has taken steps in taking its theme park experience to the masses by building niche resorts and hotels such as the 550-room, 15 acre hotel they are building close to "my backyard" in National Harbor, MD.  After for many years in the early 90's planning a national park near the Civil War battlegrounds in Manassas, they decided to build a hotel in PG County instead.

    This is marketing ingenuity at its best.  In today's economy, a niche resort hotel will compete for the pocketbooks of those Disney-fun travelers who want the experience but not necessarily the expense.

Navigating

So the entire experience was incredible and up lifting.  

I learned a lot from others, all perfect strangers who became priceless inspiration and indelible, incredible memory for all of us as they ran in honor of  those touched by cancer, tragedy or war or for simply for just the challenge.  Some had lost close friends.  Some had lost a family member.  Virtually everyone I ran into became lifelong friends as we ran in step to experience a miracle occur right in front of our own eyes.

    They were willing and able to beat the odds to complete a remarkable task -- The Marathons of Miracles.

    So, this weekend I experienced both the hardest and happiest runs of my life, and I'm a better man because of it.

    Can't wait till next year and especially next week, when I can register. Hopefully by then I can feel my fingers as they click against my laptop keys. 

Bitter Cold in DISNEY World

  January 8, 2009

    

   

    Reflecting 

    This was supposed to be my winter post-holiday vacation.  Having spent Christmas and New Years working from home, I was really looking forward to a long weekend in Orlando before my MBA studies started back up at GWU.  I was delighted when I was able to purchase a bib from a friend who broke her foot --not just for the marathon but also for the Disney Goofy challenge, this year being the momentous 5th anniversary.  It would be a perfect time to rest and reflect before the start of a very intense semester -- or so I hoped...

Understanding

     What an apropros name for an event that sounds honestly quite wacky the first time I heard it from Jackie (still nursing her foot) -- a half marathon on Sat, followed by a full marathon on Sunday.  At first, I wanted to figure out why I would ever want to try something like this.  "Because it's something new", I thought. But that's what my 12-year old son would say.  I'm a believer that the human body is built to run long distances -- our entire body from the shape of our feet, our Archilles tendon, the head-stabilizing ligaments in our neck and spine and even the way we breathe and dissipate heat when running have become well defined and deftly designed(1).

    Our bodies were definitely not built for Kona, but could it be that our bodies were built for the Disney Goofy Challenge?

 Negotiating

    I arose Saturday morning to temps in the mid-20's and a constant onslaught of sleet and a massive shiver that shaked vigorously like a happy dog's tail.  Thriving and running in DC all year long, I have gone face to face with the biter cold and treacherous snow before, but never dreamed of running under the same conditions in the sunshine state and never a marathon distance in the heart of winter.  This was going to be a blast alright -- a frigid Arctic Blast!

    Serious doubts ran through my head whether I should even get up at all.  But any lingering, divergent thoughts were quickly quelled by the price of my airline ticket and hotel.  Think of it this way: It's a lot cheaper to visit the parks via a marathon than to pay the price for admission.

     Disney corrals you up at the Epcot Center parking lot by 4:00'ish -- or "O-Dark Thirty" in military terms.  When we arrived, a dank frosty slush of rain, sleet and flurries blanketed the sky over the geodesic Epcot dome, creating an eerie mist -- not unusual for this time of the year, in places like Chicago or NYC, but in Orlando?

     Perhaps the most excruciating part of the race was the two plus hours we lallygaged around until the fireworks erupted the predawn sky.  It was sensational to watch, but I was more thrilled with the opportunity to start warming up my frost-chilled body.  

Inspiring 

    The first five miles was an easy stretch from the perimeter of Epcot to the Magic Kingdom.  When we entered the compound of the Magic Kingdom,  we were dazzeled by the festive welcoming.

    Greeting us to their home was Snow White, Cruella DeVille, Jimmy Crickett,  Country Bear Jamboree, and a whole host of characters.

    We strolled down Main Street USA, towards Tomorrowland, Fantasyland and through Cinderella's Castle.  

