Podcasts about phedippidations

The 14th Anniversary Episode of Phedippidations

My nephew Johnny is my first "guest" on this new format of the podcast Phedippidations.  As I move closer to my 13th year of podcasting, it's time to get back to the roots of this "show".  Johnny was my absolute last choice to embark on this new venture. We're all doomed.

In this episode of Intervals, I PROMISE you that I'm working on a new episode of Phedippidations!  A big CONGRATS to the runners of the Boston Marathon and my efforts to drink more water and getting off the pills!

It's fireside chat time here at the ol' Phedippidations homestead.  I found some old photos of my friends and I, and I can hardly remember being that young.

For many years, one of my favorite podcasts has been Phedippidations. The host, Steve Runner (Walker) is our guest today. Steve has been a runner for many years and his podcast covers thoughts about the philosophy and psychology of running, … Continue reading →

This is the second of a two part episode. Listen.   Back in February of 2015, on episode 324 of Phedippidations, I revealed to you the measure of my health, listing the vital clinical statistics of my internal and external physical and mental condition including: how active I was, how well I slept, how good my mood was, how much energy I had, and: “the overall quality of my life experience”.   I told you back then, that we’d revisit this personal health information in September…but due to a scheduling conflict with my Primary Care Physician, I had to push this back until today.   I told you at the time, that life is not predictable, but that I did hope for a return to where I once belonged.   Well, I’ve learned a few things this year: about myself, about my relationship with running and especially quite a bit about the pursuit and attainment of happiness.    That said, I have arrived.

And now it’s October: we’re more than 80% through the end of the year "getting back to where we once belonged”, and for me…I’ve come upon a bit of a road block.   To best understand this road block, we have to talk about the philosophy of Nietzsche…and I know, I know…I said I wasn’t going to talk about philosophy on Phedippidations…but there’s just no other way, and I promise you that this is related to running.   In order to understand the nature of this “road block”, we have to spend some time talking about Friedrich, since to a great extent it’s because of him that I’ve come to this.    I told you at the start that this year’s journey might not end so well…and there’s still plenty of time to finish strong, but getting past this point is proving to be…well, difficult at best, impossible at worst.  I’ve reached The Wall.   Links:   Both opening and closing themes songs were by Jim Fidler at “The Curra Road” was composed by Ger Wolfe at   ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind financial support of listeners who clicked on the ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT button at SteveRunner.com to subscribe to Amazon Payments or Paypal to send me a dollar a month for my podcasting efforts.      Thank you:   Deborah, Michael, David, Mary, Cheryl, Vance, Gordon, Scott, Roberto, Mark, Terence, Evelyn, Al, Brad, Joerg, Martha, Jill, Rob, Jim, Wendee, Tom, Katie, Joseph, Tony, Richard, Vera, Robert, Dino, Louis, William, Christiane, Erik, Trey, Margaret, Martin, James, Doug and Russ {}

I “once belonged” to a community of fellow runners. I understand that many of you and this association have always considered me to be a member of the “run local, think global” team, but I haven’t felt that way for some time. That’s my problem, and it’s okay, that’s going to change.   I “once belonged” out on twelve mile long run around my town, through the hills of an Old New England farm trail, past the birthplace of the “Angel of the American Civil War Battlefield”, Clara Barton, past St. Roch’s Church and the Roman Catholic congregation that I left a few years ago, past our town library, built in eighteen sixty-nine where I wrote the first scripts for Phedippidations and then past the hearthstone marker of the Johnson homestead, where John Johnson and his three children were massacred in sixteen ninety-six.   I “once belonged” to a group of running podcasters and bloggers in a “run net community” of content creators who spoke and wrote about their passion for the sport.   I “once belonged” but I lost my way.   Here’s what I’m going to do: I’m going to “get back to where I once belonged”.   So how is this going to work? How am I going to get back to where I once belonged?   One step at a time.   Phedippidations is now, in a way, a documentary about my getting back into running. The health, peace of mind and happiness is all a wonderful side effect: but the mission is clear. This is not going to be any kind of a “self help” podcast…If I make recommendations, it’s only because I’m following my own advice.   I’m not setting my sights on a marathon or even a specific finishing time in any duration road race…I simply want to get back to where I once was…where I couldn’t wait to lace up my shoes and get 5 in, where I counted the days until my next road race…not because I wanted to set a PR, that was the old home…the home I can’t go back to…this time, I want to run my next race to participate…to feel like I’m a part of something….to get back to where I once belonged.   Links:   Melodious advice by Neil on Twitter @neilbearse    Both opening and closing themes songs were by Jim Fidler at “The Curra Road” was composed by Ger Wolfe at     The song “Welcome All Again” was by Collective Soul out of Stockbridge, Georgia.  Check out all of their amazing music over at   Intervals between episodes can be found at   In Vino Veritas with at   Track my return to the road at   ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind financial support of fellow runners who clicked on the ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT button at SteveRunner.com to subscribe to Amazon Payments or Paypal to send me a dollar a month for my podcasting efforts.      Thank you:   Vera, Katie, Ryan, Chaise, Gordon, Scott, Mike, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Tim, Bill, David, Doug, Vance, Marcelo, Roberto, Zaki, James, Norm, Simon, Janice, Andrew, Pam, Rob, Trey, Steve, Angie, Lynn, Nancy, Eric, Jim, Joe, Martin, Rich, Tom, David, Pierre, Maria, Hisham, Andrea, Brad, Dave, Desiree, Jens (@ScenicRunner), Claudia, Jill, Elizabeth, Pat, Marc, Evelyn, Chris, Dino, Michael, Clay, George, Matthew, Pedro, Terence, Tom, Louis and Toni.   {}   Follow me on: Blog: Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:     Support:

Episode twenty-three of Phedippidations, which was published on December 18th, Anno domini 2005 was titled “Cold Weather Running”.     I guess you could consider this a bit of an update to that recording.  While some of the information I covered back then was useful, I think I my have missed some Key (West) points that should be made more clear...and furthermore, I think that the way that show was produced...specifically …WHERE it was recorded, could be improved upon.   Thus I can think of no better place to record an episode about running across the Frozen White Wasteland than from this barren, remote and isolated speck of an island at the end of the East Coast of the United States...a little place first known as "Bone Cay" for the littered piles of skeletal remains found here by Ponce de León in 1521.   And so while it might be a bit strange for me to talk about cold weather running from here in Key West, it may help to get you in the mood by listening to a nine year younger and significantly COLDER version of me giving you some basic tips about dressing for the tundra.     Links:   Melodious advice by Neil on Twitter @neilbearse    Both opening and closing themes songs were by Jim Fidler at .   The song “Living on Key West Time” was by Howard Livingston and Mile Marker 24 check out all of their Florida Keys style tropical tunes over at   Intervals between episodes can be found at   In Vino Veritas with at   ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind financial support of fellow runners who clicked on the ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT button at SteveRunner.com to subscribe to Amazon Payments or Paypal to send me a dollar a month for my podcasting efforts.      Thank you:   Vera, Katie, Ryan, Chaise, Gordon, Scott, Mike, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Tim, Bill, David, Doug, Vance, Marcelo, Roberto, Zaki, James, Norm, Simon, Janice, Andrew, Pam, Rob, Trey, Steve, Angie, Lynn, Nancy, Eric, Jim, Joe, Martin, Rich, Tom, David, Pierre, Maria, Hisham, Andrea, Brad, Dave, Desiree, Jens, Claudia, Jill, Elizabeth, Pat, Marc, Evelyn, Chris, Dino, Michael, Clay, George, Matthew, Pedro, Terence, Tom and Louis.   {}   Follow me on: Blog: Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:     Support:

We live in the age of the selfie and self promotion.  Social media networks like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and even Podcasts: allow us to share so much of our lives, and we…in posting such content assume that there’s someone out there who cares…or maybe we just hope they do.   For better or worse, we’ve become a society of exhibitionists, sometimes even boastful of our situation and accomplishments.  I disagree with the Christian view that pride is one of the so called “seven deadly sins”  I agree with Aristotle that is is the crown of virtue, not to be confused with vanity…although…let’s be honest, sometimes there is a bit of vanity involved in the self promotion that all of this new technology allows us. But when it comes to fitness trackers, heath apps and the ability to record and sometimes share our every step, stride and vital statistics…I think there’s something else going on.  In a way, I think we’re looking to improve ourselves through technology by better understanding our behavior as a way to change our lives for the better. This is the self quantified life.  A way of using fitness trackers, smart phone applications and other accessories to constantly monitor and record the way you use your body with the goal of helping you to improve your behavior.  The quantified self is all about better understanding our physical behavior as a way to improve the physical condition of this organic machine we inhabit, as we experience the universe around us and live our lives to the top. So go ahead and tweet your progress, post your race results on Facebook, share physical improvements with your social media connected friends…and share with the world your quantified self. Links: Melodious advice by Neil on Twitter @neilbearse  Both opening and closing themes songs were by Jim Fidler at . The song - “Me the Machine” was by Imogen Heap off her 2011 album “Sparks”.  Check out all of her amazing contemporary goodness at Intervals between episodes can be found at In Vino Veritas with at ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: (But only if you can afford it!) Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind and sincerely generous financial support of 70 friends and fellow runners: Vera, Katie, Ryan, Chaise, Gordon, Scott, Mike, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Tim, Bill, David, Doug, Vance, Marcelo, Roberto, Zaki, Margaret, James, Norm, Simon, Janice, Andrew, Pam, Rob, Glenn, Trey, Steve, Angie, Al, Toni, Martin, Lynn, Nancy, Eric, Jim, Joe, Martin, Rich, Tom, David, Pierre, Maria, Hisham, Andrea, Brad, Dave, Desiree, Jens (@ScenicRunner), Claudia, Jill, Elizabeth, Pat, Marc, Evelyn, Chris, Dino, Michael, Clay, George, Matthew and Pedro.   THANK YOU! {}   Follow me on: Blog: Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:     Support:

Something to contemplate on your long, slow run today: The Teleological argument in support of the existence of God says “that the universe is ordered towards some end or purpose, that it was created by an intelligent being in order to accomplish some purpose.” FACT: We live in a 13.7 Billion year old universe that will end in a “Heat Death” 100 Trillion years from now. The Scottish philosopher David Hume didn’t think much of the “Teleological Wish”…he wrote that:  “A very small part of this great system, during a very short time, is very imperfectly discovered to us, and do we thence pronounce decisively concerning the origin of the whole?” The Anthropic argument for or against God, misses and the Teleological argument is just something that we wish for. There are, generally speaking 5 arguments used to prove the existence of God: The Teleological, Cosmological, Ontologocal, Moral, Miracles and Religious Experience.  Today, we will focus on the Teleological, which leads to a discussion of the Anthropic. The teleological argument does not prove the existence of God, no matter what the apologist William Craig has to say…but to his credit, the argument doesn’t disprove Gods existence either….but whatever you do, I implore you NOT to take my word for it. I want to make it clear that in this episode I have not stated my position on the existence of God.  I’m not here to state an opinion…you have to decide for yourself.  Maybe you’ll decide not to think about it, and remain as spiritual or atheistic as you’ve ever been: that’s your decision.     But I want to think about it, I want to know…and it’s my opinion that you should as well…because the universe is an enormous, amazing, curious, exploding, inhospitable mess of a thing, and it’s likely just one of an infinite number of universes that exists through an infinite regression of universes. As truly insignificant as we are, we should be in awe of the consciousness that allows us to contemplate the origin and purpose…if there is one…of all that has ever or will ever be. Links:   Melodious advice by Neil on Twitter @neilbearse  Both opening and closing themes songs were by Jim Fidler at . The song - “If there is a God” was by the Smashing Pumpkins off the album “Machina II/The Friends & Enemies of Modern Music”.  Hear more at The song “Think for Yourself” was by George Hrab from http://www.geologicpodcast.com FitBit at . Intervals between episodes can be found at In Vino Veritas with at ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: (But only if you can afford it!) Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind and sincerely generous financial support of 68 friends and fellow runners: William, Vera, Katie, Ryan, Chaise, Gordon, Scott, Mike, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Tim, Bill, David, Doug, Vance, Marcelo, Roberto, Zaki, Margaret, James, Norm, Simon, Janice, Andrew, Pam, Rob, Glenn, Trey, Steve, Angie, Al, Toni, Martin, Lynn, Nancy, Eric, Jim, Joe, Martin, Rich, Tom, David, Pierre, Maria, Hisham, Andrea, Brad, Dave, Desiree, Jens (@ScenicRunner), Claudia, John, Jill, Elizabeth, Pat, Marc, Evelyn, Chris, Dino and Michael. THANK YOU! {} Follow me on: Blog: Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:   Support:    

