tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7513351569650604332024-03-12T19:35:00.285-04:00Bri RibajB.R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00224691839509403692noreply@blogger.comBlogger1133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751335156965060433.post-71771843232067869162018-03-13T13:47:00.002-04:002018-03-13T13:48:26.523-04:00Call Me By Your Name: A Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2F3VEWF42eSfD5Ej3FN8g75yDegt68PTcq9cR1gKWcKaZUWbRecrzuc0BQkIWdp_E3V4ba6U7ReEpjyqm3BgMMpBYMKVpxpyxBuAEzE29waOmmZz6DI1q9QINOl5KjxhoS-xtRDAni2V/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="104" data-original-width="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2F3VEWF42eSfD5Ej3FN8g75yDegt68PTcq9cR1gKWcKaZUWbRecrzuc0BQkIWdp_E3V4ba6U7ReEpjyqm3BgMMpBYMKVpxpyxBuAEzE29waOmmZz6DI1q9QINOl5KjxhoS-xtRDAni2V/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">I'm a fan of André Asimov's 2007 novel <i>Call Me by Your Name</i> which came out in 2007. Hence, I was quite interested when I found out that the inspiring Italian director, Luca Guadagnino, undertook the difficult assignment of adapting it for the big screen.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">I wrote about his stupendous film <i>I Am Love</i> in here as well. You may <a href="http://www.brikenaribaj.com/2010/07/tilda-swintons-film-i-am-love-review.html"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">see that review here</span></a>. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Quick note: if you drive a lot and like to use that time by catching up on books, might I recommend you get Audible in case you haven't done so already? Get the first book on them, and let it be a reading of <i>Call Me by Your Name</i> by Armie Hammer. Hammer plays the character of Oliver in the film.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">If anyone can do justice to a layerd literary text, it would be Guadagnino. Much like a veritable renaissance man, he has the ability to understand so much and, more importantly, manage to break complexity down in a seemingly facile and natural way. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">And Oh My!!! Is this a beautiful film!</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">From the opening credits to the final credits as the main character, Elio starts to process his heartbreak to the sound of Sufjan Stephens' song "Visions of Gideon," this film is a tour de force.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">You know how sometimes you're in the presence of the kind of art that moves you so much you find yourself incapable of processing anything else? Even the weight of a little leaf would be enough to overwhelm you. Well, that's precisely what watching this film will be like. At times, we need to allow ourselves to be exposed to such things. They will force introspection upon us especially when we may have gone at a faster pace through life and haven't quite taken advantage of the little but precious moments that punctuate our very humanity. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">This is not just a film about a love story. It's bigger and so much more nuanced than that. This is a story about art, love of art, and how the arts can serve as a vehicle for understanding of self. From the visitations of Dante's <i>Inferno</i>, Canto V, to Paul Celan's haunting "zwischen immer und nie", Heraclitus, the sculptures of old Greece, the music of Bach, Stendhal's <i>Armance</i> etc., this film is a love story to the ingenuity of the human mind, soul, and heart. It has something for everyone and one is bound to react to it. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Few directors know how to translate sensuality in a manner than feels genuine, natural, and full or resonance. Guadagnino is one such a director. Granted, Guadagnino would not have been able to translate the book as expertly as he did, had he not cast the right performers.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">Timothée Chalamet's rendering of Elio is something we see in a screen once in a generation. Having seen thousands of films, having studied film, especially the likes of Fellini and Bertolucci, this particular picture is, truly, inimitable. And much of this has to do with the at-times-unbearably beautiful performance of Chalamet. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 16px;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">I could say much about this film. Instead, I'll strongly urge you to watch it and let the beauty of art, music, love, the scenery, and the sensual words lavish you with the kind of attention that few things in life will manage to do justice to. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;">It is that good!</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 16px;">
<br />
<span style="font-kerning: none;"></span></div>
B.R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00224691839509403692noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751335156965060433.post-5795920982875361132018-01-10T16:35:00.000-05:002018-01-10T16:35:00.959-05:00The Art of Re-Reading: Enter Faust<br />
Reading is one of the great pleasures of life. A book opens up a new window of understanding and that’s what makes reading such a compelling experience and one of the truest pleasures of the human experience.<br />
Something else that ought to get more attention and a stronger proverbial “tipping of the cap” is re-reading.<br />
At the moment, I’m re-reading Goethe’s <i>Faust</i> along with one of my favourite playwrights of all time, Botho Strauss. Strauss' <i>Die Fremdenfuehrerin</i> is a the one and only play I've read more than 3 times. Most quality reading is layered and doesn't fall under the one and done category. For instance, Goethe's Faust, or anything by Goethe for that matter, always awakens new and better perspectives on life.<br />
One Faust quote for you today:<br />
“A man sees in the world what he carries in his heart.”<br />
Part I.<br />
<br />
Happy re-reading!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbW2n12JTnJCllBOyWXhyEJUwxzhNox9ynjOuj-Lzffz2KcrruEIg18iqC-Su9NA_cmXOfiFtecQxqCFxts6jZrSMTxxoHNJ2ILaOyquKhuS5i9BNoilKtRUZAIuSUxGYJ8cz9o7hw5GYu/s1600/IMG_8034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="1600" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbW2n12JTnJCllBOyWXhyEJUwxzhNox9ynjOuj-Lzffz2KcrruEIg18iqC-Su9NA_cmXOfiFtecQxqCFxts6jZrSMTxxoHNJ2ILaOyquKhuS5i9BNoilKtRUZAIuSUxGYJ8cz9o7hw5GYu/s320/IMG_8034.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />B.R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00224691839509403692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751335156965060433.post-66291524662578869772018-01-04T00:21:00.002-05:002018-01-04T00:21:16.491-05:00Why Learning a New Language is ExhilaritingThose who know me IRL tend to associate my name with one thing first: languages, a bunch of them. Frankly, I always tend to take this ability and I'm told that maybe I shouldn't? Maybe.<br />
I've been fortunate to have been given opportunties to study up to 14 languages at this point.<br />
<br />
However, as a trained linguist, I immediately offer people an odd disclaimer that says something akin to: do not get too impressed by the fact that I'm now in the double digits, I mean, it's what you do if you study linguistics. Well, not quite. But that's another topic.<br />
<br />
If you study, and fully study a language, the next natural step is to acquire all the other languages in the same family. After years of Latin, mastering the Latin-based languages wasn't necessarily a real uphill climb. The same applies to the Germanic family. But, I did it and this is how the languages kept adding to the tally.<br />
<br />
Anyway, currently I'm revisiting Hebrew, a language I used to speak fluently over a decade ago but one that I have not had a chance to use much. Thus, getting to revisit it has been a real treat. And I am here to vouch that, yes, if you knew it once, you'll always know it!<br />
<br />
But, what's truly exciting about the current linguistic pursuits is that I'm learning <b><u>two</u></b> new languages: Mandarin and Hungarian. I'd never want to visit a country without speaking its language first.<br />
<br />
So, next time I'm in China and Hungary I intend to interact with the locals in their own language. If nothing else, it's the kinder and better thing to do. Namaste! Ok, its neither Mandarin nor Hungarian but I'm also deep into Moksha yoga so, you know, there's some overlapping. We all only have 24 hours after all and, at times, a bit of overlapping is ok. In the meantime, let's all keep exploring and try harder to get better. <br />
<br />B.R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00224691839509403692noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751335156965060433.post-80444335901404638782018-01-02T13:48:00.000-05:002018-01-02T13:48:18.091-05:00Why Movement Matters<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBTJClvuDKWJbedbZk3lCdta4baZCACLsvZFjOtYP8HTVDI8o0sxrZps0C-UcfTa6NEWwPs_rrarb2sGWLBUogGQAjSul56gzvixetp2CqL_pX5_9NxRYb74pzVg4Qw48l8Ypl6c3B-Mi/s1600/IMG_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBTJClvuDKWJbedbZk3lCdta4baZCACLsvZFjOtYP8HTVDI8o0sxrZps0C-UcfTa6NEWwPs_rrarb2sGWLBUogGQAjSul56gzvixetp2CqL_pX5_9NxRYb74pzVg4Qw48l8Ypl6c3B-Mi/s320/IMG_0008.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0LDtd2FHEwgUvji9tzyiPfa5Ba6SQXRhqEbCx6NXBLDi31Lc3hyphenhyphenJB9WEtZCQFnudplmJu4xCXCUlzzijmClthtpTfymu4Ag4eFIwTDF9qzvLnV7UfGd9iCHJ24jmRunxpu5xScKVUg_V/s1600/IMG_7526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0LDtd2FHEwgUvji9tzyiPfa5Ba6SQXRhqEbCx6NXBLDi31Lc3hyphenhyphenJB9WEtZCQFnudplmJu4xCXCUlzzijmClthtpTfymu4Ag4eFIwTDF9qzvLnV7UfGd9iCHJ24jmRunxpu5xScKVUg_V/s320/IMG_7526.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0hwImzN-pBaWP2MNM7Ny6yqSrKuLDOnZ6rDcf8EMc7k6sEvh3I3kvEDwUIkD0KG-XaLUXMmSOpw4fppuJSECtzFPFi3KU3vQ_ePoc3610dv0i75xSmBDqDDNyUzIJS30CbcfqyjnLFDW/s1600/sportspic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc0hwImzN-pBaWP2MNM7Ny6yqSrKuLDOnZ6rDcf8EMc7k6sEvh3I3kvEDwUIkD0KG-XaLUXMmSOpw4fppuJSECtzFPFi3KU3vQ_ePoc3610dv0i75xSmBDqDDNyUzIJS30CbcfqyjnLFDW/s320/sportspic.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The ideas that get revisited the most in one’s life over a long stretch of time are those that help define one’s existence.<br />
<div>
The notion of ‘I move therefore I am” has long been a constant in my life. The basic decision to move is an immediate mood lifter. This is one of the reasons why I love exercise and exploring new sports.</div>
<div>
For a while now I’ve been pursuing ocean sports and winter sports - one needs to have all the seasons covered - and yet, the one activity that I always find the easiest to go back to is running.</div>
<div>
<br />
I have now trained for and completed a number of races and the feeling of running with thousands of other people at the same time and on the same route is truly empowering and utterly liberating.</div>
<div>
Similarly, running by myself is one of the things I most look forward to as it gives me a chance to disconnect from a busy, fast-paced, and highly verbal life.<br />
The basic act of putting my shoes on, getting the podcasts ready for the long run, does the heart good: both concretely and metaphorically.<br />
One recommendation I easily make to everyone who asks about energy levels or overall positivity is: move, put some running shoes on and move.</div>
</div>
B.R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00224691839509403692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751335156965060433.post-11284024446140243142017-10-26T23:08:00.001-04:002017-10-26T23:08:51.944-04:00Yoga, Yoga, Yoga<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDdlrzYHh4TXB7x6Fk62MVviE93KVsep12kExNjLOGZfLgYTx4xlJRdH6nTrhJbi2MRj91DRDLZf0l2aesW1oZgUVBa-GOYEEG-cql5HT7zmd_y4ha4wtX2aMaQXm54nrEc_uF1sD6e1y/s1600/YogaonBeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1193" data-original-width="1143" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheDdlrzYHh4TXB7x6Fk62MVviE93KVsep12kExNjLOGZfLgYTx4xlJRdH6nTrhJbi2MRj91DRDLZf0l2aesW1oZgUVBa-GOYEEG-cql5HT7zmd_y4ha4wtX2aMaQXm54nrEc_uF1sD6e1y/s320/YogaonBeach.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I first discovered moksha yoga and the sequence of flows while on a long summer vacation back in 2009. After going to 10+ classes, I was hooked. I had trouble with the heat the first time around and <a href="http://www.brikenaribaj.com/2009/07/yoga-and-mokshi-and-h2o.html">I blogged back then that I almost fainted in class</a>. Luckily, I didn't. I simply was unaware of how much more hydrated I had to be before, during and after the class.<br />
<br />
I'm now on the third year of daily yoga practice and I have never felt stronger. I feel like I get a better workout than even doing my other favorite activities: running and windsurfing.<br />
<br />
Yoga is a commitment, however. If your schedule says you're going to a 9p class even though you've had a very busy day and you don't feel like it, you need to simply go. Discipline is an indispensable component of daily life and the more I live, the truer this notion becomes. In a matter of minutes I feel as good as I could possibly feel and I'm always amazed at how quickly yoga boosts the mood.<br />
