So That I Can Remember: Lake Minnewanka and Alymer Pass in March

So That I Can Remember: Powderface Ridge in February

That's Why: I'm Still Alive

runners of all walks of life are often asked this one question by non-runners, which, while simple and only constructed of a few words, begs a thinking process tantamount to answering an Epistemology course exam question.   it's worse for ultrarunners as, to most pedestrian spectators, we're appearing to be half-assedly attempting suicide, or at least slightly deranged. 

"why do you run?"

simple, reasonable answers exist for this question.  
"for the mental clarity."
"my dog needs to take a dump."
"fun starts at the end of my comfort zone."
"I want to wear short shorts, even if my peers think it's socially unacceptable for someone of my physique."

however,  few realize that the wide range of responses applicable to this question actually forms a bigger, more fundamental reason for why you run.  the problem is that this reason does not manifest itself through words but only appears as a mild sensation while you're running.  henceforth--the more tangible an answer becomes, the harder it is to put it into sentences.  

in this eleventy-bajillion part feature, I will attempt to put my spin into the runner's search for meaning.  as noted, the resulting draft of a runner's rambling manifesto will be guaranteed to DNF.  each post will connect to a previous post in some manner, forming a giant puzzle of indeterminate size and product.  however--i hope this sisyphean endeavor will help you find a more purposeful consciousness to your running regime.  enjoy.

That's Why: Because Mother Nature is a Two Faced Broad

runners of all walks of life are often asked this one question by non-runners, which, while simple and only constructed of a few words, begs a thinking process tantamount to answering an Epistemology course exam question.   it's worse for ultrarunners as, to most pedestrian spectators, we're appearing to be half-assedly attempting suicide, or at least slightly deranged. 

"why do you run?"

simple, reasonable answers exist for this question.  
"I'm going to a good place."
"I have to earn my future."
"I have to switch my head off."
"because it's a symptom of more deeply-rooted psychological issues."

however,  few realize that the wide range of responses applicable to this question actually forms a bigger, more fundamental reason for why you run.  the problem is that this reason does not manifest itself through words but only appears as a mild sensation while you're running.  henceforth--the more tangible an answer becomes, the harder it is to put it into sentences.  

in this eleventy-bajillion part feature, I will attempt to put my spin into the runner's search for meaning.  as noted, the resulting draft of a runner's rambling manifesto will be guaranteed to DNF.  each post will connect to a previous post in some manner, forming a giant puzzle of indeterminate size and product.  however--i hope this sisyphean endeavor will help you find a more purposeful consciousness to your running regime.  enjoy.

So That I Can Remember: Goodnight, 2015

obligatory year end 2015-by-the-numbers-and-other-stuff note

幽玄 - (-na inflection, hiragana ゆうげん, romaji yūgen).  noun.
  An awareness of the universe that triggers emotional responses too deep and mysterious for words. 

So That I Can Remember: Happy Holidays!

(Thanks Joedine!)

So That I Can Remember: 南丫島 lunchtime run

Race Report: When It's Most Definitely Not Your Turn

.... and so ends five straight months of lunacy.

and also five hundies in five months.

Race Report: When You're Not Sure If It's Your Turn or Not

We all have our bad days.


But really though, the notion of a 'bad day' is all in your head.   You can consciously brace yourself to have a bad day beforehand so you end up feeling no worse than expected.  
 
Of course, that would first take some motivation to look for a good day first.