  
    We were given magnificent first-class treatment -- Not just the Disney characters, but all the volunteers were way- awesome -- and the best thing, there were plenty of potta potties with no lines.

      We left the Kingdom via Adventureland and Frontierland before exiting the park to head back towards Epcot.

Navigating

     

    

                              (Fireman running for a  5yr. girl with leukemia)    

 Over the 13.1 miles, jackets, hats, gloves, Tyvek jackets and even trash bags littered the course as runners ran in multiple layers.

   The rest of the way, was rather dull, and the sleet and rain continued to come down softly and incessantly. I drudged along, my mind calling to the finish line. Knowing I could not or rather would not stop. I believe that anything I start I must finish.

   And then, the worse part of the race was when I dropped my camera.  With the cold and ice, I heard a loud crack and then was dismayed to see that the LCD display was no longer functioning. My camera did not feel as if it was the only thing broken. As I continued the strenuous jog around the magic kingdom, I wondered about the pain tomorrow would bring. If how I felt now was any indication of tomorrow, I would truly be in for a very rough experience.

    But despite the technical difficulties, my body did not quit -- I felt relatively strong and periodically wanted to speed up to keep my body warm.  But throughout the morning, I constantly reminded myself of the big run the next day, and although I was testing out my hypothesis that the human body was built to run long distances over multiple days, I wasn't yet fully convinced of going back-to-back days. 

References

(1) Lee, Karen, "Author Believes Human Body is Built to run Long Distances without Shoes" Philadelphia Inquirer, Aug 4, 2009

Open Water Swim

Today, I went for a swim twice...

Once in the pool:

My routine swim at GWU Lerner Center was incredible. My stroke technique -- crisp; Elbow bend: 90 degrees, Reach: nice and deep; Breathing: every third stroke.

And once in the Reflecting Pool:

Running breathlessly on ice from the reverend WW II to the majestic Lincoln was just plain incredulous. What was unbelievable was that the ice was only just over an inch deep or less in many places. Science and logic were both dispelled this day.

I tried to stay on the white ice and avoid if possible the thinner, transparent ice. Tried hard but on the upteemth time.

Until I could hear the ominous sound of cracking progressing to a major fault directly under my feet. Hear the sound of ice cracking. And I went for a dive in the Reflecting Pool right under the guise of Abe Lincoln.

I Found a New Sport

Reflecting

I'm still nursing my IT band injury from my Cancun Half Iron and have been trying to run as much as I can, weather permitting.

What causes the IT band to inflame is whenever my foot bends too far inward after impact, it causes friction and my IT band is not able to stabilize my leg.

Jesus Walked on Water

"Test the Ice first, then in life, go for the Gusto"

Reflecting

I've had a lot of great runs abroad and here in DC.

This Christmas eve evening I had the most amazing and thrilling run of my life.

Understanding

It wasn't supposed to be the GREAT run. After all, my goal was to visit and enjoy the Tree -- the Colorado Blue Spruce that has adorned the center of the Ellipse every Christmas since 1978. I wanted to learn more about the meaning, the history and why it was called the Pageant of Peace.

The first National Christmas Tree lighting was made by President Calvin Coolidge in 1923. Over the years, the tree has stood as a symbol of good will and peace and the person given the honor of "flipping the switch" have ranged from celebrities, elected officials to children representing humanitarian organizations.

Inspiring

The tree is amazing -- after all it has served six presidents: Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton, GW Bush, Obama. Around the Nation's Christmas Tree are 56 smaller trees -- one for each state and, DC and the 5 territories.

Little did they know in 1978, when the tree was donated, that this particular tree would live for so long.

The meaning of "Pageant of Peace" is particularly poignant this year, with our troops serving in harm's way overseas -- I pray that they will come back home safely soon.

Innovating

What was new with the tree this year, was the fact that GE has provided LED lights from top to bottom that are much more energy efficient as well as many ornaments from last year-- a great example for all to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

Negotiating

But then I stumbled upon the Capitol Reflecting Pool. In warmer times, the Pool is peaceful and calm and designed to inspire solemnity and reflection. However, as much as I've wanted to go for a dip, I never did -- the water was usually too dirty (too many ducks)

But today, there is no reflection on the shiny surface -- since it's all covered in ice (And no ducks anywhere). In my seven years in DC, I've never seen anything like this before. Not knowing when I would get another chance, I wanted to go out for a walk on it.

