Sunday, September 27, 2009

Macro Blogging

With all of this micro blogging, it is getting harder and harder to find time to do long form posts. I do believe, however, that blogging in long form definitely has its place and isn't going anywhere. I just wish I didn't procrastinate as much and sat down to update this blog more often. But, after updating my facebook page, twitter and dailymile page, I am pretty much "updated out" and struggle to think of anything I haven't already said in a more "stream of conscience" way. But, like I said, long form blogging is different and in this case, gives me a much better way of talking "in long form," which if you are reading this or know me, you already know I like to do. So, here's an update on what's been going on.

Chris and I have 2 episodes in the can for the "Run For Liberty"







Chris is busy cutting episode 3, which will focus on my switch to the Vibram Five Fingers and how that has affected my training for the Long Beach Marathon. The first couple of episodes have been a sort of introduction to me and the run. I am very excited to get more specific about different aspects of what we will be doing as we travel across the country. I am anxious for everyone to meet Chris and hear his story and why he wants to take this journey. We are talking about lots of different things we will be filming and highlighting as we venture across the country. It is looking like we will be roughly following Route 66 to Chicago, then to New York via Washington D.C. In a somewhat new development, we'll be touring as many Craft Breweries, or "microbreweries" as we can along the way. A true slice of Americana. Also, please head over to the map on the website and add yourself, as we are still planning the route and we are more than willing to detour a bit for a good tweetup or run with some friends.

As I said before, when I first told you all about this crazy plan, this is a journey and I can only see the first few feet of the road that lies ahead. As I walk down the road, more presents itself and it is this part that is truly fascinating. The trip is taking turns that I never anticipated and we are still at the beginning. Perhaps the best part is, the idea for this run started in, quite frankly, a VERY negative place. But, as time goes on, those negative feelings and reasons for the run are slowly evaporating and what drives me forward is positive. Although I am running for Liberty, my own and the actual Statue itself, in many ways I have already found it.

Thanks again for following me and if you want more updates than the one a month like I seem to only manage now.... well, you know where to find me!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Do I ever shut up?

This morning Chris and I did our first radio interview about the Run For Liberty. I had commented to Chris that I wasn't exactly sure what I was going to say. Well, in typical fashion, all Cindy had to do was ask me a question and I had no problem filling an entire hour with my blabbering. Chris made lots of comments after we were done, about his participation (or lack of participation) in the conversation. He's a funny guy! Next time, I'm gonna shut up and let him do more of the talking. We shot it as well, since we phoned in the interview from my studio.




It was great talking to Cindy Rakowitz about the run. She is a wizard at Public Realations and we had a great conversation about new social media and how things like Twitter and facebook will play a part in our adventure across the country. Cool stuff! We also touched on how micro blogging such as Twitter, makes long form blogging seem like more of a chore. I certainly does take more effort to sit down and post to a blog, as opposed spitting out quick bursts of thought on Twitter. This is clearly evidenced by my lack of posts here. Maybe it is because, anything that I write here, seems more permanent and "on record" Hmmm.... Long form blogs are still great for posting pictures and links and forming larger ideas. Besides, sometimes it's just too hard to say what you wanna say in 140 or less.

You can download the interview as an mp3 or listen in iTunes. You might as well listen, instead of me rehashing it here. Hell, I had a whole hour to talk about it, and believe me, no one else got a word in edgewise.

Paul

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Vibram Five Fingers

I finally broke down and purchased the Vibram Five Fingers. I have been eying these babies for a long time. As most of you know, my daughter Brittany is a barefoot runner, and I have ran barefoot on occasion. But, since I have done the majority of my training on the treadmill at a local gym, and they don't allow bare feet on the gym floor, I have had to put off releasing my feet from the shackles of modern footwear.

Yesterday, Brittany and I went down to Sport's Chalet and I snagged the last pair of Vibram Five Finger "Classics" in Black!!! YES! I had thought that I wanted the KSO (stands for, "Keep stuff out") but after trying them on, I decided on the "Classics" and am glad I did!



I ran 4 miles barefoot on Monday, purchased the VFF's on Tuesday. Ran 5 1/2 miles in them that evening and loved it. I got up this morning and ran 2 miles in them at the gym (without incident) and finished up the with 3 more miles this evening with Brit. In addition to all of this barefoot running, today also was my first "2 a day". I will be breaking up my days into 2 runs a day on my Transcontinental run. So, I will start to incorporate this into my training schedule periodically until after the Long Beach Marathon. At which time, my mileage will be ramping up drastically.

Chris and I have been busy shooting lots of footage, documenting the process leading up to my run. We are editing episode 2 and it should be ready in the next few days. It is proving to be a truly organic process and continues to evolve on a daily basis. I really do hope that people will find it as interesting as I do, seeing where it will all lead. I know where I want to go, but am so excited to see how I am going to get there. Even though this started as my run across America, I have become just as excited and interested in Chris's reasons for going on this journey, and looking forward to all of his knowledge of the places we will travel through along the way. It really is so much more than some idiot (me) pulling a Forrest Gump.

Tomorrow, Sep. 10th 7 am, Chris and I will be interviewed by Cindy Rakowitz on Voice America. We'll talk some more about our plans and it will give you guys a chance to learn more about Chris. If you can't tune in live, then you can download and listen at your convenience.

As always, You can follow me on Twitter and here is Chris's Twitter account. Or add me as a friend on facebook and (if you dare) Chris's facebook page.