On the Fox News website a few weeks ago, Dr. Jennifer Landa, wrote an article “How Endurance Running Can Damage Your Health”. Dr. Landa is an excellent physician.  She’s the Chief Medical Officer of BodyLogicMD, a franchise of doctors specializing in bioidentical hormone therapy.    In this episode of Phedippidations, I’m going to refute Dr. Landa’s arguments by applying a healthy dose of skepticism to her craftily…and well worded arguments.  But unlike my usual vitriolic attacks pointing out the blatant logical fallacies presented an article…and I must tell you, Dr. Landa has made many weak transgressions here…I’m going to try and be “fair and balanced”.   I say try…I’m not on par with Dr. Landa’s intelligence: but I think I’m pretty good at refutations…so, I’ll give it a shot.   It’s good to warn readers about the dangers of any activity…but you absolutely MUST comment on the validity of the proof.  That wasn’t done here, and that’s both egregious and misleading.   It’s important, to me at least, that I make the declaration that “I don’t know everything”.  I’ll defer to Dr. Landa on all of the subjects of which she is an expert…but if you’re making an argument with poor reasoning, then the burden of proof is with you….and that’s the truth no matter what FOX says.   Links:   Direct link to old episodes of Intervals:   Melodious advice by Neil on Twitter @neilbearse    Both opening and closing themes songs were by Jim Fidler at .   The song - “Skeptic” was by the musician and fellow podcaster George Hrab, off the album “Vitriol”.  You can hear more from George over at     FitBit at .   Intervals between episodes can be found at   In Vino Veritas with at   ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: (But really, PLEASE, only if you can afford it!) Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind and sincerely generous financial support of 68 friends and fellow runners:   William, Vera, Katie, Ryan, Chaise, Gordon, Scott, Mike, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Tim, Bill, David, Doug, Vance, Marcelo, Roberto, Zaki, Margaret, James, Norm, Simon, Janice, Andrew, Pam, Rob, Glenn, Trey, Steve, Angie, Al, Toni, Martin, Lynn, Nancy, Eric, Jim, Joe, Martin, Rich, Tom, David, Pierre, Maria, Hisham, Andrea, Brad, Dave, Desiree, Jens (@ScenicRunner), Claudia, John, Jill, Elizabeth, Pat, Marc, Evelyn, Chris, Dino and Michael.   THANK YOU! {}   Follow me on: Blog: Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:   Support:    

I have this “other podcast”, that I call Intervals…and unlike the portmanteau title of Phedippidations…the title “Intervals” is a bit of a double entendre.  Whereas  Phedippidations usually has a theme to each episode…Intervals is themeless.  I “make it up as I go along”, and it has been a sort of “stream of consciousness” podcast that I put out there…because, why not?   Today we’ll go back to the year of our (Time) Lord 2010.  It was a good year; as years go.  Since then, so much has changed in my life…as it has with yours.     Back then I was still running road races and marathons, back then my weight was below 190 and my injuries were minor.     Now, I’m not telling you this as someone who laments the good old days…or to garner sympathy for the darks times we’ve experienced since…I’m simply putting this out there to remind you that the period of four years both seems like a long time ago, and yet it’s demonstrably not.     So what should we learn from this?  I think it’s best that we live in the present.  Assume that tomorrow will be a better day, but don’t dwell on it…don’t focus on what’s to come because: that’s for later; be here: now.   I am notoriously bad at living for the moment…the very exercise of producing this episode has forced me to relive my past…and that took me away from where I was as I listened to over 40 hours of podcasts, taking notes on bits to include here.  What a colossal waste of time…I only hope that I didn’t waste yours…and maybe, just maybe, my effort here will have forced us both to consider living in the present.   The Buddah said “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”    We can only truly experience the universe and our own lives, right now…in the present.  The past and future are nothing more than concepts…our brains retain the memories of what happened and create thoughts about what will be…but it’s the present that matters.  Right now, where ever you are, listening to my voice…which, interestingly was recorded in your past…this present moment is the thing we should concentrate on.     The problem with dwelling on the past and future is that you can easily get stuck there…and that’s not good because if you’re there and not here, you’re missing out on having a profound experience every day…you’re missing out on what’s happening all around you…you’re missing out on life.   The person who recorded these Intervals is gone forever…in his place, right now…is this new guy…facing not the future or lamenting the past: but trying as best he can…(and not going all that great of a job of it, may I point out) of living his life in the present.   It’s not easy…it seems like it should be, but it’s not.  You want to experience something more profound than the “Ice Bucket Challenge”?  I challenge you to sit quietly, somewhere…anywhere, and concentrate on just being there.   It takes practice, and it’s very, very hard to do…but if you can run a road race: a 5K, 10K or marathon, you already have an indomitable spirit to try anything.    I feel like I should make it clear, again, that I am not very good at living in the present.  I don’t believe in ghosts…but I’ve certainly been haunted by the events of the past four years. It’s time for all of us to move on…to where we are now.     The Buddhist monk “Thich Nhat Hanh” once wrote that:   “Fear keeps us focused on the past or worried about the future.  If we can acknowledge our fear, we can realize that right now we are okay.  Right now, today, we are still alive, and our bodies are working marvelously.  Our eyes can still see the beautiful sky.  Our ears can still hear the voices of our loved ones.”   I wish I had lived more in the moment, through my past…but that doesn’t mean I can’t do so in my future…and maybe the best way for me to do that is to not worry about it.     Just be.   Links:   Direct link to old episodes of Intervals:   Melodious advice by Neil on Twitter @neilbearse    Both opening and closing themes songs were by Jim Fidler at .   The song - “Part of Me” was another track off the new album “A Raven Has My Heart” by Black Lab at .   FitBit at .   Intervals between episodes can be found at   In Vino Veritas with at   ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: (But really, PLEASE, only if you can afford it!) Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind and sincerely generous financial support of 70 friends and fellow runners:   William, Vera, Katie, Ryan, Chaise, Gordon, Scott, Mike, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Tim, Bill, David, Doug, Vance, Marcelo, Roberto, Zaki, Margaret, James, Norm, Simon, Janice, Andrew, Pam, Rob, Glenn, Trey, Steve, John, Angie, Al, Toni, Martin, Lynn, Nancy, Eric, Jim, Joe, Martin, Rich, Tom, David, Pierre, Maria, Hisham, Andrea, Brad, Dave, Desiree, Jens (@ScenicRunner), Claudia, William, John, Jill, Elizabeth, Kevin, Pat, Marc, Evelyn, Chris, and Dino.   THANK YOU! {}   Follow me on: Blog: Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:     Support:

Today, on Phedippidations I’m going to teach you three things, and I mean REALLY teach you…you can’t flunk this course, and if you already know something (or a lot of things) about wine, then consider this a refresher.  Our syllabus is as follows:   In the first chapter I’ll tell you how to taste wine, nothing fancy: just the basics…and I know you probably think this is intuitive, but tasting wine takes practice, as we’ll discuss.   In the second chapter, I’ll tell you three important wine terms that you need to know when talking about wine…and finally   In the third and final chapter, I’ll tell you three rarely used, high level terms and concepts that when used in the right situation, will make those who you are talking to, believe that you are on par with a master sommelier…a wine expert…in other words, just by using these phrases convincingly, you will gain “wine cred”.   The thing about wine is that it’s really, just another thing in the universe to appreciate like music, art and nature.  In a way, this episode isn’t about promoting the consumption of wine: I understand all too well that there are many of you out there who can’t stand the taste of the stuff, and others who can’t or won’t drink it…fair enough: but there’s got to be something out there in this incredible universe you can experience on a deeper level.  I have many passions, running is just one of them…and so is the topic of wine.   But there’s much more to wine, than just wine…it’s a topic that’s complex and vast covering thousands of years of human history and a globalization that has changed the way that millions of people consume and experience it.  You need not be a wine expert to have an opinion about wine…you just need to know a few basic concepts and have a willingness to be open to the experience of wine, from the vineyard to the bottle and the glass. Wine is for geeks, wine is for experts wine is for newbies.   Links:   Wine for Newbies Podcast:   Melodious advice by Neil on Twitter @neilbearse    Both opening and closing themes songs were by Jim Fidler at .   The song - “Out of Promises” was another track off the new album “A Raven Has My Heart” by Black Lab at   FitBit at .   Intervals between episodes can be found at   In Vino Veritas with at   ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: (But really, PLEASE, only if you can afford it!) Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind and sincerely generous financial support of 74 friends and fellow runners:   William, Vera, Katie, Ryan, Chaise, Gordon, Scott, Mike, David, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Tim, Bill, Michael, David, Doug, Vance, Marcelo, Roberto, Zaki, Margaret, James, Norm, Simon, Janice, Andrew, Pam, Rob, Glenn, Trey, Steve, John, Angie, Al, Toni, Martin, Lynn, Nancy, Eric, Jim, Joe, Martin, Rich, Tom, David, Pierre, Maria, Hisham, Andrea, Matt, Brad, Dave, Desiree, Jens (@ScenicRunner), Claudia, William, John, Jill, Elizabeth, Kevin, Pat, Marc, Evelyn, Chris, Dino and Lou.   THANK YOU! {}   Follow me on: Blog: Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:   Support:    

The thing about human beings that strikes me as both wonderful and fascinating: is our capacity for change.  If you asked me ten years ago would I ever “own” a dog, I’d have laughed at the notion.   Today, the reality is that I do not “own” Eva…she owns me…or better put, we own and love each other.   Eva Jones is many things: but most of all, most importantly of all: she is, to me: an example of the good animal I could be.     She is a perfect example of love and joy…and she’ll always be that way for me.  People change…I’ve changed over the years in some ways for the worse, in some ways for the better…but Eva has…for the past four, been an important constant in my life.   This episode concludes with a eulogy for a friend.  The greatest biffer I’ve ever known, and someone who taught me the importance of living your life to the top.   Links:     Melodious advice by Neil on Twitter @neilbearse    Both opening and closing themes songs were by Jim Fidler at .   The song - “A Raven Has my Heart” at   FitBit at .   Intervals between episodes at steverunnerblog.com   In Vino Veritas with at   ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: (But only if you can afford it!) Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind and sincerely generous financial support of 74 friends and fellow runners:   William, Vera, Katie, Ryan, Chaise, Gordon, Scott, Mike, David, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Tim, Bill, Michael, David, Doug, Vance, Marcelo, Roberto, Zaki, Margaret, James, Norm, Simon, Janice, Andrew, Pam, Rob, Glenn, Trey, Steve, John, Angie, Al, Toni, Martin, Lynn, Nancy, Eric, Jim, Joe, Martin, Rich, Tom, David, Pierre, Maria, Hisham, Andrea, Matt, Jen, Lou, Brad, Dave, Desiree, Jens (@ScenicRunner), Claudia, William, John, Jill, Elizabeth, Kevin, Pat, Marc, Evelyn and Chris. THANK YOU! {} Follow me on: Blog: Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:   Support:    

