MOVE: May 2012

FOUND IN (SOCIAL MEDIA) SPACE

The "found in (social media) space" article is a new feature in 2012. We ask a member of the geekdom to pay attention to the social-space and stringing together, in some fashion, some of the themes being bantered-about "out there in space" as they relate to the elements. Sometimes these will just be lists of interesting posts, sometimes there'll be some original content.....follow along and find out for yourself.

This month one of our trainers, Phil Cyphers, reports on MOVE. 

Warm weather, rainy days, pollen dusted cars and the sound of lawnmowers at 6am. It must be spring! As the warmer weather approaches and the snow we never saw melts away, many of us grease up the chains on our bikes, buy new running shoes and throw the kayaks on the roofs of our cars to take our workout outdoors. We all know of the many great outdoor exercises; biking, running, Pilates, swimming etc. etc. But once we do all these whats next and how beneficial is being outdoors compared to the nice climate controlled gym indoors??

Outdoor circuit running.  Outdoor circuit running consists of trail running a certain distance, stopping and doing body weight exercises, and then continuing with your run. I know you may be saying "well, why not just run on the treadmill at the gym, stop jump on the squat machine, do a couple reps, then jump back on the treadmill?" Well, you could do that, but OCT is specific to you. Let me explain. While the treadmill is a great start if no other options, when running on a treadmill the machine is doing some of the work for you. By running outside you increase workload from 2% to about 10% due to wind resistance only. This means the harder you run the harder it gets. Trail running also increases proprioception (your recognition of your body in space) by forcing your body to dodge branches, jump over rocks and not trip into a stream. 


After about a mile or so you should stop and do some body weight exercises such as body weight squats. The benefits of body weight squats can outweigh that of the squat machine because they allow your body a more natural movement.  When using a traditional "smith" squat machine, your often forced to be in a specific position, usually seated, and push weights in a single direction which is guided for you. When you do a body weight squat you are engaging everything from your core to your toes to stay balanced and in proper form, and the weight is transferred through your entire body.


Body weight training has also been shown to promote lean muscle growth (not bulk), and adding in outdoor activities in the sun helps many of us gain some much needed Vitamin D. (Studies have shown seasonal depression and low vitamin d counts go hand in hand).  Check out the sample "OTC" workout if you're interested in getting started!

Sample OTC Workout
 1 Mile Run
15 Push ups
15 Squats
15 crunches
1 Mile Run
15 Diamond pushups
15 Lunges 
1 mile Run


Here are some other interesting articles we found on the benefits of outdoor exercise and some of the newest crazes:

-The Benefits of Outdoor Exercise 
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stacy-berman/outdoor-exercise_b_1423925.html

-4 Benefits of Outdoor Exercise
http://jamesgreenblattmd.com/blog/?p=75



-6 Steps to Create an Outdoor Bootcamp
http://www.active.com/women/Articles/6-Steps-to-Create-an-Outdoor-Bootcamp.htm

-American Gladiators......the exploding popularity of obstacle races...
http://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/first-look/American-Gladiators.html?page=all 


Here is what's being tweeted about:

Active.com UK ‏ @Active_UK

Have you heard about the recent growth and popularity of #trail#running events? Check if this is something for you: Click Here

YMCAfit ‏ @ymcafit

Summer is on its way. Get qualified to train groups outdoors with our Outdoor Fitness course running regularly... Click Here

FUEL: May 2012

Ask the Expert:

Addressed to the "nutrition brains" at the Fuel Good Cafe.

Fine Print: We hope this information gives you additional resource with which to make the best decisions as you move along your health journey. This information is for the purpose of general health only, and is not meant to diagnose or treat illness or injury.

Q:  What are some healthier BBQ recipes & tips?

A:  As soon as the weather gets warmer, who doesn’t start dreaming of relaxing on the deck/patio with some delectable smells emanating from the good ol’ backyard grill?  Burgers, dogs, brats, steaks...you name it, it seems even more delicious when it’s got grill lines.

So, how do we take a summertime rite into the the “healthier” realm?  

First, watch that char.  As food is cooked at high temperatures (particularly meat) for any length of time, chemicals called heterocyclic amines (HCA’s) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH’s) are formed. These chemicals have been shown to have a cancer-causing effect in animals and should be avoided.  