But could it be really frozen throughout or just parts of it. Water is most dense at about 38 degrees F. As the water in the bottom cools, it rises to the top. As water cools, it expands thus creating a layer of ice that is less dense than water. Ice floats because of hydrogen bonding (less dense than liquid).

I knew that the temps in DC had stayed below that all week, after the blizzard, and since the pool was rather shallow -- knee to waist deep, it wouldn't take long for the pond to freeze over.

And yes indeed -- today, the Pool inspired me to live on the edge and run all over the 6,500 square feet reflection pool, on the jagged edge of excitement and vivacity.

At first, the ice looked cracked and unsteady. In places, you could hear the water lapping with that familiar sound of depth against the side of the pool. Perhaps the water at the edge of the pool was deepest to mitigate the formation of waves. But upon further investigation, the ice was solid, at least four inches thick -- enough to hold a 150 pound man. There were spots throughout that were thinner, transparent, some bubbling up with oxygen. I would keep an eye out for them, I added. But before the night was over, I would skate right by the broken ice, oblivious to a thing except the feeling of peace floating in the middle of the lake and the Magnanimity of Christmas and all things good with love, hope and benevolence.

So off I went, running across, from side to side, from corner to corner -- all of a sudden I was a fearless kid again.

I didn't stop for over an hour and a half. Before long, passer bys stopped and joined me. Some went on their own. Some went with a little coaxing. Lo and behold, I had started a Christmas Eve family event.

It was a thrill to run freely, skate casually on the frozen ice. It was tough keeping balance, and when I got tired, I simply skated, moving from side to side.

Christmas Eve at our Nation's Front Lawn

My roommates are gone and I'm all alone for Christmas Eve. No regrets. I get to spend Christmas Eve with my friends on Second Life (Read my post on the benefits and drawbacks of Second Life).

The true joy of this special evening: I'm looking forward to spending Christmas Eve at our Nation's front yard -- catching a delightful earful of sweet melody, the wispy, caressing voices of our eclectic vocalists as they sing Yuletide praise to Jesus.

As I enjoy the aromatic tranquility of the Yule log burning, its sweet red embers sending off plume of ash into the cold, romantic night. clouding the sky and the top of the Washington Monument obelisk.

Then when I get my fill, I am off amongst the toot of a model railroad car and the locomotive, I am off for another run around my circuitous path that takes me to Lincoln, to the Capitol and back.

Christmas in DC

Christmas in DC is not about shopping at Pentagon City, admiring the gargantuan palm trees adorned with sparking Christmas decor and staring straight up to the sky through the massive glass ceiling, making you feel like you're outdoors without the wintry freeze.

Christmas in DC is not about strolling through the National Zoo enjoying the dazzling display of the Giant Pandas, the Asian Elephants and the Komodo Dragons during the festive ZooLights.

Christmas in DC is not about endless parties in Adams Morgan, or bebopping to holiday jazz on eclectic U Street while enjoying half smokes at the historic Ben's Chili Bowl

Instead, Christmas in DC is about the one thing that is both traditional and contemporary, deeply rooted in Presidential history and Washingtonian heritage. Around the perfectly-trimmed, paragon Christmas tree -- a 87-year tradition, a large-scale model train loops around sounding a low pitch steam whistle with lights, bells and the festive music emanating from the stage.


In 1921, on Christmas Eve, President Calvin Coolidge lit the tree located at the Ellipse in front of the White House with a simple touch of button that instantly lit several hundred electric light bulbs.  Today, more environmentally-conscious LED lights adorn the Norway Spruce each year we call the "Nation's very own tree."

Christmas in DC is all about the culture, celebrations and customs that has made the fine, fab festivities so delightful, delectable and unique -- the National Christmas Tree -- our Nation's own and only Christmas tree to enjoy, adorn and embrace.

