Phedippidations

We live in the age of the selfie and self promotion.  Social media networks like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and even Podcasts: allow us to share so much of our lives, and we…in posting such content assume that there’s someone out there who cares…or maybe we just hope they do.   For better or worse, we’ve become a society of exhibitionists, sometimes even boastful of our situation and accomplishments.  I disagree with the Christian view that pride is one of the so called “seven deadly sins”  I agree with Aristotle that is is the crown of virtue, not to be confused with vanity…although…let’s be honest, sometimes there is a bit of vanity involved in the self promotion that all of this new technology allows us. But when it comes to fitness trackers, heath apps and the ability to record and sometimes share our every step, stride and vital statistics…I think there’s something else going on.  In a way, I think we’re looking to improve ourselves through technology by better understanding our behavior as a way to change our lives for the better. This is the self quantified life.  A way of using fitness trackers, smart phone applications and other accessories to constantly monitor and record the way you use your body with the goal of helping you to improve your behavior.  The quantified self is all about better understanding our physical behavior as a way to improve the physical condition of this organic machine we inhabit, as we experience the universe around us and live our lives to the top. So go ahead and tweet your progress, post your race results on Facebook, share physical improvements with your social media connected friends…and share with the world your quantified self. Links: Melodious advice by Neil on Twitter @neilbearse  Both opening and closing themes songs were by Jim Fidler at . The song - “Me the Machine” was by Imogen Heap off her 2011 album “Sparks”.  Check out all of her amazing contemporary goodness at Intervals between episodes can be found at In Vino Veritas with at ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: (But only if you can afford it!) Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind and sincerely generous financial support of 70 friends and fellow runners: Vera, Katie, Ryan, Chaise, Gordon, Scott, Mike, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Tim, Bill, David, Doug, Vance, Marcelo, Roberto, Zaki, Margaret, James, Norm, Simon, Janice, Andrew, Pam, Rob, Glenn, Trey, Steve, Angie, Al, Toni, Martin, Lynn, Nancy, Eric, Jim, Joe, Martin, Rich, Tom, David, Pierre, Maria, Hisham, Andrea, Brad, Dave, Desiree, Jens (@ScenicRunner), Claudia, Jill, Elizabeth, Pat, Marc, Evelyn, Chris, Dino, Michael, Clay, George, Matthew and Pedro.   THANK YOU! {}   Follow me on: Blog: Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:     Support:

Something to contemplate on your long, slow run today: The Teleological argument in support of the existence of God says “that the universe is ordered towards some end or purpose, that it was created by an intelligent being in order to accomplish some purpose.” FACT: We live in a 13.7 Billion year old universe that will end in a “Heat Death” 100 Trillion years from now. The Scottish philosopher David Hume didn’t think much of the “Teleological Wish”…he wrote that:  “A very small part of this great system, during a very short time, is very imperfectly discovered to us, and do we thence pronounce decisively concerning the origin of the whole?” The Anthropic argument for or against God, misses and the Teleological argument is just something that we wish for. There are, generally speaking 5 arguments used to prove the existence of God: The Teleological, Cosmological, Ontologocal, Moral, Miracles and Religious Experience.  Today, we will focus on the Teleological, which leads to a discussion of the Anthropic. The teleological argument does not prove the existence of God, no matter what the apologist William Craig has to say…but to his credit, the argument doesn’t disprove Gods existence either….but whatever you do, I implore you NOT to take my word for it. I want to make it clear that in this episode I have not stated my position on the existence of God.  I’m not here to state an opinion…you have to decide for yourself.  Maybe you’ll decide not to think about it, and remain as spiritual or atheistic as you’ve ever been: that’s your decision.     But I want to think about it, I want to know…and it’s my opinion that you should as well…because the universe is an enormous, amazing, curious, exploding, inhospitable mess of a thing, and it’s likely just one of an infinite number of universes that exists through an infinite regression of universes. As truly insignificant as we are, we should be in awe of the consciousness that allows us to contemplate the origin and purpose…if there is one…of all that has ever or will ever be. Links:   Melodious advice by Neil on Twitter @neilbearse  Both opening and closing themes songs were by Jim Fidler at . The song - “If there is a God” was by the Smashing Pumpkins off the album “Machina II/The Friends & Enemies of Modern Music”.  Hear more at The song “Think for Yourself” was by George Hrab from http://www.geologicpodcast.com FitBit at . Intervals between episodes can be found at In Vino Veritas with at ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: (But only if you can afford it!) Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind and sincerely generous financial support of 68 friends and fellow runners: William, Vera, Katie, Ryan, Chaise, Gordon, Scott, Mike, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Tim, Bill, David, Doug, Vance, Marcelo, Roberto, Zaki, Margaret, James, Norm, Simon, Janice, Andrew, Pam, Rob, Glenn, Trey, Steve, Angie, Al, Toni, Martin, Lynn, Nancy, Eric, Jim, Joe, Martin, Rich, Tom, David, Pierre, Maria, Hisham, Andrea, Brad, Dave, Desiree, Jens (@ScenicRunner), Claudia, John, Jill, Elizabeth, Pat, Marc, Evelyn, Chris, Dino and Michael. THANK YOU! {} Follow me on: Blog: Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:   Support:    

