The Positive Thinking Diet

It is not the critic who counts….

Posted on July 6, 2010 by Ellen Leave a comment

I recently came upon this quote from US President Teddy Roosevelt in 1910. I think it applies to many situations and efforts we may embark upon. I know many people who embark on journeys towards worthy goals. Some of them succeed, while others may fall short – this time. But they try, try again. And eventually, most of them succeed, but if they don’t, I still admire them because they tried. If you reach for the stars – you may or may not succeed. But if you don’t reach for the stars – you will certainly never get there.

“It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.”

Theodore Roosevelt in 1910

And here is a first-hand account from Alan Geraldi, an ultra-runner who ran this year’s Western States 100 mile Endurance Run – and got most of the way there – but had foot problems that slowed him down so much that the sweepers caught up with him. It was a magnificent effort though! A few of my friends – Jan Soderqvist and Mike Palmer – completed the race successfully, while many runners like Alan Geraldi and Catra Corbett had troubles that day. But they will no doubt try again!

http://endurazone.blogspot.com/2010/07/western-states-100-mile-endurance-run.html

PTD

It is not the critic who counts, Teddy Roosevelt, Western States 100 Endurance Run

When Bad Things Happen to Good People

Posted on July 3, 2010 by Ellen Leave a comment

As we all know, sometimes bad things happen to good people.

An athlete gets cancer. A mother with 3 kids gets in a car accident. You trip while you are jogging and hit your head on the pavement. You pet a dog and it bites you. You miss your plane connection. A bully decides to make you the butt of his jokes. The list goes on.. Sometimes, it seems like so many bad things in a row are happening to you and you wonder, what else could possibly go wrong now?

Well, that’s what this week has been like for me. Except that my cancer scare happened 10 years ago, and I have been cancer free ever since. And my past car accidents have been minor fender benders, with nobody getting hurt. Knock on wood. A dog didn’t bite me this week – but I did a good deed and someone accused me of having evil motives. I did trip while running this week and hit my head on the pavement, and went to the Emergency Room just to make sure I didn’t end up like Natasha Richardson. The bruises are small and I’m totally OK. But it was scary. And a bully did make fun of my accident and thinks he’s being hilarious. The point is, a lot of bad things seemed to happen to me this week, and they totally took me off guard. I wasn’t looking for trouble, but trouble found me. Did I attract these bad things? Or did these things all just happen by accident?

Well, since I was involved in all of these situations, they all have “me” in common. Did I attract bad luck? I think the answer is – I attracted all of these things – and it’s up to me to “interpret” them as “good” or “bad.”

- Yes, I had cancer 10 years ago, but I but I beat it!
- Yes, I’ve had minor car accidents. But they were minor. And I have good insurance.
- Yes, I once pet a dog, and it bit me. But I pet a lot of dogs, and most dogs love me! So what if one little pooch turned out to be paranoid and bit me. That’s just 1 in 100 dogs. Most dogs give me a thumbs up!
- Yes, I tripped while running and hit my head. But I had the good sense to go to the Emergency Room to make sure I was OK, and now feel relieved that all is well.
- Yes, I tried to do a good deed, that a stranger has interpreted as quite the opposite. But that person doesn’t know me, and what they think shouldn’t matter to me. I have to choose to not focus on this person’s reaction.
- Yes, there’s a bully in one of my running groups, who likes to make me the butt of his jokes. My accident gave him more material. He had a ball making fun of me – he thinks he’s just soooo funny. I’ve ignored him and other people are getting sick of him, too. He wants to get a reaction out of people, because it feeds him. So I ignore him, and he tries to make fun of something else to get a reaction from other people. It’s tiresome. But I choose not to let him stop me from being part of this group and enjoying my interactions with other people. I am in charge of my reaction. This is a great opportunity to learn how to be more patient and less reactive.

So were these things really “bad” things? Or just things that I can choose to see as “good” or “bad” or “something inbetween” ? It’s my interpretation of these events that matters, more than anything else.