1. Cook meats to the lowest “safe” temperature (found here); you can use a microwave or oven to cut down on cooking time if necessary.  
2. Take care to cut off any blackened parts of your food.
3. Cook smaller pieces of meat to shorten cooking time.
4. Use a thin coating of marinade to avoid charring.
5. Use a wine or beer based marinade (these have been shown to cut down on HCA formation)
6. Elevate your food; use a cedar plank or rack instead of cooking directly on coals.
7. Trim any visible fat from meat prior to grilling.

Next, skip the highly processed. Hot dogs and Bratwurst can be loaded with nitrates and nitrites, substances which have been shown to be carcinogenic. However, if you just gotta have a dog, look for those which are made with no added nitrates/nitrites.

Get rid of HFCS. High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is found in nearly all BBQ sauces and marinades (among most other things, too!).  While the jury may still be out with some researchers, studies suggest eating a diet high in fructose can interfere with the brain’s “off” switch when it comes to feeling full.  

HCFS isn’t the sole culprit though - many dressings, marinades and other condiments are chock full of added sweeteners, which contribute to excess calorie consumption and weight gain.  It’s best to use these sparingly and pay attention to the ingredient list!

Last, enjoy the moment. How often are we rushing from place to place or to the next big thing? Did you know we should be chewing the bites of our food a minimum of 25 times? Give your brain time to catch up with your gut - savor the moment and every bite!  

For a listing of great “healthier” grilling recipes, check out these sites:
Epicurious
Fitness Magazine
Eating Well

RECOVER: May 2012

Recover and Reflect

“In the quiet of the heart, no stress can reside…only joy, power and hope”  

Mark Allen, six-time Ironman Triathlon Champion

Unfocused mental chatter can be very distracting.  Have you ever let your thoughts wander on a topic that is causing you stress?  That unruly thought process often allows negative ideas to roam, fester and convince you of defeat. Sometimes, the stressor can be so strong, it begins to take on a life of its own.  The thoughts become rampant.  At that moment, a positive thought may be difficult to find.  Mastering the art of “quiet” is an option that allows you reset your thoughts and break the mental chatter cycle.

“Stop. Quiet.  Appreciate the positives around you.”

These 3 actions, in this order, are a powerful process in the mind –body connection.  First, you have to actively stop the negative thoughts.  It may be easiest to just stop thoughts all together.  This is referred to as “quiet”.  Quiet, as an action, is the conscious effort to close out any incoming image, thought or idea.  Give the first 2 steps a try.  Stop.  Quiet.  You may want to close your eyes, or plug your ears.  Give your mind a moment of true down time.

Moving from a negative thought to quiet will get you from negative to a neutral state. Swing the pendulum even farther by moving to a positive thought.  One sure-fire way?  Appreciate.  The feeling of gratitude has long since been associated with overall wellness.  Survey your surroundings.  Are there people, places or memories in your life that you are thankful for?  Bring those ideas to the front of your mind to stop the negative mental chatter.  Use the positive image to focus on a feeling of relaxation, a smile, or even a deeper sense of hope. 

As we move into this Memorial Day, we are surrounded by feelings of appreciation.  At Pro-Activity, we are passionate about freedom.  We reflect on the leaders and heroes who have helped us know freedom as we do today.  We offer a sincere thanks to all our troops, our veterans and their families who clearly put country before self, a sacrifice for anyone, and we offer our deepest gratitude to those that made the ultimate sacrifice for us.  It is in that quiet moment of gratitude that the stress of this moment, in this great country, is put into perspective.

ENDURE: May 2012

Fit Body, Focused Mind, Effective Warrior, Strong Country!

Interview with Major Rich Vaill, Marine Corps and Desert Storm Veteran

With Memorial Day around the corner, we caught up with former Marine Corps Major, Rich Vaill to get an in depth understanding of just how important health and fitness is to those we rely on most, the United States of America military service personnel.....those honorable men and women defending our freedom, and keeping our country strong! USA, USA, USA!




Pro-Activity: How does physical fitness play into a service member's ability to be effective in their duties?