On the Fox News website a few weeks ago, Dr. Jennifer Landa, wrote an article “How Endurance Running Can Damage Your Health”. Dr. Landa is an excellent physician.  She’s the Chief Medical Officer of BodyLogicMD, a franchise of doctors specializing in bioidentical hormone therapy.    In this episode of Phedippidations, I’m going to refute Dr. Landa’s arguments by applying a healthy dose of skepticism to her craftily…and well worded arguments.  But unlike my usual vitriolic attacks pointing out the blatant logical fallacies presented an article…and I must tell you, Dr. Landa has made many weak transgressions here…I’m going to try and be “fair and balanced”.   I say try…I’m not on par with Dr. Landa’s intelligence: but I think I’m pretty good at refutations…so, I’ll give it a shot.   It’s good to warn readers about the dangers of any activity…but you absolutely MUST comment on the validity of the proof.  That wasn’t done here, and that’s both egregious and misleading.   It’s important, to me at least, that I make the declaration that “I don’t know everything”.  I’ll defer to Dr. Landa on all of the subjects of which she is an expert…but if you’re making an argument with poor reasoning, then the burden of proof is with you….and that’s the truth no matter what FOX says.   Links:   Direct link to old episodes of Intervals:   Melodious advice by Neil on Twitter @neilbearse    Both opening and closing themes songs were by Jim Fidler at .   The song - “Skeptic” was by the musician and fellow podcaster George Hrab, off the album “Vitriol”.  You can hear more from George over at     FitBit at .   Intervals between episodes can be found at   In Vino Veritas with at   ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: (But really, PLEASE, only if you can afford it!) Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind and sincerely generous financial support of 68 friends and fellow runners:   William, Vera, Katie, Ryan, Chaise, Gordon, Scott, Mike, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Tim, Bill, David, Doug, Vance, Marcelo, Roberto, Zaki, Margaret, James, Norm, Simon, Janice, Andrew, Pam, Rob, Glenn, Trey, Steve, Angie, Al, Toni, Martin, Lynn, Nancy, Eric, Jim, Joe, Martin, Rich, Tom, David, Pierre, Maria, Hisham, Andrea, Brad, Dave, Desiree, Jens (@ScenicRunner), Claudia, John, Jill, Elizabeth, Pat, Marc, Evelyn, Chris, Dino and Michael.   THANK YOU! {}   Follow me on: Blog: Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:   Support:    

