Grizzly

Grizzly · Nov 23, 2007

1. Why do you run? When I let my mind drift while running and suddenly it’s not the runner that moves but the world that spins beneath, then I know. When I remember the times and ways in which I’ve told myself “I can’t”, and then remember that running was one of them, then I know. When it is early morning and as I run all I hear is my breathing and the blood coursing through my veins, like waves on a beach… and I taste the salt on my lips, the salt of my inner ocean, then I know. When it isn’t working and it’s not pleasant and I have 3 miles to go to get home and another runner catches my eye with a wave and a smile as if we share some secret, then I know. When the northern lights crackle above me and the coyotes yammer up the ravine and it is 20 below and I’m alive, then I know. When at the end of a race my mantra turns from “get it done” to “thank you”, then I know. When I run on a stretch of bald-assed prairie, and there’s nowhere to hide, and I am at that intersection between sky and earth and I wonder if I’m flying, then I know. I’ve written way too much about this one. Let’s just say that it allows me to come to terms with this body. I run because it is life-giving, life-sustaining and life-affirming. I run because I must. I run because I am a runner. 2. What is your greatest accomplishment? When I’m dead and gone I hope that people will think that it was being a good partner and father. Done okay so far with a few missteps. I’m not sure that I’ll ever be able to judge my success or failure in this one, it’s in progress and I’m not sure that it will ever be complete. Being me comes second I guess. 3. What is your motto/theme song? On my Road ID I have the inscription “Love is all there is”. It was a quick brainless set of keystrokes, but it comes pretty close to my motto. Another one that I have used this year as a personal mantra is by David Campbell: “Discipline is remembering what you want” . One that I do ponder is by Meister Eckhardt, that 13th century mystic: “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” Theme song? Hands down… It lives in the seed of a tree as it grows. You can hear it if you listen to the wind as it blows. It's there, in a river, as it flows to the sea. It's the sound in the soul of someone becoming free And it lives in the laughter of children at play, And in the blazing sun that gives light to the day. It moves the planets and stars up in the sky It's been the mover of mountains since the beginning of time O Mystery, You are alive. I feel You all around. You are the fire in my heart, You are the holy sound You are all of life, it is to you that I sing, Grant that I might feel you, always, in everything. And it lives in the waves as they crash upon the beach, I've seen it in the gods that we have tried to reach. I feel it in the love that I know we need so much. I know it in your smile, my love, when our hearts touch. But when I listen deep inside, I feel it best of all Like a moon glowing white, and I listen to your call. And I know you will guide me, I feel like the tides rushing through the ocean of my heart that’s open wide. O Mystery, You are alive. I feel You all around. You are the fire in my heart, You are the holy sound You are all of life, it is to you that I sing, Grant that I might feel you, always, in everything. Mystery – Jeremy Geffen from The Paul Winter Consort’s “Missa Gaia” and when my wife sings it I get goosebumps. Tied for second: <a href="http://cockburnproject.net/songs&music/lots.html" target="_blank">Lord of the Starfields –</a> Bruce Cockburn “Oh love that fires the stars keep me burning…” Stone And Sand And Sea And Sky – Rose Vaughan “Open, open to the song, wind and sea have played so long…” 4. How do you deal with bad runs? I don’t let them get me down. I pick myself up and there’s always another chance tomorrow. And besides after a bad run I’ve caught myself envying people that I see out running… 5. Do you reward yourself for good runs? How? A run is its own reward, although I do enjoy a good breakfast after my long runs. A good race, however… well that involves a beer or three. 6. Who do you admire most? My wife, my sons, my parents, Liesel Fiand, David Thompson, Dorothy Day, Norman Bethune, Palestrina, Pauline Vanier, Paul Robeson, Boudica, Lester Pearson, Heather May, Thomas More, Johnny Cash, Stephen Lewis, Kelly (Smile33), Pelagius, 7. What is the greatest advice you have ever received? If you’re going to sing… sing. More profound than it appears at first glance. It is all about being in the moment. (If you’re going to run… run.) 8. What do wish you had learned younger? Not to apologize for being me. 9. What do you wish you could do but can't? Conquer my fear of heights enough to do some serious hiking (scrambling) with exposure (i.e. scary cliffs) 10. How would your friends describe your personality? I hope they see me as loyal, caring and interesting. 