Major Vaill: The underlying core of you as a serviceman or woman is your physical fitness, it's the center of everything, because at the end of the day if your body can't execute even the most well laid plans to achieve your mission, there is no point in putting the plan together or pursuing it.


Pro-Activity: What is the most key aspect of fitness for military personnel?


Major Vaill: Well, really it's similar to all people, it's not just about raw strength, although that's a part of it, but more your bodies ability to endure for the long haul...no matter what the mission is, be it force on force, or a humanitarian mission, all have a physical component and you need physical endurance to be successful. And I've witnessed first-hand that when you have that physical endurance, it gives you the mental endurance to continue, push forward, and achieve.  


Pro-Activity: What kind of training do military personnel prepare with?


Major Vaill: Regardless of what line of service you are in, whether you to go boot camp, officer candidate school, or whatever, the initial boot camp stages are just the foundation, but it's never ending. You and your unit are expected to maintain your physical fitness throughout, and you are tested annually to ensure your fitness is at it's peak. The Corps tests pull-ups, sit-ups, and a 3 mile run, but regardless of what branch of the military you're in, your physical fitness is always being tested. In fact, in order to get promoted your physical fitness must be top notch. You can be great in everything else, but if your fitness is not up to par, you won't get promoted. The physical side of things is just too critical to the Corps.


Pro-Activity: If the United States military is world-renowned for it's ability to execute the most difficult tasks and missions, and they're putting the physical fitness of their personnel as one of the most important components of success, does it make sense for corporations in the private sector to follow?


Major Vaill: I have heard of some organizations that are starting to put the health and physical fitness of their people as a critical component of business strategy. I believe these companies are on to something big and are unlocking the code to the most productive and effective workforce.


Pro-Activity: How can the lessons about the importance of physical fitness and health, learned while in military service, carry over into civilian life?


Major Vaill: I believe physical fitness and health can be your edge. It's what allows us to go longer, push harder, and achieve more with the same given resources. It's a step up on the competition. It my professional life (in banking and sales) I often draw on my physical fitness to work longer and harder when necessary to achieve a goal and push through the mission. Without it, my body would fail before my mind or desire. I'm a big believer that whatever your mission is, whether if your mission is to get home after a twelve hour day and have the energy to take your kid to little league, or if your mission is that of your company's, without physical fitness, you're already a few steps behind.




We'd like to thank Major Rich Vaill for his contributions to this month's edition of ELEMENTS, and taking the time to complete this interview, but most importantly for his service to our country. In addition to his full-time role as a sales executive, father, and husband, Rich leads "Major's Boot Camp", an authentic fitness boot camp class that meets at 0600 on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings at Pro-Activity's BaseCamp 31 facility. He is very involved in helping veterans find employment when they return home from active duty. Rich lives in Clinton Twp., NJ with his wife and two kids.

CONNECT: May 2012

We Get By with a Little Help From Our Friends

On a foggy, damp Saturday morning at 4:30 AM, I stood in the middle of a field that had been transformed into a festival of sorts with hundreds of others, jittering not so much from the cold, but from nerves.  By my side stood my wife, bundled up and looking intently at me trying to figure out what was going on in my head as I prepared myself mentally for the challenge that lay ahead.  I had already spent months (some could even argue years) preparing my body physically for this moment, but mental and emotional prep goes on right to the starting gun.  

So what were all these crazy people doing in a field at 4:30 AM?  Awaiting the 5:00 AM starting gun for the NorthFace Endurance Challenge at Bear Mountain State Park in NY, a 50 mile mountain trail footrace covering the 50 mile distance while being subjected to over 7,000 feet of elevation gain. Typically participants take anywhere from 7.5 (the winners), to 14 hours for the cutoff.  For me personally, I crossed the finish line arch with a time just under 11 hours, qualifying me for the Western States 100 mile race, the “Boston Marathon” of ultras! And while I may have been the one actually running in the race, but I certainly didn’t do it alone.  


I hope you'll take a minute to enjoy as I share my experience from this event, and highlight just how important it was for me to have a great team in my corner.  Trail running and ultra-marathoning, after all, is a sport of connection...connection with yourself, connection with the earth, and connection with others.