Dulles Snow Debacle

Reflecting

I remember Feb 03 distinctly -- I was of all things going house hunting and this major "President's Day" snowstorm paralyzed the Eastern Seaboard for days that no one was going anywhere. The Pentagon loved the fact that I was living in the Metropolitan apartments in Pentagon City -- and was the dude that could always come in.

We had not had any major snow storms for years since -- in 2007, we had virtually none. Most years we would have two significant snowfalls (more than 3 inches) and a couple times with just flakes that appear so soft and delicate as they fall, some stick, some just disintegrate.

That's why the Blizzard of 09 completely caught me off guard.

I had agreed over a week ago to take my friend to Dulles, so she could fly to Colombia. "Sure thing," I said. "I'd be glad to."

Little did I know that this seemingly easy trip to Dulles would turn into a 20-hour historic Christmas exodus ordeal.

Understanding

Her flight was scheduled to leave at 3:30 PM on Avianca to Bogota, Colombia. By mid-morning, I knew that this flight would not take off today.

Speaking with my friend on the phone, I told her that I would be glad to take her to the airport, however, I don't suggest going today but recommended going first thing in the morning instead.

However, Avianca instructed us that the flight was scheduled to leave on time, and if we didn't show up at the airport, my friend would miss her flight and she would not be rebooked.

We looked out the window and was shocked to see the snow coming down like golf balls in an overcrowded driving range, some being thrown as hard as a Nolan Ryan fastball.

Thankfully I had a Subaru Baja AWD, and I knew my car could handle well in the snow. It was a risk, but I felt we could handle this.

Negotiating

I asked my friend to keep on calling both Avianca and the Washington Metropolitan Airport Authority to see if we could get an update in the next few minutes. A cancellation would be good news because we would avoid having to make the dreaded 27-mile trip to Dulles until perhaps tomorrow morning.

Meanwhile, I headed outside to prep the vehicle. My Subaru was almost completely snowed in and it took me a good, intense 30 minutes just to pry myself out.

After I picked my friend up in Anacostia, we crawled down South Capitol St and entered cautiously a snow-ruined highway. We were aghast turning as white as the puffy elements that blanketed the isolated freeway -- nothing much had been cleared -- this was no man's land and the chances of us making to Dulles on time or even at all had suddenly come into serious question.

Over the 14th Street Bridge, we tried to take a shortcut via the GW Parkway. But there were too many skidding vehicles at the exit ramp -- the whole scene resembled a stock car derby at a muddy racetrack. We slowed to ask if everything was alright -- no it didn't seem so -- the people there were all in a trance. We decided to continue on 395 South instead -- the longer, but more surer route.

Despite the harsh conditions, I wasn't feeling all that stressed. Actually the constant rain of flow of tender chunks of snow felt calming, warming and in many ways, carthartic.

Within several miles, the traffic completely came to a slow, painful, dreadful crawl. Apparently a semi had gotten stuck several miles ahead and everyone behind him was paying the price of slowly chugging along, feeling the intense cold wind and keeping our eyes peeled as the visibility had plummeted -- even the car several feet ahead of us seemed like a distant blur.

I used this downtime to check my Iphone. I searched Twitter to see what people were saying about delays. "No flights are leaving Dulles," stated a post -- I appreciated the real time information from desperate travelers like us. Wouldn't it be nice if some innovative traveler on Avianca could tweet their latest info and broadcast the obvious.

Thankfully, we managed to peel ourselves from the virtual parking lot and before long, we had made it to 495 North, heading to Tyson's Corner.

That's when my friend called Avianca once more. This time, Avianca informed her that the flight had actually departed and that she would have to pay a penalty of over $1,oo0 to rebook for a flight that leaves Dulles the day after Christmas.

She was almost in tears...

I was livid. First I was feeling remorseful since it appeared that my friend would not be able to spend Christmas with her family -- the family that she had not seen in a few years.

Then I was in an utter state of shock. I glanced over to my friend who instructed me to radically alter course and set a Bee line for home. At this point, there was no point in even showing up at Dulles, despite the fact that we were only 15 minutes away.