I have this “other podcast”, that I call Intervals…and unlike the portmanteau title of Phedippidations…the title “Intervals” is a bit of a double entendre.  Whereas  Phedippidations usually has a theme to each episode…Intervals is themeless.  I “make it up as I go along”, and it has been a sort of “stream of consciousness” podcast that I put out there…because, why not?   Today we’ll go back to the year of our (Time) Lord 2010.  It was a good year; as years go.  Since then, so much has changed in my life…as it has with yours.     Back then I was still running road races and marathons, back then my weight was below 190 and my injuries were minor.     Now, I’m not telling you this as someone who laments the good old days…or to garner sympathy for the darks times we’ve experienced since…I’m simply putting this out there to remind you that the period of four years both seems like a long time ago, and yet it’s demonstrably not.     So what should we learn from this?  I think it’s best that we live in the present.  Assume that tomorrow will be a better day, but don’t dwell on it…don’t focus on what’s to come because: that’s for later; be here: now.   I am notoriously bad at living for the moment…the very exercise of producing this episode has forced me to relive my past…and that took me away from where I was as I listened to over 40 hours of podcasts, taking notes on bits to include here.  What a colossal waste of time…I only hope that I didn’t waste yours…and maybe, just maybe, my effort here will have forced us both to consider living in the present.   The Buddah said “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”    We can only truly experience the universe and our own lives, right now…in the present.  The past and future are nothing more than concepts…our brains retain the memories of what happened and create thoughts about what will be…but it’s the present that matters.  Right now, where ever you are, listening to my voice…which, interestingly was recorded in your past…this present moment is the thing we should concentrate on.     The problem with dwelling on the past and future is that you can easily get stuck there…and that’s not good because if you’re there and not here, you’re missing out on having a profound experience every day…you’re missing out on what’s happening all around you…you’re missing out on life.   The person who recorded these Intervals is gone forever…in his place, right now…is this new guy…facing not the future or lamenting the past: but trying as best he can…(and not going all that great of a job of it, may I point out) of living his life in the present.   It’s not easy…it seems like it should be, but it’s not.  You want to experience something more profound than the “Ice Bucket Challenge”?  I challenge you to sit quietly, somewhere…anywhere, and concentrate on just being there.   It takes practice, and it’s very, very hard to do…but if you can run a road race: a 5K, 10K or marathon, you already have an indomitable spirit to try anything.    I feel like I should make it clear, again, that I am not very good at living in the present.  I don’t believe in ghosts…but I’ve certainly been haunted by the events of the past four years. It’s time for all of us to move on…to where we are now.     The Buddhist monk “Thich Nhat Hanh” once wrote that:   “Fear keeps us focused on the past or worried about the future.  If we can acknowledge our fear, we can realize that right now we are okay.  Right now, today, we are still alive, and our bodies are working marvelously.  Our eyes can still see the beautiful sky.  Our ears can still hear the voices of our loved ones.”   I wish I had lived more in the moment, through my past…but that doesn’t mean I can’t do so in my future…and maybe the best way for me to do that is to not worry about it.     Just be.   Links:   Direct link to old episodes of Intervals:   Melodious advice by Neil on Twitter @neilbearse    Both opening and closing themes songs were by Jim Fidler at .   The song - “Part of Me” was another track off the new album “A Raven Has My Heart” by Black Lab at .   FitBit at .   Intervals between episodes can be found at   In Vino Veritas with at   ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: (But really, PLEASE, only if you can afford it!) Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind and sincerely generous financial support of 70 friends and fellow runners:   William, Vera, Katie, Ryan, Chaise, Gordon, Scott, Mike, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Tim, Bill, David, Doug, Vance, Marcelo, Roberto, Zaki, Margaret, James, Norm, Simon, Janice, Andrew, Pam, Rob, Glenn, Trey, Steve, John, Angie, Al, Toni, Martin, Lynn, Nancy, Eric, Jim, Joe, Martin, Rich, Tom, David, Pierre, Maria, Hisham, Andrea, Brad, Dave, Desiree, Jens (@ScenicRunner), Claudia, William, John, Jill, Elizabeth, Kevin, Pat, Marc, Evelyn, Chris, and Dino.   THANK YOU! {}   Follow me on: Blog: Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:     Support:

Today, on Phedippidations I’m going to teach you three things, and I mean REALLY teach you…you can’t flunk this course, and if you already know something (or a lot of things) about wine, then consider this a refresher.  Our syllabus is as follows:   In the first chapter I’ll tell you how to taste wine, nothing fancy: just the basics…and I know you probably think this is intuitive, but tasting wine takes practice, as we’ll discuss.   In the second chapter, I’ll tell you three important wine terms that you need to know when talking about wine…and finally   In the third and final chapter, I’ll tell you three rarely used, high level terms and concepts that when used in the right situation, will make those who you are talking to, believe that you are on par with a master sommelier…a wine expert…in other words, just by using these phrases convincingly, you will gain “wine cred”.   The thing about wine is that it’s really, just another thing in the universe to appreciate like music, art and nature.  In a way, this episode isn’t about promoting the consumption of wine: I understand all too well that there are many of you out there who can’t stand the taste of the stuff, and others who can’t or won’t drink it…fair enough: but there’s got to be something out there in this incredible universe you can experience on a deeper level.  I have many passions, running is just one of them…and so is the topic of wine.   But there’s much more to wine, than just wine…it’s a topic that’s complex and vast covering thousands of years of human history and a globalization that has changed the way that millions of people consume and experience it.  You need not be a wine expert to have an opinion about wine…you just need to know a few basic concepts and have a willingness to be open to the experience of wine, from the vineyard to the bottle and the glass. Wine is for geeks, wine is for experts wine is for newbies.   Links:   Wine for Newbies Podcast:   Melodious advice by Neil on Twitter @neilbearse    Both opening and closing themes songs were by Jim Fidler at .   The song - “Out of Promises” was another track off the new album “A Raven Has My Heart” by Black Lab at   FitBit at .   Intervals between episodes can be found at   In Vino Veritas with at   ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: (But really, PLEASE, only if you can afford it!) Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind and sincerely generous financial support of 74 friends and fellow runners:   William, Vera, Katie, Ryan, Chaise, Gordon, Scott, Mike, David, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Tim, Bill, Michael, David, Doug, Vance, Marcelo, Roberto, Zaki, Margaret, James, Norm, Simon, Janice, Andrew, Pam, Rob, Glenn, Trey, Steve, John, Angie, Al, Toni, Martin, Lynn, Nancy, Eric, Jim, Joe, Martin, Rich, Tom, David, Pierre, Maria, Hisham, Andrea, Matt, Brad, Dave, Desiree, Jens (@ScenicRunner), Claudia, William, John, Jill, Elizabeth, Kevin, Pat, Marc, Evelyn, Chris, Dino and Lou.   THANK YOU! {}   Follow me on: Blog: Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:   Support:    

The thing about human beings that strikes me as both wonderful and fascinating: is our capacity for change.  If you asked me ten years ago would I ever “own” a dog, I’d have laughed at the notion.   Today, the reality is that I do not “own” Eva…she owns me…or better put, we own and love each other.   Eva Jones is many things: but most of all, most importantly of all: she is, to me: an example of the good animal I could be.     She is a perfect example of love and joy…and she’ll always be that way for me.  People change…I’ve changed over the years in some ways for the worse, in some ways for the better…but Eva has…for the past four, been an important constant in my life.   This episode concludes with a eulogy for a friend.  The greatest biffer I’ve ever known, and someone who taught me the importance of living your life to the top.   Links:     Melodious advice by Neil on Twitter @neilbearse    Both opening and closing themes songs were by Jim Fidler at .   The song - “A Raven Has my Heart” at   FitBit at .   Intervals between episodes at steverunnerblog.com   In Vino Veritas with at   ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: (But only if you can afford it!) Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind and sincerely generous financial support of 74 friends and fellow runners:   William, Vera, Katie, Ryan, Chaise, Gordon, Scott, Mike, David, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Tim, Bill, Michael, David, Doug, Vance, Marcelo, Roberto, Zaki, Margaret, James, Norm, Simon, Janice, Andrew, Pam, Rob, Glenn, Trey, Steve, John, Angie, Al, Toni, Martin, Lynn, Nancy, Eric, Jim, Joe, Martin, Rich, Tom, David, Pierre, Maria, Hisham, Andrea, Matt, Jen, Lou, Brad, Dave, Desiree, Jens (@ScenicRunner), Claudia, William, John, Jill, Elizabeth, Kevin, Pat, Marc, Evelyn and Chris. THANK YOU! {} Follow me on: Blog: Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:   Support:    

  Five dudes drove to Biff-Country in the summer of 2002.  They saw moose, canoed, swam, and slept in tents.  They ate beans, Dick’s Famous Chicken, pop-corn, jerky, mango, and Reece’s Cups.  They skipped rocks, climbed on rocks, jumped off of rocks into a lake, watched stars, the moon, and the Northern Lights, and read Harry Potter around campfires.  Then they drove home.  It was all in the Biff-Country, and it was awesome.  This is their story.