I began training in earnest about 5 months prior to the event, but It really all started when I set forth a plan that would take me from completing a 50-kilometer (31 mile) race all the way up to a 100 mile race 4 years later.  This was now 2 years ago and here I am in the middle of my plan.  I started out training by myself, hitting the trails as often as possible, trying to stay on my feet while running into the occasional bear (true story), teaching myself the way of the trails and picking up what I could from books and the internet.  


Slowly, I began to meet other “crazies” and even found some training partners, including an employee a corporate client who happened to be training for the same event (in the 50k distance), and was willing to meet up on a regular basis for training runs.  I know if I asked these few people, they’d deny doing anything special, but I am certain I would not have had the type of success I did without their constant presence.  From holding me accountable, to sharing their own personal trail running tips, to adding a little joy early on a Sunday morning while traversing 15 miles through the woods, these people helped me to prepare my mind and body for something I myself thought crazy and impossible not too long before.

Many ultra-marathons (50 miles or greater) allow a pacer to run alongside you for the second half of the race, and as the date approached, I found myself getting nervous that I would struggle in the last 10 miles, and reached out to my local endurance club, the PACER Team, pleading for some help.  Chris Bush decidedly risked life and limb to come help me out.  Having very little experience in trail running, Chris was taking a huge injury risk as he himself trains for the NYC IronMan competition, but I assured him that by mile 40 the race would reduce me to the smithering walking fool and all I’d need is company, so he agreed.

Race day arrived with the sound of an alarm at 3:00 AM, and having prepared and packed the night before.....after double, triple, and quadruple checking my bags and plan for 20 minutes, my wife, Alissa, and I were out the door.  We had to arrive at the parking lot by 4:15 to catch the last shuttle over to the starting line, and we made it with time to spare, giving my nerves a chance to catch up to me for the 45 minutes we waited at the starting line.  “All of these guys look so strong,” I thought to myself.  “I don’t stand a chance.”  Self doubt racked my brain as I tried to keep it together on the outside.  I wasn’t even trying to beat anybody, but of course my competitive instincts kicked in, and as a wrestler by background, I couldn't help but size up the competition.  Oh yeah, and the realization hit that I was going to be running...all...day!

5....4....3....2....1.... and we were off.  Really, really, slowly.  Following the thin beams of light scattering from our headlamps, we picked our way over some narrow rocky trails, often getting so jammed up that we had to walk.  I didn’t want to get in the front and start out too fast, as I’d made that mistake in my 50k the previous fall and had to stop for 20 minutes due to dehydration, but I didn’t want to get stuck in the back and waste my energy scrambling around everyone.  I reminded myself it was a long day and resolved to just go with the flow until the first aid station at mile 4.  When I got to the aid station, Alissa was there to meet me, beaming a smile as I approached and asked how I was making out.  “Slow!” was all I had on my mind, but I needed to fuel up.  


Aid stations at ultramarathons are amazing things, they come fully stocked with salty stuff, sweet stuff, and wet stuff...everything you need to keep you moving for the next 46 miles.  They also contain some of the most heroic people dedicating themselves to stand in the woods helping exhausted, sweaty, sometimes ticked off runners, all the while trying to cheer you up and get you moving as quickly as possible.  I can’t say enough about the people who agree to do this on a regular basis and thank them for their sacrifice and commitment, and I made sure to tell them just that as I headed out of the first aid station minus my headlamp...thankfully, the sun was coming up.

The next 5 miles went by in a snap.  Still fueled by adrenaline, the miles came easy and a little faster, but I was still trying to hold back and constantly reminding myself that this would be a long day.  I also began to realize that the week of rain leading up to the event was adding a wrinkle to my running style.  Rather than running around rocks and roots and risk catching the side of one and rolling an ankle, my style often involves running on top of the rocks, shuffling, leaping, and cutting through the woods.  The water, mud, and other runners having already been down the trail ahead of me made for more slippery surfaces than I was used to, and after slipping off one rock, I was incredibly thankful to find my footing before tumbling over.  A few more slips caused my shoes to become immersed in water destroying any hope of keeping my feet dry, so I’d have to change up my race strategy early on.  After a climb on a stretch of the Appalachian Trail and running a trail along a scenic lake as the sun came up, I pulled into the mile 9 aid station still feeling good.  Another smile and kiss from Alissa lifted my spirits even more and I shucked off the arm warmers in preparation for the day’s rising temps before heading out for the next 41.

