Walk Into the Future

Category: Lifestyle

  • Running Traveler

    traveler 2019

    2018 allowed me to develop a robust running program as part of my Walk into the Future.  I set an aggressive (for me) goal to increase the number of Half Marathons I would run in 2018.  This newfound aggressive scheduling allowed me to travel to multiple locations and experience 13.1-mile courses in fun and culturally significant places.

    Running a race allows you to experience a location in a more intimate manner than simply driving around.  Running provides opportunities to fully engage the city since you don’t have to worry about cars, traffic or obeying signs.  The course gives you the freedom to look around, admire architecture or even stop to take a picture of landmarks.  My goal is to run as fast as possible, but 13.1 miles provides a lot of sightseeing time.

    New Orleans, LA. (March 2018)

    My first 2018 race was the Humana Rock ‘N’ Roll New Orleans Half Marathon.  I’ve been to New Orleans multiple times, but this was my first time running a race in the city.  Running friends identified this as a fun race and a fast course since New Orleans is relatively flat.  The race and the course really lived up to the prerace hype.  Everything about New Orleans is festive and the course sponsors, volunteers and cheering crowd made sure all runners enjoyed their time in New Orleans.  New Orleans is known for Mardi Gras and having a good time.  A lot of runners use this race as an extended opportunity to get dressed up in costume.  You see all sorts of outfits for this race and beads are everywhere.

    The race starts downtown and winds throughout the city.  We spent a lot of time on tree lined St. Charles Avenue.  Residents, business owners, spectators and brass bands lined the street to cheer runners.  There are a few ‘beer stands’ available even though it’s 7:30 am—of course you have to get a beer in New Orleans.  The rest of the race winds through the Garden District, the French Quarter and finishes at the Fairgrounds.  The race after party is held at the Fairgrounds with music, food, beer, snacks and hanging out with runners from around the world.

    New Orleans is a great city and I’m happy to have experienced it as a runner.  Got to see the city from different angles and have a deeper appreciation for the culture there.

    Recommend visiting River Walk New Orleans (shopping), Mulate’s (Cajun Restaurant) and Bourbon Street (music) while in New Orleans.

    Nashville, TN. (April 2018)

    Nashville is one of my favorite places to visit because I love live music and some of the best music is generated there.  The St. Jude Rock ‘N’ Roll Nashville Half Marathon is one of the largest races in the series.  The Nashville entertainment draws a lot of runners from around the world to ‘Nash Vegas’.  The food, music and shopping in Nashville provides a convenient backdrop for runners to meet up and enjoy the city.

    A real treat for runners during this race is a different musical act EVERY mile.  Most of the acts are local talent (singers, musicians, bands) who are all very good.  The course starts downtown Nashville and winds through college campuses and residential neighborhoods before ending at Nissan Stadium.  A unique feature happens right at mile marker #6.

    Mile marker #6 is the entrance to the Westgrove neighborhood.  The unique and special feature of this part of the running course is the people who live in the neighborhood provide the entertainment to include sound stage, costumes and refreshments.  The entire neighborhood gets involved during the race and they have FUN.  My first encounter with this neighborhood came in my first Nashville Half Marathon in 2017.  I stopped running to soak in the entertainment and the energy from the people there.  Truly amazing experience to see so many people want to help entertain and energize runners.  This is my favorite spot on the Nashville course every time I run there.  I didn’t stop in 2018 since I’m use to the experience now.

    Running in downtown Nashville is a true treat!  The history, entertainment and music venues there make for a unique visual experience.  I always discover new things to view every time I run the city.

    Recommend visiting the Wild Horse Saloon (food, live music, line dancing), Crazy Town (live music), Tequila Cowboy (live music, food, cold beer), Jack’s BBQ, Opryland USA and The Hermitage (Museum).  There’s a lot more there, Nashville is a great place to Walk into the Future.

    Boston, GA. (October 2018)

    The Boston Mini-Marathon is a local race the town of Boston, Georgia uses to invite people to visit over the weekend.  Festivities include the Mini-Marathon (Half), Parade, Ms. Boston pageant, a Boston Butt BBQ competition and local vendors.