When you elevate something that is not important and dedicate some passion to it, you are living your life to the top.  I don’t care what it is: running, playing the guitar, tasting wine, watching a TV show about a mad man in a blue police box flying through space and time, cooking, eating, even podcasting.   I am, and have been since I was a small child, a fan of the Boston Red Sox.  The game is one of my passions.     The purpose of this episode; if there was a purpose, was to demonstrate the importance of passion in our lives and to highlight, for those who may not be fans of baseball or of my beloved Boston Red Sox, how it feels to not appreciate or understand another persons passion.  I’m not really into movies or theater, I don’t understand someone’s passion for dance, baking, T'ai chi ch’uan, floral arraignment, crochet or scrap-booking…but I can appreciate the passion someone might have for those things, and I’ll keep an open mind for my own possibly developing passion for those things and more.   Life is short, but it should be long enough…and the universe offers us so much to experience, enjoy and be passionate about.  Find your passion, whatever it is, and you’ll find your joy.   Play Ball!   Links:   Melodious advice by Neil on Twitter @neilbearse    Both opening and closing themes songs were by Jim Fidler at .   The song - “Loud Like Love” was by the band Placebo from London.  Find all of their amazing alternative music and videos over at   FitBit at .   Intervals between episodes, and Burning 40 updates can be found at steverunnerblog.com   In Vino Veritas with at   ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: (But really, PLEASE, only if you can afford it!) Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind and sincerely generous financial support of 71 friends and fellow runners:   William, Vera, Katie, Ryan, Chaise, Gordon, Scott, Mike, David, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Tim, Bill, Michael, David, Doug, Vance, Marcelo, Roberto, Zaki, Margaret, James, Norm, Simon, Janice, Andrew, Pam, Rob, Glenn, Trey, Steve, John, Angie, Al, Toni, Martin, Lynn, Nancy, Eric, Jim, Joe, Martin, Rich, Tom, David, Pierre, Maria, Hisham, Andrea, Matt, Jen, Lou, Brad, Dave, Desiree, Jens (@ScenicRunner), Claudia, William, John, Jill, Elizabeth, Kevin and Pat.   THANK YOU! {}   Follow me on: Blog: Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:     Support:

Today I want to talk about this trend for living like our “Old Stone Age” ancestors. What does recent science say about the benefits of minimalist running and the paleo-diet?  Are these practices something that we, as runners, should adopt?  Can “Paleo Running” and a “Paleo Diet” help us to live better, healthier lives?   Agriculture was a life changing advancement for early hominids.  It allowed us to spend more time together, in ever growing groups, to develop a civilization that would expand to all continents of the planet Earth.  You can try to live a Paleolithic, Mesolithic or Neolithic lifestyle if it suits you; but as Thomas Wolfe wrote “You can’t go home again”.  We are no longer “hunter gatherers” we are worker runners.  By virtue of your listening to this you have embraced a modern technology that our australopithecine ancestors from 2.6 million years ago could never have imagined.  I don’t know if we should eat and run like they did…but maybe you were born out of time and might find some benefits to taking Thoreau’s advice to “simplify, simplify simplify”.   We shouldn’t dismiss Paleo eating and running just because it’s the current fad.  Like any popular trend we should understand its benefits and try out certain aspects of it in our lives…so unlace your shoes sometime and try a short barefoot run, try avoiding the middle aisles of processed freeze-dried sugar coated consumables when you’re shopping for food and see what happens when you give up bread, rice, potatoes and non-green vegetables for a few weeks.  You might channel your inner caveman and improve your health in a stone age way.    Links:   Melodious advice by Neil on Twitter @neilbearse    Both opening and closing themes songs were by Jim Fidler at .   The song - Unfamiliar Sky was off the brand new soon to be released album “A Raven Has My Heart” by Black Lab.  You’ll be hearing a lot about this album in the months to come.  Paul Durham’s music has become kind of the soundtrack of my life. Listen in, love the sounds at http://blacklabworld.com   FitBit at .   Intervals between episodes, and Burning 40 updates can be found at steverunnerblog.com   In Vino Veritas with at   ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: (But really, PLEASE, only if you can afford it!) Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind and sincerely generous financial support of 70 friends and fellow runners:   William, Vera, Katie, Ryan, Chaise, Gordon, Scott, Mike, David, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Tim, Bill, Michael, David, Doug, Vance, Marcelo, Roberto, Zaki, Jan, Margaret, James, Norm, Simon, Janice, Andrew, Pam, Rob, Glenn, Trey, Steve, John, Angie, Al, Toni, Martin, Lynn, Nancy, Eric, Jim, Joe, Martin, Rich, Tom, David, Pierre, Maria, Hisham, Andrea, Matt, Jen, Lou, Brad, Dave, Desiree, Jens (@ScenicRunner), Claudia, Jonathan, John, Jill and Elizabeth.   THANK YOU! {}   Follow me on: Blog: Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:   Support:    