When you elevate something that is not important and dedicate some passion to it, you are living your life to the top.  I don’t care what it is: running, playing the guitar, tasting wine, watching a TV show about a mad man in a blue police box flying through space and time, cooking, eating, even podcasting.   I am, and have been since I was a small child, a fan of the Boston Red Sox.  The game is one of my passions.     The purpose of this episode; if there was a purpose, was to demonstrate the importance of passion in our lives and to highlight, for those who may not be fans of baseball or of my beloved Boston Red Sox, how it feels to not appreciate or understand another persons passion.  I’m not really into movies or theater, I don’t understand someone’s passion for dance, baking, T'ai chi ch’uan, floral arraignment, crochet or scrap-booking…but I can appreciate the passion someone might have for those things, and I’ll keep an open mind for my own possibly developing passion for those things and more.   Life is short, but it should be long enough…and the universe offers us so much to experience, enjoy and be passionate about.  Find your passion, whatever it is, and you’ll find your joy.   Play Ball!   Links:   Melodious advice by Neil on Twitter @neilbearse    Both opening and closing themes songs were by Jim Fidler at .   The song - “Loud Like Love” was by the band Placebo from London.  Find all of their amazing alternative music and videos over at   FitBit at .   Intervals between episodes, and Burning 40 updates can be found at steverunnerblog.com   In Vino Veritas with at   ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: (But really, PLEASE, only if you can afford it!) Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind and sincerely generous financial support of 71 friends and fellow runners:   William, Vera, Katie, Ryan, Chaise, Gordon, Scott, Mike, David, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Tim, Bill, Michael, David, Doug, Vance, Marcelo, Roberto, Zaki, Margaret, James, Norm, Simon, Janice, Andrew, Pam, Rob, Glenn, Trey, Steve, John, Angie, Al, Toni, Martin, Lynn, Nancy, Eric, Jim, Joe, Martin, Rich, Tom, David, Pierre, Maria, Hisham, Andrea, Matt, Jen, Lou, Brad, Dave, Desiree, Jens (@ScenicRunner), Claudia, William, John, Jill, Elizabeth, Kevin and Pat.   THANK YOU! {}   Follow me on: Blog: Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:     Support:

Today I want to talk about this trend for living like our “Old Stone Age” ancestors. What does recent science say about the benefits of minimalist running and the paleo-diet?  Are these practices something that we, as runners, should adopt?  Can “Paleo Running” and a “Paleo Diet” help us to live better, healthier lives?   Agriculture was a life changing advancement for early hominids.  It allowed us to spend more time together, in ever growing groups, to develop a civilization that would expand to all continents of the planet Earth.  You can try to live a Paleolithic, Mesolithic or Neolithic lifestyle if it suits you; but as Thomas Wolfe wrote “You can’t go home again”.  We are no longer “hunter gatherers” we are worker runners.  By virtue of your listening to this you have embraced a modern technology that our australopithecine ancestors from 2.6 million years ago could never have imagined.  I don’t know if we should eat and run like they did…but maybe you were born out of time and might find some benefits to taking Thoreau’s advice to “simplify, simplify simplify”.   We shouldn’t dismiss Paleo eating and running just because it’s the current fad.  Like any popular trend we should understand its benefits and try out certain aspects of it in our lives…so unlace your shoes sometime and try a short barefoot run, try avoiding the middle aisles of processed freeze-dried sugar coated consumables when you’re shopping for food and see what happens when you give up bread, rice, potatoes and non-green vegetables for a few weeks.  You might channel your inner caveman and improve your health in a stone age way.    Links:   Melodious advice by Neil on Twitter @neilbearse    Both opening and closing themes songs were by Jim Fidler at .   The song - Unfamiliar Sky was off the brand new soon to be released album “A Raven Has My Heart” by Black Lab.  You’ll be hearing a lot about this album in the months to come.  Paul Durham’s music has become kind of the soundtrack of my life. Listen in, love the sounds at http://blacklabworld.com   FitBit at .   Intervals between episodes, and Burning 40 updates can be found at steverunnerblog.com   In Vino Veritas with at   ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: (But really, PLEASE, only if you can afford it!) Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind and sincerely generous financial support of 70 friends and fellow runners:   William, Vera, Katie, Ryan, Chaise, Gordon, Scott, Mike, David, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Tim, Bill, Michael, David, Doug, Vance, Marcelo, Roberto, Zaki, Jan, Margaret, James, Norm, Simon, Janice, Andrew, Pam, Rob, Glenn, Trey, Steve, John, Angie, Al, Toni, Martin, Lynn, Nancy, Eric, Jim, Joe, Martin, Rich, Tom, David, Pierre, Maria, Hisham, Andrea, Matt, Jen, Lou, Brad, Dave, Desiree, Jens (@ScenicRunner), Claudia, Jonathan, John, Jill and Elizabeth.   THANK YOU! {}   Follow me on: Blog: Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:   Support:    

In the course of our discussion today, we’re going to talk about many things: determination, dedication, will power, and wanting it.  What I will not be able to do, is convince you to meet your goal.  It wouldn’t matter if I made the most perfect, passionate, logical argument as to why you should train for and run a road race or marathon, why you should climb the tallest mountain, swim the widest ocean, win the most prestigious award or even drop 40 pounds.   I might make you feel guilty for not trying.  I might make you feel like a lump of poo because you refuse to rise off your COUCH OF DOOM…but you know how that old saying goes: You can lead a horse to water….but you can’t make him swim the backstroke.   What do you want…and do YOU, whatever YOU are, really want it…or is it, as science seems to suggest, merely a calculated process in the computer that is your brain, giving you the illusion that you want it?   If you say you want something….to finish your first 10K or lose 40 pounds, is it really your decision or is it some biologically programmed expression of “will” that is anything but “free”?   These are good and interesting questions, but the bigger question relative to what we want is this: If we are complex biological computers without free will, can we program ourselves to really want something?   Links:   Melodious advice by Neil on Twitter @neilbearse    Both opening and closing themes songs were by Jim Fidler at .   The song - “Arrows of Desire” was by Matthew Good at http://matthewgood.org   FitBit at .   Intervals between episodes, and Burning 40 updates can be found at steverunnerblog.com   In Vino Veritas with at   ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: (But really, PLEASE, only if you can afford it!) Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind and sincerely generous financial support of 73 friends and fellow runners:   William, Vera, Katie, Heather, Ryan, Chaise, Gordon, Scott, Mike, David, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Tim, Bill, Michael, David, Doug, Vance, Marcelo, Roberto, Zaki, Jan, Margaret, James, Norm, Simon, Janice, Andrew, Pam, Rob, Glenn, Trey, Steve, John, Angie, Al, Toni, Martin, Lynn, Nancy, Eric, Jim, Dino, Joe, Martin, Rich, Sarah, Tom, David, Pierre, Maria, Hisham, Andrea, Matt, Jen, Lou, Brad, Dave, Desiree, Joan, Jens (@ScenicRunner), Claudia, Jonathan, John and Jill.   THANK YOU! {}   Follow me on: Blog: Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:     Support:

This is my response to an article published in the November 12th edition of the “Wall Street Journal” titled “OK, You’re a Runner. Get Over It” by Chad Stafko…and while I’ll try to keep it civil, I can’t promise I won’t lean over the line of anger.  What I can promise, both you and Stafko is that I won’t make a single logical fallacy with anything I’ll have to say.  The burden of proof in the matter of Stafko vs. Fellow Runners is most completely with Chad: my place here is to merely point out what a really inexcusably bad argument he has made.  Keeping it civil will be my secondary priority.  Fat, stupid, lazy…these are just some of the words that best describes the embarrassing Chad Stafko.  Today’s episode will not only appease Stafko’s selfish need for attention visa-vi this insulting manifesto…but will demonstrate the complete lack of honesty, logic and rational thought from the pudgy grease stained author. I have a theory, supported by the hypothesis I will present in this podcast: That Chad Stafko is a sad and deluded person. Links: Melodious advice by Neil on Twitter @neilbearse  Both opening and closing themes songs were by Jim Fidler at . The song “Numbers” was by Great Northern find them on Facebook at FitBit Force at . He Who Listens to Music When He Runs: The song “Numbers” was by the band “Great Northern”   Intervals between episodes, and Burning 40 updates can be found at steverunnerblog.com In Vino Veritas with at ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: (But really, PLEASE, only if you can afford it!) Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind and sincerely generous financial support of 75 friends and fellow runners: William, Vera, Katie, Heather, Ryan, Chaise, Gordon, Scott, Mike, David, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Tim, Bill, Michael, David, Doug, Vance, Marcelo, Roberto, Zaki, Jan, Margaret, James, Norm, Simon, Albert, Janice, Andrew, Pam, Rob, Glenn, Trey, Steve, John, Angie, Al, Toni, Martin, Lynn, Nancy, Eric, Jim, Dino, Joe, Martin, Rich, Sarah, Tom, David, Pierre, Maria, Hisham, Andrea, Matt, Jen, Lou, Shari, Brad, Dave, Desiree, Joan, Jens (@ScenicRunner), Claudia, Jonathan, and John. THANK YOU! {} Follow me on: Blog: Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:   Support:

I’m here with my family and friends…at place we consider to be the happiest place on earth. This is Key West. Why this is our happy place is the focus of this episode, and before you get the wrong idea: this show wasn’t sponsored by the Key West Travel Bureau…I understand that many of you have your own personal paradise’s…but this is mine. I’ve only been here once before, about a year ago, in March of 2012, for only three days. Long time listeners to Phedippidations might remember episode 287 titled “Hemingway’s Key and Life to its Top”.  We’ll I’m back again, and this time we’re spending a full week.Key West is 129 miles southwest of Miami, and 94 statute miles north of Cuba.  The city is smaller than New York’s Central Park and it’s official motto is “One Human Family”. Mile marker zero of US route 1 is located at 490 Whitehead Street, here in Key West, Florida. It’s the beginning of the road for this major east coast US Highway which runs 2,369 miles (or 3,813 km) all the way north to Fort Kent, Maine…the take out point for those of us who have canoed the Allagash River Waterway in the Northern Maine Woods. Fort Kent was the end of the road for a family camping trip I once cherished; with my Dad, and Nephew John Glenn…you’re welcome to listen to Fdip198 recorded in the summer of 2009 titled “Walking by Henry David Thoreau”…but for me, that’s all in the past.  The World has Moved on…and there’s nothing there I care to listen to or dwell upon. Here in Key West I’m marking a new beginning.   That so much of my life could changed in the years since I last strapped my canoe to the roof of my Jeep four years ago would have seemed hard to believe back then.  But here we are, a few thousand days and miles ago and away: where I’m standing at mile zero of route 1, ready to make a new start, at the beginning of the road…where my Life 2.0 began. The last time I was here I talked to you about Life 2.0; and while I wasn’t really sure where that would lead me…it’s good to be back in Key West…a place that is, for me not only paradise, but the starting line for a new challenge and change. I’m going to become Steve Runner, again. Links: Go there: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g34345-Key_West_Florida_Keys_Florida-Vacations.html  FitBit Force at . Thank the music guy: The song “Key West Address” was by James Slater at Intervals between episodes can be found at steverunnerblog.com In Vino Veritas with at ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: (But PLEASE, only if you can afford it!) Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind and sincerely generous financial support of 75 friends and fellow runners: William, Vera, Katie, Heather, Ryan, Chaise, Gordon, Scott, Mike, David, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Tim, Bill, Michael, David, Doug, Vance, Marcelo, Roberto, Zaki, Jan, Margaret, James, Norm, Simon, Albert, Janice, Andrew, Pam, Rob, Teresa, Glenn, Trey, Steve, John, Angie, Al, Toni, Martin, Lynn, Nancy, Eric, Claudia, Jim, Kara, Robert, Dino, Joe, Martin, Rich, Sarah, Tom, David, Pierre, Maria, Hisham, Andrea, Matt, Jen, Lou, Shari, Brad, Dave, Desiree, Joan and one Anonymous fellow runner! THANK YOU! {} Follow me on: Blog: Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:   Support:

