Category: Blog Page 15 of 20

You’re slim, why count calories?

On December 6, 2018

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People watch us. Over time they may be curious enough to ask some questions as to what makes you tick.

Most people in my acquaintance did not know me when I had a 38″+ waist and was around 230 pounds. When or if they hear I run a lot often the conversation turns to my habits. Some have found it strange that I track my calories after losing the weight so many years ago.

I do record my food, and my Garmin tools document my exercise. When I say I track my calories, it’s more superficial than scientific. I know folks who are into the macro-nutrients, proteins, carbs, various fat sources, etc. I think those are great, but they bore me to sleep.

I am in health-maintenance mode, where I want to remain healthy to do battle against the forces of time and environment. The better prepared the soldier, generally, the more success in fighting.

I saw a doctor posted an article on LinkedIn called “Health: One Measure to Rule Them All” where he explores so many elements of our healthy living. A few quotes from his article:

We do not routinely direct our collective will at the true, root causes of our decline.
Even despite the terrible toll of opioids, depression, despair, and suicide- diet is the single leading cause of premature death in America today.

Keep fighting the good fight!

Cemetery Runs

By Jerry Schotz

On December 4, 2018

In Blog

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It may seem odd to some, but I like running through cemeteries. I find them peaceful and reflective.

I cannot read most of the headstones as I run past in the dim light of the early morn. Yet, the solitude is thought-provoking. No matter what my days have been of late, I’m reminded that I’m on this side of the sod with opportunities galore. I am grateful for the blessing of being able to run through the final resting place of so many.

I wonder about the lives once lived now represented by a stone marker. I see the flags on certain holidays and know someone served their country, I observe the flowers or solar-lights placed by someone who remembers “when.” Regardless of sons or daughters, mothers or fathers, farmers or factory workers, old or young, I am thankful for those who had gone before us and did their part in the world in their time.

As I exit the cemetery and enter back into the land of the living, I am grateful and blessed to run another day.

Break out the Clava

By Jerry Schotz

On November 28, 2018

In Blog

When the wind chill drops into the single digits, it’s time to cover up the face!

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A 16 mph wind i Clava_Black s strong enough to hurt exposed skin at these temperatures.

After several experiments with various face coverings, I found these combo clava’s to do the job of letting me breathe while protecting against some pretty bitter weather. They are a lifesaver!

In these temps I can just put the hood up on my coat and wear a scarf around my neck for adequate comfort and protection. When the windchill drops into the negative double-digits I may need to add a hat over the clava.

December 2018 kicks

By Jerry Schotz

On November 26, 2018

In Blog

Black Friday/Cyber Monday/Clearance Special

Whatever!

They were at a good price at my local store (Body N’ Sole), so I scooped them up.

My current pair is wearing out faster than anticipated with just over 500 miles (see below) on them, so when a good deal appears I had to grab them even if I won’t start wearing them for a few more weeks.

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Running in high winds today

By Jerry Schotz

On November 26, 2018

In Blog

This.wind.was.crazy!

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I adjusted the first mile through a residential area so I could reduce the wind and generate some internal heat. By the time I reached the open fields again, I was warm enough to head west into the belly of the beast! The windswept snow hitting my face was bitter, and the force of the wind was severe, but I told myself to go just one mile to another row of houses where the wind should be less. My gear was doing its job as the covered parts of my body were warm enough.

Run 2018-11-26 The house-row runs north on the west side of the road about 1/2 of a mile, so I headed north with their protection. When I reached the end of the row and crossed the tracks, I faced the full frontal ferocity of that northwesterly wind. Quickly, I considered my options, alternatives, and other wind-breaks up ahead if I continued north. I had 1.5 miles to the next viable route and about a third of that had some windbreaks, onward to the north I went, and turning east was a notable and welcomed relief.

Besides the traffic and increasingly slick surface, the wind and snow were less of an issue heading east, and two miles later I was heading south and expecting it to get even more relaxed. I was wrong!

The wind was now behind, and on my right, it was more than just a little pushy. This was now like running down a hill for two full miles on a non-ideal surface. I thought to push my way into the wind was harsh and now this trying to stay upright was a new challenge for a different set of muscles. Yes, from the glutes down are feeling it.

The wind was gusting so strong that I had to consciously manage my right leg to keep it from banging into my left on the downstroke. It was a challenge, but sort of a fun one.