In the course of our discussion today, we’re going to talk about many things: determination, dedication, will power, and wanting it.  What I will not be able to do, is convince you to meet your goal.  It wouldn’t matter if I made the most perfect, passionate, logical argument as to why you should train for and run a road race or marathon, why you should climb the tallest mountain, swim the widest ocean, win the most prestigious award or even drop 40 pounds.   I might make you feel guilty for not trying.  I might make you feel like a lump of poo because you refuse to rise off your COUCH OF DOOM…but you know how that old saying goes: You can lead a horse to water….but you can’t make him swim the backstroke.   What do you want…and do YOU, whatever YOU are, really want it…or is it, as science seems to suggest, merely a calculated process in the computer that is your brain, giving you the illusion that you want it?   If you say you want something….to finish your first 10K or lose 40 pounds, is it really your decision or is it some biologically programmed expression of “will” that is anything but “free”?   These are good and interesting questions, but the bigger question relative to what we want is this: If we are complex biological computers without free will, can we program ourselves to really want something?   Links:   Melodious advice by Neil on Twitter @neilbearse    Both opening and closing themes songs were by Jim Fidler at .   The song - “Arrows of Desire” was by Matthew Good at http://matthewgood.org   FitBit at .   Intervals between episodes, and Burning 40 updates can be found at steverunnerblog.com   In Vino Veritas with at   ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: (But really, PLEASE, only if you can afford it!) Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind and sincerely generous financial support of 73 friends and fellow runners:   William, Vera, Katie, Heather, Ryan, Chaise, Gordon, Scott, Mike, David, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Tim, Bill, Michael, David, Doug, Vance, Marcelo, Roberto, Zaki, Jan, Margaret, James, Norm, Simon, Janice, Andrew, Pam, Rob, Glenn, Trey, Steve, John, Angie, Al, Toni, Martin, Lynn, Nancy, Eric, Jim, Dino, Joe, Martin, Rich, Sarah, Tom, David, Pierre, Maria, Hisham, Andrea, Matt, Jen, Lou, Brad, Dave, Desiree, Joan, Jens (@ScenicRunner), Claudia, Jonathan, John and Jill.   THANK YOU! {}   Follow me on: Blog: Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:     Support:

This is my response to an article published in the November 12th edition of the “Wall Street Journal” titled “OK, You’re a Runner. Get Over It” by Chad Stafko…and while I’ll try to keep it civil, I can’t promise I won’t lean over the line of anger.  What I can promise, both you and Stafko is that I won’t make a single logical fallacy with anything I’ll have to say.  The burden of proof in the matter of Stafko vs. Fellow Runners is most completely with Chad: my place here is to merely point out what a really inexcusably bad argument he has made.  Keeping it civil will be my secondary priority.  Fat, stupid, lazy…these are just some of the words that best describes the embarrassing Chad Stafko.  Today’s episode will not only appease Stafko’s selfish need for attention visa-vi this insulting manifesto…but will demonstrate the complete lack of honesty, logic and rational thought from the pudgy grease stained author. I have a theory, supported by the hypothesis I will present in this podcast: That Chad Stafko is a sad and deluded person. Links: Melodious advice by Neil on Twitter @neilbearse  Both opening and closing themes songs were by Jim Fidler at . The song “Numbers” was by Great Northern find them on Facebook at FitBit Force at . He Who Listens to Music When He Runs: The song “Numbers” was by the band “Great Northern”   Intervals between episodes, and Burning 40 updates can be found at steverunnerblog.com In Vino Veritas with at ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: (But really, PLEASE, only if you can afford it!) Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind and sincerely generous financial support of 75 friends and fellow runners: William, Vera, Katie, Heather, Ryan, Chaise, Gordon, Scott, Mike, David, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Tim, Bill, Michael, David, Doug, Vance, Marcelo, Roberto, Zaki, Jan, Margaret, James, Norm, Simon, Albert, Janice, Andrew, Pam, Rob, Glenn, Trey, Steve, John, Angie, Al, Toni, Martin, Lynn, Nancy, Eric, Jim, Dino, Joe, Martin, Rich, Sarah, Tom, David, Pierre, Maria, Hisham, Andrea, Matt, Jen, Lou, Shari, Brad, Dave, Desiree, Joan, Jens (@ScenicRunner), Claudia, Jonathan, and John. THANK YOU! {} Follow me on: Blog: Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:   Support:

