Monday, January 24, 2011

The Last Post

This blog has become tired.  It was originally intended to chronicle a 6 month marathon training program starting on January 1, 2008.  That original blog posts reads:

At one point I yelled to a large group "It's a great day for a run" to which one runner replied "It's a great day to be alive".  Seconds behind him a middle-aged walker looked me straight in the eyes and said  "Yes, it is a great day to be alive... I otta know, I wear a pace maker.

It was and it still is, a great day to be alive.  To the man with the pace maker who planted the seed,  I wish you health and I pray you are well.  To the readers of this blog, I wish you all continued success in your search for well being and contentment. I wish for you success in meeting your goals and smashing PB's.  I wish for you good health and many, many opportunities for laughter.  I wish for you to model a positive lifestyle to your children.  

To the bare footers, you are such an admirable group, I wish for you the courage to follow your convictions and find what you are seeking. To Utah Jen, thank you for your kind spirit.  To all of you I offer a heartfelt thanks for pointing your browser toward See Mike Run.   

I will continue to run, but I have re-evaluated my running philosophy. It's no longer about speed, pace, strategy, technique, and disappointment.  I will focus on peace, serenity, and success.  I will run for the spirit, not for the ego.  I will run with purpose. I will run for as long as I am able.  In the words of slam poet Sam Skiest, I will run to get out of my mind and into my heart.  

The proverb says, when you pray, move your feet.  If there ever was a a proverb for runners, this is it.  We get it.  We understand the challenge of moving forward when the feet ache and the mind screams. Despite the pain we continue to plod forward, searching, reaching, but never finding.   

I urge you to move your feet toward social justice, toward peace, toward compassion.

It's a good day to be alive.  It was with these words See Mike Run was born and it is with these same words I bring this blog to a close.


It's a good day to be alive,

Mike



5 comments:

Jen said...

Boy what do you say to that. This makes me really sad. I understand your reasons. But I really think that there is a need for a blog about someone who runs for the pure enjoyment. I hope you will reconsider. It is why the Tarahumera run. It's something I'm trying to incorporate in my life as well as in my running. I have been the benefit of your encouragement, advise, and spectacular pictures. I hope you will keep in touch. Good luck to you and Jen with all you do. And it IS a good day to be alive.

Nicole said...

Thank you for all your insights, I think you are right, most runners 'get it'.
I have enjoyed your writing. See you on the road. Enjoy your days of life and living.

Oliver Valencia said...

Hi Mike... I'm sad to see this is your last post... I haven't been on the page for a couple of months.

Thanks for your kind, inspirational words. Thanks for your encouragement.

I hope to see you on the roads of Winnipeg...


All the best to you and your loved ones.
Oliver "4:15 pace bunny" Valencia

Gail said...

May your spirit always run free.

jacques said...

Mike sorry to see this blog come to an end. It has been enjoyable. I ran my one and only full marathon with you the year you started this blog. You were our group leader and your blog gave me great information and inspiration. Keep up the positive attitude and enjoy your peaceful runs. I still run but no training for fulls anymore. Hope to see you on the trails soon.
It's a great day to be alive.....