<br />
I also believe in tracking my yoga practice as well much like I track my running (favorite app for that is MapMyRun). For instance, when my yoga studio does challenges, I make sure to end up at the top of the leaderboard. Right, because yoga is meant to appeal to your competitive instincts. Well, I didn't say I was aiming for perfection. For now, I'll settle for more flexibility and stronger muscles.<br />
<br />
The average number of yoga classes I go to per year is 230 and I can unequivocally say I'm a much stronger thinker, worker, and all around individual thanks to the time I spent on the mat.<br />
<br />
So, this Fall season as we're embarking on another cold winter season, try to balance it all out with some yoga. This is just a quick ode to the sequence of moksha which I can now clearly attest is, by far, the most effective workout I've done as an adult. Namaste!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
B.R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00224691839509403692noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751335156965060433.post-66303724307900627652017-08-01T19:57:00.002-04:002017-08-01T19:57:57.309-04:00Practice & RepetitionPractice and repetition are two things that pop up in my head every time I'm out in the ocean surfing.<br />
I am deeply in love with windsurfing. Still. Actually, more than I was when I first picked it up.<br />
<br />
As my favorite surfing instructor once told me: "you'll know in your gut when you get it." He was right. 100%. The moment you feel like you've struck a good, functioning relationship with the wind, the sail, and the board, you feel invincible.<br />
<br />
But the only way to manage a sport like this is by giving in to practice and repetition. Much like everything else in life, practice makes perfect. In this kind of activity though, there's little to no tedium to constant repetition.<br />
<br />
Pick something difficult, get to the point where it makes sense in you gut, and sail on! The music I set this clip to is to Xavier Rudd's Spirit Bird. My yoga teacher made me aware of him. Much of my media listening centers around podcasts now and I've put one of my other loves, music, in the back seat for a while. Time to bring it back to the front seat where it needs to be. Give Rudd's music a listen. Worth it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyEt0M-WG4G7hDdEv63uhLa3LvDVmx92P8352zf-S_LS5QkgkADIQYA-yFhR7CuYuQ2dSG4-vt82NxbSZ_qEQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />B.R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00224691839509403692noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751335156965060433.post-5978944716156003362016-06-08T00:49:00.001-04:002016-06-08T00:49:26.954-04:00Things I'm Liking a Lot This Week - Hamilton, The Americans, and Taste by Tom Vanderbilt1. As a big fan of Hamilton and Lin-Manual Miranda's work, I love James Cordon's most recent Carpool Karaoke featuring Lin-Manual Miranda.<br />If you're lucky to have been in Broadway and actually seen the impossible-to-get-to Hamilton, this will be a good treat. He's such a talent and Hamilton is incredibly gripping. This is coming from someone who's staunchly in support of opera and not necessarily a vociferous fan of musicals. Hamilton is in a niche of its own, though. So very good!<br />https://youtu.be/YshgmStEZh0<br />
<br />
<br />2. Ok, how amazing is FX's The Americans!<br />I have been a fan since the very first season and I couldn't be happier that this astutely written show is getting so much traction and they've been reviewed for Seasons 5 and 6. If you have not seen it, make it a point to do so. Brilliant writing and acting! Keri Russell has never been better.<br />https://youtu.be/g2mudgiqXcE<br />
<br />
By the way, if you're interested in geeking out over this great series, check out The Slate's podcast as well. It's riveting!<br /><u><br /></u><br />
<u><br /></u>
3. Books:<br />
<br />Tom Vanderbilt's <span class="a-size-large" id="productTitle" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3 !important; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><i>Taste in an Age of Endless Choice</i>. The book explores why we like what we like and what informs our taste. A great summer read and if you're looking for a great birthday present, this is definitely a good choice. </span><span class="a-size-large" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3 !important; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">http://www.amazon.com/You-May-Also-Like-Endless/dp/0307958248?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00</span><br />
<br />
<br />B.R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00224691839509403692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751335156965060433.post-10855038561953573722016-05-27T01:30:00.000-04:002016-05-27T01:30:05.178-04:00A Good Road Trip Always Makes Life BetterI don't mind driving long distances. I actually like the experience of a long drive.<br />
It allows me to think in peace, even with passengers in the car. There's something about the motion, I suppose. All of my best ideas have come to me while moving. And my whole life I've been a believer in the <i>agito ergo sum</i> adage i.e.: <i>I move therefore I am</i>.<br />
<br />
The most recent trip however really opened my eyes to something. And that something is the ability to <u>let things come to us</u>. This way of thinking is foreign to someone who is wired for action and is generally a Type A. But I suppose, you live and you learn.<br />
<br />
I got to spend time with someone that used to mean a lot to me a decade ago. The fast pace of life had sort of put a distance between us, both concretely and metaphorically. And when we decided to meet up for dinner, we were both sort of blown away by how naturally we came back to where we last left off. We even managed to reconstruct the last conversation we had in person, almost verbatim it felt like.<br />
<br />
Time, I suppose, is indeed a human construct.<br />
<br />
So, what I'm saying is, if you have people in your life that have truly left a mark on you, really get you, and from whom you learn a lot, make it a point to let yourself be impacted and guided by them.<br />
<br />
Quality influences are not in high quantity in life. And when we're fortunate to get them in the first place, we need to make it a point to allow ourselves to let them come back to us.<br />
<br />
I'm demonstrably better as a result of making time to connect with my special friend. We're both better as a result, I'm told. And life is too short to be deprived of the needed influence of quality people.<br />
<br />
So, here's to fun, long road trips, the opportunity to think and reflect for a while, and the delectable dinner shared between special friends who share a great history. After all, and when dealing with true friendship, time never dilutes it. If anything, it makes it better!<br />
<br />
So, cheers!B.R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00224691839509403692noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751335156965060433.post-51714776174303429082016-05-26T01:19:00.003-04:002016-05-26T01:19:53.932-04:00Why Exercise Matters and the Key to Fitness - Add Yoga to your Day!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePcYp9T2-kd5SWnWRrT_f_7_enWkNhbkmDW2y5qHzASzPiAr5YAh1W8WfIGkJY9_sJ4DBLfbTiBre1ehlCyMculWM3c4MJMWkahoaMIz6yO-FaFbH3UXbWOfSTuk2jlfjIjHwU_e02Qy2/s1600/IMG_1360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjePcYp9T2-kd5SWnWRrT_f_7_enWkNhbkmDW2y5qHzASzPiAr5YAh1W8WfIGkJY9_sJ4DBLfbTiBre1ehlCyMculWM3c4MJMWkahoaMIz6yO-FaFbH3UXbWOfSTuk2jlfjIjHwU_e02Qy2/s320/IMG_1360.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I am a big fan of Mapmyrun. Huge!<br />
<br />
It tracks all of my physical activity and it reminds me daily how my best running buddy is doing and how I compare to him.<br />
<br />
Yes, I am competitive. Hugely! We both are. One needs to own how one is wired so that one can best understand how the body works and which work-out is best suited for one. Self-knowledge matters. Even when it comes to working out.<br />
<br />
My buddy has made me better. He says I do the same for him. And I'm glad. There needs to be reciprocity in exercise too, after all.<br />
<br />
I have had a really busy and eventful few months. And, holy cow!, have I loved it!<br />
<br />
I've dedicated a lot of time, energy and resources to finding the right physical balance.<br />
<br />
The thing is, what I've found in life so far, is that health, for the most part, is a direct byproduct of how much work you're willing to put into your body.<br />
<br />
The thing is, this is not something you can buy over the counter or hire someone to do it for you. <u>You just have to do it.</u><br />
<br />
As of today and in 2016 alone, I've already run 799km. I'm 6 months ahead of my projection to hit 1000k in 2016.<br />
<br />
And currently, I'm in the top 2% of all runners that are tracking their activity on Mapmyrun. More specifically, I'm #5246 out of 260,894 competitors worldwide in the <a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/challenges/youvstheyear/"><i>You vs The Year Challenge</i> that Under Armor is sponsoring for Mapmyrun</a>.<br />
<br />
By June 16th, I will have hit 1000km for 2016!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_1eeEJ5QjYq9w69W9qsfb1V3CGSPqctA98FNDvj7UmQi12LBXoigGv-erKdPmAzh-8q5Qh7EP5EjtGh_ivymtPxvHl3CLIceUAHYoPMMbNfUVY9poEKLPXzdBlX_TKx6ygQLJbY4dPWX/s1600/mapmyrun.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_1eeEJ5QjYq9w69W9qsfb1V3CGSPqctA98FNDvj7UmQi12LBXoigGv-erKdPmAzh-8q5Qh7EP5EjtGh_ivymtPxvHl3CLIceUAHYoPMMbNfUVY9poEKLPXzdBlX_TKx6ygQLJbY4dPWX/s320/mapmyrun.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Mapmyrun is meticulously tracking and storing my workout data and I am confident my running game is "on fleek" after a few years of practice, marathons and triathlons under my belt.<br />
<br />
Many of my family members and close friends wonder why I try so hard to track everything I do and try new physical pursuits. The answer I give to all of them is unequivocally the same every day: "it's the only way I know how to improve. I compete against myself. And I can't imagine life without competition in it."<br />
<br />
And I do believe that working towards personal improvement is our individual moral imperative as people. Competition is at the heart of progress, after all.<br />
<br />
I never believed in participation trophies.<br />
I always believed in hard work, sacrifice, and the need to self-ameliorate daily.<br />
And that's what fuels the motor.<br />
That's what makes me work hard to move the needle every day.<br />
And that is why I make it a point to learn from and compete with like-minded folks.<br />
<br />
So, with close to 5 months under my belt, I believe I have found a combination of physical activity that gives me optimal health. It's taken a lot of work and a lot of resources as well as research. But I was committed to the pursuit.<br />
<br />
Other than running every day - and I cannot imagine not running every day, or at least 6 days a week - I took up a daily practice of yoga as well. Turns out, that's exactly the secret ingredient my workout needed!<br />
<br />
Daily activity generally consists of the following:<br />
<br />
Option 1:<br />
<br />
Power Yoga - Hot yoga (60 or 75 minute class)<br />
10k on cement. 2km of the 10km are progressively uphill.<br />
800m swimming. Laps. 600m Freestyle. 200m breast stroke<br />
<br />
Option 2:<br />
<br />
Power Yoga<br />
10km on cement and gravel.<br />
15km biking.<br />
<br />
The following days alternate between Day 1 and Day 2.<br />
<br />
Now, is this time-consuming?<br />
YOU BET!<br />
It takes 4 hours of my time. Now, I recommend that one wake up early and take yoga at 6am so that the day can be freed up for work and family time. The rest of the activities can happen as time and schedules allow.<br />
<br />
As I am about to turn a year older, I am happy to report that I have never felt healthier. Or better.<br />
<br />
If I could bottle how it feels after I'm done with my workouts, I'd have the secret to happiness!<br />
<br />
Man, does it ever feel great!<br />
<br />
Exercise helps curb stress, gain physical strength, and added overall clarity. So, why isn't everyone doing it?<br />
<br />
Well, in addition to it being labor-intensive, it requires a lot of additional planning and added time management. And this is why I decided to make physical activity as important as anything else in life. Once I did that, everything else fell into place.<br />
<br />
And, as I write this today, I can vouch that if you keep investing in your health and commit to your physical exercise the way you commit to your work, family and loved ones, you will live a qualitative and happy life.<br />
<br />
Time to sign off and get the right amount of rest. Rest, after all, has to go hand in hand with physical effort.B.R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00224691839509403692noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751335156965060433.post-53813880236386704132015-10-11T13:19:00.002-04:002015-10-11T13:21:22.665-04:00Surfing Season is Over but Snowboarding Is Just around the Corner...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2GQaW-8wZyJZ0iR8FmuT7Ddkc7Tu2TE-x-m8j5rh9UAOW_ySBSWNWU5simeh5UDdFpWxr9WDNNx4A5TiRmMtaWI-csT1nZ13pCznzV1Gc5gIUUzixJi-riTn_GbkSf1hyphenhyphenJucdDepHj9o/s1600/boards.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2GQaW-8wZyJZ0iR8FmuT7Ddkc7Tu2TE-x-m8j5rh9UAOW_ySBSWNWU5simeh5UDdFpWxr9WDNNx4A5TiRmMtaWI-csT1nZ13pCznzV1Gc5gIUUzixJi-riTn_GbkSf1hyphenhyphenJucdDepHj9o/s320/boards.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The Fall is here.<br />