As I began the toughest leg of the race including most of the steepest mountain climbs, people began to loosen up.  The first part of these races is always very serious and silent with nothing but the panting and pitter patter of the runners, but once the nerves wear off and people start to talk, the miles go by quickly as you learn people’s life stories.  At this point I ran into a fellow that I didn’t particularly want to run with because everything that came out of his mouth seemed to be negative and he seemed to be dreading the rest of the run?!?  Here I was enjoying every minute and relishing the experience and this guy seemed like someone was making him do it.  I did get a very important reminder from him though that many people were going to begin feeling good and start to pick up the pace...he’d done these events before, and those people would surely crash later in the day.  He encouraged me to hold back, and I did.  


The next aid station didn’t allow for spectators or crew, so Alissa wouldn’t be waiting for me, but one of my training partners, Micah, and another prominent trail runner in the area, Todd, were staffing the aid station and I was looking forward to seeing them.  As I pulled into mile 14.5 they asked how I was doing, and although I was feeling great, I tried not to get over confident knowing there was still a long way to go.  The next leg was to be the longest between any of the aid stations, so I made sure I had plenty of fuel and grabbed a peanut butter and jelly sandwich as well as some salty boiled potatoes for the road.  


Running 50 miles still sounded almost incomprehensible to me, even though this is exactly what I was doing...so I developed a strategy that involved running aid station to aid station....taking the race 4, 5, or 6 miles at a time...instead of 50 all at once.  I figured, even if I was feeling bad, just getting to the next aid station seems possible, and once I arrived, there would such a rush of joy that it would be that much easier to head out for the next leg...and this is exactly what I did.  


The trail turned muddy, then muddier, and eventually I found myself trudging through mostly water, straight through the streams and grime.  When the mud ended, the climbing began and once that ended we found ourselves atop Bald Rock, one of the most scenic spots on the course with 360 degree views of what seems like the entire state of NY. I just love it up there!  I had been looking forward to this stretch for a while and although I had been running with a group of runners for a few miles, I threw caution to the wind and just opened up.  Bald Rock is like running on top of boulders the size of high schools...one after the other.  Smooth easy running with a few shrubs and even cacti, it’s almost surreal having come from the swampy, dense underbrush just moments before.  This high carried me down off the mountain and to the next aid station at mile 20 as I passed dozens of people.  Was I going too hard too soon?  I guess I’d find out.

And then, there was Alissa again, smiling and waiting for me having just gone for her own training run while she killed the last 2 hours since she’d seen me at mile 8.  She must be the most patient person in the world, although I know she’d say otherwise.  She puts up with me spending most of the weekends away on long runs and listens to my incessant ramblings about this race, or that gear, and this trail runner, and that running technique.  It must be tiresome, but she does it all with a smile and allows me to keep my energy for such things.  I would never be able to do this without her constant love and support, and I try to tell her that as much as possible.  More water, more salty potatoes, more peanut butter and jelly, more GU, a kiss, and I was off again to see Alissa at mile 28 where Chris and Wandy would be meeting up with her to cheer me on from there.

I don’t even remember the next 7 miles.  Not because I was exhausted or losing my mind, but because I’d become so engrossed in conversation with one of the other runners, Adam.  That’s right, a conversation...while being smack dab in the middle of a 50 mile race.  I have no recollection of those miles, so I’m assuming they were easy and I know we moved along at a good pace, but it’s amazing how establishing a connection like that can take your mind off of the hardship right in front of you.  In our time together, I learned Adam was only days away from chasing his dreams and moving out to California to start his own company.  His plans include the use of walking and trail running as a means for people to connect with themselves spiritually, and show them the joy and benefit you can get out of it.  After the race Adam thanked me profusely for helping him to also break the 11 hour mark, but I can say that he helped me just as much, if not more.