As I continued driving north towards Bethesda, I started questioning the status and motive provided by Avianca. With the constant gush of snow and blizzard winds gusting to 40 MPH, it was physically impossible for the plane to depart.
Then I started questioning the motive once more -- perhaps Avianca knew the real status of the flight but decided to withhold it from their customers , in hopes of gouging them for more money. After all, how would their customers know whether a flight did depart on time at all.

In no time, we were approaching Exit 45 towards the airport. But my friend instructed me to head back -- for a moment she had given up hope -- all hope of seeing her family this Christmas.

The drive towards Bethesda and down Connecticut towards Adams Morgan went rather smoothly, albeit painfully. The snow continued to come down fast and furious and it was now starting to get dark, making matters a lot worse.



It was then that I decided to call the Washington Metropolitan Airport Authorities to see if they could give us an update on our flight. We were amazed and overjoyed to hear that the flight was still on the tarmac, regardless of what Avianca had said.

The flight was now delayed to 6:30 PM. We could still make it to the airport, but we would have to start from scratch since we were already back home in DC.

The second time around was rather interesting -- the storm was even more intense and there were times when we hit a patch of snow, we started to drift only to have my rear wheels gain traction and stop us from fishtailing (Thank God for AWD -- All Wheel Drive).

After making a few wrong turns and driving methodically down the Dulles Tollroad, we were finally at the airport by 7:30 PM, after navigating the roads for over five hours -- we were dead tired, our bodies as rigid as the snowed turned ice that piled up like dwift wood on both sides of the highway.

My friend tried to check in at Avianca, while I went to park at the garage. Unfortunately, the counter was closed and so were the checkpoints. Even the departure listings did not mention the Avianca Bogota flight. There was a complete dearth of information -- we felt we were lost in a foreign country with no directions or currency. Luckily my friend ran into some Colombians who happened to be on her flight. They informed her that they were told by Avianca to be at the counter by 5:00 AM the next day. We were relieved and for once, we we were set free.

With this information, we settled in at Harry's Tap Room and were fortunate to be the very last customers before they closed. All they had was chicken tenders, fries and soup -- and at this rate, it tasted like we were being rewarded with a five-course meal. Plus the Harry's ale was nice and was exactly what the Doctor ordered on this long, cold night.

It was now 10:00 pm, and we had several hours to kill before showtime at the counter. Walking around the airport was depressing -- people were spread out everywhere. Lying listlessly on the floor, every corner, every seat accounted for. Even the shoe shine chair was been used for someone to take a nap, while his iMac sat delicately on his lap.

Plus it was bright, loud and absolutely zero privacy. I peered inside the USO and it was crowded with Soldiers and Marines -- many heading to Afghanistan -- resembled the tight, canned berthing on an LST (Landing Ship Tank)

We were fortunate to make our way to the Subaru which was as cold as a huge block of ice in an New England fish market, but the garage offered the quietude and solitude not found anywhere inside the terminal. For a moment we were alone and images of the snow-strewn highway were now distant and slipping.

The next morning we were up at 3:30 AM. Our faces were beet red and our noses were as cold and bright as Rudolph's.

It was a special day: "Feliz Cumpleanos!," I said. She smiled at the irony of spending the first part of her Birthday in the car. "Thanks, I almost forgot," she said. It could only get better from here, she insisted -- this was her day--may her biggest wish come true.

We were the first ones at the counter. Around us, a sea of people, some sleeping, many in a daze. And after much push-back, haggling and negotiation, Avianca manifested my friend on the first flight leaving Dulles. They pushed back heavily at first, saying that the manifest was already sent to Colombia. But we didn't buy that story. We along with a few others told our compelling story and finally convinced Avianca to allow my friend to board the first flight (her original plane) rather than wait for the second one.

Inspiring

As I waited and watched my friend negotiate with the managers, I noticed someone in the corner of my eye -- someone I didnt know, but someone I recognized on the cover of a magazine. As I always do, in moments like these, I walked up and said. "Aren't you runners? Weren't you on Runners World?" Yes indeed, it was Matt and Adriana who two years ago graced the covers of Runners World.