What’s in the past, is in the past. I cannot change what happened. All I can change is my attitude about what happened. Life goes on. Things keep on happening. I have to keep on focusing mostly on what “good” came out of each situation, even if the “good” was that I learned how to avoid the “bad” next time.

No matter what happens, it’s all up to me how to interpret it – good, bad or other.

PTD

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Is it Possible for a Human Being to Run 100 Miles? And Live?

Posted on June 24, 2010 by Ellen Leave a comment

Is it possible for a human being to run 100 miles? And live?

Yes, it certainly is! I could not have imagined this 20 years ago, but thousands of people (called Ultra Runners) have completed numerous 100-mile runs and races. And I happen to know a lot of them as friends and occasional running partners.

Since 1977, the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run
has been held annually on the last weekend in June. This year’s race is June 26 – 27, 2010. It starts in Squaw Valley, CA and ends in Auburn, CA, and is the oldest and most famous 100 mile race for humans in the USA. Approximately 450 “qualified” runners and over 1500 volunteers particpate in this event every year. Many of the runners have already completed a prior official 100 mile race, while others qualified by running a 50 mile race in under 11 hours, or three 50 mile races in under 12 hours within a certain number of months. The winners typically finish in 16-17 hours, and the runners must finish in under 30 hours. There are a whole lot of people who are finishing just under 30 hours. They have worked the hardest to be there, and are often the most thrilled by the accomplishment.

I have a few friends running in this year’s Western States 100, incuding Mike Palmer from Berkeley, and Jan Soderqvist from Sweden, and a few others. All of them are accomplished ultra-runners, and have more than a few other hundreds (or even longer distances) under their belts. Good luck to all of you!

In 2005, I was a “pacer” at Western States for runner Joseph Maartens from South Africa, who was running his first 100-mile race. Pacers were allowed from mile 68 – Foresthill – to the finish. So I was responsible for helping Joseph complete the last 38 miles of the race. Starting @ 9 PM, we traversed wilderness and horse trails in California’s Gold Country – with our headlamps and backpacks filled with water and supplies – through darkness initially – with aid stations about every 6-7 miles – emerging back into daylight eventually and finally civilization as we got near to Auburn. Joseph finished the 100 miles in just under 28 hours – which earned him huge props with his friends in South Africa. It was an amazing experience. I only ran 38 miles – but Joseph and 2 other friends from South Africa ran the full 100 miles! Yes, there were lots of blisters afterwards, but so many smiles!

It’s just awesome when you break through barriers and accomplish something that most people think is impossible. Of course, Joseph and all of the other runners didn’t just become ultra-runners overnight. It took years of training and running longer and longer distances with friends and support – nobody can do this alone. But it’s completely possible, as all of these finishers prove! And I didn’t become a Western States pacer overnight either. I had already completed many marathons and some very challenging 50K’s. I was confident enough to take the next step up. I think it’s important to keep on taking that next step up. It can be baby steps – it doesn’t matter. Just keep on taking that next step forward. And if you temporarily end up going backward sometimes, just know that you can always change the direction again and move forward.

I wrote a race report for my 2005 Western States 100 experience, that my friend, fellow pacer and prior Western States Finisher – Steve Reagan – posted on his website. If you are interested in reading about my very awesome experience pacing a Western States runner, go to:

http://www.sertig.org/WS2005/EllenHolbrookWSPacingReport.html

And remember – if you can conceive it, and believe it, nothing is impossible.

PTD

Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run

In Appreciation of Fathers

Posted on June 18, 2010 by Ellen Leave a comment

Fathers Day is this Sunday, June 20, 2010 in the USA. I’m very grateful for my own Father. He’s always loved us and provided for us and tried to pass down any wisdom or lessons he could. And now, at 80, he’s very content and happy with life. After my Mother’s death after a long battle with Colon Cancer, Dad felt alone and depressed and was sort of resigned to being alone. But things change and Dad moved to Austin near my brother, and he met a wonderful woman his own age and they are having a great time together. It makes me so very happy to know that things are going well in his life. And I know that he feels very happy and grateful for his kids and grandchildren and his present life. Dad, I know you feel like a very lucky guy – but we’re very lucky too – to have you. Thank you just for being you, Dad!