11. What do you wear running? favorite outfit? Whatever the heck I want to. Okay, to indulge the clothes geeks: Feet: Brooks Adrenalines for the last 5 years or so. Wright socks (thanks to Torque for the tip). Legs: Depends on the time of year. I have run in shorts at least one day a month for the last few years – it’s a quirky way to prove that Calgary has some bizarre weather. The shorts are either split sided or my stand-by of Nike black shorts. If it is cold I might add some Runderwear to the mix. In the winter I wear tights and if it is abysmally cold (below zero Fahrenheit) I’ll wear thermals as well. Upper body: Tech shirt – doesn’t matter what. If it is cold I have a micro-fibre fleece tech shirt. I have a high tech running jacket (again micro-fibre fleece) that I wear when it is particularly nippy. Hands – light gloves most of the time in winter, some heavier fleece mitts over top if it is very cold. Head – Brooks running hat, just like Meri’s. In winter, a neck warmer (loose) and a toque. 12. What has been your favorite race? The Calgary Harvest Half Marathon. A bit of everything including street, trail, path, cross-country. Part of its route is in a provincial park, Fish Creek, and it is not uncommon to see deer in the meadow as you race past. It has flat terrain, a couple of steep hills and rolling bits as well. Just a lovely race. My PR of sub 1:38 was there last year. Here’s a shot of some of the terrain in the park: <img alt="" src="http://www.harvesthalfmarathon.com/pics/2007/6th.jpg" style="border:0px solid;"> It is a small race, only 300 or so participants, but it is a runner’s race organized by and for runners. I’ve also loved captaining teams on the <a href="http://www.theatrecalgary.com/events/road_race/" target="_blank">Banff-Calgary Road Race</a>, and would love to have a PRT team in that or one of the other relays ( <a href="http://www.bjr.ca/" target="_blank">Banff Jasper relay – a killer of a race</a>, or the <a href="http://www.k-100relay.ca/" target="_blank">Kananaskis K-100</a> ). 13. Do you have a goal race right now? Not one in particular, but I am thinking of entering a fall 2008 marathon and working on a PR and perhaps a BQ. Looking at Victoria, Okanagan, Portland. I’ll be leading a running group that’s working towards the Calgary Police Half Marathon at the end of April. That’s a race that runs along one of Tigger’s favourite running routes, the Glenmore Reservoir in Calgary, with views of the mountains and the chance to maybe see some serious wildlife (bears, and not just Grizzlies). 14. What makes you happy? · My wife, my sons. · Running, obviously! · Being out doors, whether it be running, hiking, cross-country skiing. Breathing fresh air. The scent of forests, pine and spruce out here and oak and maple back east. · Music. Singing, playing, listening to someone play. I often catch myself laughing when I hear a particularly well played phrase or a jazz (or bluegrass) improv that goes somewhere unexpected. · Quiet. · The wind. · The ocean. · When the clouds are outlined in burning gold at sunset, and a particular shade of blue in the sky at dusk. I call it the <a href="http://www.artpassions.net/galleries/parrish/xmasmorn.jpg" target="_blank">“Maxfield Parish Blue”</a> · When we get a good crop of squash and it hasn’t been hailed on or frosted out. · Quiet conversation with good friends. · Writing. · Those moments when someone, usually my wife · Finishes my sentences · And vice-versa, because we know each other. · A good book. · Flying kites · Being able to capture a moment with my camera. When it works, it’s a moment of wonder for me. · Remembering Winnie The Poohdle, our pup and my running partner whom I miss terribly. · Working on stained glass. · Silliness. · Babies. · Bulleted lists. 15. Tell us one interesting thing about you that you haven't said (at least not often) on this forum in the past. I worked in the 1976 Olympics in a job that sounds so bizarre in our information age that my kids don’t believe that it could have existed. I went to all of the press sites at the various venues and brought back copy to a main message distribution centre where it was teletyped to the various press agencies, or transmitted painstakingly by facsimile. Fax machines (a spinning drum) took several minutes to transmit one page. I got a similar coloured pass to the one that the press got and was allowed access to all the press boxes. In off hours we’d spend our time at the games. I saw Nadia Comenici and her “10” performances, watched most of the athletics, saw the opening and closing ceremonies, met Howard “outta my way there” Cossell, cheered on the marathon finishers, saw the closing ceremonies. 16. Tell us one interesting thing about another user of this forum that has not been posted (at least not often) on this forum in the past (make sure the other person will not object to posting the info!). Torque is the real deal. What you read, what you see is what you get. He’s one great guy with a wonderful family.