It was great to meet them in person. I knew and remembered them, I felt that I knew them as friends. Matt told me that they were heading to Colombia to work on support a project for their High Cloud non profit organization. I thought their work had a great vision and was very inspiring -- what a great timing to see them and coincidentally on the same plane as my friend.

It was at this time that I knew that everything would be ok.
In a way, Matt and Adriana were like angels bringing good tidings in a time of distress and hopelessness.

Navigating

After we got the boarding pass, we informed the airlines that they were irresponsible in holding onto the flight despite knowing the severity of the weather and the slim chances of the snowfall clearing.

They could have made things easier and put less people at risk if they had simply canceled the flight first thing in the morning -- it was a lesson learned indeed, one starting with the patronization of Avianca (never again) and a complete reaffirmation of the RUNIN model: to Reflect, Understand, Negotiate, Innovate and Navigate -- tackling this very huge snow problem and ensuing massive delays.

The key was that we were persistent realists who complied with Avianca's erroneous call. However, we did our own research and called their bluff.

Meanwhile we know that United, Delta and all the big carriers had canceled their flights in the morning and often times automatically rebooked their passengers -- this is the right way of treating your customers, even if it affects their revenue -- safety is paramount and the right thing to do.

Later that day, when I was driving back, I stopped by the Capitol. The Snow had blanketed the Mall creating a terrain that was foreign but beautiful. I tried to dive in it, splash around in it, run in it -- but the layer was too deep, I wouldn't make any traction -- it was like ocean foam on a giant wave without the surf.

Quietly, I surrendered to the safe confines of my vehicle, glad that my friend had boarded the plane, glad that we had made it back safely and smarter knowing that the next decision would only be made with more experience, more rounded and thus more wiser.

* Photo from Loudon Times

Danny Cahill is the Biggest Winner

Reflecting

It wasn't long ago -- Last July, I had the honor to do some calisthenics with Danny Cahill and spend some quality time chatting about life and life's goals when the reality TV show came to DC to film. Link to July blog At that time Danny had already lost a hefty 80 pounds and was very optimistic about the rest of program and how much he could potentially lose. I was excited for him, but knew that he had a long and painful road ahead.

I knew that Danny would make a strong and substantial impact on my life, but never this huge.

Understanding

Last night while flipping through channels, I was extremely pleased and wonderfully surprised to see that Danny won the Biggest Loser Contest. Danny had shed a record 239 pounds, a record for the series.

Needless to say, I am flabbergasted! Although he is now a totally different man, I'm sure he is just as spirited and driven as he was back in August, if not more so.

Negotiating

I was just in the right place at the right time. I was running by -- already on my feet for five hours -- decided to do one more pass by the Washington Monument. That's when I ran into Danny.

Inspiring

I always knew Danny would do well, but never thought that he would be the one to lose the most amount of weight. I couldn't wait for the show to air in Sept and followed him -- in many ways he had become my inspiration to run a half Iron in Cancun.

Navigating

One of my favorite quotes from Grey's Anatomy: "Once in a while, people will surprise you, and once in a while they may even take your breath away."

As Christmas Nears, A Run Thru Georgetown Appears

Reflecting

Today I worshipped the gravel grounds--the routine run from the Wall to WW II to the Wash Monument -- the same rugged trails that I had hit a million times or more since I discovered running as my calling, my ancient ritual.

Understanding

For some mysterious reason, I decided to break away. Not to the ubiquitous Capitol and back today. Made my way along the Potomac, under the Memorial Bridge--Boom, Bada Bing, Bada Boom -- the rhythmic sound of traffic rolling overhead and passing JFK until DC's oldest city was within sight and reach.

Negotiating

Ran along the Georgetown waterfront, watching the locals and tourists strolling along with nothing particular in their minds that day, or enjoying a meal or sipping a margarita in the many open bars and restaurants thinking beautiful thoughts, I'm sure.

