Looking For a Recommendation

I just thought I would throw out some books I have been reading and see if you guys want to throw any back at me. I got 4 so far. Three I have read already and 1 I am working on.

Read:

The Runner's Guide to the Meaning of Life by Amby Burfoot - "As runners, we all go through many transitions-- transitions that closely mimic the larger changes we experience in a lifetime. First, we try to run faster. Then we try to run harder. Then we learn to accept ourselves and our limitations, and at last, we can appreciate the true joy and meaning of running."

Look, my best marathon was 5:26:36. This book was for me as well as the 2:30:00 marathoner or anyone who has included running as an important part of their life. Funny. Smart. Inspiring stories from his life and the lives of others.He provides alot of resources outside of his own book. Very motivating and fun read.

Finding Ultra by Rich Roll - "...Finding Ultra is much more than an edge-of-the-seat look at a series of jaw-dropping athletic feats—and much more than a practical training manual for those who would attempt a similar transformation. Yes, Rich’s account rivets—and, yes, it instructs,providing information that will be invaluable to anyone who wants to change their physique. But this book is most notable as a powerful testament to human resiliency, for as we learn early on, Rich’s childhood posed numerous physical and social challenges, and his early adulthood featured a fierce battle with alcoholism."

It was a great challenge and life lesson. It was a good kick in the pants and a reminder that every aspect of our lives are connected. Family, work, wholeness, brokenness, health and spirituality. I'll man up and admit that I got teary-eyed a few times. Not out of sentimentality, but within hisstory I saw my own as well.

Can't Swim, Can't Bike, Can't Run by Andy Holgate - "This book is both a lesson in true grit and determination, but its goal is one that is attainable. Andy isn't a sporting superstar, he holds down a 9-5 job and all the pressures that go with it; he isn't blessed with speed and talent; there are no multi-million pound sponsorship deals; yet this remarkable "common man" is inspiring in a way that some of today's sporting superstars have forgotten how to be."

I reviewed this book before and I wrote, "It is a story of regualr guy who decides to see what he is made of and ends up becoming an Ironman. Check out the story of this librarian and see what connects with you"

Currently Reading:

Born to Run by Christopher McDougall - "Isolated by Mexico's deadly Copper Canyons, the blissful Tarahumara Indians have honed the ability to run hundreds of miles without rest or injury. In a riveting narrative, award-winning journalist and often-injured runner Christopher McDougall sets out to discover their secrets. In the process, he takes his readers from science labs at Harvard to the sun-baked valleys and freezing peaks across North America, where ever-growing numbers of ultra-runners are pushing their bodies to the limit, and, finally, to a climactic race in the Copper Canyons that pits America’s best ultra-runners against the tribe. McDougall’s incredible story will not only engage your mind but inspire your body when you realize that you, indeed all of us, were born to run."

I haven't finished it yet but I am 5 chapters in and loving it. Gripping stories that move beyond running and tell us something about ourselves.

How about you? Got any recommendations? What is your favorite running, athlete, adventure, life story book? Fire away.

Isn't Eating Vegetarian for Hippies and Tree Huggers?

Maybe. So what. I got good friends who are hippies and tree huggers. I am borderline myself, so lets cut some slack. Ha-ha! I have been eating vegetarian for almost 2 weeks now. I know that isn't a long time but I just wanted to talk about it a little bit.

First off, no it isn't easy at first. Your body is used to eating what it eats and when you deny it what it's used to, I believe you go through withdrawal. It was hard to push through, but I have made it. I actually enjoy the challenge of trying to find new foods to eat. In America I think it is much easier. We just never thought about not eating meat. The choices are plentiful and delicious. Just take some time and research it. I am still getting my daily fill of protein. Believe it or not, meat isn't the only source. It isn't even the healthiest choice. But I am not an expert and won't pretend to give you a list of foods to eat. This post is just to introduce you to the idea of a plant based diet.

Don't take my word for it. Check out Dr. Esselstyn's book "Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease: The Revolutionary, Scientifically Proven, Nutrition-Based Cure". He is a doctor at the world renowned Cleveland Clinic. He is not only bringing heart disease to a halt but reversing it. I haven't made the full commitment he has, but I hope to in time. And the science and stories speak for themselves. There are also endurance athletes, boxers, mma and many other athletes from different sports who live on a plant based diet.

Lastly, I am a social meat eater. Mainly because I think it is important to honor my hosts and impose my limitations upon them. I embrace the hospitality and enjoy the food. Guiltless. Mainly because it is all about not just a healthy body but healthy relationships too. I honor relationships over my own needs. I am OK with that.

Do some homework Give it a shot. Maybe just a day a week. Do it progressively. It's not perfect. I still have to choose to eat fruits and veggies. I mean I could technically eat doughnuts and cheese pizza and still be a vegetarian. It's about good choices. So far, it works for me. Maybe I will make it 100% vegetarian (vegan) one day. We'll see. Something to shoot for.

My Body Hates Me

Not too much to report today. It was tough waking up and realizing I couldn't run. My back had just had enough. It was pretty sore from 9.56 miles on Sunday and swimming yesterday. Fair enough. Tomorrow maybe I'll do 1/2 hour swim and 1/2 hour run.

Sometimes we have to know when our bodies need rest and when to push through. Today, because of the location (lower back) I knew I had to give it a rest. It is important to learn your body and know the difference between wimping out and allowing yourself to heal. I still focused on nutrition today and am doing pretty good. Just because we can't accomplish the fitness part of the day, doesn't mean we throw in the towel right?

On a side note, I just finished a book by Andy Holgate. It is called Can't Swim, Can't Bike, Can't Run. It is the story of a regular guy who decides to see what he is made of. He ends up becoming an Ironman. Check out the story of this librarian and see what connects with you. Maybe your challenge isn't in an Ironman, but find that dream your chasing and go get it. God plants dreams in our hearts but it is up to us if we are willing to pursue it. We were made for a purpose and for different challenges.

Go get it.