The air is crisp.<br />
The trees outside the house have changed color already.<br />
And, surfing season is over.<br />
That saddens me as the weekends were the most special time of the week for me. A time to take the board out, get in the zone, focus my mind on the water and the wind and surf, and surf, and surf...<br />
What a great feeling that is!<br />
<br />
But, there are always more things to do between now and April. There's always paddleboarding which in Vancouver I get to do basically the whole year, and obviously the biggest win of the season is snowboarding!<br />
<br />
Have board, will travel! <br />
<br />
Here are some photos from the end of the season. What a great year!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrjrltCtPtM2lUAakrAAJ2m3QF1j4TSULWVJrtAGb6qyYbIJ00uGCkbCX5rbhZFeXO6AixVUzrGJj61Kxl-z6ag03dV10WgKvyDV7HAgtxKmgYR4zGMOivtOBEG0yT-fTpOuCZd7FyyWK/s1600/endseason2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrjrltCtPtM2lUAakrAAJ2m3QF1j4TSULWVJrtAGb6qyYbIJ00uGCkbCX5rbhZFeXO6AixVUzrGJj61Kxl-z6ag03dV10WgKvyDV7HAgtxKmgYR4zGMOivtOBEG0yT-fTpOuCZd7FyyWK/s320/endseason2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTXLG-E5xHcRFYoQSalM0mya9YmUELMSsuy5nUGh8HLHWWWVdAEgyJOJ5vvmAbgkBVJkgYCOY9pxcs-ZPGLYQLVB063UjiTIO69pA8Aq1cFlDINekrLnjLd71IT2_Mpbv-yIsavlGSjUj/s1600/surfing1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTXLG-E5xHcRFYoQSalM0mya9YmUELMSsuy5nUGh8HLHWWWVdAEgyJOJ5vvmAbgkBVJkgYCOY9pxcs-ZPGLYQLVB063UjiTIO69pA8Aq1cFlDINekrLnjLd71IT2_Mpbv-yIsavlGSjUj/s320/surfing1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjEcjFTiguGdc5QOhn4IEf1QWLy7qxkQ1N0lgVlxTvDj7nz2QHie7Q8Y7PzixP0n7HgVLxXA03GF2mf4Klb9enXF2HvZFW78cSmjdNyQ6S79ev8cGMf1epAGaGbvyVIwV32HoWvF-kY44/s1600/surfingMondayHolidaywkd.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjEcjFTiguGdc5QOhn4IEf1QWLy7qxkQ1N0lgVlxTvDj7nz2QHie7Q8Y7PzixP0n7HgVLxXA03GF2mf4Klb9enXF2HvZFW78cSmjdNyQ6S79ev8cGMf1epAGaGbvyVIwV32HoWvF-kY44/s320/surfingMondayHolidaywkd.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXYdLQpK2eHMvy_cETKDvXsDtpQVODJa0SjT5_kz_OtHblMkiplmTnQel_9BhKgqO165ZYilnZpx1niGKqTPzgYJFqGgUX6LMgviPkrauehDR_ISb8zxCjBerokz7BcMEJSwfJsWtlpDq/s1600/EndSeason.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghXYdLQpK2eHMvy_cETKDvXsDtpQVODJa0SjT5_kz_OtHblMkiplmTnQel_9BhKgqO165ZYilnZpx1niGKqTPzgYJFqGgUX6LMgviPkrauehDR_ISb8zxCjBerokz7BcMEJSwfJsWtlpDq/s320/EndSeason.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />B.R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00224691839509403692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751335156965060433.post-78354111673370081892015-10-11T12:57:00.004-04:002015-10-11T12:57:47.802-04:00And the Winner Is....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAd9_2INJnA281q_f9YkeSTx0GwNhqKH3j8_2pp6fDqNmag4Q-WZRmEhq4FjzlagsWqd2unY81AN6jS0nY31suoHFbDgw9RCWBaRi07mW2WHog4tflkreDsQ_Ubrpzux0GAS55u48DTSCC/s1600/smartwatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAd9_2INJnA281q_f9YkeSTx0GwNhqKH3j8_2pp6fDqNmag4Q-WZRmEhq4FjzlagsWqd2unY81AN6jS0nY31suoHFbDgw9RCWBaRi07mW2WHog4tflkreDsQ_Ubrpzux0GAS55u48DTSCC/s320/smartwatch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I started with the Jawbone first.<br />
Subsequently, I moved on to the FitBit and enjoyed some great fun and competition with my friends and colleagues.<br />
The FitBit was there when I ran my first marathon, the whole of 42.2KM in May. It was there as I trained doggedly every day for months. And, as a result, the FitBit will always hold value for me.<br />
Plus, I'm such a fan of their customer service. Whether I broke one while wind surfing, or even lost one in the deep belly of the Pacific, it didn't matter. They sent me brand-new units. Their customer experience is outstanding!<br />
<br />
But, as with everything, we tend to move on to other things. This is the side effect of a world that's bursting at the seams with options.<br />
<br />
And while I have moved on from the FitBit, I made sure to have family members and friends set up with it. My parents track their activity daily and they always hit their targets. And in the process, they get more conscious of their health and activity. The FitBit is helping them with it. I think it's a great solution for people that don't need to have constant access to a lot of other information while working out.<br />
<br />
I switched to the Moto 360 as it can do more than the two devices. The watch gave me access to my emails, texts, BBM, GPS... well, basically every app I had on the Android-powered device. And while I love the watch, it's not really a great match for my other technology. And I have a thing for consistency. Hard as I try, I can't get myself out of the habit of consistency and structure. Having it in life gives me comfort and makes me really efficient.<br />
<br />
So, I had to start using the Apple watch. I've been an Apple user my whole life and, as any Apple user would know, it's more than just content, it's pretty much a way of life.<br />
<br />
So, the winner is the Apple watch. It basically wins solely out of ease of use: it connects with everything and it goes with all of my other technology.<br />
<br />
And now that the surfing season is over - sadness galore - I am switching back to 10k runs 5 days a week for an average of 50k a week. The next marathon is just around the corner and I need to best my May 2015 marathon time.<br />
<br />
And the Apple watch will be my date this time around.<br />
<br />
If you're in the market for a health-monitoring device, any of the above-listed options are great. My advice: pick something you will use <u>over time</u>.<br />
<br />
Happy Running!B.R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00224691839509403692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751335156965060433.post-18268375366430330702015-05-11T00:54:00.002-04:002015-05-11T00:54:55.025-04:00Having the Right Gear Matters: Carve Design and Level Six Definitely Pass Muster<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCnO-lu_mcrDb-RO5XeJMZq-ZPhYBU1i5pHI5bhCSf-rtTEinwx8aYt_PouKMdUhqyS0idPD7WaqxEy_bJmv4PfwX2oSjoa1s6szUGgl7B7zFcksVdJ21Lj3qJoP4VmaoQLXU6cJFQveeT/s1600/BriGettingBackonBoard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCnO-lu_mcrDb-RO5XeJMZq-ZPhYBU1i5pHI5bhCSf-rtTEinwx8aYt_PouKMdUhqyS0idPD7WaqxEy_bJmv4PfwX2oSjoa1s6szUGgl7B7zFcksVdJ21Lj3qJoP4VmaoQLXU6cJFQveeT/s320/BriGettingBackonBoard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Surfing is not an easy sport. It's a commitment. It's part of what makes it so appealing to me. You truly need to not only make time for it, you need to work on yourself and make sure you're strong enough and fit to do it. You need to make time to commit to it, and you need to have the right gear and layers to wear when on the board. <br />
<br />
I get a lot of my surfing and paddle boarding clothing from Level Six. You can <a href="http://www.levelsix.com/pages/women-s">see their catalog here</a>. <br />
I also get a good amount of my surfing and paddle boarding clothing from Carve Design. I especially enjoy their current lineup. <a href="http://www.carvedesigns.com/about-us/">You can view their catalog here.</a> <br />
<br />
The thing is when exploring the fierce and wild ocean, you need to make sure you're sporting the right layers so that you can focus on the sport. While I don't mind falling and tasting the salty waters of the Pacific, I really want to make sure I only have time to make decisions about my time on the board itself, and staying on it as much and as long as possible. Hence, sporting the right layers is key.<br />
<br />
I could not be a bigger fan of the brands I listed above. They make me feel protected when on the water and I have the luxury to only focus on what I'm in the water for: surfing.<br />
<br />
And of course when this happens you don't sweat it. You're covered. The Level Six top I have on here and the Carve Design short, along with the surfing shoes, give me the peace of mind to keep getting back on the board and, sure why not, keep falling. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwx6MJRc1XdJulekpiFLsrh-uGRYcNfEQZJ4EQ5YXxN0yQATpcMorKplOaESkiZtF_T2o-ZOzwSFbgE9ZQh6qIwOIITr7MtMuAOo8hjPuD0o_3QacBjMIjcQYPgMmquMTcDPrc1TQi2V66/s1600/BriSurfingFalling.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwx6MJRc1XdJulekpiFLsrh-uGRYcNfEQZJ4EQ5YXxN0yQATpcMorKplOaESkiZtF_T2o-ZOzwSFbgE9ZQh6qIwOIITr7MtMuAOo8hjPuD0o_3QacBjMIjcQYPgMmquMTcDPrc1TQi2V66/s320/BriSurfingFalling.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
And after a good workout and fun time out, it's only apropos to take a minute and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. After all, you need to know when to switch off even when you're having a grand time!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWiMec9KBbPfovXzb179r7IGRE_R5hphoT_lGTIQm2GTSyF6nupD8NBKmzBEII0a0wlnBgDTqFexx6Lpj5WDNriTaKFuiW9oNRZBo7cbJBWmjsG536U4bSi5hOiHB0sRk8Vpq-6F3lU1h/s1600/Restingontheboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWiMec9KBbPfovXzb179r7IGRE_R5hphoT_lGTIQm2GTSyF6nupD8NBKmzBEII0a0wlnBgDTqFexx6Lpj5WDNriTaKFuiW9oNRZBo7cbJBWmjsG536U4bSi5hOiHB0sRk8Vpq-6F3lU1h/s320/Restingontheboard.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />B.R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00224691839509403692noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751335156965060433.post-30296248743110244222015-05-09T02:06:00.004-04:002015-05-09T02:36:20.931-04:00Surfing: The Kind of Love that Keeps on Giving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvZH-Z9RMyGB8dKLIWuMubrn0E2r2Mo0k9FRK92_UlCOYM6W-UNCRZw7hC1cnFum2BSWNKsHhrIouNRiyhOsu1z6nCISKDefKDxYNjJmravvbbnZpBOCBIwB53-3NxEMhgocJ-HImPUZM/s1600/surfing7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrvZH-Z9RMyGB8dKLIWuMubrn0E2r2Mo0k9FRK92_UlCOYM6W-UNCRZw7hC1cnFum2BSWNKsHhrIouNRiyhOsu1z6nCISKDefKDxYNjJmravvbbnZpBOCBIwB53-3NxEMhgocJ-HImPUZM/s320/surfing7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I continue to be in love with surfing. Absolutely, head-over-hills, can't-imagine-not-being-into-it, don't-know-what-life-before-it-was-like sort of thing!<br />
<br />
In short, I do truly love it.<br />
<br />
I love it so much that I could be really tired after a long day and my body tells me I really need to relax and instead I get my equipment out, put it on the great Thule rack I got last summer, and, vroom, 23 minutes later I'm frolicking in the Pacific Ocean! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMlfEF5SRpqZgAwyzTOCBGQ1_jK6NaXt9MfELQX-N4BGrQWXlyJX47XY2p12aKN8neJxyoQF2FRyi0k0UIR5gv2n98FcF-2tXdNkuP1Vqh8E-UARtUOgqrbMFz0s5xpHcnK8YZ3Z7XyaV/s1600/Thuleboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsMlfEF5SRpqZgAwyzTOCBGQ1_jK6NaXt9MfELQX-N4BGrQWXlyJX47XY2p12aKN8neJxyoQF2FRyi0k0UIR5gv2n98FcF-2tXdNkuP1Vqh8E-UARtUOgqrbMFz0s5xpHcnK8YZ3Z7XyaV/s320/Thuleboard.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I knew early on that in order to truly commit to something, I had to give my full attention and commitment to it. I knew that I had to invest in it. I had to make it important. And how do you make something important? You invest <u>time</u> and <u>resources</u> and you make it matter. Check, check, and check! Accountability to one's self is necessary when it comes to any pursuit of value. And this pursuit definitely holds much value for me. <br />
<br />
When I truly got into it, I bought the entire equipment and had my car entirely outfitted for surfing and paddle boarding purposes. I knew that if I wanted to truly get into it, I had to make myself available. In sum, I was making myself available to this new relationship. Because, in all honesty, this is a commitment.<br />
<br />
One of the reasons why I work out as much as I do and I run 10km every day is so that I'm fit enough for surfing and paddle boarding. In a way, running is a means to an end. This fact alone is enough to keep me centered and focused on this sport. What gives me pleasure when I'm in the Pacific is not the fact that I'm letting the wind take me places and move about.<br />
<br />
No, what gives me pleasure is that I allowed myself to do all the work - and a lot of work it is! - to get to deserve this sport. I put this in a paragraph of its own because I reckoned it deserved to be in one. <br />
<br />
I've been athletically inclined my whole life. And I've loved bodies of water my whole life. But nothing quite compares to surfing. And I had to live well over 3 decades to get to this realization.<br />
<br />
So this summer, find something you've always wanted to do and make space and time for it in your life.<br />
<br />
<b>1. Make it important.</b><br />
<b>2. Make room for it in your life. </b><br />
<b>3. Invest in it</b>.<br />
<br />
If you don't, you won't do it. Nothing gets done well unless there's some vested interest in it. <br />
<br />
