V's Blog

1963. Arthur Miller.

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 05:38:08 +0000

“… My argument with so much psychoanalysis is the preconception that suffering is a mistake or a sign of weakness, or a sign even of illness when in fact possibly the greatest truths we know have come out of people’s suffering. That the problem is not to undo suffering or to wipe it off the face of the earth, but to make it inform our lives instead of trying to cure ourselves of it constantly and avoid it- avoid anything but that lobotomized sense of what they call happiness. There’s too much of an attempt, it seems to me, to think in terms of controlling man rather than freeing him, of defining him rather than letting him go and it’s part of the whole ideology of this age which is power mad…”

Results:Reboot

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 20:42:25 +0000

The results are in for the US Half Marathon and now it’s time to reboot for La Transtica’s upcoming run across Costa Rica. I’ll be keeping things casual for the next few days to let my body patch itself up before the next hundred miles.

My left foot is a bit of a concern- I’ve been experiencing some pain at the top of my foot during and after runs. It definitely affected my pace during the half marathon, but my mantra for the day was “Take it Easy”, so I eased up and trudged on.

There are a plethora of causes to foot pain, from simple things like shoes that don’t fit, to something a little more complex like a stress fracture… Hopefully I’ve just been a bit overzealous when tying my shoes and it’s nothing more than that. Fingers crossed.

San Francisco US Half Marathon

Finishers: 3541, Female: 1959, Male: 1582

Overall Place: 265, Sex Place: 47, Age Division Place: 22

Time: 1:44:42, Pace: 8:00

PBS-Stretching California’s Water Supplies

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:08:22 +0000

I abhor the modern mainstream media. It’s a slave to advertising and mass consumer markets, the underbelly of a capitalist scoiety gone amuck. The media’s top priority should be to objectively inform the public, fostering engaged citizenship. However, it is unmistakably clear that the media is solely focused on its bottom line and appeasing its advertisers. We’re being dooped by glistening smiles and fat conglomerates. It’s a sad situation.

But there is always hope and in the case of media, hope is tangible. America’s Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) publishes quality broadcasts consistently. With the hundreds of channels available on the television, PBS is one of the few that has programs worth watching.

This month, KCET will be airing Huell Howser’s “Stretching California’s Water Supplies“. The program explores the organizations and technologies working to preserve California’s most precious natural resource. From motivated non-profit organizations to resource-conscious farmers, the program’s three segments will investigate the innovations behind California’s water conservation efforts and how they affect our everyday lives. I’m actually looking forward to watching it.

As the world’s supply of potable water is strained, it’s important to be aware of the issue through objective information. Not surprisingly, such information is not readily available in mainstream media. At least there’s PBS. If you’ve got the time, watch the show as it airs tonight (and throughout the month). If you can’t, at least you know there’s a problem- and knowing is half the battle.

Booked for the Weekend(s)!

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 00:02:05 +0000

I have issues with idle time. If I’m not moving, I’m making and creating. Sitting still is not an option- unless I’m meditating, but that’s not sitting still.

I had thought that I’d have no problem keeping busy on the weekends. I figured I’d spend time with friends catching up on the times and making new memories. Thing is, people around here seem to be pretty habitual. Boxed in. Comfortable. Set. I feel like the Kool-Aid Man – barging into the scene, completely inappropriate. The awkward turtle is in the corner starting a slow applause, ever so awkwardly with his flippers. A pink elephant coughs. My friends are no where to be found. Silence reverberates off the walls as I make my retreat. So far, weekends in the US have been exercises in profound solitude.

Rather than embracing the sad panda moping about my peripheral vision (Go away and snack on some bamboo or sneeze or something!), I’ve switched tactics, changed gears. I found the reset button and hit it. Many, many times. So now my weekends are booked solid through to the day I leave for Costa Rica! This weekend I’m getting my inner warrior on and running the Warrior Dash followed by a 15000 ft skydive! (Yay for social media ~~steals~~ deals!) Then, there’s the US Half Marathon in San Francisco. That should be fun- running across the Golden Gate Bridge and all that jazz. Lastly, I’m taking a bartending course for the final two weekends- I don’t drink, but other people do! I’ll be sure to meet a few interesting people in all this self imposed chaos. Maybe I’ll find a co-adventurer or two!

I’ve created a few new digital pieces, gotten settled and sorted, made a mess, cleaned up, and teetered on the fringes of domestication over the past month. Old place. New territory. It’s a scary place to be in these strange times. The horizon calls- but I don’t pick up the phone. I’m running for it! Will you be running with me?

Just Keep Running

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 04:04:49 +0000

Well, I’ve officially begun training for La Transtica’s 200KM, 5 stage race across Costa Rica. I’ve got a month before the race so I’ll be running more frequently and further than sanity should assent. Every other day will be a distance day (like today’s 17 mile run) buffered by a shorter 6-12 mile day or bike ride. Shorter days will be fleshed out with circuit workouts at the gym or pool sessions, while daily yoga will balance out the chaos.