    This race had the smallest number of runners for my 4 races but was the friendliest place I’ve ever run.  Everyone in town seemed to enjoy the event and the runners who descended on their town.  The course was very flat and with the cool October weather provided an opportunity to run fast.  I signed up for this one as a ‘training’ run but ran my fastest half marathon ever.  Believe the cool weather and flat course were instrumental to my fast (for me) time.

    boston mini

    Amelia Island, FL. (December 2018)

    Decided to take a flyer and run the Reindeer Half Marathon on Amelia Island.  I had never been to Amelia Island and thought this would be a great way to see the beach and downtown areas.  The course was described as flat and fast and it lived up to the billing.  The run starts and ends right on the beach.  In between it winds through nature preserves, neighborhoods, downtown and the Fort Clinch state park.  Unfortunately, the weekend weather was not great, so I didn’t get to explore as much as I wanted.  I spent a lot of time at SLIDERS which has a great menu and ice-cold beers. Was able to venture out on the beach the day after the race before the rain started again.  Will look to make it back to Amelia Island to get a better feel for the area.

    2019

    Looking to add a few additional cities to my Running Traveler program.  Will run the Philadelphia Rock ‘N’ Roll Half Marathon in September—never been to Philly.  Also looking at running the Orlando Utility Commission (OUC) Half Marathon again in December after taking a year away from this race.  May add a few others to round out my running schedule for 2019.

    Currently committed to run:

    • Gulf Winds Track Club 15k (January)
    • New Orleans Rock ‘N’ Roll Half (February)
    • Winter Park 10k (March)
    • Nashville Rock ‘N’ Roll Half (April)
    • Philadelphia Rock ‘N’ Roll Half (September)

    Looking forward to catching up with friends and drinking beer at all these races!  See YA’LL soon!

  • Happy New Year

    Happy New Year 2019

    ‘None of us can change our yesterdays but all of us can change our tomorrows’ (Colin Powell)

    2018 was a great year and looking forward to having a great 2019 as well!

    I’m sure you will hear Happy New Year for the next few weeks, so I decided to get my version in via a blog post.  Positive thoughts lead to positive actions so let’s use the New Year vibe to create a road map for your personal and professional success.

    I’ve never been a huge fan of New Year’s resolutions because the construct behind these resolutions have an air of whimsy.   Most resolutions are stated with an almost ‘either/or’ prospect without the foundation for future growth or success.

    I sit down each January and generate a list of goals I will accomplish in the New Year.  These goals range from travel locations, fitness targets, professional pursuits, community involvement and reading plans for the year.  Generating SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time Based) goals provides a template to determine progress towards meeting a specific goal.  The ability to gauge progress towards stated goals provide a level of satisfaction and accountability to meet or exceed a goal.  I also leverage an accountability partner who receives a copy of my goals and checks on progress throughout the year.

     

    smart goals 2019

    I routinely advise direct reports and mentees to generate 3 SMART goals in the following areas:  professional and personal.  This process has helped them set goals to ensure the new year will bring the success they seek.  Please note:  3 SMART goals are the minimum I request from my tree; most create a robust number of goals in these areas and others depending on their professional and personal needs.

    Use the early days of 2019 to get organized and create goals that will enhance your entire 2019!  Don’t wait, get moving towards the productive year and outcomes you want to see!

    Let’s energize your Walk into the Future!

    What goals do you have for the New Year?   

  • Run your pain away

    “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”

    (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

    Running

    This is one of my favorite ‘inspirational’ quotes.  It speaks volumes about the power of the mind and the benefits of positive self-talk.  We sometimes talk ourselves into and out of multiple life situations, but Emerson brings a level of clarity by identifying we own the process.  We become what we decide we want to become.  Simple enough!

    One area I use regularly with this process is my running program.  In the past I would say out loud “I’m not a runner” and wondered why my running program never provided the results I thought it would.  Using Emerson’s words created a mental adjustment, so now I leverage my runs to recharge mentally and generate positive outcomes for my Walk into the Future.

    The physical benefits of running include:

    • Weight loss
    • Increased endurance
    • Stronger lungs
    • Lowered blood pressure
    • Muscle toning

    Have you thought about the ‘mental’ benefits of running?

    A running program can be used in a therapeutic way also.

    Had a hard or challenging day at work?  Try going for a run to clear your head and generate positive thoughts you can leverage later.  It is very hard to hold on to negative thoughts as you run your troubles away.  You may find yourself generating new ideas once you remove the clutter of the day during your run.