Trust me, you won't regret doing so. My life is wonderfully rich in part because of this activity. And I can't wait till the next day or dusk so I can do the same thing again and again and again.<br />
Because that's what you do with that which you love. You feel compelled to do it repeatedly.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhI2GLTenZLU6kfeiDSapZ3lPsUD5HvpsXSLwuz-YkM3eOQE31N1ayydBwo2x_i4Wv_QUmNbUF2bIhfsQAQlfGv_OtFUrCs9MY1fHN3BjU-I8frGAbZ1Z0z-j7-JrykgX8D3cW2jpcwJh/s1600/surfing2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbhI2GLTenZLU6kfeiDSapZ3lPsUD5HvpsXSLwuz-YkM3eOQE31N1ayydBwo2x_i4Wv_QUmNbUF2bIhfsQAQlfGv_OtFUrCs9MY1fHN3BjU-I8frGAbZ1Z0z-j7-JrykgX8D3cW2jpcwJh/s320/surfing2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />B.R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00224691839509403692noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751335156965060433.post-85337571035750355492015-05-08T15:16:00.001-04:002015-05-09T01:39:07.652-04:00Why I Ran a Marathon and What Running 42.2km Teaches One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPAUTJ150GpMDVzWODPUM1_HvEcJyBoU8ogabHQHtRuNgPjwuUdgubUQ1sZ_jECbJMmO9QpMAsKzEhKlnhJ7IJlhF7CpepucsXEGoGBG6FnuXZ2ylLwlRtvuMe71mbpxCQYBB0E_TM580e/s1600/BriMarathonDay.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPAUTJ150GpMDVzWODPUM1_HvEcJyBoU8ogabHQHtRuNgPjwuUdgubUQ1sZ_jECbJMmO9QpMAsKzEhKlnhJ7IJlhF7CpepucsXEGoGBG6FnuXZ2ylLwlRtvuMe71mbpxCQYBB0E_TM580e/s320/BriMarathonDay.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This past Sunday, May 3rd, I ran the Vancouver Marathon.<br />
The entire 26 miles or 42.2km of it.<br />
It's hard.<br />
Very hard.<br />
But also <b><i><u>amazing</u></i></b>.<br />
<br />
I didn't necessarily feel relief when I crossed the Finish Line. I felt happiness. I did it. I could do it. It's just another achievement that was only possibly because of careful planning, relentless tracking, and commitment to seeing it through. Just like anything else. And if I can do this, I can do anything else. I can now focus on improving my time and going after the coveted 3 hours and 30 minutes time so that I can qualify for Boston.<br />
<br />
The marathon was an eye-opening experience for me. I started prepping for it in January of this year and since deciding to do this, I knew I had to abide by a strict plan. So, I did what I had to do. I consulted with some smart and capable people who'd run it before, heeded their counsel, stuck by a training agenda that was strict and didn't allow anything to get in the way. No matter how long my work days were, who was visiting, what commitments I'd made to people etc., training was never compromised. Staying on-track was non-negotiable. <br />
<br />
While I was relatively fit prior to training for the marathon as I was running 5 days a week, albeit only for 5km, I was also doing yoga, paddleboarding throughout the year, and just generally being active.<br />
<br />
Applying intention and added focus to my training is what helped keep me on track. And this is how I can sum it up:<br />
<br />
1. <u><b>Tracking</b>: Get an app that works for you and stick with it</u>. I got MapmyRun after my friend turned me on to it. I tracked every work-out carefully and reviewed it after every run. Then I graduated to a system that worked for me which basically consisted of me running 10km a day while I did a long run every Sunday. On the average, I ran 80km every week. That's the main reason why I managed to have the stamina I had on race day even though I started to train relatively late.<br />
<br />
I also used MapmyRun to track the 42.2km run on Marathon Day. <a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/workout/969555973">Click here</a> to view the details.<br />
<br />
2. <u><b>FitBit</b>: Be daily aware of your physical activity</u>. The Fitbit helped with this. Tremendously.<br />
I used Fitbit Charge and made it a point to keep pace with my friends. Ok, I made it a point to always be ahead of my friends. Being competitive by nature helps with a venture of this sort. <br />
<br />
3. <u><b>Accountability</b>: Surround yourself with people of similar mindset who will support you</u>. I made it a point to confer with friends who understood what racing and marathon-training means. They checked in, made sure I was being kept on-track, and consequently I knew I had to produce stats of my training for them every week. Hence, I couldn't not train. My friends and sypport system in a way helped enforce accountability.<br />
<br />
And it doesn't matter how much will power we have, everyone needs to be held accountable.<br />
<br />
On the day of the race, I divided the 42.2km distance into 5 sections in my mind. 4 sections consisting of 10km and the last stretch consisting of a very hard 2.2km. The very last stretch. Parsing out the distance this way helped me process the massive amount of work I had to do. It somehow felt chewable, hackable. After all, I'd been running 10km every day for well over 3 months. I knew I had this! And even though the last 8km felt torturous and I didn't think my lungs could get enough air to keep me vertical, I knew I was too close to that Finish Line to not finish the job I'd started. And I did just that. I went. I saw the same route I'd been training on for months, And I finished. <br />
<br />
I couldn't recommend this strongly enough. It will do something special to you. It will fuel you with added confidence and faith in yourself. And it doesn't matter how self-confident you already are, everyone can use more confidence.<br />
<br />
And below you can see the stats of my race. I'm already training for the next one. I intend to run it in 3 hours and 40 minutes now. I've got a plan. And I have no doubt I will do it.<br />
<br />
Have shoes? Will run!<br />
<br />
Ready, set, GO!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><table class="results overview-result" role="grid"><thead id="mainForm:dataTable_head">
<tr role="row"><th class="ui-state-default" id="mainForm:dataTable:j_idt240:0" role="columnheader"><br /></th><th class="ui-state-default" id="mainForm:dataTable:j_idt240:1" role="columnheader"><br /></th><th class="ui-state-default" id="mainForm:dataTable:j_idt240:2" role="columnheader"><br /></th><th class="ui-state-default" id="mainForm:dataTable:j_idt240:3" role="columnheader"><br /></th><th class="ui-state-default" id="mainForm:dataTable:j_idt240:4" role="columnheader"><br /></th><th class="ui-state-default" id="mainForm:dataTable:j_idt240:5" role="columnheader"><br /></th><th class="ui-state-default" id="mainForm:dataTable:j_idt240:8" role="columnheader"><br /></th></tr>
</thead><tfoot id="mainForm:dataTable_foot"></tfoot><tbody class="ui-datatable-data ui-widget-content" id="mainForm:dataTable_data">
<tr class="ui-widget-content ui-datatable-even ui-expanded-row" data-ri="0" role="row"><td role="gridcell"><br /></td><td role="gridcell"><br /></td><td role="gridcell"><br /></td><td role="gridcell"><br /></td><td role="gridcell"><br /></td><td role="gridcell"><br /></td><td role="gridcell"><br /></td></tr>
<tr class="ui-expanded-row-content ui-widget-content view-details"><td colspan="9"><div class="ui-datatable ui-widget" id="mainForm:dataTable:0:splitTable">
<div class="ui-datatable-tablewrapper">
<table role="grid"><thead id="mainForm:dataTable:0:splitTable_head">
<tr role="row"><th class="ui-state-default detailsSplitName" id="mainForm:dataTable:0:splitTable:j_idt258" role="columnheader"><br /></th><th class="ui-state-default detailsSplitDistance" id="mainForm:dataTable:0:splitTable:j_idt261" role="columnheader"><br /></th><th class="ui-state-default detailsSplitTime" id="mainForm:dataTable:0:splitTable:j_idt264" role="columnheader"><br /></th><th class="ui-state-default detailsPace" id="mainForm:dataTable:0:splitTable:j_idt267" role="columnheader"><br /></th><th class="ui-state-default detailsDistance" id="mainForm:dataTable:0:splitTable:j_idt270" role="columnheader"><br /></th><th class="ui-state-default detailsRaceTime" id="mainForm:dataTable:0:splitTable:j_idt273" role="columnheader"><br /></th><th class="ui-state-default detailsOverallPlace" id="mainForm:dataTable:0:splitTable:j_idt276" role="columnheader"><br /></th><th class="ui-state-default detailsGenderPlace" id="mainForm:dataTable:0:splitTable:j_idt279" role="columnheader"><br /></th><th class="ui-state-default detailsCategoryPlace" id="mainForm:dataTable:0:splitTable:j_idt282" role="columnheader"><br /></th><th class="ui-state-default detailsTimeOfDay" id="mainForm:dataTable:0:splitTable:j_idt285" role="columnheader"><br /></th></tr>
</thead><tfoot id="mainForm:dataTable:0:splitTable_foot"></tfoot><tbody class="ui-datatable-data ui-widget-content" id="mainForm:dataTable:0:splitTable_data">
<tr class="ui-widget-content ui-datatable-even " data-ri="0" role="row"><td class="detailsSplitName" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsSplitDistance" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsSplitTime" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsPace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsDistance" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsRaceTime" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsOverallPlace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsGenderPlace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsCategoryPlace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsTimeOfDay" role="gridcell"><br /></td></tr>
<tr class="ui-widget-content ui-datatable-odd " data-ri="1" role="row"><td class="detailsSplitName" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsSplitDistance" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsSplitTime" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsPace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsDistance" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsRaceTime" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsOverallPlace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsGenderPlace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsCategoryPlace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsTimeOfDay" role="gridcell"><br /></td></tr>
<tr class="ui-widget-content ui-datatable-even " data-ri="2" role="row"><td class="detailsSplitName" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsSplitDistance" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsSplitTime" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsPace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsDistance" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsRaceTime" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsOverallPlace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsGenderPlace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsCategoryPlace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsTimeOfDay" role="gridcell"><br /></td></tr>
<tr class="ui-widget-content ui-datatable-odd " data-ri="3" role="row"><td class="detailsSplitName" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsSplitDistance" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsSplitTime" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsPace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsDistance" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsRaceTime" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsOverallPlace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsGenderPlace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsCategoryPlace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsTimeOfDay" role="gridcell"><br /></td></tr>
<tr class="ui-widget-content ui-datatable-even " data-ri="4" role="row"><td class="detailsSplitName" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsSplitDistance" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsSplitTime" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsPace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsDistance" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsRaceTime" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsOverallPlace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsGenderPlace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsCategoryPlace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsTimeOfDay" role="gridcell"><br /></td></tr>
<tr class="ui-widget-content ui-datatable-odd " data-ri="5" role="row"><td class="detailsSplitName" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsSplitDistance" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsSplitTime" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsPace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsDistance" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsRaceTime" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsOverallPlace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsGenderPlace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsCategoryPlace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsTimeOfDay" role="gridcell"><br /></td></tr>
<tr class="ui-widget-content ui-datatable-even " data-ri="6" role="row"><td class="detailsSplitName" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsSplitDistance" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsSplitTime" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsPace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsDistance" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsRaceTime" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsOverallPlace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsGenderPlace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsCategoryPlace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsTimeOfDay" role="gridcell"><br /></td></tr>