I see the act of running as a pathway to a special state of consciousness that allows us to "expose and undo our hidden fears and hopes", to "befriend who we are are". Doctor George Sheehan knew alot about this...but you have to really listen carefully to what he's actually saying in order to understand. I'm about to read from you one of the most controversial, in my opinion anyway, chapters of his now classic book "Running and Being - The Total Experience" published by Second Wind II LLC.  It’s a book that you simply must own. The chapter I’ll read is titled "Meditating"...and as you start to listen to it many of your are going to disagree completely with his premise. That's why you have to listen carefully...you have to think about what he's saying and look for yourself in those words.  He begins talking about the importance of solitude and how, on the road, we remove ourselves from the influence of both love and hate. On the surface, that seems somehow selfish and anti-social; and to that Dr. Sheehan will agree, but not in the way you might think. When you run...YOU run.  You take your heart, mind and soul...whatever YOU really are...and you use it.  The meditation comes when distractions are minimized.  Pema Chodron is absolutely correct: meditation allows you to "befriend who we are" and running allows you some time to meditate. It's not easy...that's why those practiced in the art of meditation can sit quietly and comfortably, and not think, just be.  In this chapter, Doctor Sheehan is making the case that this solitary experience of "being" can come to you while you're running.  This is why such meditation is part of the total experience, of "running and being”. Links:   THE BOOK YOU MUST OWN: "Running and Being - The Total Experience" published by Second Wind II LLC The MVP of music: The song   “Runaways” was lead single from the fourth album “Battle Born” by The Killers. Follow the band on twitter @thekillers Intervals between episodes can be found at steverunnerblog.com In Vino Veritas with at ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: (But PLEASE, only if you can afford it!) Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind and sincerely generous financial support of 72 friends and fellow runners: William, Vera, Katie, Heather, Ryan, Chaise, Gordon, Scott, Mike, David, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Tim, Bill, Michael, David, Doug, Vance, Marcelo, Roberto, Zaki, Jan, Margaret, James, Norm, Simon, Albert, Janice, Andrew, Pam, Rob, Teresa, Glenn, Trey, Steve, John, Angie, Al, Toni, Martin, Lynn, Nancy, Eric, Claudia, Jim, Kara, Robert, Dino, Joe, Martin, Rich, Sarah, Tom, David, Pierre, Maria, Hisham, Andrea, Matt, Jen, Lou, Shari, Brad and one Anonymous fellow runner! THANK YOU! {} Follow me on: Blog: Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:   Support:

While faith is, by definition, unwavering; scientific understanding often and sometimes frequently changes, as new observations about our universe are uncovered and demonstrated. Conventional wisdom, those faith sourced ideas that are so greatly accepted that they go unquestioned, is an  oxymoron...that is, a conjoining contradictory term.  In the case of running shoes and pronation we have long accepted the idea that: neutral or cushioned shoes are helpful for those with high arches,  stability shoes are best for those who over-pronote moderately and  motion control shoes are best for runners with low arches and moderate to severe over-pronation.  But the latest science...that is, the most recent clinical, organized observations, show that this is not true. Critics against science will point to the ever changing theories and hypothesis that make the practice untrustfull and suspicious, while those with deep religious convictions will point out how their belief is something does not change in light of new evidence. 54% of American’s believe that human beings have evolved into our present form over millions of years, and that we have descended from other animals and life forms, such as the the Bonobo and Chimpanzee, who we split off from, in the family tree of humanity,  only 7 million years ago.  The conventional knowledge in this area has changed frequently since Darwin’s publication of “On the Origin of Species” in 1859”. 46% of American’s believe in the Abrahamic account of human creation, and consider the  idea of God creating humans 10,000 years ago a “creationist science”.  Lacking significant evidence and despite the increasing proof to the contrary, these people rely on faith, rather than science, to prove their point. So that’s an example of where science and faith “butt heads”, and the discussion will go on and on; just as the discussion about pronation and the perfect running shoe will continue as new studies and investigations uncover new evidence and findings to better inform and educate those of us who seek to unravel the paradox of pronation. Links: http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2013/06/12/bjsports-2013-092202.abstract  And on the 8th day, God rocked: The song “Science” was by David Usher. Intervals between episodes can be found at steverunnerblog.com In Vino Veritas with at ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: (But PLEASE, only if you can afford it!) Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind and sincerely generous financial support of 73 friends and fellow runners: William, Vera, Katie, Heather, Ryan, Chaise, Gordon, Scott, Mike, David, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Tim, Bill, Michael, David, Doug, Vance, Brad, Marcelo, Shawn, Roberto, Zaki, Jan, Margaret, James, Norm, Simon, Albert, Janice, Andrew, Pam, Rob, Teresa, Glenn, Trey, Steve, John, Angie, Al, Toni, Martin, Lynn, Nancy, Eric, Claudia, Jim, Kara, Robert, Dino, Joe, Martin, Rich, Sarah, Tom, David, Pierre, Maria, Hisham, Andrea, Matt, Jen, Lou, Shari and one Anonymous fellow runner! THANK YOU! {} Follow me on: Blog: Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:   Support:

With this episode I’m off and running on my 9th year of podcasting.  Did I think that I’d still be at it after all this time?  To be honest I didn’t really think about it...I just kept on producing the shows.  Clearly, this isn’t the same Phedippidations that it was back in 2005...alot has changed with the writing, recording, production, sound quality, processing, sound effects, music sounders and beds...not to mention the changes in the life of the host.  We homo sapiens are funny when it comes to change, and I’m not talking about “Funny Ha Ha”.  I think to a certain extent, many of us go through the course of our lives in blissful or less denial on the topic of change...I know I’m guilty of that...so I’ll speak for myself. Intellectually I understand that change is constant, but in my heart I try to ignore that truth.  I have always preferred to belive that I live in a secure, understandable, familiar and unchanging life and lifestyle...but that’s a fantasy...the truth is that every day and every hour brings change. The way to become happy in life, is to be mindful of this change. Parents with young children experience such change to the extreme.   Those of you with new born and young kids must cherish these moments...for when I warn you that they will pass by much faster than you can possibly imagine, you have to belive me.  I don’t mean to bum you out...but almost literally tomorrow your babies will be full fledged adults, and you’ll have the nest to yourselves...it’s a little freaky at first, but it gets better...it really does. It’s these transitions in our lives that shock and awe us...but they shouldn’t.  I’m talking about our “fear of change” here, something that the buddist nun Pema Chodron writes about in her book “When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times” She writes: “We’re always trying to deny that it’s a natural occurrence that things change, that the sand is slipping through our fingers. Time is passing. It’s as natural as the seasons changing and day turning into night.  But getting old, getting sick, losing what we love—we don’t see those events as natural occurrences. We want to ward off that sense of death, no matter what.  When we have reminders of death, we panic. It isn’t just that we cut our finger, blood begins to flow, and we put on a Band-Aid. We add something extra—our style.  Some of us just sit there stoically and bleed all over our clothes. Some of us get hysterical; we don’t just get a Band-Aid, we call the ambulance and go to the hospital. Some of us put on designer Band-Aids. But whatever our style is, it’s not simple. It’s not bare bones.  Can’t we just return to the bare bones? Can’t we just come back? That’s the beginning of the beginning.  Bare bones, good old self.  Bare bones, good old bloody finger.  Come back to square one, just the minimum bare bones.  Relaxing with the present moment, relaxing with hopelessness, relaxing with death, not resisting the fact that things end, that things pass, that things have no lasting substance,that everything is changing all the time...” She’s right of course...I’m hardly an enlightened soul, but I do understand that everything is changing all the time...and that includes Phedippidations. I’ve recieved thousands of comments about this show over the years, and one of the common subject lines mentions a listeners unhappiness with the many changes that I’ve made with the show.  I cannot, and will not apologize for that, because it’s not something that I have control over...part of the reason I have no control over this is because we’re going through a journey here, together. Like it or not, you’ve been listening not only to my rambling diatribes and presentation of road races and running related topics...but you’ve been listening to the story of my life, and the lives of my friends and family.  I could have made a better effort to sheild you from all that...having worked in commercial radio broadcasting, I know first hand how the private lives of Dee-Jays and Talk Show Hosts are often hidden from the audience. But I didn’t want to do that here, because this is a conversation for and about runners. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Too many of the professional and corporate production houses who have entered this space...as I knew they one day would...continue to follow the tired, old way of broadcasting content.  Many or most are afraid of being complely open and honest, and until they do...they’re always just going to be a radio show pretending to be a podcast...or netcast...or RSS driven audio enclosure....whatever you want to call it.   Can we agree that the “pod” in “podcasting” is no longer relevent?  As my life has changed, this show has changed.  As this show has changed, our relationship as host and listener has changed...and I like to think that this change is, or will be, for the better. Someone asked me recently “How long will you continue to produce Phedippidations”...and there is an answer to that: “until I’m finished”.   That could mean until I’m physically unable to produce the show, or it could mean until I’ve reached the end of our journey together...it doesn’t really matter.  I’ll miss you, you might miss me...but rest assured, somewhere up ahead of us in the near or far flung future, is the last episode of this podcast. We should find comfort in that as we should find comfort in all the alpha and omega moments of our lives.   When Ani Pema Chodron suggests that we return to the “bare bones” in our response to change, she is suggesting that we live for the moment, every moment...that we learn to relax and not resist the fact that change is constant and that everything comes to an end.  Nothing in our lives remains the same, ever...so if you like something, hell...if you LOVE something or someone, an experience you’re having or once had...cherish that thing, person or moment, now...right now...and relax...be better for the experience and move on as the world moves on. And yes, I am the pot pointing out that the kettle is of a darkened hue...but as runners we have an opportunity to think deeply about change...change in our lives, change in our friends and families lives...and even something as goofy as the changes with a podcast. Links: Friend, Fellow Runner & Wine Freak: Song Episode Date Published Song Title Artist 1 Fdip295: Dr. George Sheehan – Facing the Future Sept 8th, 2012 All My Days Alexi Murdoch 2 Fdip296: Motivational Gadgetry Sept 20th, 2012 Let Them Feel Your Heart Beat A Silent Film 3 Fdip297: What is this thing called, Love? Oct 13th, 2012 Tomorrow Black Lab 4 Fdip298: The Problem with NSAIDs Nov 10th, 2012 The Day Moby 5 Fdip299: An Honor to Run with You Dec 2nd, 2012 Further Long-View 6 Fdip300: A New Hope Feb 1, 2013 Run, Run The Rivals 7 Fdip301: Unwrinkling the Runners Soul Feb 28th, 2013 Good Men A Boy and His Kite 8 Fdip302: As Fast as We Can March 22nd, 2013 As Fast as You Can Our Lady Peace 9 Bonus Track Learn to Dance Andrew McMahon Intervals between episodes can be found at steverunnerblog.com In Vino Veritas with at ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: (But PLEASE, only if you can afford it!) Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind and sincerely generous financial support of 70 friends and fellow runners: William, Vera, Katie, Heather, Ryan, Chaise, Gordon, Scott, Mike, David, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Tim, Bill, Michael, David, Doug, Vance, Brad, Marcelo, Shawn, Roberto, Zaki, Jan, Margaret, James, Norm, Simon, Albert, Janice, Andrew, Pam, Rob, Teresa, Glenn, Trey, Steve, John, Angie, Al, Toni, Martin, Lynn, Nancy, Matt, Eric, Claudia, Jim, Kara, Robert, Dino, Joe, Martin, Rich, Sarah, Tom, David, Pierre, Maria, Hisham, Andrea and one Anonymous fellow runner! THANK YOU! {} Follow me on: Blog: Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:   Support:

Over the years, I have spoken to you about all of the many benifits as to why running is good for you.  I’ve talked about the physical, psychological and even the spiritual benefits of this sport...but  I’ve also tried to get across this point: that running is just one of the ways to improve your health, increase your level of happiness and extend the duration of your life.  I’ve told you that “Runners are special” but I’ve always been quick to admit that I’m not saying we’re better than  non-runners...we’re just different.  Think about some of the times you’ve run incredibly long distances, or gotten your miles in during a blizzard or heat wave...some might call us crazy, I prefer the word “special”. But obviously there are other physical activities that can bring you similar benefits: for the purpose of today’s discussion we will consider the act of walking.  And the question to be asked and answered here is simply this: which is better for you, running or walking? Now, look...let’s be reasonable...I have dedicated the last 8 years of my life...over 300 episodes answering the question with the choice to run.  I call myself “Steve Runner” I have drawers full of running Tee-Shirts and boxes of old running shoes that I keep hidden in my attick for the “Steve Runner Memorial Library” by grandaughters will no doubt, one day open...but if we’re going to consider Running versus Walking...we’d better turn to “SCIENCE”. Links: Special Olympics: A New Project: Gud Musik? Fuhgeddahboudid: I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” was by The Proclaimers at Intervals between episodes can be found at steverunnerblog.com In Vino Veritas with at PHEDIPPIDATIONS SITE OF THE RUN: ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: (But PLEASE, only if you can afford it!) Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind and sincerely generous financial support of 67 friends and fellow runners: William, Vera, Katie, Heather, Ryan, Chaise, Gordon, Scott, Mike, David, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Tim, Bill, Michael, David, Doug, Vance, Brad, Marcelo, Shawn, Roberto, Zaki, Jan, Margaret, James, Norm, Simon, Albert, Janice, Andrew, Pam, Rob, Teresa, Glenn, Trey, Steve, John, Angie, Al, Toni, Martin, Lynn, Nancy, Matt, Eric, Claudia, Jim, Kara, Robert, Dino, Joe, Martin, Rich, Sarah, Tom, David, Pierre and one Anonymous fellow runner! THANK YOU! {} Follow me on: Blog: Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:   Support:

It was on April 19th, in the year of our Lord 2000, that I first registered the domain name of SteveRunner.com. It wasn’t my idea.  It was that of a good friend of mine, Jim, who I had attended the University of Lowell with in the early 1980’s, and worked with for over 20 years.   It was on that 19th day of April, 13 years ago that he suggested I reserve a domain name for my running blog.  I had been posting my running related essays on a website hosted at CompuServe, but the only way you could read my running words was if you knew the complicated numerical universal resource locator that pointed to it. Today, I’d like to read for you some of the essays I wrote back then.  They are written from the perspective of a new and very enthusiastic runner of 38 years old. We are quite often oblivious to the way our lives change, and how we change through the year.  Your perspective will vary, but for me: 13 years wasn’t all that long ago. It was the peak of the Dot Com bubble, President Clinton was serving his last year in office, and I had just lost over 50 pounds.  Running had become one of my greatest passions.  I had started in December of ’98, ran my first marathon in October of ’99 and now I had a blog where I could write about the experience.  Inspired and enlightened by the cardiologist, fellow runner, philosopher and author, Dr. George Sheehan...I began writing about my running lifestyle and how it had brought me joy. My life has changed drastically since I first created the SteveRunner.com website.  The essays you’ll hear today are from a person who no longer exists, a younger version of myself that was filled with hope, excitement, opptomism and enthusiam for the act of running. This isn’t to say that I’m worse off today than I was back then...it’s just that I never expected to be where I am today; none of us do.  Go back into your own 13 year old past and it’s likely that you’ll experience the same revelation.  You aren’t who and where you expected to be. Life is an uncharted, unscripted reality.  It’s not always dramatic, and it’s not all sad or happy endings.  We lace up our shoes and we open our squeaky doors to roads that lead to an unknowable future.  Who you are today is nothing at all like the who you’ll be in ten, twenty or even thirty years, God willing.   One thing is for sure, that despite your best plans, despite whatever goals you’re aiming for; when and if you get there...everything will be different. This is who I was 13 years ago....what I was thinking about, what I was writing about.  It’s a revealing and personal cause for introspection...but it’s also an example for you to contemplate your long ago and far to come. Links: Hark the Herald Boom-Box sings: Featured Site of the Run: The song “Stereo” was by “The Watchmen” Intervals between episodes can be found at steverunnerblog.com In Vino Veritas with at PHEDIPPIDATIONS SITE OF THE RUN: ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: (But PLEASE, only if you can afford it!) Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind and sincerely generous financial support of 68 friends and fellow runners: William, Vera, Katie, Heather, Ryan, Chaise, Gordon, Scott, Mike, David, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Tim, Bill, Michael, David, Doug, Vance, Brad, Marcelo, Shawn, Roberto, Zaki, Ria, Jan, Margaret, James, Norm, Simon, Albert, Janice, Andrew, Pam, Rob, Teresa, Glenn, Trey, Steve, John, Angie, Al, Toni, Martin, Lynn, Nancy, Matt, Eric, Claudia, Jim, Kara, Robert, Dino, Joe, Martin, Rich, Sarah, Tom, David, Pierre and one Anonymous fellow runner! THANK YOU! {} Follow me on: Blog: Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:   Support:

My name is Steve, I’m from Boston, and I am Boston Strong.   There’s a certain amount of pride that I have, in saying that.  But the truth is, we’re all from Boston.  Boston...is more than just a city in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts...for runners like you and I, it’s a idea...it’s a place where dreams come true.   The course from the Hopkinton Bandstand to Boylston Street is more than just a paved roadway...it’s a course.  Wherever you’re hearing me right now, that course is connected to you.  When you lace up your shoes and open your own squeaky front door, you’re taking to the same road, on the same planet as I.  The phrase “Think Global, Run Local” has never been so true as it was on the afternoon of April 15th, Patriots Day...a day of heros. I am now going to say something that is well overdue...I’m going to admit that I was wrong about something.  I’m wrong about alot of things, but I’m stubborn too, I’m a cranky New Englander...but when faced with the truth...I have no alternative but to accept my our fault. I once said, on this podcast, that it doesn’t take courage to run, in fact I dedicated an entire episode to that silly notion back in December of 2008, episode 166 “It’s Not About Courage”.   In that episode I said that “Just because someone says that it takes courage for you to run your first mile, does not make it so.  It does not make noble the action by affixing such terms to explain how you came to be.”    Fellow runners, don’t you belive that.  I was wrong, and I apologize with all my heart.   You know how much the Boston Marathon means to me; you know how much this city means to me...but the fact is, that we all have courage...the first responders, the fire, police and emergency crews who responded at risk to their own lives, and the many, MANY fellow runners who did exactly what any of you would have done: we are indomitable, we overcome pain, we use our bodies as they were meant to be used, and we sacrifice for the good of this world. It is about courage, afterall.  When you take to the road, you’re becoming a hero...a hero who would gladly help other runners by passing out bottles of water, a hero who would walk into a little burger joint near the finish line and grab a couple of big trash bags to give to a complete stranger for warmth, a hero who would risk being with other people in an area where the attacks took place, as a way to offer fellowship and comfort. Oh, yes, there are so many hero’s in our community...so many fellow runners willing to sacrifice, help and fight for what’s right.  The cowardly terrorists who dropped those backpacks with pressure cooker bombs thought they could scare you, they thought they could end the marathon, frighten the world and send a message of hatred that would force us to cower in the darkness. All they did was kill and hurt some good people, and make a bloody mess of Boylston Street.  There’s a concept in physics discovered by Sirl Issac Newton as his third law of motion. “Actioni contrariam semper et æqualem esse reactionem” To every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction Fellow runners, we could be heros.  We could respond to this act of terror, with acts of heroism; armed with, as weapons, kindness, respect, sacrifice and wave after wave of love. Of course it takes courage to run, it’s something that those who would stop us most clearly don’t understand.  Instead of defeating us on Boylston Street, the terrorist’s empowered us all over the world, to set postive examples for others on how to be good animals, better people, and brave heros. Links: On Monday, May 5th, join my friends and fellow runners, and I, in Boston as we celebrate the life of Jacob Tinkoff and run to the finish line of the Boston Marathon. We are waves of love, and Boston Strong: el Cinco Loco: Thanks for the music: The song “All Roads Lead Home” was by Golden State at Intervals between episodes can be found at steverunnerblog.com In Vino Veritas with at ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: (But only if you can afford it) Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind and sincerely generous financial support of 66 friends and fellow runners: William, Vera, Katie, Heather, Ryan, Chaise, Gordon, Scott, Mike, David, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Tim, Bill, Michael, David, Doug, Vance, Brad, Marcelo, Shawn, Roberto, Zaki, Ria, Jan, Margaret, James, Norm, Simon, Albert, Janice, Andrew, Pam, Rob, Teresa, Glenn, Trey, Steve, John, Angie, Al, Toni, Martin, Lynn, Nancy, Matt, Eric, Claudia, Jim, Kara, Robert, Dino, Joe, Martin, Rich, Sarah, Tom and one Anonymous fellow runner! THANK YOU! {} Follow me on: Blog: Twitter:   Facebook:   Plus: Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:   Support:

How fast can the fastest human being run?  We know that Usain Bolt of Jamacia ran at a top speed of  27.78 miles per hour (44.72 km/h) between the 60 to 80 meter segment of the 100 meter sprint in 1.61 seconds on August 16th, 2009 at the Berlin World Championships.   But what I want to know, is how fast could the fastest human being ever really run.  I’m not talking about Usain...the guy is amazing...but we are human beings, and we have evolved with this particular physicolgy.  What would it take for one of us to run the fastest that is possible as a member of our species? It turns out that, according to the latest science, there are two contending factors which affect the speed of human beings: first the amount of force that our bodies can handle as we smash our limbs upon the ground, and second the speed at which our muscles can contract and pull on our tendons.  Only one of these is the primary factor, and it will become obvious as we go through the science which matters most. We need to consider the mechanics here to come up with a theoretical limit to human speed, and as we do you need to keep Usain Bolt’s 28 miles per hour in mind. This is an episode about the theoretical limits to the speed of a human being. The answer to “How Fast Can We Run”, as a species, may surprise you! Links: It’ll be WICKED PISSA: el Cinco Loco: Run with Jason: Huff Po likes me! They really like me! slide=1952271 The musical voice inside my head: Featured Site of the Run: Tell @mccarthy_roy I said “hi”.  The song “As Fast As You Can” was by Our Lady Peace off the album “Curve” which you can buy right now on iTunes or at Intervals between episodes can be found at steverunnerblog.com In Vino Veritas with at PHEDIPPIDATIONS SITE OF THE RUN: ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: (But only if you can afford it) Phedippidations is supported monthly through the kind and sincerely generous financial support of 63 friends and fellow runners: William, Vera, Katie, Heather, Ryan, Chaise, Gordon, Scott, Mike, David, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Tim, Bill, Michael, David, Doug, Vance, Brad, Marcelo, Shawn, Roberto, Zaki, Ria, Jan, Margaret, James, Norm, Simon, Albert, Janice, Andrew, Pam, Rob, Chris, Teresa, Glenn, Trey, Steve, John, Angie, Al, Toni, Martin, Lynn, Nancy, Matt, Eric, Claudia, Jim, Kara, Robert, Dino, Joe and one Anonymous fellow runner! THANK YOU! {} Follow me on: Blog: Twitter:   Facebook:   Plus: Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:   Support:

If you’re a new runner, or know someone who is...or even if you are a runner who has packed away your running shoes because you’re in some kind of a slump, or gave up running due to reasonable health reasons...I’m here to tell you that you are not alone. You’re not the first runner to quit, and you won’t be the last.   I know, because I’ve been there...and todays epsiode of Phedippidations is a shout of encouragement...it’s my attempt to say to you that even if you’ve hung up your shoes: you’re not a quitter.  Stop thinking of your running in terms of that. Whatever your goals are..whatever the reason it was that made you first lace up your shoes...they’re still valid reasons; the only thing you really have to do is change those short term goals into long term goals...and recognize the signs of improvement. You really are, a runner.  Sometimes we don’t feel that way, sometimes we feel like giving up, crawing into our darkened subterrainan dens and disassociating ourselves from that aweful activity...but if we can think it through clearly, and unwrinkle our damaged souls...we’ll all realize that we have evolved to be runners, and that happiness can be found in accepting that truth and becoming what we were meant to be.