I’ve been running with music lately. Bad idea. I’ve come to the conclusion that its use severely impairs my running performance. Individual results may vary, but in my case music is detrimental on a number of levels. First and foremost, I do not run, I dance. This is a problem that is most easily detected when I ~~run~~ dance on treadmills. Balance and focus dissipate. Arms go flying and eventually so do I. Second, I lose touch with my surroundings, the music draws my attention away from little unimportant details like cars, traffic lights, or unsafe trails. Lastly, I lose sense of my condition. The music elevates me above the terrestrial experience of “one foot in front of the other”. I assume I’m breathing because I have to gasp for air as I silently (or not so silently- I can’t hear) sing along with the songs. Pain flares up in my joints, but from what and for how long- I have no clue. Quite frankly, it’s nothing short of a miracle that I’ve not had a second trip to the ER this past month.

For me, running is moving meditation. It’s a mental exercise which just happens to require quite a bit of physical effort as well. My headphones will be tucked away for the next few weeks as I find my natural rhythm and rack up the miles. I’ll just have to save all the dancing and the mayhem for after the run.

listen 2 ur heart

ThinkBike San Francisco Rolls Out Ideas

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 22:26:00 +0000

The two day ThinkBike summit in San Francisco was an inspiring bi-national endeavor focusing on methods to improve conditions for biking in the city. Local leaders, transportation planners, and community members coordinated with the Netherlands Consul General and Dutch transit specialists addressed key topics in bicycle safety, utilization, and functionality in their survey of three study areas:Central Market,Polk Street, and “The Wiggle”.

Central Market
This specific portion of Market Street is part of SF Route 30 (map) but lacks designated bike lanes. While traffic volume is relatively low on Market Street itself, the cross streets are heavily utilized connecting commercial centers to highways. Intersections are dubious at best for even the most cautious and experienced bicyclist.

Polk Street
The northern section of Polk Street consists of one lane of traffic in each direction with parking on both sides of the street. It is considered a commercial corridor, running parallel to Van Ness Avenue (US Route 101). Particular attention will focus on determining if a separated bicycle facility would be possible without being blocked by double-parked vehicles or impeding current traffic flow.

The Wiggle
This mile-long route, aptly named The Wiggle, winds through residential and commercial neighborhoods to minimize hilly inclines for bicyclists. It offers westbound riders an attractive alternative to mashing up Haight Street hills by “wiggling” up much more manageable inclines.

“Since the purpose of the wiggle is to even out/avoid the steep incline getting into the upper haight, on the way back you can just as well sail down Haight St — check your brakes, or your fixie skid marks or what ever.” (San Francisco Wiki, 09/21/2011)

*****

Bicycle safety in the city is a major concern and deterrent for would be bicyclists. However, with the installation of dedicated bicycle facilities and the rising number of bicyclists on the road. Riding a bicycle in the city is an incredible safe method of transportation. Bicyclists can improve their own safety by following road rules and wearing safety gear. However, drivers can greatly improve bicycle safety by being aware and considerate of bicycle traffic providing 3 feet clearance when passing riders on the road. San Francisco is improving and expanding dedicated bicycle facilities and general bicycle awareness and tolerance is quite good in the city.

Utilization goes hand in hand with functionality. Simply building a bike lane does not guarantee its use. Efficient corridors must be identified and then improved upon for optimal bike usage. Bicycling should be a more viable mode of transportation in the city than driving. Functional, efficient routes which can be utilized by bicyclists from 8-80 years old are pivotal in this movement. Hills can be daunting, traffic can be frightening, but with improvements in infrastructure coupled with an informed and enthusiastic community, San Francisco is truly one of the best bicycle cities in America.

Waves to Wine 2011

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:30:00 +0000

It was a wonderful weekend riding my bicycle beside the 2000 other cyclists during the annual Bike MS: Waves to Wine Ride. Now in its 28th year, the two day event is famous for its picturesque routes with various mileage options, appealing to both new and experienced riders alike. Saturday’s 100 and 75 mile route took riders on a breathtaking tour from San Francisco and across the Golden Gate Bridge, over Mount Tamalpais and up the California coastline on scenic Highway 1. A 40 mile option weaved around Northern California’s wine country, merging with the 100 and 75 mile routes for the finish in Rohnert Park. On Sunday, riders rolled out on a beautiful 75 or 50 route through classic vineyards and golden rolling hills.

Armed with tools, a spare tube, an emergency number, and a cue sheet, I was a Ride Marshal for the weekend, acting as both a good will and safety ambassador for the National MS Society and Bike MS while on the road. Over the course of the event, I helped fix a flat, examined a squeaky pedal, enforced safe riding procedures, and made sure that people along the route were well taken care of while enjoying the ride. It was a nice change of pace to have the extra responsibility while on the road and to share the experience with my Ride Marshal buddy since I’ve grown accustomed to riding solo. Needless to say, I was worn out after the two days of marshaling, but I couldn’t have had a more worthwhile weekend on my bicycle.

And I Quote… Week #52

Sun, 14 Aug 2011 07:00:37 +0000

No man can know where he is going unless he knows exactly where he has been and exactly how he arrived at his present place. -Maya Angelou

And I Quote… Week #51

Sun, 07 Aug 2011 07:00:26 +0000

Certainly, travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living. -Miriam Beard

And I Quote… Week #50

Sun, 31 Jul 2011 07:00:57 +0000

I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in. -John Muir