I also appreciate my brother, Jim, for becoming a father to my nephews, Alex and Andrew. Jim is the best Dad – a great listener, patient, helpful, funny and fun-loving. And I absolutely love my darling nephews – so thanks, Jim, for your part in bringing them into our lives and keeping them safe and happy.

Fathers everywhere – remember that you are special to everyone in your lives. Thanks for all that you do – and just for who you are!

PTD

Father's Day

Invictus, The Movie, and the Poem

Posted on June 17, 2010 by Ellen Leave a comment

“I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.” Sound familiar?

I just finished watching the movie, “Invictus”, starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon, which is based on the true story of how newly elected South African President Nelson Mandela used the 1995 World Cup Rugby playoffs to inspire and unite his country after the fall of Apartheid. Wow. What a story. And what a great leader! The story and life of Nelson Mandela is going to deserve many more posts in the future.

Nelson Mandela spent over 20 years in prison for his anti-Apartheid activism – while the rest of the world shunned South Africa for their systematic oppression of their black citizens. When Apartheid finally fell, and Nelson Mandela was released from prison, he was elected President of South Africa by all of the newly minted black voters, who made up 70% or more of the population. At the time, many white South Africans (20% of the population) were afraid of black retaliation or that they would be driven out of the country. Nelson Mandela knew that South Africa’s economy, police and military were still controlled by the whites, and that South Africa could not afford to degenerate into racial violence and hatred. Instead, he chose to leave the past in the past, and start at that moment to unite the country no matter what your color – to create a new blended “rainbow” society. He knew he had to be President not only to the blacks who elected him – but to the whites who distrusted him.

The mostly white South African Rugby Team, Springbok, became one of Mandela’s tools for reshaping how South Africans viewed themselves and their countrymen, and their standing in the world. Through his friendship and mentoring of Springbok’s team captain, played by Matt Damon, Mandela inspired him and every other member of the team to not only play the best they can for themselves – but for their entire country. They were not just a Rugby team anymore. They had to think bigger.

The word “Invictus” is Latin for “unbeaten”. It is also the name of a poem by British poet William Ernest Henley, which was written in 1875 while he was in hospital waiting to have his foot amputated. This poem helped inspire Nelson Mandela to remain strong while he was in prison. Later, he shared this poem with the captain of the Springbok team. “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul” was a line in the movie – and came directly from this poem.

I like to interpret this as meaning that only you have control over how you think about yourself, and the choices and actions you take. It is up to each one of us to accept that responsibility and become the best that we can possibly be. And if you want others to change – the change must first start with you. For the Rugby team to start winning, each member had to start thinking differently about their own role not only on their team, but in their country and in the world. For South Africa to succeed in creating a new and better society, Nelson Mandela had to rise to the challenge and set a good example through his own behavior. It all starts with YOU.

Here’s the original poem:

Invictus, by William Ernest Henley. 1849–1903

OUT of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

PTD

Invictus, Nelson Mandela, Poem

What if I Fail? What if I do nothing? What if I succeed?

Posted on June 16, 2010 by Ellen Leave a comment

I was recently introduced (online that is) to Author, Blogger and Entrepreneur Jonathon Fields, whose blog is called “Awake at the Wheel.”

In April 2010, he participated in the TEDx Conference at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, and gave an 18 minute talk on the subject, “Turning Fear Into Fuel.”