I’ve had alot of time to think about how I’d conclude, this: my 300th episode...and I guess it makes sense for me to briefly comment on something I said in episode 1: When I talked about the horrible feeling of dropping the ball and losing the 1977 championship baseball game of the Weymouth Farm League for my team, The Red Barons. The essay I wrote and read was my way of explaining why, after that crushing loss, I sought to involve myself only in sports that celebrated individual achievement.  I wrote: “It's probably no coincidence that I've never played in a team sport since.  I chose, instead, to direct my athletic attentions to the Cross Country and Track teams, as well as the individual medley events on the swim team.  I involved myself in sports that didn't require team camaraderie; I selected athletics that rewarded individual success without the dependency of others.” Seven years and 300 episodes later; I’ve come to realize how wrong I was....that this sport I love so much, this running is one that depends on camaraderie, it thrives on the dependency of others, it improves with friendship. We’re all going to experience bad days.  Life is pain...but life is also filled with such beauty and hope.  As runners, we share a common experience and this is not something we should keep for ourselves...there’s no good that can come by keeping for ourselves. I have a New Hope...a certain longing for a better world, a dream that we can all be happy, healthy and loved. John Lennon wrote that he was a dreamer...but he’s not the only one...Martin Luther King Jr. wrote about his dream for justice and equality, Mahatma Ghandi wrote "What is true of the individual will be tomorrow true of the whole nation if individuals will but refuse to lose heart and hope." Running, as with life, is not an individual sport.  It is my new hope that you and I can inspire others to become fellow runners...to become better human beings and friends.   For my part, I’ll use Phedippidations to promote that agenda.  I may drop the ball from time to time, but this is no longer an individual sport, and with you on my team...our new hope will become a new reality. I’m Steve Runner, reminding you to run long and taper.

The next episode of Phedippidations is a celebration of this podcast and the community of which it is a part...we’re celebrating not because of anything I've ever recorded, presented or produced...but because you stepped up and said you would participate...that you’d jam some ear buds in your head and at least go for a run with me....whether you've been listening since episode one or if this is your first; the honor to run with you is mine. Thank you for that honor, for being a friend and a fellow runner. Links: “Further” by Long-View  http://www.longviewmusic.com "Baby Can I Hold You" by Tracy Chapman Get some social perspective: ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: (But only if you can afford it) Phedippidations is supported every month through the very kind and sincerely generous financial support of 51 fellow runners: William, Vera, Katie, Heather, Ryan, Chaise, Andie, Gordon, Scott, Mike, David, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Al, Cheryl, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Maddy, Tim, Bill, Kevin, Michael, David, Doug, Vance, Brad, Rob, Marcelo, Andrew, Shawn, Roberto, Zaki, Ria, Jan, Margaret, James, Norm, Simon, Albert, Janice, Dan, Pam, Rob , Chris, Teresa and one Anonymous fellow runner! THANK YOU! {http://support.steverunner.com} Follow me on: Blog: http://steverunnerblog.com Twitter:   Facebook:   Plus: http://plus.steverunner.com Stream:   Apple App:   Android App:   Support:

This episode celebrates the 7th anniversary of this podcast, the first episode of which was published on Independence Day, July 4th of the year 2005. As you’d expect, my life is very different today than it was back then, in many ways better, in other ways…different; but I’m not complaining.  This is Life 2.0; the world has moved on, and so have we all. One major point of improvement in my life is the many friends I have been so fortunate to make, as a direct result of this goofy little podcast.   There have been days, sometimes weeks, where I haven’t felt like stepping up to the microphone.  There have been days and weeks when I haven’t felt like running.  The thing is; with your friendship, kindness and support: I’ve been inspired to run and motivated to podcast…to share with you my thoughts, opinions, observations and yes: even the tidbit details of my life; because when you run together you share something special…and even though this is a digital audio reproduction of my voice, somewhere in the world right now, some of our fellow runners are out on the road, getting their miles in and sharing the experience. Conversations, Meditations, and Explorations for and about runners. Phedippidations isn’t dead, but what it was seven years ago is but a ghost of what it has become. Thank you for running with me this far; but we’re not even half way there, and we have a long…long way to go. Links: The song “Go” was by Stray Palace - http://straypalace.com/ “Your Ex-Lover Is Dead” by Stars - http://starsthenorth.com/ “At Home” by Crystal Fighters - http://crystalfighters.com/ “Out Loud” by Black Lab - http://blacklabworld.com/ “The Ballplayer” by Joe Purdy - http://joepurdy.com/ “I’m Not Afraid” by Remy Zero - http://remyzero.com/ “Born Again” by Richard Ashcroft - http://richardashcroft.co.uk/ “Unextrodinary Man” by Animal Heart - http://animalheart.bandcamp.com/ BEHOLD: http://neilbearse.com ONLY IF YOU LIKE IT: Phedippidations is supported every month through the very kind and sincerely generous financial support of 27 fellow runners:  William, Vera, Katie, Heather, Ryan, Jan, Chaise, Andie, Gordon, Scott, Mike, David, Jeff, Colin, Jason, Diane, Manuel, Al, Ron, Mark, Martha, Greg, Jim, Maddy, Tim, Bill and Kevin.  THANK YOU! {http://support.steverunner.com}

The 6th Anniversay of Phedippidations.

This episode of Phedippidations is intended to recreate for you the experience of running with fellow runners and friends.  On April 30th Team Poco Loco gathered in Boston Massachusetts to run a half marathon distance around the mighty Charles River.  

You and I are out on a run together.  As we’re getting our miles in we start to talk to each other to pass the time. This is where we get to know each other, where we start to open up a little and reveal ourselves as the persons we really are.    You and I are different, with different backgrounds, different beliefs and different understandings of the universe around us.  I want to know what you’re all about, and you might want to know what’s going on in my teenie tiny little head.  So today, let’s acknowledge that we really are out on a run together, and I’m going to reveal to you a little bit more about who I am.   These are what I call: Intervals and I’ve even gone ahead and created a couple of podcasts where I express my thoughts in a rambling diatribe format, one is recorded in audio, the other in video, both are available on iTunes.    In running, of course, an interval workout is one where you run hard for a specific duration or distance, such as once around a track, and then you run at a relaxed rate, or maybe even walk…during an interval between the running portions.   So while Phedippidations is a podcast where we have a conversation about running and running related topics; today’s episode will be an interval break from that.   Today I’m going to open up an audio family picture book of sorts, and tell you a few stories from my life.  There’s nothing earth shattering of deeply profound here…just a few snippets from a life I’ve lived that will better help you to understand this goofy middle aged, middle of the pack slightly asthmatic fellow runner who you run with each week.   LINKS:   The song “I am a Man of Constant Sorrow” was performed by, in order of appearance: The Soggy Bottom Boys and Dan Tyminski; Norman Blake, and John Hartford:

Today I’m going to read for you the final chapter of Dr. George Sheehans book “Running and Being – The Total Experience”.  I’m doing this in hopes that you might buy and read his book, and as a way of presenting you with an alternate special holiday episode of Phedippidations…a gift you don’t have to unwrap.   This chapter is very special to me, as I hope it will be for you.  It was the conclusion to a book that so inspired me, so enthralled me when I first picked it up, that I literally could not put it down until I finished it well into the early hours of the next morning.   I’ve read Dr. Sheehans book, “Running and Being” at least a dozens times since I first read the book; and this final chapter titled “Seeing” really sums up most of the major points made in the previous 17 chapters.   You can purchase the book “Running and Being – The Total Experience” by Dr. George Sheehan, at LINKS:     The Linus and Lucy theme was by the band J.E.L.L.i The background music “I Saw Three Ships with Good King Wenceslas” was composed by Doug Boldt.

A Podcast for Runners: In #2 I take you with me on a run around Lake Junaluska, NC during a resent trip to the beautiful mountains of W. North Carolina. Music from Jeff Hightower and a special spot from Steve Runner of the Phedippidations podcast, thanks Steve!

The Stanford University study titled “Reduced Disability and Mortality among aging runners” was published in the August 11th, 2008 issue of the journal Archives of Internal Medicine.  At the time that the study was conducted: the assumption was that vigorous exercise would cause older people more harm than good.  The expectation was that running would lead to an excess in orthopedic injuries and lead to earlier disability with runners over 50. But the researches found that regular exercise would extend high-quality, disability free life.  Frequent running would compress the period at the end of life when people couldn’t do things on their own.  This is an idea that has been given the name “compression of morbidity”.  In this episode of Phedippidations, I’ll talk about both the clinical details of this study AND the significance of it’s findings, leading to the obvious conclusion that Life is Short, but it Should be Long Enough!   Show Links: http://www.runningthenarrowpath.blogspot.com http://planettinkoff.com http://worldwidefestivalofraces.com http://www.iamplify.com/store/product_details/Rabbi-Shmuley-Boteach/Afterlife-Debate-With-Christopher-Hitchens/product_id/8621 www.audiblepodcast.com/phedi The song “One Monkey Don’t Stop the Show” by Brick Daniels http://brickdaniels.com

This is my annual music show; recorded (as always) while I’m on vacation.  This time I’m on the Norwegian Cruise Ship Spirit traveling from Boston to Bermuda with my family as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of my parents wedding!   In addition to listening to podcasts, I love to run to music!  It helps me keep my cadence in check and fills my head with positive images as I get my miles in.  The songs on this episode are all from previous Phedippidations shows; so I hope you enjoy them! Please support the artists by purchasing their music and following them on the various social media networks on the “tubes of the internets”. Show Links: Summertime by Brother Love at   Broken Heart by Black Lab at Sweat by Darren Geffre at Dare to Dream by Adam Ilami at If This Geek Ruled the World by Geoff Smith at Talking Bout my Dogs by Boo Boo Davis at Move Your Feet by Dogman Joe at Say Hey I love You by Michael Franti and Spearhead at Tickle Cove Pond by Great Big Sea at And Die Alone by Ingrid Michaelson at   Thank you John Wall for 5 great years of The M Show   

I had come to Hopkinton Massachusetts to run the 114th Boston Marathon, and found myself in the early miles facing the eventual breakdown of my body.  From the joyful celebration of a New England town, I ran myself into the unchartered land of exhaustion and pain…and through modern technology I broadcasted my suffering live through my blog and social networking sites.  I wasn’t doing that to show off or incite pity, I did it because I wanted to share my experience with you in hopes that you might want to run this race one day, and perform better than I did. I know this course very well, it’s an old friend that I’ve visited throughout my youth and into my middle age.  I have experienced great things on this course, witnessed legendary athletes run with artistic form, felt intense ecstasy and crushing agony and run this race even when I had nothing left within me to get me to that finish line: but somehow, I always have. For all my efforts in trying to distract myself to finish this race, for trying to go, in my mind, to my happy place…I had forgotten to consider this truth:  that This WAS my happy place…this race that is more than just a race, this marathon that is known by all simply by the name of the city within which it finishes: This is my race: Boston. This is my town: Boston. This is my home: Boston Beantown, the hub of the universe, the cradle of liberty, the Athens of America…we love that dirty water, we love our beloved Red Sox, we love our Samuel Adams beer, our Faneuil Hall, and our Patriots, Pilgrims, and minutemen…and we love our Marathon with 114 years of history dating back to the emergence of distance running in the world of athletics. Thank you for listening to this episode of Phedippidations, thank you for running with me as I took you with me on my way to Boston, thank you for your kind words and support and for following my progress on race day; at Intervals, on Twitter and Facebook but most of all: thank you for your friendship. You see, THIS is my happy place, running with fellow runners…and as the sky darkens upon the finishing line in the shadows of tall buildings and skyscrapers on and around Boylston Street, I can’t see the sun anymore…I can’t feel the ground anymore…but I don’t mind…you’re by my side…and I feel fine. Show Links: “The Curra Road” was by Fergus “See the Sun” was by  Black Lab

April 4th, 2010.