Mile 28 aid station was in a log cabin camp, and after a brutal rocky descent, we were met by some of the loudest cheers all day.  My pace quickened as I ran through the camp to the food table, and didn’t see any of my crew just yet.  I got my staples of food and water, looked around, and thought, “That’s weird, I don’t see them, maybe they’re farther down the camp road?”  So I set off without much delay to discover they weren’t there either...DISASTER!  But wait, I was still feeling good, I had heard miles 30 to 40 were the toughest stretch.....but I was already past mile 28 now and really still felt...well...GREAT!  Maybe it wasn’t so bad, I could still do this!  

I had left without Adam who finally met up with his support crew and found myself running alongside another interesting fellow, Guannan, whose story was just as interesting.  He’s a 2:55 marathoner from China with quick efficient steps who barely looks like he’s trying.  We’d been back and forth over the last 10-15 miles, so we pulled up next to one another and naturally start talking.  Before long we came to an agreement that breaking 11 hours and qualifying for Western States sounded like a good idea and we’d try to do it together.  Seconds later, Adam was back on our tails and the three of us ran like this for probably 2 hours chatting away trading race stories, fueling strategies and who knows what else.  Things were going along well, but once you’ve put in 30 miles your ability and will to continue pounding up hills quickly disintegrates. We continued to run the flats and down hills, but began hiking the steep uphills until we pulled into the next aid station at mile 34.  Still feeling great, I swapped some jokes with the volunteers, grabbed some more salty potatoes and was off again...this time however, I may have pushed Guannan out onto the trails a little too fast.  

The next 6 miles we knew were going to be relatively flat and easy and expected to make up some time.  The three of us were still cruising along feeling good until Guannan broke the news that he was getting “water belly.”  The dreaded water belly is when your digestive system begins to shut down and it no longer absorbs food or water, but instead slushes in the stomach causing nausea, dehydration, and fatigue.  One of the only solutions is to take it easy for awhile and hope that your body catches back up. As unfortunate as it was to leave Guannan, I was still feeling good and sped off, leaving Guannan behind.  As I pulled into the mile 40 aid station, where I expected to see my crew and pick-up Chris as a pacer, I was flying...reaching a 9 minute mile, which, on the trails, is pretty fast especially at that point in the race.  When I came around the corner, Alissa came running at me with a concerned look on her face.  "The roads were too narrow to get to the aid station, and we missed you!" she said, afraid I would have become a wreck.  I shot her a smile, assured her I’d, “never been better,” and headed directly to the crew asking Wandy for some more salty potatoes (you may be seeing a pattern here).  Feeling good, I grabbed Chris and headed out, but quickly realized I had forgotten one thing.....much to the delight of the other spectators and volunteers....Alissa chased me down...gave me a good luck kiss as she had done at each aid station prior...and I was back on my way.  “Let’s get this thing done,” is all I could say!

And here's where things got even more interesting....all of sudden, I couldn’t run!  There was a mile stretch of blacktop through some long parking lots and my right hip was totally locked up.  Here I was on pace to meet my goal and break 11 hours but my hip would not cooperate, so I walked most of the trip across the manmade surface hoping that once I hit the trails again I’d be able to resume.  Thankfully as trails started again, my running picked up...slowly, the hip started to loosen and by the next mile, I was again running at least 50% of the time.  


With this unexpected set-back, I started to seriously think I’d no longer hit my goal and had even conceded that I’d given it my all this time and would be happy to just finish. My body was starting to reject the punishment I had put it through and my confidence was starting to waiver as well. Feeling shaky and nauseous, even with my hip starting to feel ok, running the flats was a even challenge.  So I decided to down a caffeine double shot energy gel and marched on.  Thankfully, by the next downhill, I was flying again, so much so that Chris couldn’t keep up.  A novice to trail running he found descending the most difficult thing where I just let my legs relax and kept my feet spinning beneath me...so I guess I’m a descender, not only did this increase my pace, but gave me a much needed shot of confidence, and by the time Chris caught back up to me, we’d covered almost another mile.

Now, having gotten to be very good friends with Chris over the years, I've learned at least one thing about him...he’s too nice!  As we ran, he proceeded to ask every runner we passed if they needed help!  Now of course I’m only joking, and this is an amazingly noble thing to do, but that’s just who Chris is.  As I pulled into aid station at mile 45 with cow bells blaring and women wearing electric pink and green wigs and tutu’s, I’d again lost Chris.  There were 3 people waiting for a ride back to the start after pulling out including a guy laying on his back wrapped in a blanket with an oxygen mask on and EMS crew around him...yikes!  5 miles, 70 minutes left, this was going to be close.  GU, salty potato, gone!