<tr class="ui-widget-content ui-datatable-odd " data-ri="7" role="row"><td class="detailsSplitName" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsSplitDistance" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsSplitTime" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsPace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsDistance" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsRaceTime" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsOverallPlace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsGenderPlace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsCategoryPlace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsTimeOfDay" role="gridcell"><br /></td></tr>
<tr class="ui-widget-content ui-datatable-even bold_blue" data-ri="8" role="row"><td class="detailsSplitName" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsSplitDistance" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsSplitTime" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsPace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsDistance" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsRaceTime" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsOverallPlace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsGenderPlace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsCategoryPlace" role="gridcell"><br /></td><td class="detailsTimeOfDay" role="gridcell"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
B.R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00224691839509403692noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751335156965060433.post-8224497618955974182015-05-02T23:02:00.002-04:002015-05-02T23:06:46.296-04:00Marathon Prep - One Day Before RaceThis is how I feel just about now:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXVekl2h1rf73FC3GakJEKRYm175PYYa-2jbAmnSA04QXGsUgIjGc5ZdNOwqS7bShvSgClGVmUpPcpObLIE3n2U7UTpNYl3Wqd2ae04zFthP1HFOXCwqGoQxcEIJ6s_KvhX3-rwJNrHYU/s1600/Kenarunning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVXVekl2h1rf73FC3GakJEKRYm175PYYa-2jbAmnSA04QXGsUgIjGc5ZdNOwqS7bShvSgClGVmUpPcpObLIE3n2U7UTpNYl3Wqd2ae04zFthP1HFOXCwqGoQxcEIJ6s_KvhX3-rwJNrHYU/s1600/Kenarunning.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
In 12 hours and 30 minutes I will be running the Vancouver Marathon. Yes. It's a done deal. I've got my bib ready. My clothes are laid out and ready to put on. My water and outfit are all <i>on fleek</i>! Yes, on fleek!<br />
<br />
This is quite something for me. It's something I'm going to be proud of as it's a whole of 42.2km and I've been prepping for it since December of 2014.<br />
<br />
Tonight I feel anxious, excited, nervous, and proud. The best way to get over this mix of powerful emotions is by seeking to get into a zen place so that I'll eventually get to rest and get some sleep. So I will soon go into the bedroom and try to get into a mode of quietude as I get ready to face the anguish of completing an amazing 42.2km run! <br />
<br />
And this is how the journey started. Last spring I moved back to BC after spending a year in Toronto and one of the first things I did upon moving back was competing in a triathlon. I loved it. It was thanks to that experience that I vouched to do the following:<br />
<br />
1. Get into paddleboarding - I'd never done it before and now I'm about to compete in a race!<br />
2. Get into wind surfing - I'd never done it and now it's my all-favorite pursuit!<br />
3. Prep for a marathon - I'd never done it and tomorrow I'm actually doing it!!<br />
<br />
I have some great people in my life who serve as big inspirations to me. My pal Camille has done marathons in every continent. She was definitely a point of inspiration! And one of the people that has the biggest impact on me, is a big proponent of workout pursuits and I pay close attention to what he says on anything that's outdoorsy. And while he's mostly interested in mountaineering and climbing, what he opines on the matter of running and exercise has weight. <br />
<br />
<u>But</u>, in the end, <u>it's what you do that matters.</u> We all have access to great inspiration and great feedback from others. In the end, and especially if you're running a marathon, all that matters is:<br />
<br />
- How much have you been running to get ready for this?<br />
- How are you trending? <br />
- What's your mile per minute or km per minute?<br />
- What's your ideal time to finish 42.2km in?<br />
<br />
And my history of training and running can be found <a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/my_home/">here</a>! By the way, I LOVE Map my Run! LOVE IT!<br />
<br />
And while my stats say that I'm trending to finish the first marathon of my life in 4 hours and 35 minutes, I intend to go for 3 hours and 40 minutes. Is it an aggressive goal? Yes! Would I be true to myself if I didn't aim for something like this? NO! <br />
<br />
And you won't be able to answer any of the above-listed questions unless you've done the work, spilled the sweat, and made it a point to make training important.<br />
<br />
And I did.<br />
<br />
Training for the marathon was something I deeply respected since vouching to do it back in December of 2014. And now, a few hours away from the race, I'm confident in saying one thing:<br />
that I will do and finish the race. I'm ready! <br />
<br />
I've worked hard for this. Very hard!<br />
<br />
I've done what I've done in every other pursuit in life. I've tracked my activity carefully daily. I know how I trend and how I can trend better. And I've prepared for it. Unapologetically and unequivocally.<br />
All that's left now is a good night's sleep as tomorrow morning I start the journey of accomplishing one of the things on my bucket list.<br />
<br />
So, here we go. It's almost go-time. Look forward to reporting after the fact....<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />B.R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00224691839509403692noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751335156965060433.post-17433409034195898092015-05-02T20:23:00.002-04:002015-05-02T23:26:56.950-04:00True Friends Support Your Dreams and Push You to Be Better<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EC3qAAbpuR8HX35Pty09bPkWyAlhHM8_HzWxrR7pDUZt4-H3WecuzQhOhdSuda2sr6RM-nqpzQ_6ZW2YpKPF90YQVe8o4_5QGs0PpZj6vDtF2Qg9fL_CirMDQlXNh-EEcinztwhdMfq5/s1600/varka.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9EC3qAAbpuR8HX35Pty09bPkWyAlhHM8_HzWxrR7pDUZt4-H3WecuzQhOhdSuda2sr6RM-nqpzQ_6ZW2YpKPF90YQVe8o4_5QGs0PpZj6vDtF2Qg9fL_CirMDQlXNh-EEcinztwhdMfq5/s1600/varka.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a> <br />
<br />
One of my oldest friends and I just vacationed together. What good fun it was! I got to share my love of the Pacific Northwest with him and, boy, was that fun! Fundamentally, the test of a true friendship is how quickly you can pick up after you last left off. He and I met when in grad school and we spent oodles of time together along with other mutual friends of ours. To other people, our group appeared quite appealing and sort of hard to enter. Often they'd say, "we like to hang with you guys but whenever we try to, it's like you guys have your own language." And they were right. We did have our own language but it sort of grew organically and almost unbeknownst to us.<br />
<br />
It even got to a point where my closest pals learned Italian so that we would have a language in common to communicate. If learning a new language doesn't spell friendship, I don't know what does! They learned quickly and really quite naturally. I suppose another important ingredient to a functional and time-resisting friendship is commitment. And, yup, we got that too! <br />
<br />
The thing is, true intimacy, much like a viral video, cannot be planned. It just happens. As I think back on our relationship and connection over time all I can pin it down to is every single one of us having a motor and the respective ability to focus on what each of us were pursuing. And when we'd be done doing that at the end of the day, we'd get together and truly enjoy each other. That's what made our connection so appealing. We've all achieved things in our own right. And we all know what it takes to truly work hard and with purpose. We appreciate and acknowledge each others' hustle. And we know how to push one another. And that's what I look for in a true friend. Can you push me to get better? Can I? If the answer is yes then we're destined to be in each others' lives. <br />
<br />
Since I'm training for the marathon - which by the way is tomorrow morning!! - I have a pretty strict training schedule that needs to be on-point without exception. What I really love about my pal is that he just eases into it. And he's uber competitive and wants to not only keep up but beat me. And I cannot express how much I love that!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPAZH6joFZOwqXdPdzqsVwOjqNQWmR9f6YHsp94UumE9MfRp45TQ7byl2eT5rVpSBIUYbG0_EddgxxEKlSnYxYxkxb8p42GLAgqV01JvMU3fw8mIDk8FUzmfGVhiHJxQaiHjbOwdAedAA/s1600/DimaBriRun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPAZH6joFZOwqXdPdzqsVwOjqNQWmR9f6YHsp94UumE9MfRp45TQ7byl2eT5rVpSBIUYbG0_EddgxxEKlSnYxYxkxb8p42GLAgqV01JvMU3fw8mIDk8FUzmfGVhiHJxQaiHjbOwdAedAA/s1600/DimaBriRun.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
The very thing we did the very next morning was to hit the road and run for 10km, then pick up a double-seater fiberglass kayak, tie it to my car - one of the best purchases I have ever made! - and explore the Pacific Northwest, rain and all. We saw seals and kayaked in the middle of a rain storm. Such fun!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPn2yaKpZ0s4jlzQOHKMvGAAFrVag1iuY8zRlniCsEdt-MEv1pL9YTZClNDAziG2rRqzV_lP94JQtg88mfymHzO9pYUCbkRGv2K0_iLQgzmZnjyjXS-hE5sj7wEeUAvqA5zxcmWJMsH2vQ/s1600/kayak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPn2yaKpZ0s4jlzQOHKMvGAAFrVag1iuY8zRlniCsEdt-MEv1pL9YTZClNDAziG2rRqzV_lP94JQtg88mfymHzO9pYUCbkRGv2K0_iLQgzmZnjyjXS-hE5sj7wEeUAvqA5zxcmWJMsH2vQ/s1600/kayak.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
What we had in common was our respective motors. We all pursued different disciplines. My pal's a neuroscientist, the other pal's a mathematician and I'm the literary scholar. Time would fly as we'd spent it together because we shared a wavelength. Moreover, we discussed various topics nightly, after we were done with our respective studies which we'd often do together and in the same spot. In short, we were joined at the hip.<br />
<br />
And with friends like that, it doesn't matter how often you get to spend time together. You will pick up exactly right where you left off.<br />
<br />
Case in point. "Hey. How was your flight?"<br />
He: "Great. This is such a great city!"<br />
I: "Dude, really! It'll be so much fun."<br />
<br />
And that's it. That's all it took to fastforward to the present moment nd we end up exploring some uninhabited islands in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, rain and all, as we strengthen our bodies with a few bites of Cliff Bars.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xZ89snAKAirbVb8LiBl0lJut6G09Nb6IeNh07HDhQ-6yfEsOstukRx4MIzSV11aJMMFa5G1ZuK5q4DsNghAi2ur-eQoI0pCObtKC-K7TQfNP6HkE2BipCYiTfM38q0r1A7mwjiEkrn8i/s1600/bridimitri.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xZ89snAKAirbVb8LiBl0lJut6G09Nb6IeNh07HDhQ-6yfEsOstukRx4MIzSV11aJMMFa5G1ZuK5q4DsNghAi2ur-eQoI0pCObtKC-K7TQfNP6HkE2BipCYiTfM38q0r1A7mwjiEkrn8i/s1600/bridimitri.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
And, to me, that's what true friendship is. Connecting with people who share your drive and motor and with whom you can pick up right you left off. Friendship is about supporting each others' pursuits and reams. And I'm so ready for the 42.2km run tomorrow. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhjy2rs5ItYUPOfiIx7VnmxbSsShRxn8Y4Lo3jk_gtwPK7hjKhYVOVveQaaYG2SOpANfhxzP4x5GBPyLI9TxoVXEFZ78bCTJlPvtjisXVTHsOFR3tF2cZJkvGuAE-NTAD4zg8DCE5ZX2j/s1600/kenarun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhjy2rs5ItYUPOfiIx7VnmxbSsShRxn8Y4Lo3jk_gtwPK7hjKhYVOVveQaaYG2SOpANfhxzP4x5GBPyLI9TxoVXEFZ78bCTJlPvtjisXVTHsOFR3tF2cZJkvGuAE-NTAD4zg8DCE5ZX2j/s1600/kenarun.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Thanks, pal and see you next time so that you could be doing this too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4M1sf_rputpflJIHGKKisr-3cPsOdzkHIIqmMTqyj3sdDuLNUxsLUeh9JBgKyd0925_ujU22koejQr1Pj9IgSEDT2y6UVwXUEzIgRUuDcYMiJtZ2h5NMlDg2d_pVfjAB3zK7Z4Ki7bTd/s1600/Bri'sSurf.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB4M1sf_rputpflJIHGKKisr-3cPsOdzkHIIqmMTqyj3sdDuLNUxsLUeh9JBgKyd0925_ujU22koejQr1Pj9IgSEDT2y6UVwXUEzIgRUuDcYMiJtZ2h5NMlDg2d_pVfjAB3zK7Z4Ki7bTd/s1600/Bri'sSurf.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />B.R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00224691839509403692noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751335156965060433.post-83032282239317191602015-02-11T15:39:00.001-05:002015-02-11T15:41:36.104-05:00What Doesn't Get Scheduled, Doesn't Get Done - Running cont."If you're running 12k on week x as you train for the marathon, the first 6 or 7km are the easy part. The rest will feel like a race...."<br />