I’m here with my family and friends…at place we consider to be the happiest place on earth. This is Key West. Why this is our happy place is the focus of this episode, and before you get the wrong idea: this show wasn’t sponsored by the Key West Travel Bureau…I understand that many of you have your own personal paradise’s…but this is mine. I’ve only been here once before, about a year ago, in March of 2012, for only three days. Long time listeners to Phedippidations might remember episode 287 titled “Hemingway’s Key and Life to its Top”.  We’ll I’m back again, and this time we’re spending a full week.Key West is 129 miles southwest of Miami, and 94 statute miles north of Cuba.  The city is smaller than New York’s Central Park and it’s official motto is “One Human Family”. Mile marker zero of US route 1 is located at 490 Whitehead Street, here in Key West, Florida. It’s the beginning of the road for this major east coast US Highway which runs 2,369 miles (or 3,813 km) all the way north to Fort Kent, Maine…the take out point for those of us who have canoed the Allagash River Waterway in the Northern Maine Woods. Fort Kent was the end of the road for a family camping trip I once cherished; with my Dad, and Nephew John Glenn…you’re welcome to listen to Fdip198 recorded in the summer of 2009 titled “Walking by Henry David Thoreau”…but for me, that’s all in the past.  The World has Moved on…and there’s nothing there I care to listen to or dwell upon. Here in Key West I’m marking a new beginning.   That so much of my life could changed in the years since I last strapped my canoe to the roof of my Jeep four years ago would have seemed hard to believe back then.  But here we are, a few thousand days and miles ago and away: where I’m standing at mile zero of route 1, ready to make a new start, at the beginning of the road…where my Life 2.0 began. The last time I was here I talked to you about Life 2.0; and while I wasn’t really sure where that would lead me…it’s good to be back in Key West…a place that is, for me not only paradise, but the starting line for a new challenge and change. I’m going to become Steve Runner, again. Links: Go there: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g34345-Key_West_Florida_Keys_Florida-Vacations.html  FitBit Force at . Thank the music guy: The song “Key West Address” was by James Slater at Intervals between episodes can be found at steverunnerblog.com In Vino Veritas with at ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: (But PLEASE, only if you can afford it!) Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind and sincerely generous financial support of 75 friends and fellow runners: William, Vera, Katie, Heather, Ryan, Chaise, Gordon, Scott, Mike, David, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Tim, Bill, Michael, David, Doug, Vance, Marcelo, Roberto, Zaki, Jan, Margaret, James, Norm, Simon, Albert, Janice, Andrew, Pam, Rob, Teresa, Glenn, Trey, Steve, John, Angie, Al, Toni, Martin, Lynn, Nancy, Eric, Claudia, Jim, Kara, Robert, Dino, Joe, Martin, Rich, Sarah, Tom, David, Pierre, Maria, Hisham, Andrea, Matt, Jen, Lou, Shari, Brad, Dave, Desiree, Joan and one Anonymous fellow runner! THANK YOU! {} Follow me on: Blog: Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:   Support:

I see the act of running as a pathway to a special state of consciousness that allows us to "expose and undo our hidden fears and hopes", to "befriend who we are are". Doctor George Sheehan knew alot about this...but you have to really listen carefully to what he's actually saying in order to understand. I'm about to read from you one of the most controversial, in my opinion anyway, chapters of his now classic book "Running and Being - The Total Experience" published by Second Wind II LLC.  It’s a book that you simply must own. The chapter I’ll read is titled "Meditating"...and as you start to listen to it many of your are going to disagree completely with his premise. That's why you have to listen carefully...you have to think about what he's saying and look for yourself in those words.  He begins talking about the importance of solitude and how, on the road, we remove ourselves from the influence of both love and hate. On the surface, that seems somehow selfish and anti-social; and to that Dr. Sheehan will agree, but not in the way you might think. When you run...YOU run.  You take your heart, mind and soul...whatever YOU really are...and you use it.  The meditation comes when distractions are minimized.  Pema Chodron is absolutely correct: meditation allows you to "befriend who we are" and running allows you some time to meditate. It's not easy...that's why those practiced in the art of meditation can sit quietly and comfortably, and not think, just be.  In this chapter, Doctor Sheehan is making the case that this solitary experience of "being" can come to you while you're running.  This is why such meditation is part of the total experience, of "running and being”. Links:   THE BOOK YOU MUST OWN: "Running and Being - The Total Experience" published by Second Wind II LLC The MVP of music: The song   “Runaways” was lead single from the fourth album “Battle Born” by The Killers. Follow the band on twitter @thekillers Intervals between episodes can be found at steverunnerblog.com In Vino Veritas with at ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: (But PLEASE, only if you can afford it!) Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind and sincerely generous financial support of 72 friends and fellow runners: William, Vera, Katie, Heather, Ryan, Chaise, Gordon, Scott, Mike, David, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Tim, Bill, Michael, David, Doug, Vance, Marcelo, Roberto, Zaki, Jan, Margaret, James, Norm, Simon, Albert, Janice, Andrew, Pam, Rob, Teresa, Glenn, Trey, Steve, John, Angie, Al, Toni, Martin, Lynn, Nancy, Eric, Claudia, Jim, Kara, Robert, Dino, Joe, Martin, Rich, Sarah, Tom, David, Pierre, Maria, Hisham, Andrea, Matt, Jen, Lou, Shari, Brad and one Anonymous fellow runner! THANK YOU! {} Follow me on: Blog: Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:   Support:

