Try softer, holding sand and high five

“They're telling you to blend in,
like you've never seen how a blender works,
like they think you've never seen the mess from the blade.”
― Andrea Gibson

Hi all,

I have been including talk of sand in my coaching pep talks lately. Specifically, about holding handfuls of sand as a metaphor for holding onto goals. It may be a beautiful Zen idea and it is probably also on a 'hang in there kitty' type of poster/mug/inspirational merchandise. The idea is to hold onto goals like they are sand. Hold too loosely and they slip right through your fingers. Hold too tight and whoosh, out the bottom of your fist. It feels profound. Then I heard of a sad death in the world. 

Colorado Poet Laureate, Andrea Gibson had been fighting a public battle with cancer that ended yesterday. Their writing is heartbreaking and uplifting and magic and is full of power and if you aren't familiar, you can start with this post on five counterintuitive self care tips. They would have something profound to say about holding sand for sure but more important, they have something to say about being a good person. And being a good person is more important than being a good runner and also key to it. If you get sucked down the rabbit hole of their voice and truth, apologies and mostly, you are welcome. 

I know most people try hard
to do good and find out too late
they should have tried softer.
– Andrea Gibson, You Better Be Lightning

THIS DIDN"T NEED TO HAPPEN

• Sad news from the Grand Canyon. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is currently experiencing a major fire which has destroyed the Grand Canyon lodge and has closed many of the trails in the canyon. If you have a Rim to Rim to Rim planned for this fall, keep up on the news. For updates on the fire and fires closer to home you can use the Watch Duty site or app. 
• World's oldest runner, Fauja Singh, made his debut at the marathon at age 89 and has been running and setting records ever since. He died at 114 years old after being hit by a car while on a run. No words. Run carefully out there. 

CHECK YOUR HAND
Can finger length predict running ability? Apparently, I can hold my hand in a way that predicts I am about to be the first 50-year-old to win an Olympic marathon OR in a way that says, sit your butt on the couch. I guess finger length shows extra testosterone exposure in the womb which is then predictive of success in endurance. If you love running a long, long way, I think you should skip checking your digits and just use that hand for high fives on the trail.  

STRENGTH 
See you on Wednesday nights for Strength Training for Runners, live to your screen. Free always.