<br />
Apparently the two people sitting behind me are discussing running over a hot cup of java. I can feel myself smirking just about now as I type this. The person who's monopolizing the majority of the conversation sounds like the coach. The other person is intently throwing in a 'yes' or 'makes sense.' I could have easily interjected something into that conversation. After all, what they were discussing felt familiar to me. A topic I am getting to know well experientially.<br />
<br />
It feels good to hear things like this. People who spend much time governing their physical exercises and general wellbeing. In a way, it's motivating. And while my body feels a tad battered this morning after too much fun on the slopes the day before and a heck of a lot of falls - hey, nothing ventured, nothing gained! - I feel like I have to get right back to my routine the very next morning and reclaim my usual 10km. And today I'm aiming for something better. Today I'm aiming for a 14km mid-week achievement.<br />
<br />
Every hour of every day is planned and the time that goes to running feels especially good. I look forward to the activity. And if this makes one sound too structured, no worries. There's time in the schedule set aside for spontaneity too. Insert pertinent emoji here....<br />
<br />
<u>What does't get scheduled, doesn't get done</u>. I learned that early on. I must have been 5. It stuck. I'm grateful for that. In hindsight, I'm especially grateful for that. But back to running.<br />
<br />
I look forward to what it will feel like when I pass the 5km mark and I can rip down a hill as I get back to my car and complete my 10km. And there's nothing like running right at dawn. I don't know why it matters so much to me now that I run 10km daily, but it does. It's not just the physical benefits of this activity that I'm drawn to. I'm especially drawn to how I feel and think. There's a general sense of 'can-do' and 'heck yeah' that's tied to it. And the sensation intensifies with more time and more kilometers in the books.<br />
<br />
And this week I saw concretely just what one of the great side-effects of daily running is. I could schlep my board up and down all day and it felt as light as a feather. My boarding buddy wondered how come I wasn't tired after a few hours of steady activity. I asked him what he meant by that. Hadn't we just started?! Apparently, no. Yet another great side effect of running daily: not feeling tired and maximizing one's time on the board. More, please!<br />
<br />
And a great way to keep focused and on-track when it comes to running is to find ways to supplement one's training with some other activity. Boredom's antidote? Boarding! I mean, diversity!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggs6gQJToXNlxqzN9uZMmF9sMczXy5SMQ0SzWgitsqozjc_NDQoxnYjPKZsPHEzjI1isjUUfufWrfLb5AzaeR_mxDvK8wTtHhjDa9sdrZoGbNLJoHk1MPO_wFT0nSfQTa9o4ORVbw8m9of/s1600/Snowboarding.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggs6gQJToXNlxqzN9uZMmF9sMczXy5SMQ0SzWgitsqozjc_NDQoxnYjPKZsPHEzjI1isjUUfufWrfLb5AzaeR_mxDvK8wTtHhjDa9sdrZoGbNLJoHk1MPO_wFT0nSfQTa9o4ORVbw8m9of/s1600/Snowboarding.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
B.R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00224691839509403692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751335156965060433.post-29466472589753069382015-02-09T13:42:00.001-05:002015-02-09T13:42:51.812-05:00Why I Love Wearables - Fitbit Mania Is Well Warranted: A ReviewA pal of mine pointed out to me that I tend to use the word 'motor' a lot. I suppose he's right. But it's a word that lends itself to frequent use by virtue of what it signifies: those that are mostly, usually <u>on</u>.<br />
Those that always want to be doing, moving, getting things done, exploring. Or as the saying goes: <i>Agito ergo sum</i> i.e.: <i>I move therefore I am</i>.<br />
<br />
And like goes with like. All of my closest friends and associates have this in common: they have a motor that tends to be on the majority of the time. And using things like a Fitbit or an Up24 allows one, who's in the habit of being <u>on</u>, to further finesse one's state of being <u>on</u>.<br />
<br />
I stumbled into wearables a good while back. Being struck by the bug of neophilia and thoroughly in love with technology, I tend to get drawn to anything and everything new in its realm. Plus, in order to truly have a feel for something I have to have hands-on experience with it. My car, I'm told, is a veritable shop of gadgets. To me, it's best to always be prepared but I suppose I'm digressing.<br />
<br />
While I'm an iOS-er through and through, I did play extensively with the LG and Samsung watches but since they don't connect to my Apple devices I had to gift them to members of my family and instead directed my attention to Jawbone and Fitbit which I could easily sync to my iPhone.<br />
<br />
I first settled on the Jawbone Up24. I used this model for a good half a year. In terms of accuracy this unit delivers. It tracks movement and sleep really well. Plus, the alarm feature on it comes in handy and I find it stronger and better than the one on the Fitbit. For a while, I actually was using both at the same time but that's another post.<br />
<br />
I started using it after I completed the first races of the year in 2014. It was after I picked up wind surfing and paddleboarding. My use of the wearables was more of a byproduct of all the exercise I was doing. However, the reason why I moved away from the Up24 is because I moved past it. I grew and I needed more. The more I was doing, the bigger the needs.<br />
<br />
I lead a very active life. In addition to running 10km a day, I am very engaged in my work which allows me to be highly mobile. Plus, after a long work day, the day doesn't end there for me. I crave more activity and I shift my attention to yoga, biking, lifting and every weekend I either paddleboard, wind surf or snowboard.<br />
<br />
Hence, a wearable that's a. water-proof, that b. allows me to see what time it is, c. that has caller ID so that I know when I'm overdoing it and I need to get home by comes in handy. And this is why I switched to the <a href="https://www.fitbit.com/">Fitbit Charge</a>. Which I love! But something tells me soon I will graduate to the next model, the Charge HR because that's just what's been happening and that's the natural progression of things.<br />
<br />
Wearables fit well with my nature. The fact that I can now track every aspect of my daily activity is a huge plus in my life. I get to monitor why my pace is slower or faster in certain reliefs and how to go about gaining more speed. In short, I'm in tracking heaven!<br />
<br />
Naturally, all of this tracking led me to one expected end point: run a marathon!<br />
<br />
Of course. I suppose a marathon is a direct byproduct of running 10km every single day of the week. All of a sudden, 10km feels like child's play. And you want more. And more. And more. And your insatiable nature takes over and you wonder what's next.<br />
<br />
The other great things about the fitbit is the social component of it. You can see how you stack up against the other people in your network which will then push you to do more and be better. It's a superb way to monitor your activity and that of the community. After all, regardless of how <u>on</u> our motors are, we all need other people to help push us further. <br />
<br />
So, if you don't have one, I highly recommend that you get one. Not only am I enjoying mine, which by the way connects well with the Map my Run app which is what I use for my marathon training and daily running, I also got some for my family. They're all hooked as they keep counting their steps and go for the ideal 10k steps a day.<br />
<br />
Hence, happy tracking, folks!B.R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00224691839509403692noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751335156965060433.post-37106273895074817182014-09-28T20:23:00.000-04:002014-10-01T09:33:05.702-04:00What I Learn from WindsurfingI live in a beautiful part of the world. I get to get in my car, which is fully equipped with a fantastic rack for hauling my gear, get my coffee and, vroom, in a few minutes I'm on the beach. Ready to greet the ocean and challenge myself.<br />
<br />
I find I provide good quality of work during the week, good quality of sociality to my loved ones throughout the week, and have a generally solid existence due to the work I put into my physical pursuits such as running and all the water sports I'm pursuing. There's a lot of truth to the "work hard, play hard" adage. <br />
<br />
The water has been calling me since day one. There's something so centering and therapeutic about the ocean that no other thing can seem to match.<br />
<br />
This summer I got to really get into paddleboarding and I feel I'm so much the better and the healthier as a result.<br />
<br />
Transitioning to windsurfing came naturally. While paddleboarding, I'd come across a lot of windsurfers and would at times engage in conversation with them while out on the water and aways from the shore. I first flirted with the idea of windsurfing when I was a teenager but then life got very busy and I moved to a land-locked state to go to university and the sports of choice in that part of the US were snow-supported.<br />
<br />
But now I'm fortunate to live in a place where I get to explore both the water and the snow and how could I not!<br />
<br />
Windsurfing is not easy. It's not. It's hard work. It requires concentration, a strong upper body, and just basic grit and relentlessness. Plus, the gear is no joke. In addition to the right board, one needs to invest in the right sail and all the additional accoutrement that will make getting into this sport not only easier but more fun. In sum, it's not like running where all you need is a pair of good shoes. This sport requires a lot. But when you can stand up and go with the wind, there's nothing like it. Nothing!<br />
<br />
Putting the sail together, connecting the mast, and getting the board and the sail surf-ready doesn't happen at the wink of an eye. It requires much focus. But I find the hands-on-ness of that whole process really intriguing as well.<br />
<br />
And when you're in the ocean and you're doing tacks and jibes as your back is to the wind and let it carry you places, man, it feels so great! No, <u>amazing</u>!<br />
<br />
Plus, if paddling with purpose was pretty hardcore for your core, well, windsurfing is a heck of a lot of work for the entire body. It's not just the arms that get a major workout. The upper legs and the core get put to the test as well.<br />
<br />
Windsurfing is one of the few activities that makes me fall out of time. Completely. From the moment early on a weekend morning that I put my Level Six layers on to getting on the board and attempting to 'read wind' the best way I can, I feel one with the water, the wind and other surfers around me and I have no way of explaining what that's like. One simply needs to experience this great sport, to get it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5aPUdqBzSiK1_txPv1kGkpuzVx5wJrVNKl5RTEJvtgy1IdeKZtNhqsQz9NlqSJ3k36sCohEChaTycwSTTMPsZR0IL09_qPn8g_uIylBzZvsMgLvc1qmK7W718DXU75cpw_E6Ubo2roDiz/s1600/BriWindsurfing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5aPUdqBzSiK1_txPv1kGkpuzVx5wJrVNKl5RTEJvtgy1IdeKZtNhqsQz9NlqSJ3k36sCohEChaTycwSTTMPsZR0IL09_qPn8g_uIylBzZvsMgLvc1qmK7W718DXU75cpw_E6Ubo2roDiz/s1600/BriWindsurfing.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RGdTlTiW5qKeanJ3K33gCEU1tlIO80t9Id4Hh83iiAQz5djpvKPxiV91V87_PUSHinZnhQcwgcb3dce8-5dTK2Y-Cauae5eQkD0XxlSCbty_QVYECIbBaEkTaVCw9G6ISJeEt7qnFPlK/s1600/-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9RGdTlTiW5qKeanJ3K33gCEU1tlIO80t9Id4Hh83iiAQz5djpvKPxiV91V87_PUSHinZnhQcwgcb3dce8-5dTK2Y-Cauae5eQkD0XxlSCbty_QVYECIbBaEkTaVCw9G6ISJeEt7qnFPlK/s1600/-1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />B.R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00224691839509403692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751335156965060433.post-42871670998176559442014-09-01T22:10:00.000-04:002014-09-02T04:50:26.789-04:00A Summer of Great Firsts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDiacaZP-Acjmgu-3bfj5efBLgpXUEcbVmYozw2gVfUYSecPuYMbx1xWuuOgEbIb7Qk1auszYBAmlaTSEIbtEVjx-LTNhv4DtBQoF4mMn3VG4K02n2mzgk9fFUz9N0dFsCUbF5eMzdHV5R/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDiacaZP-Acjmgu-3bfj5efBLgpXUEcbVmYozw2gVfUYSecPuYMbx1xWuuOgEbIb7Qk1auszYBAmlaTSEIbtEVjx-LTNhv4DtBQoF4mMn3VG4K02n2mzgk9fFUz9N0dFsCUbF5eMzdHV5R/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="320" width="215" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
As I was on my paddleboard this afternoon, I thought to myself, "seriously, where did this summer go?" And I kept paddling away as I was enjoying how fast my Boga board tends to go when the winds gives us a bit of a push especially on overcast days like today. A good Labor Day weekend, no doubt. <br />
<br />
You see, prior to this summer, I had no experience of the paddleboard. I've always had an affinity for the ocean and I've always been partial to swimming having loved it deeply since the early years of my childhood as I would frolic in the Mediterranean. But other than the snowboard, I had no experience of being on a board on the water.<br />