While faith is, by definition, unwavering; scientific understanding often and sometimes frequently changes, as new observations about our universe are uncovered and demonstrated. Conventional wisdom, those faith sourced ideas that are so greatly accepted that they go unquestioned, is an  oxymoron...that is, a conjoining contradictory term.  In the case of running shoes and pronation we have long accepted the idea that: neutral or cushioned shoes are helpful for those with high arches,  stability shoes are best for those who over-pronote moderately and  motion control shoes are best for runners with low arches and moderate to severe over-pronation.  But the latest science...that is, the most recent clinical, organized observations, show that this is not true. Critics against science will point to the ever changing theories and hypothesis that make the practice untrustfull and suspicious, while those with deep religious convictions will point out how their belief is something does not change in light of new evidence. 54% of American’s believe that human beings have evolved into our present form over millions of years, and that we have descended from other animals and life forms, such as the the Bonobo and Chimpanzee, who we split off from, in the family tree of humanity,  only 7 million years ago.  The conventional knowledge in this area has changed frequently since Darwin’s publication of “On the Origin of Species” in 1859”. 46% of American’s believe in the Abrahamic account of human creation, and consider the  idea of God creating humans 10,000 years ago a “creationist science”.  Lacking significant evidence and despite the increasing proof to the contrary, these people rely on faith, rather than science, to prove their point. So that’s an example of where science and faith “butt heads”, and the discussion will go on and on; just as the discussion about pronation and the perfect running shoe will continue as new studies and investigations uncover new evidence and findings to better inform and educate those of us who seek to unravel the paradox of pronation. Links: http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2013/06/12/bjsports-2013-092202.abstract  And on the 8th day, God rocked: The song “Science” was by David Usher. Intervals between episodes can be found at steverunnerblog.com In Vino Veritas with at ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: (But PLEASE, only if you can afford it!) Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind and sincerely generous financial support of 73 friends and fellow runners: William, Vera, Katie, Heather, Ryan, Chaise, Gordon, Scott, Mike, David, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Tim, Bill, Michael, David, Doug, Vance, Brad, Marcelo, Shawn, Roberto, Zaki, Jan, Margaret, James, Norm, Simon, Albert, Janice, Andrew, Pam, Rob, Teresa, Glenn, Trey, Steve, John, Angie, Al, Toni, Martin, Lynn, Nancy, Eric, Claudia, Jim, Kara, Robert, Dino, Joe, Martin, Rich, Sarah, Tom, David, Pierre, Maria, Hisham, Andrea, Matt, Jen, Lou, Shari and one Anonymous fellow runner! THANK YOU! {} Follow me on: Blog: Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:   Support:

Oxford Massachusetts is typical quaint New England Village, in the Heart of Central Massachusetts that remains, after 300 years, a quaint country town with a long American history.   The Europeans settlers from France and England were not the first to live here; but since it’s founding the town has managed to maintain both it’s charm and terroir; a less known gem in the commonwealth of Massachusetts and a place that I call home. Last month, on July 31st, Massachusetts state representatives Paul Frost and Ryan Fattman announced that Bill H.3465, “an Act validating the date of incorporation of the Town of Oxford” had been passed. “Nothwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the date of July 8, 1713 is hereby ratified and confirmed and declared the legal and valid date of incorporation of the Town of Oxford.” It was signed by Governor Deval Patrick on August 7th. Oxford is a town, as it be needful.