    Some runners identify the concept of a runner’s high while putting in the miles.   Endorphins are nature’s home-brewed opiates that act a lot like morphine (Runner’s World).  The chemical response running provides can help adjust your mood and put a smile on your face.  The release of endorphins is an extra benefit when I run and keep me looking forward to my next race.  Runners are a naturally happy bunch and you always can find them smiling and drinking beer at the finish line of most races.  The endorphins and the sense of completing a challenging run may contribute to most of these smiling faces.

    Running can also be used as a stress reliever.  The boast in serotonin levels can provide a relaxing and calming affect as you run your problems away. It is extremely tough holding on to daily life pressures while also tackling a hill during your run.  Your full physical and mental attention quickly turns to help you get over the next hill or cover the next mile marker.  Your troubles don’t magically go away but they don’t seem as important while out for a run.  Run consistently and you will start to find running as a physical and mental outlet.

    What other transformative and therapeutic benefits can running bring?  Thanks!

    Benefits Of Running-03

  • Coffee Shops

    The past few months on my ‘Walk into the Future’ have allowed me to discover and immerse myself into the coffee shop world.

    Not saying I’ve never been in a coffee shop, but my current walk has me exploring coffee shops as an outlet for my creative flow.  Most of my previous blog posts were imagined, designed and written in a coffee shop.  I find the environment rich with audial, creative and visual stimulation to help generate ideas and then put them in some measurable format to share via blog.

    The people watching in this environment is first rate!  It’s amazing watching the people interactions within a coffee shop—regardless of the time of day.  The amount of business being transacted within coffee shops highlights the benefits of networking away from an actual office.  People bring clients or prospective clients out for coffee to discuss work product, marketing designs and mergers.

    Friendly get togethers are another large portion of the people who frequent coffee shops on a random Tuesday.  Friends meeting up after a morning yoga class or run occupy most of the seats today.  The demographics of these groups highlight a diverse crowd who really enjoy good coffee and conversation.

    I make a point to patronize multiple local coffee shops to experience interactions on multiple spectrums.  Some of the shops I frequent have a faster pace to patron interactions, tone of the conversations and the actual noise level within.  Others have the pace, feel and sound inflections like a library with the real or perceived ‘hush’ look from people.

    I find myself gravitating towards the quieter coffee shops because I can concentrate a bit more and research/write additional context.

    My favorite coffee shop so far is Lucky Goat.  Good coffee, pastries, atmosphere and the people are always friendly.  There are numerous coffee shop options available but Lucky Goat continues to draw me in.

    What’s your favorite local coffee shop?

     

    Luck Goat2Lucky Goat3

  • Meditation

    Funny Meditation

    Meditation is an active process to train your mind.  This form of training can be done to relax or focus your mind when needed.

    According to Harvard Researcher Herbert Benson, meditation triggers a ‘relaxation response’ that causes activity reduction of the sympathetic nervous system.

    Areas meditation research have shown to help are:  lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, stress relief and my favorite deep relaxation.

    Meditation practice can be used throughout the day to help improve your walk into the future.

    Find a comfortable place when needed to begin your meditation process.

    My day starts with a minimum of 5 minutes to meditate and properly prepare for the day.  I prefer a completely dark room without distractions (TV, music, etc.) in the background.  This process allows me to calm my thought process and identify things I want to focus on for the day.  I make a few declarations during this time:

    • Today will be a great day
    • I will make a difference today
    • Positive thoughts create positive results
    • Others as needed

    This provides the springboard needed to start the day off to generate desired results.

    Meditating at work is a little more challenging but can be accomplished.

    For those with an actual office, look for an opportunity to close your door for a few minutes.  Sit comfortably and close your eyes to begin.  Focus on your breathing and how your body reacts.  Let the concepts of your breathing rhythms help calm your mind, body and heart rate.   This process provides the most benefit when experiencing high stress periods in the work day.  Consistency in your meditation practice will allow you to find time in the day to take this mental and physical break needed.

    For those in a cubicle environment, look for an opportunity to get up from your desk and walk.  You can use this time to refocus, collect your thoughts or relax as needed.  A quick trip down the hall or outside to find a quiet spot to recharge can be the thing needed to get through a trying day.