<br />
So, the day after the Vancouver Triathlon, literally right after I completed the race, I went home and announced the following, "I want to learn how to paddleboard. Going to buy one at MEC tomorrow."<br />
<br />
And this is how it happened. The first part of the race was swimming in the ocean. It is quite a thing to enter the ocean at the same time as hundreds of people. The first 5 minutes were tough. Very tough.<br />
I remember feeling claustrophobic at the thought of so many people swimming competitively so close to me. Plus, my wet suit simply felt too tight in the cold water and I started to think that I would perhaps, in a matter of seconds, start to hyperventilate. But I didn't. You see, I had a choice. I could not complete the race, turn around, and go home or I could look around me and take inspiration from all the people in the ocean who had chosen to do the same thing that Sunday morning at 7AM as me: <u>swim in the Pacific Ocean and finish a race</u>.<br />
<br />
And right after that thought, I was fine. Really fine. I enjoyed the swim. Immensely. I even started to feel a little melancholy at the thought of not getting to use the wetsuit for that many activities after the race. "Wait, there's more you could do in the ocean. You don't need a triathlon to serve as a pretext for you to be by the ocean, do you?"<br />
<br />
And then my mind went to paddleboarding. "I'll do that. I'll paddle board. Yeah. Now, let's finish this."<br />
<br />
And that's exactly what I did the very next day. I got a paddleboard. I actually tried a few different ones till I found the perfect board for me, the uber-awesome orange and white Boga!<br />
<br />
And since that day, I have not looked back.<br />
<br />
What I find most interesting is that boarding keeps me even more focused on my running. I now run every day as I cover at least 5k-8k a day and 10-15k over the weekend. My practice on the paddleboard is keeping me focused on running races now. Funny how things inform one another. And my mind is clear as the body keeps getting stronger and stronger. Plus, I get to experience this thing called "a runner's high." And, holy cow, what a great thing it is! I can't compare it to anything else I have ever experienced. All I can say is that you have got to work hard to get to experience it. But, when you do, you will not be the same. You will be so much better for it! Trust. You will. <br />
<br />
Paddleboarding has added so much to my life and my regimen of fitness that I cannot think of not practicing it. When I look at my board, whether it's mounted on my car or in the garage, I feel happy. And I know why that is. There's a feeling of quietude, happiness, and belonging that I feel when near the Pacific Ocean. And I always felt it. It's the reason why the West is the only place in the planet that has truly felt like home.<br />
<br />
I do think that<u> just like we choose places, place choose us as well.</u> And the West is my home. It's where happiness feels real.<br />
<br />
The thing is, I would not have discovered this great new addition to my life, if I hadn't signed up for the Vancouver Triathlon. I met some great people training for the triathlon and the day of the race was sheer heaven. The feeling of being surrounded by people who are after the same pursuit as you and who want you to do well and encourage you on is the stuff of beauty.<br />
<br />
As soon as I moved to the West, I immediately signed up for the triathlon. And the very next day I started to train heavily, at times for 4 hours a day. And what great dividends it yielded! Once the triathlon concluded, I felt the urge to keep racing and I signed up for different local races as well as the marathon which will be in 6 weeks now. One race begets the desire for another and yet another after that.<br />
<br />
In sum, as I was taking stock of this summer while on my board this afternoon, I was overcome with a feeling of gratitude and happiness that I get to do what I do and experience what I experience in the place that I love best.<br />
<br />
And sometimes it takes a little board to put things in perspective.<br />
<br />
Today, right as I was getting closer to the shore, a fellow on a windsurf said to me: 'Hey, how about this wind, eh?' We got to chatting for a quick minute and I asked him about his surf board. I left that experience feeling the need and desire to transition to that sport next. He looked like he was having so much fun. "You look like you're having a lot of fun on that thing," he said to me as he sailed away. "Oh man, say that again! It's awesome!" I said. And perhaps he will now practice paddleboarding as I get myself the perfect windsurf for me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5TYM-YuICtgi_Kh3WqR3bmbaDzOONlrRyBTADeTjQcfY2MFNUHXMIIyIkK-W26QWIoHUTrwsqP9Jau3vjCDshyVEjYZx979fbDmCm08-eKvAFYbAgh0e0roVf4GHBg0DfYnUM2gClPMq/s1600/windsure_windsurfing_personal_training_program.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5TYM-YuICtgi_Kh3WqR3bmbaDzOONlrRyBTADeTjQcfY2MFNUHXMIIyIkK-W26QWIoHUTrwsqP9Jau3vjCDshyVEjYZx979fbDmCm08-eKvAFYbAgh0e0roVf4GHBg0DfYnUM2gClPMq/s1600/windsure_windsurfing_personal_training_program.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Naturally, I will. This is what I will be doing next.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_267276609"></span><span id="goog_267276610"></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />B.R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00224691839509403692noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751335156965060433.post-12633271741969891072014-07-25T17:18:00.003-04:002014-08-07T01:24:36.692-04:00Paddleboarding: A Great Sport of Strength & ConcentrationI have found a new pursuit that I keep loving more and more every day.<br />
<br />
Paddleboarding!<br />
<br />
I
love it. Love it! It is such a great mix of strength, concentration,
and summer enjoyment that it begs for constant practice. Couple that
with a great dose of fun and the incredible surrounding geography of the Northwest and you're
left with an incomparable experience. <br />
<br />
I've only
picked up the sport recently while training for the triathlon which took
place a couple of weeks ago and about which I will write soon. The very
next day I picked up the board, headed to the ocean, fell a few times
as I got the hang of the board and the act of balancing on it, and after
practicing daily, I'm now fully enjoying what this phenomenal activity
has to offer: a great workout, an amazing opportunity to take in the
beautiful surroundings, and a fun time getting to know and relating with
the people who share a love of the sport.<br />
<br />
Having loved
the ocean since practically early childhood, taking to this new activity
was natural. There's something so soothing and inspiring about the
ocean. It's the kind of place in which strength and a fast pace are
equally appreciated as quietude and slowness. It's the kind of space
that's always oozed familiarity for me. Hence, I always feel in my
element when in it regardless of whether I'm in Europe or North
America.<br />
<br />
My favorite bit about paddle boarding was
falling off the board. I was not surprised to be told that this was the
least likeable side effect of the sport for most. But the way I saw it,
falling off the board was just an added opportunity to keep swimming
especially when far from the shore. Or as my Dad said, "well, it's
the innate optimist in you that chooses to see things differently." I
thought that was a sweet thing to say but also, at the core, true and perhaps not entirely biased. Isn't
everything about perspective and attitude after all? And everything
looks, feels, and appears better and more enjoyable when seen
positively. But I digress. It must be the all the endorphins from daily
exercising.<br />
<br />
What I'm finding out from paddle boarding is that I can save on time and introduce a higher level of efficiency to my workouts.<br />
<br />
I'm
of the school of thought that looks at efficiency as part of fun. So, I
have to take it into account when it comes to working out as well. <br />
<br />
While
a few weeks ago while heavily getting ready for the triathlon I'd lift
weights, run daily between 5k-10k, and bike three times a day between
10k-20k, plus go to yoga 5 times a week, now a simple two hour practice
on the board seems to provide a holistic workout while saving me some
major time.<br />
<br />
And since I've already conditioned myself to measure everything hourly, this works out just perfectly.<br />
<br />
If you have not tried paddleboarding, do give it a chance. My friends and family hear about it <i>ad nauseam</i>
but I do think it's the kind of experience that will add much to your
summer experience, your overall health, and it will give you a chance to
bond further with your loved ones as you enjoy getting to know new
people.<br />
<br />
Plus, what I'm finding out is that with the right
gear, you can practice this sport come rain or sunshine. And I
especially liked paddling in the rain this week.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcC-MRTYMJyYyDV31QO9L17XmgTvVDz8-QcQz31sZAtmMkm9gaHMezNPeE6mlpqSQBqrG7jq7qWdEiAGAi5JkA5A52PevLL0_r3RfjKMkfbQn8WTsH3IE55PFwVxmqBRUMN09N1rW1i_CT/s1600/-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcC-MRTYMJyYyDV31QO9L17XmgTvVDz8-QcQz31sZAtmMkm9gaHMezNPeE6mlpqSQBqrG7jq7qWdEiAGAi5JkA5A52PevLL0_r3RfjKMkfbQn8WTsH3IE55PFwVxmqBRUMN09N1rW1i_CT/s1600/-1.jpg" height="215" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/07/16/train-like-a-german-soccer-star/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0"></a>
<a href="http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/07/16/train-like-a-german-soccer-star/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0"></a>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />B.R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00224691839509403692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751335156965060433.post-91841011153753288322014-06-23T22:33:00.004-04:002014-06-23T22:33:33.242-04:00Largest Companies by Revenue in Every State.Broadview Networks has compiled a map that allows us to visualize the largest companies by revenue in every state.<br />
Costco rules Washington state. Wouldn't have guessed that. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmwrVBfY-QABhpNbxxI15P86K1_ixc3K_GTfyiQmUhpyxALbZJh22qG_wjG26XfXG5A98MoFJ5jqksUOnszs46ConEtiMe-anoKV6U3C6ZjcCTAM-v6HmioYgB7UCTwD1bIAid8YKUhlE/s1600/argest-Company-By-Revenue-In-Each-State-2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmwrVBfY-QABhpNbxxI15P86K1_ixc3K_GTfyiQmUhpyxALbZJh22qG_wjG26XfXG5A98MoFJ5jqksUOnszs46ConEtiMe-anoKV6U3C6ZjcCTAM-v6HmioYgB7UCTwD1bIAid8YKUhlE/s1600/argest-Company-By-Revenue-In-Each-State-2014.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
B.R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00224691839509403692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751335156965060433.post-47592990971809259822014-06-23T15:50:00.002-04:002014-06-23T15:52:32.961-04:00David Ogilvy, Father of Advertising, on the 10 Rules for Good Writing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MA30CQndWq59JdfbMd6AyxgirAaKZuc8t_NBfmTA0cPOLaAbHCgA4JNMB2Vyd9MtAUMRhi9QiLL9VIoHetQU7EnJ26osQBPzWR654mN3eu9GCP3Ke3Li4YTDahszEYcINEByXzXIh72F/s1600/ogilvy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MA30CQndWq59JdfbMd6AyxgirAaKZuc8t_NBfmTA0cPOLaAbHCgA4JNMB2Vyd9MtAUMRhi9QiLL9VIoHetQU7EnJ26osQBPzWR654mN3eu9GCP3Ke3Li4YTDahszEYcINEByXzXIh72F/s1600/ogilvy2.jpg" height="293" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">David Ogilvy, one of the original Mad Men, an actual advertising giant once noted, "I prefer the discipline of knowledge to the anarchy of ignorance."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Wisely put. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">In 1962, <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_%28magazine%29" title="Time (magazine)">Time</a></i> called him "the most sought-after wizard in today's advertising industry." </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Think of him as Don Draper, I suppose. But maybe minus the aesthetic superiority of Jon Hamm. The guy can't have it all, after all. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Ogilvy excelled in the world of advertising, <span style="font-size: small;">some<span style="font-size: small;"> would say he set the ton<span style="font-size: small;">e for how advertising ought to be done<span style="font-size: small;">:</span> by being invo<span style="font-size: small;">lved with the product start to finish. One <span style="font-size: small;">cannot be proficient in talking about a prod<span style="font-size: small;">uct without being able to sell it<span style="font-size: small;"> first</span>. Talk wi<span style="font-size: small;">thout sell is cheap.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ogilvy was a researc<span style="font-size: small;">her at heart. His educati<span style="font-size: small;">onal background had something to do with <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">him</span> having <span style="font-size: small;">been at Oxford and<span style="font-size: small;">, incidentally, he professionally referred to hims<span style="font-size: small;">el<span style="font-size: small;">f as an advertising researc<span style="font-size: small;">her.