Professor Daniel Leiberman’s (and his team) paper “Foot strike patterns and collision forces in habitually barefoot versus shod runners” looks into how and why human beings can and did run comfortably without modern running shoes.  In it, he proves that experienced, habitual barefoot runners tend to avoid landing on our heels and land with a forefoot or midfoot strike.    Most of their research looks into the mechanics of different kinds of foot strikes.  He shows that most forefoot and some midfoot strikes, when running barefoot, do not cause sudden, momentary and major force impacts which occur when you land on your heel barefoot.   In a previous episode of Phedippidations, I talked about how Professors Lieberman and Dennis Bramble have shown us that homo sapiens have evolved, and thus are born to run…and with this study “Foot strike patterns and collision forces in habitually barefoot versus shod runners” Professor Lieberman and his team have shown us that we should seriously reconsider the way that we run, with or without minimal running shoes.  It turns out that we’ve had the proper biomechanics and shock absorbers with us all along…we’re not only born to run; but we’re born to run well!   At the end of this episode I talk about why I didn’t produce an episode last week, what I’ve been up to lately, some “sad” news about Stephen Walker and changes in this show that are long over due.   Show Links:  “Move Your Feet” by the Dogman Joe

I’m never going to be asked to give a speech in front of a crowd of fellow runners.  It’s not going to happen; and by saying that I’m not implying that the absent request is a travesty; there’s a good reason why I’ll never be asked: because while you and I are friends and there are at least ten of you listening right now: generally speaking I am not what you call: popular.   I’m not very well known, and never expect to be burdened with fame…not enough at least to be asked to speak to a crowd of runners at the 2010 John Hancock Sports and Fitness Expo - Runners Seminar.   To be honest, that’s probably a good thing.  I think you know that I tend to be a bit of a rogue; you never know when I’m going to go off on a goofy comedy riff or a screaming anger-thon…quite honestly, when I clip on this microphone I’m not even sure what’s going to happen…so, it’s probably in John Hancock’s best interest to suppress my speech at this and every Boston Marathon expo.   As I was thinking about this, while out on a long run (where my best thoughts are formed) I asked myself what I would do if I got the call to speak?  What if the event organizers called me up tomorrow and asked me to present the key note address at the Boston Marathon Health and Fitness Expo; one of the largest gatherings of runners in the world?   Well, obviously the first thing I’d do is panic, then resolve to respectfully refuse: but opportunity is not a lengthy visitor, so as adverse as I am to speaking in public or standing in the spotlight of attention: I know that I’d have to somehow suck it up; and take to that podium and speak.   I wouldn’t enjoy the experience; I would dread the days and hours prior to my presentation: but despite all that I know that I’d accept the invitation, because like it or not: I do have something to say.   What I’d have to say to a large gathering of fellow runners would require a number of speeches.  This being the 225th episode of Phedippidations, I’ve venture to guess that I’d have at least 225 themes that I’d want to cover…but if I only had time for one topic; one keynote message to transmit from my mouth to the ears of an audience of runners it would be what you’re about to hear.   So imagine, if you will, that it’s 2:00 in the afternoon on Sunday, April 18th 2010; the day before the 114th running of the Boston Marathon.  You’re sitting in a packed room at the Hynes Convention Center on Boylston Street in Boston, just a quarter mile up the road from the finish line of the Boston Marathon.   You’ve been walking around town and the expo floor for the past three days, and you’re just about ready to head back to your hotel to rest up for the night in preparation for the big race.  You’re tired, a little anxious and your patience is getting a little frayed when someone familiar steps up to the podium….   Show Links: New Podcast: Send in your race reports to “Underground” by Black Lab off the Album Give Us Sugar

In the spirit of all those old cheesy classic television holiday variety show specials by the Osmond Brothers, Bob Hope, Donny and Marie, and the Smothers Brothers: I present for you my first Holiday PodCast Variety Show Special complete with special guests, a musical act, and comedy sketches created to make your season merry and bright. I don’t expect this episode to become a holiday classic, but it will keep you company as you get a long run in on a cold winters day! Special appearances by: John Michael Walker, Terry Higgins, Gabby Sherman, Steve Chopper, Kevin Gwin, Toni Harvey, Adam Tinkoff, Mat Chasey, Nic Wong, Dan Medeiros, John Ellis, Joe Steindl, Lynn Runner, and Gordon Scott. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from my home to yours! Show Links: “Jingle Bells” by Skid Row (made available by the Podsafe Music Network) “Joy to the World” by Hairy Larry “Joy to the World” by Two Harps And a special gift to all by Gordon Scott:

 "There is a discrimination in this world and slavery and slaughter and starvation. Governments repress their people; and millions are trapped in poverty while the nation grows rich; and wealth is lavished on armaments everywhere. These are differing evils, but they are common works of man. They reflect the imperfection of human justice, the inadequacy of human compassion, our lack of sensibility toward the sufferings of our fellows.  But we can perhaps remember - even if only for a tirne - that those who live with us are our brothers; that they share with us the same short moment of life; that they seek - as we do - nothing but the chance to live out their lives in purpose and happiness, winning what satisfaction and fulfillment they can.” - Senator Robert F. Kennedy Please listen to this special episode of Phedippidations, and ask your friends (runners and non-runners alike) to listen to this interview with Jim Keady from Team Sweat and Educating for Justice.  If you never listen to another of my podcast episodes again, I’ll ask you to at least listen to this one with an open heart and mind.  As a member of our Run Net Community, you have the power and responsibility to force Nike (and other companies who take advantage of the poor) to treat their workers with dignity and respect.  Help Jim Keady and become a member of Team Sweat: to direct and encourage Nike to “just do it” and pay fair wages to their workers.  Show Links:      Recommended Reading: – by David C Korten – by John Perkins – by Joseph E. Stiglitz – by Dan La Botz Let Nike CEO and President know how you feel about Nike Sweatshops. FOLLOW TEAM SWEAT: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Team-Sweat/50908420352 PLEASE donate what you can to the 501(c)(3) non-profit tax exempt Team Sweat. There is an immediate and urgent need for $3K so that Team Sweat can promote presentations and grass roots organizations at College and High School Campuses, as well as in Indonesia. Contribute online or send a check paid to the order of “Educating for Justice”. Mail to: Educating for Justice106 Meadow Point LanePoint Pleasant, NJ 08742 The song “Sweat” was by Darren Geffre  

In a way, the reason I produce Phedippidations is so I can make the world just a tiny bit better than it was before I started to produce this podcast.  I understand that this is something I’ll most likely fail at and that my efforts here might be considered a colossal waste of time, however noble and altruistic this might seem. BUT: there’s always that small conditional word “IF”. As in: IF I can inspire just one human being, who might by accident listen to this goofy little podcast and become inspired to rise off the couch of doom to live a better and more happier life: then fellow runners; I’m here to tell you: MISSION FRIGGIN ACCOMPLISHED!  That will be a day for a celebratory glass of Malbec: because that’s all it takes: just change the world for a single human being among us, and we will have satisfied our purpose in this life…we will have made an improvement through our examples….that’s the challenge: life your life in a way that inspires others to lace up their shoes and take to the road with us, and you’ll have made the universe just a little bit better than it was before they were so inspired. This life is a gift, and my reasons for producing Phedippidations is both to celebrate the gift and serve a purpose that is much MUCH more important than this middle aged, middle of the pack, slightly asthmatic fellow runner. Why do I produce Phedippidations each week?  Because, in a way, although it’s not easy to explain, and certainly not at noble as it sounds…that’s what feel like I’m called to do. Thank you so much for supporting me over these past four years and 200 episodes.  It is both a pleasure and an honor to call you a fellow runner. - Steve Show Links:Program the Extra Mile Podcast phone number into your cell phone: 513-397-0525   Fdip Blog of the Week: The song “Like I Used To” was by Black Lab

A podcast should be an expression of yourself, with a deep and open honesty that reveals all of the good things in your heart, as well as your weaknesses.  A podcast should not be a “show” per se, it should be a conversation: it should have as many audible elements that fit your personality and the truth of who you are.  Fear of being honest is perceived by the listeners…and if you’re doing it right: you’ll not think of those who subscribe to your podcast as mere “listeners”, they’re fellow runners…lending you their ears and their time as you share something of each other through a very personal and intimate new form of media. This is my podcast, Phedippidations…but it’s also your podcast…and if you’ll take the time to produce your own audio content for your fellow runners to run with; you’ll be producing something that we will feel ownership of: that’s because we’re really, honestly, truthfully sharing the road with these episodes…encouraging each other with words, prayers, hopes, dreams and an all too realistic experience in the Run Net Community. Show Links:Fdip Blog of the Week: The song “The You and Me Show” was by Alicia Marie

There’s this rumor going around that distance runners are more prone to developing arthritis, a medical condition from by the Greek word “arthro” meaning joint and “itis” meaning inflammation.  Many non-runners and medical laypersons have assumed that the constant repetitive pounding forces on our joints, especially in the knees, as we run are too much for our bodies to absorb.  In this weeks episode I’ll go through some of the scientific medical research on the subject and present an answer to the question: are runners at higher risk for developing arthritis? NOTE: I didn’t want to make a huge deal out of it during this episode, but this marks my fourth year producing Phedippidations and I wanted to be sure to thank you, at least here in the show notes, for your friendship, kindness and support over these past 1,461 days since episode #1.  It continues to be an honor to run with you. Run long and taper! - Steve Show Links:Fdip Blog of the Week: Featured PodCast: “Run Yank Run”The song “Down to the Bone” by Edwin Holt

Ours is a social network of fellow runners who are using new media and the power of what has become known as Web 2.0 – a second generation of web development and design that facilitates communication, collaboration and above all: sharing of thoughts, opinions, observations and yes, even rambling diatribes. There’s this question that philosophers and scientists, artists, writers and dreamers have asked for many centuries when they looked above into the heavens.  That question is this: ARE WE ALONE? The question is intended to inquire about the validity of the Drake equation and the possibility of intelligent life, or any life on worlds other than our own.  It’s a question that, in it’s asking, evokes a sense of loneliness, as if we are adrift on a tiny blue bubble in space, far from communities in distant galaxies.  If I had to guess, I’d say that there is life out there, and very likely intelligent life of some kind: I just don’t think our world and even the life that swarms upon it is entirely unique and special.  If life got started here, it has to have started elsewhere, that’s just good science in search of good evidence. But the notion that we are alone?  That’s just silly, because as long as we have each other…as long as there are ways for us to experience a community together: no matter where on the tiny blue bubble we stand, we cannot and will not be alone.  That’s more than just good science and logical reasoning: that’s a functioning reality based on many lines of evidence, not the least of which is found in the obvious fact that you’re listening to me right now on a podcast called Phedippidations, and many of us are running, together. Show Links:Fdip Blog of the Week: Featured PodCast: Lagan Runner PodcastThe song “Foot in Your Door” was by Geoff Smith at

Man-on-the-street segment returns with Paul asking "What do you know about St. Patrick?" You'll be surprised at the answers. Fr. Jim Martin returns to talk about his DVD "Who Cares about the Saints?" Listeners questions, feedback, a possible patron saint for chemists, and your chance to win Fr. Jim's DVD on this week's Jeopardy quiz. Phedippidations running podcast with Steve Runner "Who Cares About the Saints?" at Loyola Productions Catholic Vocations Podcast Saint Patrick DVD "Apostle of Ireland" Research any saint at Saints.SQPN.com