Then across the C & O Canal and up the red-brick hill, steep and sudden ushering in old Georgetown with all its high-end shops and restaurants galore. The sweet herb garden smell of something tasty emanating from a nearby Italian kitchen -- all the motivation in the world to make me stop and taste the fettucini. Thankfully I had no money, so I told myself that I had no choice but to push on.

Inspiring

The run was eloquent and eye opening. Ran past the eyes of the world, our venerable embassies: Mongolia, Venezuela; then past historic homes and mansions: Old Stone Cottage before I merged onto Pennsylvania Avenue to George Washington University and Foggy Bottom. From there, I stayed on Penn, passing the World Bank and IMF before I entered Lafayette Square next to the White House.

Navigating

Today was indeed a glorious day -- A day to profoundly wonder my mission in life and my vision for life's future. As I start preparing for the busy Holiday season, I'm glad I took time out to enjoy life's simple pleasures. I'm glad I decided to break away -- be free and roam a part of this town I rarely venture but hope to eventually get to know.

On this Grateful Day

"The inputs from those who serve must be threaded with the views from the decision makers on the Hill and molded in with the thoughts and minds of those who we serve."

Reflection

Veterans Day is full of Reflection. At least during my last 20 years of service it was a day of contemplation and tribute. But this Veterans Day, in a sense is nostalgically new.

It is the first Remembrance day that I am commemorating without the honor of donning a uniform.

Understanding

This Veterans Day, like anyday, we must try to better understand the diversity of our Armed Forces -- it is full of color, creeds and culture and it is as muti-modal as the Cyberspace World that we thrive in.

Negotiation

It is important that we listen to our judicious soldiers: From the Frontline General to the deck seaman or buck private, their informed inputs from how we strategize the war to the most fundamental aspects of quality of life will shape our Military and our Country here and now.

The inputs from those who serve must be threaded with the views from the decision makers on the Hill and molded in with the thoughts and minds of those who we serve.

Innovation

This week is especially somber due to the tragedy of Ft Hood. It is unfortunate that the system allowed Hassan to slip through a highly-regarded Uniformed Services medical school and internship at one of our Nation's core hospital for our returning wounded.


Not only had Hassan given a presentation titled "The Koranic World View as it Relates to Muslims in the U.S. Military"in which he recommended that DoD allow Muslim Soldiers the option of being released as "Conscientious objectors."  Hassan had also come to the attention of federal authorities because of internet postings he alleged made discussing suicide bombings and other threats.

Still there is courage under fire. The commendation goes to the immediate and well-managed response by the Ft Hood leadership especially with their full and untethered embrace of social media to inform and inspire.

By that evening on that fateful day, the US Army and LTG Cone was on the horn sending constant snippets of salient information on Twitter that provided welcomed, unbounded peace in a chaotic whirlwind of bitter terror.

Navigate

As we look forward, we must remember their sacrifices as well as the lessons that their notable acts of humanity afforded. What we do now with the ensuing war against the Taliban, al-Qaeda and those who want to do harm against the country that I call home will determine how joyous or remorseful we commemorate Veterans Day in years to come.

In honor of my three close friends who gave their all, so that we might enjoy what we especially have today:

CDR Phil Murphy-Sweet

Major Megan McClung

LT Florence Choe

RUNIN the Name

So what is RUNIN and why are there so many applications to this name? Contrary to what you may believe, RUNIN does not refer to the art of running (although there are many commonalities).  RUNIN is actually a back acronym:

Reflecting on Relationships

Reflection starts with oneself but does not stop there—it is looking at the surface as well as probing deeper beyond. It is about understanding your abilities and capabilities as well as being open about your mistakes and your shortcomings. When looking inward during the process of reflection, the point is to figure out where one stands in relation to the world. In order for these lessons to be valuable, we must consider those around us, and we should be open to share as well as learn from others.

Reflecting on Relationships is about seeing the interconnectedness of many things. This principle is about realizing that many things in life are truly connected-- the situations, events, and decisions of today be synched and in balance and this health-work-life continuum has a direct impact on our future. Reflection can also mean spirituality -- your daily quest to prepare your mind and body for inspiration and enlightenment. As you observe your reflection, other images will emerge—those of the lives around you.