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The first job he held was that of a door-to-door salesman <span style="font-size: small;">of</span> AGA cooking sto<span style="font-size: small;">ves<span style="font-size: small;">. He did so well with it<span style="font-size: small;"> that his employer asked him to write the instru<span style="font-size: small;">ction manual for other <span style="font-size: small;">salespeople. Fortune ma<span style="font-size: small;">gazine actually refers to this as the finest manual ever written. He was the best at selling it and he also <span style="font-size: small;">happen<span style="font-size: small;">ed to be the best writing about it. The correl<span style="font-size: small;">ation between both skills is <span style="font-size: small;">ind<span style="font-size: small;">i</span>sputable. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Selling<span style="font-size: small;">, much like writing is no<span style="font-size: small;">t just a skill one <span style="font-size: small;">is</span> born with but ra<span style="font-size: small;">ther something one needs to work on heavily. It's only by <span style="font-size: small;">way of much disci<span style="font-size: small;">p</span>lined learning and practice that one can master both.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">As I have been <span style="font-size: small;">reading up on <span style="font-size: small;">him</span>, a few things jumped at me<span style="font-size: small;">. One of them being the 10 <span style="font-size: small;">R</span>ules of <span style="font-size: small;">W</span>riting. I found them use<span style="font-size: small;">ful. You might too<span style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Read the Roman-Raphaelson <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/0060956437/braipick09-20" target="_blank">book on writing</a>. Read it three times.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Write the way you talk. Naturally.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Use short words, short sentences and short paragraphs.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Never use jargon words like <i>reconceptualize</i>, <i>demassification</i>, <i>attitudinally</i>, <i>judgmentally</i>. They are hallmarks of a pretentious ass.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Never write more than two pages on any subject.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Check your quotations.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Never send a letter or a memo on the day you write it. Read it aloud the next morning — and then edit it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">If it is something important, get a colleague to improve it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Before you send your letter or your memo, make sure it is crystal clear what you want the recipient to do.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">If you want ACTION, don’t write. Go and tell the guy what you want.</span></li>
</ol>
B.R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00224691839509403692noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751335156965060433.post-73931851668113586442014-06-19T22:10:00.003-04:002014-06-19T22:15:55.874-04:00Why a Triathlon?I'm doing a triathlon.<br />
<br />
It's in less than a month and I'm loving getting ready for it.<br />
<br />
Prior to the past few years, I'd bike much more than I'd drive. When at Ohio State, I'd be on my Jamis Ventura non-stop. It actually stayed in my office on campus as I'd go and lecture and then I'd take it out for a long spin. We were, to quote one of my OSU pals, "joined at the hip." And they were right. We were. As a matter of fact, I biked everywhere and only drove sparingly and only if I really had to, like when I had to drive to a conference out-of-state or shop for big stuff. And I loved the feeling of freedom that the bike gave me.<br />
<br />
Driving, while I enjoy it immensely as well as it takes me faster from Place A to Place B than biking or walking, doesn't have the desired side effect of fitness.<br />
<br />
So, combining biking with my love of swimming which I've had opportunity to re-visit the past month, was a sure way to lead me to signing up for a Triathlon.<br />
<br />
The one thing that's proven to be the most challenging is the discipline around timing. This summer I am giving myself time and permission to indulge and do something that is entirely for me. And doing a triathlon is not a prerequisite for anything else other than it's something that I want to do for myself.<br />
<br />
And at first it felt weird to do something that's entirely for me and, fundamentally, for fun. But after a good week, it seems to have become a habit. Who knew it feels pretty good to do stuff just for yourself. Maybe I'll build more on this tradition and keep adding more activities of this nature.<br />
I keep my custom-made bike right next to my iMac. I find that it helps to keep me on-task and motivated when I can see it as opposed to parking it next to my car where it would be out of sight most of the day. This way, it beckons. This way it says, "oy, don't forget to take me out for a spin. Remember than the biking portion of the triathlon is 40k and I need to be taken out regularly."<br />
<br />
What I'm especially liking about the preparatory phase of a triathlon is the feeling of achievement and structure that it gives you. It's hard at times to self-propel and the surest way to do so is by creating a system in which, with time, it becomes easy to force yourself to be kept on-schedule. Couple this with my penchant for numbers and measuring and I seem to have gotten myself a good thing.<br />
<br />
And a triathlon by definition is comprised of a number of different activities, i.e., three: Swimming-Biking-Running and, as a result, it's a surer way to keep one focused, on-point, and most importantly outside the grip of boredom. And the latter, for someone like me, is a real problem. The more varied the experience, the better.<br />
<br />
Ergo, so far, I'm completely boredom-free. I'm thoroughly enjoying the preparatory phase, and my body is thanking me daily. Who knew I'd deprived it of so much attention! Now, it and I seem to be on the up and up and we're friends again. Good. Now the goal is to finish the race. And with my loved ones here to cheer me on how can I not do what I do and finish? Exactly. I'll do what I do. And I will finish. 25 days to go. Let's wrap this up in style!B.R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00224691839509403692noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-751335156965060433.post-26822624277925282252014-05-26T05:06:00.000-04:002014-05-26T05:12:08.072-04:00The Caché of Leadership: the Marissa Mayer Effect This is the CEO of Yahoo.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-JMbjUDGNOivd_sntuXB_RN5fm_e8Whms4moaluSo_DqCQyWvUUDvEGq-7NtQ0s1YkermYBpnIUvMLgxKUs2nMbK0PWTIa1a-HILVTflx9PBL616f77d3vB4RjE8kILhCVaX1ohP3CAb/s1600/130819145747-marissa-mayer-vogue-horizontal-gallery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI-JMbjUDGNOivd_sntuXB_RN5fm_e8Whms4moaluSo_DqCQyWvUUDvEGq-7NtQ0s1YkermYBpnIUvMLgxKUs2nMbK0PWTIa1a-HILVTflx9PBL616f77d3vB4RjE8kILhCVaX1ohP3CAb/s1600/130819145747-marissa-mayer-vogue-horizontal-gallery.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
First, she's a geek.<br />
Second, she loves numbers.<br />
Third, she is open about being a straight talker, fiercely intelligent, and aggressively ambitious.<br />
<br />
Here's a bit of how she thinks as per <a href="http://www.vogue.com/magazine/article/hail-to-the-chief-yahoos-marissa-mayer/#1">the Vogue piece on her</a>:<br />
<br />
In her words: “I really like even numbers, and I like heavily divisible numbers.
Twelve is my lucky number—I just love how divisible it is. I don’t like
odd numbers, and I really don’t like primes. When I turned 37, I put on a
strong face, but I was not looking forward to 37. But 37 turned out to
be a pretty amazing year. Especially considering that 36 is divisible by
twelve!” <br />
<br />
I especially liked reading about her when I first found out that she was the choice for Yahoo CEO after the company blew through three 3 different CEO's in less than a year! I remember having a chat with one of my business friends in the States right before she was picked for her current gig and he saying that the reason why Yahoo never seemed to get its act together was because of who they were hiring as their CEO's. They were all basically the same. And you can't get innovation from same ol', same ol'. Innovation, by definition, is about change, difference, <u>newness</u>. And Marissa Mayer was wildly different from the other three CEO's. Ergo, she was successful. <br />
<br />
What Marissa has, that the other three didn't, was the courage to be different, be a change agent in her company and choose to publicly stand for something new. Marissa made decisions with little regard for popularity, such as requiring that people not work from home. She required people to come to work and not telecommute because she firmly believed that working together in the same space and at the same time made people "more collaborative and innovative." While this idea and decision did not make her popular in the short run, it proved to be a smart move. And she stuck by it. This is yet another important trait of leadership: needing to stick by one's well thought out and well researched decisions.<br />
<br />
Because sticking to one's well-thought out and researched decisions is not <span class="st">intransigence<i>. </i>It's intelligence!<i><br /></i></span><br />
<br />
Plus, her idea was not just born in thin air. There is much academic work that backs up her decision. The Research of Richard Florida, Dean of the <i>Rottman School of Business</i>, rests on the notion that in order for people, industries, and cities to succeed, they all have to congregate and cluster. His work on <a href="http://www.creativeclass.com/_v3/whos_your_city/">Who's Your City</a> stipulates that proximity leads to results and success and the internet cannot bridge what person-to-person closeness can. <br />
<br />
As the Vogue article says:<br />
<br />
"She also instituted a weekly all-hands meeting and added new perks with
symbolic importance: free food in the cafeterias, on par with the
standard at Google and elsewhere, iPhones instead of BlackBerrys, and
the elimination of turnstiles that were costing employees an average of
six minutes a day going in and out of buildings. While insisting that
everyone show up for work, she also began removing cubicle barriers and
office walls to foster a more collaborative work environment." <br />
<br />
Mayer's open and courageous leadership has already yielded much fruit. The result has been an immediate turnaround at Yahoo. Because that's just what leadership is: the desire and courage to stand for something, to make decisions, to act.<br />
<br />
And Marissa is different. She seems to have chosen to operate in a gender-neutral reality. And I love that! In a male-dominated business, Mayer stands out. Not only is she a force to be reckoned with who doesn't just accept the landscape in which she is playing, she reinvents the rules of the game with a kind of swagger that is <i>very now</i>. As the <i>Vogue</i> spread on her back in September so defiantly said to the world, "Look at me. I'm smart, I'm intense, I make decisions. Deal with it."<br />
<br />
Deeply analytical, geeky to a fault, and a lover of technology, she epitomizes what a leader in technology ought to be like: capable, unapologetic about innovation, fierce. And she's one of my role models. A leader who I think ought to be emulated across industry channels. And one whose style is bound to get appropriated and replicated sooner rather than later. Because to thrive in business, one requires active hands-on leadership and courage to innovate.<br />
<br />
Another thing the Vogue piece says:<br />
<br />
"[Marissa]’s not kidding about being a geek. Mayer talks about numbers as if
they were people, refers casually to x- and y-axes, and drops terms like
<i>stochastic factor</i> (it means a random distribution) in conversation. On business issues, she speaks awkwardly, piling as many <i>likes</i> into a sentence as Alicia Silverstone in <i>Clueless.</i> But when she gets on to technology, she turns effortlessly articulate."<br />
<br />
In short, <u>she's interesting</u>. And leaders, in order for them to be followed, thus have real caché, they need to be interesting. They need to stand out. They need to be quotable. That's what leadership is. It's, at the core, about swagger, about newness, and a tad about quirkiness.<br />
<br />
Those that resist quirkiness and novelty in leadership will not survive. Not in the world we live in. The world we live in eventually will side with the smart, quirky, different folks. Like Marissa. Like Steve Jobs. Like Richard Branson. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />B.R.http://www.blogger.com/profile/00224691839509403692noreply@blogger.com2