    Leverage meditation during your day to regain focus, relax and eliminate stress.  It will not be one size fits all but can be beneficial to help you accomplish what’s needed.

    How can you use meditation to help conquer your day?  Curious.

    meditate3

  • Intermittent Fasting

    Intermittent fasting continues to grow in popularity as more people discover the positive benefits of the program.

    I was introduced to the concept through a friend during my time in Orlando.  Decided to give it a try after doing my personal research.  The concept of fasting does not appeal to most people and I was skeptical how this would improve health and physical wellbeing.

    I currently use the 16:8 model—16 hours of fasting with an 8-hour window to eat.  I can eat whatever I want during the 8-hour window including desserts.  No solid food at all during the 16-hour fasting window.  Example:  8-hour window = 11 am – 7 pm, 16-hour window = 7 pm – 11 am.  This can be adjusted based on daily activities.

    Other popular Intermittent Fasting models are:

    • Eat-Stop-Eat—you would fast for 24 hours, once or twice a week
    • 5:2 Diet—take in 500-600 calories on two non-consecutive days while eating normally on the other 5 days

    I always work out and run on an empty stomach so not eating first thing in the morning was not a tough adjustment for me when I decided to utilize Intermittent Fasting.  Your body will adjust to this concept quickly.  The initial hunger you feel will subside over time during your ‘fast’ period.  You can also suppress hunger by increasing your water intake.  Again, you can eat whatever you want during the 8-hour eating window.  No calorie counting, no avoiding certain foods during this timeframe.  Enjoy your meals, drinks and dessert if you want.

    I have not lost a massive amount of weight while following the intermittent fasting program.  I have lost inches on my waist and my body composition is more toned than before.  I attribute the toning process to my body using fat as energy during my fasting period.  I’m sure I can lose more weight if needed by adjusting the foods I eat during the 8-hour period.  I have a love affair with cake, so I’ve never eliminated it from my diet.

    The best thing about intermittent fasting is you own the process.  You can adjust the program to fit your daily lifestyle, weekend plans or travel.  It is not so rigid where you feel you are cheating if you break the times on occasion. Just pick back up as soon as you can to continue to reap the benefits of this health program.

    Check out intermittent fasting to see if the program would work for you.

    Intermittent Fasting

  • Kayak Adventures

    Decided to explore the Wacissa River today via Kayak.  Wanted to add a new adventure to my ‘Walk into the Future’ and did some research on local Kayak outfitters.  Discovered the Wacissa River Canoe and Kayak Rentals outfit was only a 20-minute drive from me and had very reasonable prices for their rental options.

    The owners and staff were very friendly and had great knowledge of the Wacissa River and the multiple channels that branched off from the main river.  They outfitted me with a sit-on kayak, life vest, paddle, map and final instructions for my adventure.

    Launching off was easy and the day on the river began with me exploring multiple local inlets close to the outfitters docks.  I realized it has been right at 4 years since I last kayaked so needed to get my balance and paddle rotations down again.  Took me about 10 minutes to get the hang of kayaking again and I was off.

    There was a lot off overhead cover (shade) on the initial part of my adventure.  The outfitters also rent cabins that sit right on the river, so I rode by several of them on my way out to the open waters of the Wacissa river.  There were a few other kayakers out but not a lot of water traffic or noise during the time out on the water.

    The wild life on the river was close by and amazing!  Saw several different type and shape turtles just hanging out and sunning themselves.  Of course, every time I tried to get close to take a picture, they immediately dove to get away from me.

    It took about an hour of paddling the river before I spotted my first eagle.  Very impressive birds but when experienced in the wild they can be awe inspiring.  I was able to float for a bit and watch one have a large fish for lunch.  Got a couple pictures of this without disturbing the eagle or making it decide to dive bomb me.

    What’s a kayak trip on a river in North Florida without gators?  Spotted my first one of the day swimming close to where I was observing my eagle friend.  Decided to paddle closer to the gator which was about 7 feet long to get some ‘up close’ photos.  This all made sense when I started paddling.  Luckily, I came to my senses before I got too close to the gator because I had no Plan B for what I would do if it took serious interest in me.  Decided to float a bit instead of heading towards the gator and freaking us both out.  I was able to get some pictures of smaller gators but didn’t linger too long to avoid disturbing them or freaking myself out.