The next couple miles saw us meander through a section of wood that had recently been burned down in a 500 acre forest fire, followed by the steepest climb in the entire race, and then followed by an ankle busting mile of nothing but sharp softball sized rocks on a slight descent causing me to question if I’d broken my foot after I’d finished.  Once again, Chris stopped to give help to someone in serious need with a chafing problem, and I ran into the next aid station solo again and was out before he could catch up joking with the amused aid station volunteers that my pacer was coming, “tell him I kept going and to catch up.”  I’m not sure if they thought I was serious, joking, or losing my mind.  Less than 3 miles left, but I probably couldn’t make my time unless I seriously hauled...that’s when Chris caught back up.

“How you feeling?” he asked, and after I responded that I was still feeling good, he says, “Good, you can do this, I’m gonna push you, is that ok?”  “Yep,” I responded and we shot off. The next mile was easy running, and I probably hit 7 minute miles on parts of the smooth, soft, gradually winding downhill section, and with only 1 mile to go I was about 10 minutes away.  The last mile had a few respectable little climbs that felt like mountains as I powered up them under the constant “don’t stop,” from Chris, having not run a hill in probably 20 miles.  I ran recklessly, whizzing past people like they were standing still (some actually were), finally breaking out of the trails with nothing but an open field between me and the finish arch.  At this point I was pretty sure I would hit the goal as I spotted a young girl on the side holding her hand out for a slap, so I headed over to return the gesture.  


A few strides later, I heard my name being screamed from a little guy on the side, and before I knew it... out runs Andrew Eisenhart, Mike’s son.  Mike, my colleague and a Pro-Activity founding member, had brought Andrew and his second daughter, Alissa, with him as they made the surprise trip to see me finish.  Andrew, the ever eager endurance enthusiast, had been instructed to run out and give me a high five, but didn’t realize that running directly in front of me probably wasn’t the best option.  Luckily, on incredibly tired legs, my agility did not fail me, and I had one more side step in me, avoiding a head-on with the young lad, and catching his hand with mine on the way by, as I crossed the finish and was immediately swarmed by Chris exclaiming, “You did it!”  Relief overwhelmed me as my head bowed to receive my medal and swiveled in search of my team.

Alissa came running to give me a huge hug and I was happy to have her in my arms with no more miles ahead of me.  What an experience!  I sat and recovered and ate some food as I looked around at all of the other hobbling, smiling fools, thinking to myself, “this feels good.” After some recovery time, I got to meet Dean Karnazes, one of the heroes who lead me to this fateful day.  I caught up with my crew and fans and thanked them profusely for coming out.  I checked my facebook and mail and saw all the amazing things people were writing about me while I was on the trail.  Knowing I had so many people thinking about me and praying for me while I was out there, even if they couldn’t be there, definitely helped carry me over the finish.  I don’t know how I managed to run the fastest two miles of the race at miles 49 and 50, maybe I hadn’t really pushed the rest of the race, or maybe I was fueled by more than just energy gels and salty potatoes, feeding off the love of the people I was with, the people holding their breath from home, and the people I’d met along the way.  

Here I am writing about my 50 mile journey and spending most of my time talking about the people I met and those who helped me along the way.  This was supposed to be a personal journey right?  Well I definitely did connect with myself and there is nothing like the freedom of being out on the trails, but I think what makes it all worth it is the love and appreciation you feel from those around you, and finding the good in humanity from those you don’t know initially, but find just how amazing they are along the way.  


The connection between all of us is vital to our health and wellness, and as we begin the summer with a long weekend coming up for Memorial day, many of us will have opportunities to spend with loved ones over BBQ’s and parties and have a chance to meet new people and become involved in new social circles.  It also offers us a chance to really look around and see what good those who surround you are injecting into our lives.  Have a great summer, and don’t forget to share your journey with those around you!

Nicholas Pfaff
Pro-Activity Injury Prevention Consultant and Personal Trainer