In a nutshell he talked about how many people afraid to pursue their dreams – for fear of failure. But when you take a closer look at the fears that are preventing you from pursuing your dreams – you may realize that it’s much worse to “do nothing” than to actually take action. What’s the worst thing that can happen if you fail? What will you do to recover? And if you do nothing – what will happen? Will your life be better or worse if you do nothing? And what if you succeed? What will that look like? How will that feel? Isn’t that worth going for? If you take a look at the worst case scenario and know what you can do to recover if that happens, and compare it to the scenario of “doing nothing,” you’ll see that doing nothing is really much worse. Taking action and going after your dreams really is the only choice that makes your life worthwhile.

See a videotape of Jonathon’s talk on his blog at:

http://www.jonathanfields.com/blog/turning-fear-into-fuel/

*********
And for those who are interested, one of my favorite bloggers and world traveler, Chris Guillebeau, is finally re-releasing his “Empire Building Kit” again today. It’s a collection of case studies, videos, PDF’s and interviews, including actual monetary figures by people running very small businesses who make at least $50K per year and some make millions – building a lifestyle business on a shoestring. In addition to that, you receive one email a day (that’s 365 tips!) that will help you build a business destined for world domination in at least one year. I’m really enjoying it and learning a lot in the process. It’s something that has helped and inspire me to continue the Positive Thinking Diet. Check it out at:
Chris Guillebeau’s Empire Building Kit.

Cheers!

PTD

Chris Guillebeau, Fear, Jonathon Fields

Jack LaLanne | ‘How To Live Forever’

Posted on June 15, 2010 by Ellen Leave a comment

Jack LaLanne | ‘How To Live Forever’ from Mark S. Wexler on Vimeo.

As part of his new documentary, “How to Live Forever,” Filmmaker Mark S. Wexler solicits advice on how to live forever from 94-year old fitness legend, Jack LaLanne.

What I love about this clip are some of the great quotes from Jack LaLanne:

“I can’t afford to die. It would be bad for my image.”

“The good old days are this second!”

“This is it! This moment controls the next moment!”

“As I said before – who makes it happen? You!”

For more info on the film, please go to liveforevermovie.com

If you have trouble viewing the clip above, go to http://vimeo.com/5500899

PTD

How To Live Forever, Jack LaLanne

Yes! AND…

Posted on June 14, 2010 by Ellen Leave a comment

One of the most important lessons I learned from studying improvisational comedy for many years is the practice of “Yes! AND…” This is something that makes everything work better both on stage, and in the rest of your life.

In everyday life and work, this means that whenever someone else has an idea or a suggestion – whether or not you like it – you accept it as valid and go with it – but you are free to “add” something on to that idea that might move it in a slightly new direction. For instance, if you are going out to dinner, and your friend wants Indian food, but you prefer Chinese, you say “Yes, let’s have Indian food tonight – AND next time, let’s do Chinese!” Or maybe you say “Yes! AND why don’t we go to the Public Market where you can get Indian Food and I can get Chinese – and maybe we can share!” It’s a win-win for everyone. This is not the same thing as a “compromise.” It’s more like acceptance and collaboration.

In improvisational theater, the “Yes! AND…” rule means that you always accept “the offer” or “idea” of the other actor(s) you are sharing the stage with, and work with that idea and then “Add on” your own “offer” to the mix. So let’s say 2 actors are on stage and when the scene begins, the current suggestion is that they are firefighters called to a forest fire…then someone “adds” that they are married and one suspects the other of infidelity, so they continue the scene fighting the fire but the conversation is full of heated double entendres…then a third actor arrives and “adds” that the water helicopter is above them and about to drop a ton of water on them…which happens immediately and they are all drenched and the couple makes up and the scene ends. In this scene, every offer was accepted and moved forward to a logical conclusion, and no new “offer” negated any previously existing situation.

The opposite of this would have been: the scene starts and the suggestion is that they are 2 firefighters at a forest fire. But one of the actors says “this is not a forest fire – it’s a house fire” so suddenly, the location has changed and the previous suggestion has been negated and denied. Another suggestion comes – they are father and son – but an actor says “no, we’re a gay couple having a spat” – so the previous suggestion was denied. Basically, every time an actor denies a suggestion and doesn’t give it a chance to live and breath – that actor is stopping the flow and selfishly hogging the scene and not going with the flow. Their ideas might have been good – but they should have been worked into the existing context instead of negating a previous suggestion.