    Turning to head back in allowed me to fully take in how far I had traveled on the river without really thinking about distance.  Still didn’t worry about distance but rediscovered kayaking is a great way to burn some calories.  The rotational paddle motion needed to move the kayak will really work your arms, shoulders and core.  Didn’t rush to get back, simply enjoyed the river and the views provided as I came back to the outfitters.

    Highly recommend getting out on a kayak or canoe and taking in a peaceful day on the river.

    Just don’t disturb gators!

    Check out my new friends if you want to kayak the Wacissa:  http://www.wacissarivercanoerentals.com/index.htm

    Kayak1

  • Thanks for Walking with me!

    Interesting to note the people who have continued to walk with me into the future.

    I have an amazing set of friends, some who have been with me for years and others who have joined my journey more recently.  I appreciate the time they invest in me and do my best to return their investment daily.

    A large part of my journey is the inclusion of my friends in this walk.  The daily interactions (texts, emails, calls) I have with my friends allows me to continue to grow and know I’m making a positive difference in their lives.  I get great joy receiving a text about a professional accomplishment or huge ‘money move’ (Cardi B. reference) from my friends.  This keeps me motivated to continue to find ways to help others exceed their stated goals.

    The ability to make a difference daily has not diminished at all.  Walking into the future has provided me additional avenues to help others while experiencing new adventures in my life.  The ability to be available for conversations, texts and emails without schedule constraints is the best aspect of my walk so far.  I’m enjoying being able to branch out into multiple areas (travel, leadership, life, music, etc.) while walking into the future.

    Really looking forward to seeing what else this walk brings into my life!  I’m sure travel and mentoring will play a huge part!

    Thank you to my Board of Directors who keep me balanced daily!

    Thank you

  • Irie

    The easiest definition for the Jamaican word Irie is total peace with your current state of being or the way you feel when you have no worries (Urban Dictionary).

    Spend anytime with or around Jamaicans and you will hear someone respond to a greeting with Irie ‘mon.  This laid back and carefree way of life can be infectious and inspiring if you let it.

    So, how can you get to the Irie level in your daily life?  Positive self-talk!

    Positive self-talk and thinking can transform your daily interactions.  The benefits to your psyche are visible as soon as you start the process.  How many people say they are not a morning person?  This is a negative self-talk concept.  You have just ruined your day by putting yourself in a negative state of mind.  Why not welcome the morning with open arms?  Change the negative thoughts of the morning with positive thoughts.  State today will be a great day and watch how your actual day matches up with your positive thoughts.

    Positive self-talk can be applied in multiple areas of your life.  Apply for a new job with confidence and know you have put your best efforts into the process.  Don’t openly doubt yourself and take on the negative side of a situation.  Positive self-talk will allow you to enjoy the prospects of going to the gym, meeting new people, finding a hobby.  I could go on and on with this concept but hopefully you can see ways to incorporate positive self-talk into your daily routines.

    Make a few declarations:

    • Today will be a great day
    • I’m a fantastic student
    • I’m feeling great
    • Looking forward to my run
    • Nothing can stop me today

    How can you add positive self-talk into your personal conversations?  Curious!

    Let’s get Irie!

    Irie

  • Walk

    Took a walk today in my hometown, Jasper, Florida.  Small farming community in North Central Florida on the Florida/Georgia line.

    Why write about a walk in a small town?

    Well, decided to take a simple walk after dinner just to get a few steps in.  I inadvertently left my cell phone behind but discovered this was a very fortunate mistake.

    No cell phone, headphones or other electronics provided me an opportunity to truly enjoy my walk.  The peacefulness I found simply taking in nature (birds, trees, the sunset) was an amazing aspect of the walk.  Yes, I’ve walked in my hometown before but how many times have you really escaped from your electronics and just enjoyed the moment?

    My stroll allowed me to burn a few calories and still enjoy the process of my walk.  No specific place to be or time to get there during this walk allowed me to get lost in plain sight and just enjoy the moment.  Enjoyed a two-mile stroll without ever thinking about the need to check email, text messages or my watch.  Felt funny at first but think I like getting away from my electronics for a little while.

    Will look to make this type of getaway a regular staple to help focus on the important things in life.

    When’s the last time you left your electronics behind on purpose?  How would this process help in your daily life?