Reflecting also applies to Remembering our history and to appreciate the sacrifices and achievements of those who have came before us and who has made a significant difference in our lives. Remembering also includes understanding mistakes of the past, both your own and those from other people who we can learn from.

Personally, I am a lumper and not a clumper. To clump is to put things in individual boxes, compartmentalize and then relegate core elements in life to labels and stereotypes. In contrast, to lump is to remove walls, to appreciate the value of "one village" and to change the integrity of the things that are being brought together.

Understanding and Uniting

Another important value is to understand the world and the community around you. First we should try to understand others before trying to be understood. When visiting a tenant, it is important to not just collect rent or to check on the property, but to get to know them and learn about their community through the stories they have to tell. We listen, we understand, we learn, we UNITE.

Negotiating 
In life, whatever hand you’re dealt is the hand that you have to play. However don't just submit it's worth to face value -- find it's true value and then negotiate it with other players. Before acting you should weigh every option. It makes it more difficult but in return, you get more out of life. I don’t like hearing people say we should do something a certain way because it has always been that way. In Runin’s approach, there are no set ways to approach a problem all the time – one size does not fit all, and life is too important to not try on another suit.

A decision should be made through negotiation but the numbers also need to be checked, refined and considered. Numbers is not just for balance sheets. It also connotes time, number of calories expended, distance to travel, etc.

If your numbers are not balanced, then your plans may fall into rocks.

Inspiring to Innovate

Innovation is not just about machines, technology and hardware. It is about people, ideas and software. Innovation is about sharing and tapping into people’s ideas -- a process we know today as Social Media. If people are using the internet in the same way that they were a few years ago, then they are behind the power curve. Web 2.0 means that the internet as an efficiency tool has drastically improved and we are just in the early stages. Social media is about leveraging people’s ideas and sharing it freely and instantaneously across the world.

Navigating

Onboard a ship, When you’re navigating, you are taking regular fixes to try and determine where you are. In life, people are not on a fixed course. Part of navigating is being OK with changing your course even if it means turning 180 degrees. There are times when you will realize that you are going in the wrong direction; it is OK to turn around as long as you don’t run aground and incur any permanent, significant damages.

Runin in unison with Back on My Feet

Reflecting

I am still excited about running into friends and fans of Back on my Feet (BOMF) during the mega-fun Marine Corps Marathon two weeks ago. They spoke to me about the great features of this inspirational and purposeful program. In a sense BOMF and RUNIN share many similar principles and values.

Understanding
Back on My Feet gives the homeless a second chance to regain control of their lives. The program's mission also exemplifies several of Runin DC's core values. The first of these is "reflecting on relationships" or seeing how we are all connected. Back on My Feet is not a handout; it is about partnerships and seeing ourselves in others. While running and training, the homeless and the trainers support and challenge each other to strive higher.

Back on My Feet is also about "understanding" or empathizing with people--no matter how different they may appear at first glance.

The neat thing about running is that it is a great equalizer. When we're running hard up a hill, it doesn't matter what socioeconomic status you come from. You are working extremely hard -- rich, middle class, or poor -- all of us have to climb the same hill and have to rely on our God-given strengths and stamina to do it.

Negotiating

The next value is "negotiation," which is exemplified by Back on My Feet's emphasis on goal setting. Participants of the program--both trainers and homeless runners--make a commitment to themselves and each other. This is an especially meaningful decision for the runners, who examine their current lot in life and ultimately know that they can do better.

Innovating and Inspiring

Their response is to commit to running a few miles each day as early as 6am. The "innovation" value is illustrated in the uniqueness of the idea itself. Back on My Feet shows that love for humankind and strength of spirit has endless applications.

Navigating

Finally, RUNIN is about "Navigation." Likewise Back on My Feet will help the homeless strive to finish the run, train for the next race and aspire to get back on their feet and become both customers and contributors to this great social running continuum.

Marine Corps Marathon Crystal City Run