The greatest reward for producing a podcast like Phedippidations is the electronic messages that you are kind enough to send me, but there’s an old Scottish proverb that reads “What may be done at any time will be done at no time.” Today I’m making an effort to find some time to go through my email inbox to answer some of the messages you’ve been kind enough to send me over the past three months.  Despite good reason and a stressfully increasing workload, I’ve felt guilty for not answering your messages to me, and while I have read every email that I’ve received; my inability to find time to respond to you has been on my mind for quite some time. If I can’t answer every email the least I can do is produce this podcast every week and go for a run with you.  I can’t promise everything I’ll have to say here will be worthy of your listening; but I can promise to follow the same compass as you…heading in the same direction to better health and becoming a good animal. Show Links:The story “Patience” was read with permission of the author: Jessica Bold   Fdip Blog of the Week: “Do They Have E-Mail in Heaven” by Jim Terr

There are so many beautiful places on this planet that you can find to go for a run which are beautiful, interesting, and memorable.  If you are traveling for pleasure, business or any purpose: pack your running shoes, a pair of shorts and a tee-shirt; you’ll see the places you visit from a more interesting and intimate perspective and will be able not only to say you visited that place, but can boast quite proudly that you’ve run there. In this episode of Phedippidations, I go on vacation to Florida and in the course of my journey I meet a good friend whom I’ve been hoping to meet for a very long time: THE Zen Runner himself: the great Adam Tinkoff. Show Links:Fdip Blog of the Week: “Road Trip” by “Dirty Proper”

This episode will serve as proof that I’m an totally independent new media producer, and will guarantee that I never get that huge contract with a major running shoe label.   But when running shoe companies  enable their outsourced suppliers to treat their workers poorly, in unhealthy working conditions for long hours with wages that hardly allow them to feed and shelter their families…they are being evil…either by direction or failure. You and I can support the fight for human rights and the environment every day with our dollars…by purchasing products and services sold only by those companies and businesses who treat their workers with dignity and promote the basic human rights to life, liberty, freedom of expression, equality before the law and in society, the right to participate in culture, the right to food, the right to work, and the right to education along with ensuring that the production of goods does not negatively impact the environment. My expose here about some of the major running shoe manufacturers in operation today will most assuredly guarantee that I will never earn millions of dollars on this podcast through an advertizing contract with any of these companies…but morality dictates that I consider the big picture…and I’m going to do my best, in this episode of Phedippidations, to be honest, truthful and above all independent when it comes to giving you the 4-1-1 on what are, and are not responsible shoes. Show Links:Fdip Blog of the Week: The song “Not Responsible” was by Laura Clapp

A podcast is so much more interesting, entertaining, informative and intimate than a radio show.  When you subscribe to a podcast, you’re really joining a social club of like minded enthusiasts for whatever the topic of conversation may be.  Running podcasts are special in that they can be listened to while you, yourself, are out on your runs…or on a treadmill, or in the car on your way to or from work, or after your run as you do chores around the house.  A podcast is better than a radio show because it’s a conversation between the podcaster and you, produced and intended to be heard on a computer or, most naturally, an MP3 audio player with little ear bud head phones plugged into your head. You know all this because you’re not just a listener to Phedippidations…you are a fellow runner; we’re in this together…and there are other running related podcasts out there that are much better than this one,  that I know you’ll enjoy if you’ll give them a listen.  Show Links:   All of the PodCasts discussed in this show can be found at PLEASE SEND IN YOUR WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FOR FDIP156! Leave a message: +1 206-338-3211 Fdip featured blog of the week: The song “Independence Day” was the band Jesta, aka Bryan Page from the UK. 

I have known my friend Kathy for many years, through many life adventures and glasses of quality wine.  In this short format episode of Phedippidations, we run the Long Island Marathon Festival of Races 10K road race in New York, with the goal of finishing in an hour or less.  This is also the story of how I met my wife and the contentious angry beginnings of a friendship that will last a lifetime, and about my incredible victory in a epic battle which took place during an all night drive to Pennsylvania a long time ago in an automobile far, far away.  

Listen now or subscribe to the podcast feed! This week, the phantom music cube, rough times at the Natick Collection (surprise, surprise), Maureen causes an international incident, the most stereotypical Gamestop employee ever, Bex's first birthday, TC Lando's, and Mario Kart Wii. Music: "Me Being Me" by Tim Blane, courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network Intro Music: "Pocketbook" by Derek K Miller Outro Music: "Remember Hope" by Farewell Redemption Podcasts/Sites Mentioned: Phedippidations Nuketown Radioactive Love Long and Prosper Geek Acres Tastes Like Burning 365 Tao 5 Questions Redboy Podcast Technorati Tags: Podcasts Boston Massachusetts New England Feedback: Feel free to e-mail us at WickedGoodPodcast|at|gmail.com or call us at 206-600-MASS(6277)!

To push yourself past your zone of comfort you need to smile, think positively, focus on something other than the pain and weakness and dedicate yourself to a higher purpose other than “just finishing‿.  Most of all, you have to have the insatiable desire to reach your goal by making your efforts on the road more important than just yourself.  If you can do this you will find that you can accomplish great things through your running, and be the runner and human being you’ve always known you could be. This episode ends with an announcement about the future of Phedippidations. Show Links: The song “All I Really Wanted‿ was by Jim Fidler

Steve Runner of the award-winning Phedippidations podcast joins us on the SaintCast to discuss his favorite patron saint, the patron saint of athletes, St. Sebastian. Here he is with his son in full SQPN regalia at the American League Baseball Championship at Fenway Park. We go over the Saints of the Week, listener feedback, saints-in-the-news including talk about a miracle for Cardinal Newman, the beatification of 498 martyrs of the Spanish Civil War, and another mug winner for the Saint Joke of the week.

Let’s talk about what Phedippidations is, what I believe in, whether I am delusional, what running means to me, and what this podcast means to me.  These are the thoughts that go through my head during a long run in the back country roads where these Phedippidations are born. Thoughts, opinions, observations and rambling diatribes are all composed while we’re out on these long distance runs across the planets surface.

This week, ScottJ joins us yet again, Gloomy Gus the vampiric phlebotomist, gender confusion at the hospital restrooms, more drama at Babies 'R' Us, Supermarket Sweep comes to life, Faux Foodcast, The Swipe, Cake Mania, and Patriot's Day. Music:"Other Worlds" by Casey Desmond, courtesy of the Podsafe Music NetworkIntro Music: "Pocketbook" by Derek K MillerOutro Music: "Remember Hope" by Farewell Redemption Links: Couplecasts.comOur Blog at Loopipes.com Podcasts Mentioned: Love Long and ProsperMostly NewsPhedippidationsAll Axis Radio: CanadaGeek AcresTucker TalesRedboy PodcastBarely Podcasting Technorati Tags: Podcasts Boston Massachusetts New England Feedback: Feel free to e-mail us at WickedGoodPodcast|at|gmail.com or call us at 206-600-MASS(6277)!

This week, a photo op with the Colonel, irony prevails at the New England Podcasters meetup, the local radio station gets Punk'd, what Steve and a Patriots receiver have in common, Steve can't tell time because of snow, breaking news: it's snowing!, winter amnesia, a 3-way tie on Jeopardy, Burnout: Dominator, and driving in the snow. Music:"Less Talk More Rokk" by Freezepop, courtesy of Arch Enemy RecordsIntro Music: "Pocketbook" by Derek K MillerOutro Music: "Remember Hope" by Farewell Redemption Links: Our New Blog at Loopipes.com Podcasts Mentioned: PhedippidationsLove Long and ProsperGeek AcresBarely Podcasting365 TaoLife on TapDinkycast Technorati Tags: Podcasts Boston Massachusetts New England Feedback: Feel free to e-mail us at WickedGoodPodcast|at|gmail.com or call us at 206-600-MASS(6277)!

This week, racing against the weather at Unos, Costco dinner, more frozen lake antics, why our kids will never go sledding in the graveyard (as if we needed a reason), fast food shuts down the city, the sassy kid mogul on 1 vs, 100, and why Madden 07 for the Wii is more than just a roster update. Music:"Sonic Pasta" by Ivy HillIntro Music: "Pocketbook" by Derek K MillerOutro Music: "Remember Hope" by Farewell Redemption Podcasts Mentioned: PhedippidationsGeek Acres 5 QuestionsMarblecast Technorati Tags: Podcasts Boston Massachusetts New England Feedback: Feel free to e-mail us at WickedGoodPodcast|at|gmail.com or call us at 206-600-MASS(6277)!

With over 470 runners in 23 different countries, many of whom have never run a half marathon before, this episode celebrates life through the simple act of running.  Produced to inspire, support, encourage and comfort: this special edition of Phedippidations will help all of us who are running this and other races as we “Think Global, Run Local‿.

This week, we have a canine guest in the studio, tracking down a rogue eBay package, the Roomba embarks on its maiden voyage, another round of the Wicked Good Podcast vs. the Boston Globe, Cold Stone smoothies, the NE Podcasters indoor barbecue, trying on jeans for movie tickets, more grilling excitement, more Last Comic Standing and America's Got Talent goodness, and the Big Dig is falling down. Music: "Cordoba" by El Gringo, courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network Intro Music: "Pocketbook" by Derek K Miller Outro Music: "Remember Hope" by Farewell Redemption Podcasts Mentioned: Audio Pandemic Saint Kermit Phedippidations Financial Aid Podcast Secaucast Extra Points Upon Further Review Barely Podcasting Josh In Japan Life on Tap Love Long and Prosper Zee and Zed

It's a very special Wicked Good Podcast, as we have our first co-host, our good friend Scott J! This week, thanks for the concern about the flooding, how one overturned tanker can derail the entire state, Moe knows not to lie down in front of the door, we are presented with yet another opportunity to rip off the church (and decline), another wonderful Radio Shack customer service experience, we finally buy a barbecue, the Force is not with the flea market, we spend 24 Hours on Craigslist, have a Karaoke Revolution Party, and ride the T. Links:Massachusetts Flood ReliefBostonSubway.info Songs:"Get By" by Farewell Redemption, courtesy of the Podsafe Music NetworkIntro Music: "Pocketbook" by Derek K MillerOutro Music: "Remember Hope by Farewell Redemption   Podcasts Mentioned:Desolate MetropolisIsraelismsRedboyMostly NewsThe GasBucketThe Big ShowFinancial Aid PodcastMrs. B's Patriot WorldPhedippidations E-mail us at WickedGoodPodcast@gmail.com or call us at 206-600-6277!

This week, we barely survive our trip to Ikea, Maureen's trying to turn her opinions into cash, Subway is the new Wendy's, we reveal our plan to drop a few, the Random Tivo Moment presents the quest for the Cup, Brain Age tries to make us smarter, and Steve gets as close to the start line of the Boston Marathon as he could without actually running it. Song: "Long Damn Time" by Casey Desmond, courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network Podcasts Mentioned:PhedippidationsIsraelismsPoddog ShowAudio PandemicCheap DateRedboy

This week, we drive to New Jersey with a stop over at the epicenter of Northeastern commerce, survival of the fittest cheesesteak shops, we wax poetic about Fatburger, Steve conducts a social experiment, the two sides of Passover, Maureen takes down impatient people at the supermarket, the Random Tivo Moment is killing the kids, the Buckner game reenacted in all its 8-bit glory, and we celebrate Patriots' Day, Wicked Good Podcast style. Song: "Sweet Sarah" by Blackout Pilot, courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network Links:Buckner Game Re-Enacted in RBI Baseball Podcasts Mentioned:PhedippidationsRedboy5 Questions