Friday, October 5, 2012


The Chest

Based on my personal opinion of being nostalgic I would classify myself as not being so. I don't store many things away in boxes to pull out periodically to reminisce about days gone by. I prefer to have very little in our home and even with that preference I am continually amazed at the mass amount of stuff we collect as a family. In the words of Nancy Griffith, “Suitcases full of unnecessary plastic objects.”

Even with this “stuff” I still do not have lots of memorabilia, etc... I do have some carefully thought out pieces from my childhood...pictures of my grandparents, of my family in much younger years, a knife given to me by my grandfather. I also keep certain race tees...Survival of the Shawangunks, my one Ironman, the Comrades Marathon, my Leadville 100 belt buckle. Beyond a few items I deem highly important I choose not to hang on to very much. Perhaps I have chosen not to hang on to lots of stuff because I have moved many times in my life and packing up takes less time when one has fewer objects. Perhaps...

However, one could argue that I am very nostalgic and perhaps even a hoarder. What?! Although this is contradictory to my initial statement, I think there is a strong case for such. It is true that I do not hold on to 
many tangible items. Things I can touch, feel, hold and look at. But I do have a chest of wonderful items stored in a place always available to me. I don't need to go into the closet or trudge down into the basement to pull this chest of items out. Each is securely stored in my memory. Being at the ready, these items can be pulled up for viewing at any point. When I go to a bakery a certain smell always reminds me of my grandmother's homemade chocolate cake. I can almost taste it. Something else may cause me to appear to be staring into space, but I'm not. I'm staring at my grandfather sitting on the riverbank fishing. So content just to sit there beside me for hours on end even if the fish weren't biting. The list of items in my chest are endless...priceless.

As many of you know, most of my past writing has been about running. So, what does this chest have to do with running...everything. Although I often use running to analyze what is happening in life at a given moment, I also get to use it as time spent plundering through my chest of wonderful items. For example, as I stood watching Mikiele and the other children in our neighborhood awaiting the arrival of the bus this morning I come to understand that one of the local boys has a crush on my daughter. It reminded me of my first crush and girlfriend at that young age. So innocent, but so painful. Shortly after the bus arrived I began my morning run. As I started running I opened up my chest and poked around to find the memories of that time in life. I remember how my stomach felt, the pounding in my chest, and of course, the many really stupid things I did to try to get her attention. I think I got her attention, but am not so sure it was in the way I wanted. Her looking at me with a look that somehow said, “That boy is a dang fool!” was not the kind of attention I had wished for. But, in time I think I won her over. I think she has turned out to be a great person in spite of liking me at that young age.

Perhaps at some point time will take these items away from me, but I do not believe so. I may not be able to explain the meaning of the items to someone else, but I believe at any point in life I will always get to keep my chest of precious items. And as long as I am able to run I will occasionally use the time to poke around and find something I haven't seen in a long time. That's the interesting part of my chest...the items can change. Go for a run and open your own chest of wonderful items.

See you out there!

Double B


Wednesday, September 26, 2012


The Eyes of Child


On June 5th I stated, “I'm Back...” Admittedly, it took a bit longer than I thought. After completing my MBA and not needing to write in APA format I thought for sure I would want to start writing again. But obviously I didn't. Why? It is hard to say for certain, but the easiest answer it that I had no drive, no ambition, no inspiration. I have plopped down in front of the computer on multiple occasions since then thinking, “Today's the day.” But nothing.

My motivation was lacking for several reasons. First, I was tired of writing. I realized even if I could write about what I wanted I still didn't want to write. Second, after completing the MBA I was eager to begin a new career (still am). I have worked since I was eleven, so I admit I am struggling being unemployed. I don't feel like I am giving to society. It will happen and when it does I will look back and realize I have enjoyed this time off for the most part. I will be glad when it happens.

I brag so much about where I live...probably to the point that it irritates some folks. Oh well, you'll have to live with that because I do live in one of the absolute best places on earth. With that I sought inspiration by climbing Colorado 14ers (any peak over 14,000 feet high). I climbed 16 this summer and loved every single minute of it. Even rolling out of my car in 26 degree weather to start a climb alone in the dark. I don't think there are many things that create a sense of awareness like being alone on the side of a mountain in the dark. I absolutely love it! But even on those magnificent peaks with everything to absorb, every second counting, I couldn't find inspiration to write.

That all changed last week. Mikiele, my 9 y/o daughter, and I decided to start hiking. No 14ers yet...baby steps. So, last Monday we hiked up Arthur's Rock. I think it is a difficult climb for anyone, but especially for someone who has never climbed a mountain before. I was absolutely amazed with my daughter. We stopped here and there, but before I knew it we were on top. And you should have seen her eyes. This past Saturday we climbed Lily Mountain (pictured above is on top with Long's Peak looming in the background). Again, you should have seen her eyes. Bingo! I found my inspiration. All of these months searching, wanting to write, but just not finding the reason.

A few days ago someone asked my what makes me happy. Without hesitation I answered, “Seeing someone smile when they first see me, especially if that someone is my bride or daughter.” All this time and my inspiration was with me almost every day. All to often we search for things in far off places. The mountains call my name and I will always run to them as much as possible. But I know my inspiration is right in my own home. It is a loving smile on the face of my bride or my daughter.

The two hikes we've been on together so far has created another bond between Mikiele & me. She wants to do a 14er next summer. If she keeps the bug I will be happy to oblige and help her make it to the top. But, when I get there you know what will inspire me? Her eyes!

See you out there!

Double B

In the eyes of a child there is joy, there is laughter
There is hope, there is trust, a chance to shape the future
For the lessons of life there is no better teacher
Than the look in the eyes of a child

You've found the place to walk the path you've chosen
You'll never miss the world you left behind
When life gives life, it's happiness unbroken
When you give love, it's love you'll find

-Graham Russell and Ron Bloom

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

I'm Back...

I've been in graduate school for the past 16 months, which required writing at least one APA formatted paper every week.  With that, I simply had no desire to write more, nor the time to get out and do something worth writing about.  I am happy to say I am almost finished with my MBA (now to find a job) and although I am sure I will be extremely busy I hope to find the time to play in the woods and report back with observations worth mentioning.

I love running further than most, climbing as high as possible (in Colorado) and just being outside.  My goal in blogging is not to tell everyone about all of the wonderful, tough, extreme or crazy things I do.  Although some may argue I do a lot of each, I do not think that is the case in comparison to others.  I just love to be on a trail in the middle of nowhere going places I've never been.  I also love to view the world by being in the moment, not just letting time slip by.

So, stay tuned and let others know if you like what you read.  Let me know if you don't, as positive feedback is the only way I can get better at what I do.

Peace,

Double B