Xavier Dan Q · Nov 23, 2007

A lot of crap makes you happy. 
I thought the first post in response should be a profound one. 
Excellent POTD, Grizzly 
The POTD tomorrow won't be nearly as good.

IEatHills4Meals · Nov 23, 2007

Voce me lembra um primo muito especial, de quem eu sinto muita falta. Obrigada pela lembranca. (entendeu?)

Arrojo · Nov 23, 2007

I'm sorry, but there are just way to many things that make you happy. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/wink.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Wink">

Tim · Nov 23, 2007

Thanks Grizzly. I enjoyed reading your POTD.

Lincoln · Nov 23, 2007

Nice, grizz.

jebba · Nov 23, 2007

Great POTD. You are an admirable guy.

dcoroner77 · Nov 23, 2007

Beautiful, Grizz. You are a wonderful person. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile">

altoids · Nov 23, 2007

This was a thing of beauty. Thank you.

Buxtehude · Nov 23, 2007

solarpowered · Nov 24, 2007

Everyone should be so lucky as to have so many things in their life that bring them happiness. I enjoyed reading your POTD.

drgenie · Nov 24, 2007

I always enjoy reading the things you write. This was no exception. You've been an inspiration and mentor to me over the years and there is no adequate way to express thanks for that. 
I still get sad when you talk about Winnie too. She was so sweet.....<img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/sad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Sad">

Alex · Nov 24, 2007

Someday we need to get a Kick meetup with every single person...reading these POTDs are awesome. I hope I can meet you all someday. 
Grizz you rock!

sierra · Nov 24, 2007

That just confirms what I already know about you. You are an amazing person, and one that I hold much admiration and respect for. 
Thank you for sharing. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile">

Xena · Nov 24, 2007

Grizz...you are a wonderful person and I am so glad to know you...abnd that is all I am going to say about that. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile"> 
awesome awesome post...

JackDuggan · Nov 24, 2007

This is a great POTD, Grizzly 
if you're game, we could start a defeat your fear of heights club 
except, of course, you need to go up that cliff first, I'm too chicken 
It was great getting to know you a bit better, Sir G

torque · Nov 24, 2007

Great post, Grizz...particularly the ending. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Very Happy">

JJJessee · Nov 24, 2007

Thanks Grizzly, 
Well put

Tithers · Nov 24, 2007

I think I'm in "love." In a non-stalkish way. 
I don't think I've taken the time before to realize how smart Grizzly is. Now I feel bad about it. 
I like your music intellect! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/notworthy.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="notworthy">

techgoddess · Nov 24, 2007

Those two are awesome, Grizz, and so are you. One of the greatest things about this website, to me, has been having the opportunity to "meet" you. You're a truly unique individual, and I consider you a friend. 
(But, a whole huge "about me" post, without one single mention of your baseball team??)

Grizzly

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