“Yes! AND…” means accepting whatever has been offered – accepting the moment that you are in – but feeling free to “add” on to it. Your addition might be subtle or strong, but keeps everything moving and flowing. It’s not just going with the flow – it’s contributing to the flow. In theater and in life, this really works and creates more harmony. The next time you are in a situation where you might want to disagree with someone – try “Yes, AND” instead.

PTD

Collaboration, Compromise, Improvisation, Yes, Yes And

World Cup Soccer Playoffs – Proof that Change IS Possible!

Posted on June 12, 2010 by Ellen Leave a comment

I am not much of a sports spectator, but I have got to say that I am very impressed by the Opening Night of the 2010 World Cup Soccer Playoffs in South Africa. It’s almost as fun as the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympic Games in Vancouver this winter.

The lineup of artists and performers from all over the world is the first indication that they are trying to be inclusive. Shakira, John Legend, the Black Eyed Peas and Alicia Keys; Angelique Kidjo from Benin (who currently resides in NYC) and Juanes from Colombia; Lira from South Africa and Ibrahim Ag Alhabib from Mali. Plus a little inspirational talk from Bishop Desmond Tutu and a video tribute to Nelson Mandela.

Not very long ago, South Africa was still a country living under the Apartheid system which kept most of the black population oppressed and without the same rights and freedoms as caucasians. The Apartheid system was abolished in 1993, but it took many years for the transition to occur. Until 1993, South Africa was shunned by many people, organizations and countries for their human rights issues and Apartheid. And it’s taken a lot of time for real change to occur and for people to change their minds.

Nelson Mandela spent over 25 years of his life in prison – before becoming South Africa’s first black President in 1993. Now it’s 2010 and things are very different in South Africa. Change IS possible!

Tonight is South Africa’s night. It’s the night when they can show the rest of the world how far they have come in making a positive change – to give all of their people the same rights, regardless of color or orgin. I applaud them for the progress they have made so far. Nobody is saying they have finished the process, but it sure looks better than before.

Kudos to South Africa!

PTD

Alicia Keyes, Angelique Kidjo, Black Eyed Peas, Desmond Tutu, Ibrahim Ag Alhabib, John Legend, Juanes, Lira, Nelson Mandela, Shakira, South Africa, World Cup Soccer

Let Music Put You in a Good Mood and Scatman John

Posted on June 10, 2010 by Ellen Leave a comment

It’s been scientifically proven that listening to high energy music, somewhere between 130 – 180 beats per minute (BPM), can help you burn more calories during a workout or a jog or even cleaning the house – than you would otherwise. Mostly, it’s the rhythm and melodies that make us prefer one tune over another. Occasionaly, the words may also be motivating. I find that listening to high energy music in the background, no matter what I’m doing, can put me in a good mood.

According to a recent article in the New York Times, Haile Gebrselassie, the Olympian from Ethiopia who has won the gold medal at 10,000 meters, often requested that the techno song “Scatman,” which has a B.P.M. of around 135, be played over the sound system during his races.

I recently heard the below song by Scatman John, aka John Paul Larkin (March 13, 1942 – December 3, 1999). Scatman John was stutterer growing up, but later turned his biggest problem into his biggest asset – becoming a jazz musician and singer who created a unique blend of scat singing and dance music.

I found the “Scatman” video on YouTube. It has great rhythm, a great melody, and uplifting lyrics as well! Scatman John: “As a matter of fact, don’t let nothin’ hold you back – cuz if the Scatman can do it, then so can you!” If you are waking up in the morning, or just feel a lack of energy – listen to this song and it will really get you moving!

Please feel free to suggest other great, energetic and motivating tunes in your comments!

PTD

Haile Gebrselassie, Scatman John