Liberation and Freedom as a Distance Runner / A.M.A. #001 Recap

Liberation and Freedom as a Distance Runner

The older I get the more I realize how much my past has shaped my present. And I don’t just mean my past experiences. I mean the experiences of my ancestors. I am who I am because of where I come from. Eons of evolution and countless generations manifesting themselves in me, here and now.

I run in large part because I am built for it. Moderate height, slight build, strong heart, straight legs, tough bones. Traits passed down the generational chain. I like to think my forefathers were the ones chasing the mammoths across the scattered plains.

But running is more than the structure I was born with. It is more than how fast I run or how far I go. Running peels back the layers of my humanity. It strips me down to nothing. I’ve discovered joy that couldn’t be contained. Physical pain I didn’t believe could be real. Serenity you only hear about in love stories. Rage that leaves you shaking and speechless.

I’ve yet to encounter a better gateway to life’s superlatives. Its highest reaches as well as its deepest depths.

I believe I am called to run. I believe I am destined to run. I believe my ancestors made it possible for me to run as I do to put positive energy into the universe. To spread its message far and wide. It is liberation I seek, for myself and for you. And to be liberated you must experience life at the ends of the spectrum. Running can take you there.

Not everyone is ready to hear this message. There are some that call what I do “amazing” and “wild” but deem such dedication to running of all things “pointless” and “crazy” and even “psychotic.” “You’d rather run Sunday morning than go out Saturday night? You’d rather run than watch the big game? You’d rather run 34 miles for your 34th birthday than party all day and night?”

Not everyone understands, but not everyone has to. I understand. I seek liberation for those I love and for those I don’t. I seek liberation for those who love me and for those who don’t. I know my running is towards this. When I turn myself over to the process I’ve been working on for 20 years I am fulfilling my ancestors’ vision for me.

Energy cannot be created nor destroyed. Only transformed. The way a piping hot cup of coffee becomes lukewarm after 15 minutes on the counter. When I run I repurpose the negative energy associated with the human experience — energy wrapped in conflict, jealously, anxiety, depression, all the things we wished Pandora would have left in her box. When I run that energy transforms into peace, love, calmness and hope.

When I run, I hold out my hand to you, so you may share this energy with me.

---

A.M.A. #001 Recap

Thanks to all who came to In Fitness And In Health’s first Ask Me Anything yesterday. It wouldn’t have been possible without your thoughtful questions and comments. While video isn’t my necessarily my forté, it’s important to do things that push you out of your comfort zone. I don’t just preach it, I practice it. Thanks especially to those who sent words of encouragement after it was over.

I guess this means we’ll have to do it again.

Our next webinar will be Thursday, December 8th at 12 PM CST. I’ll have a special guest with me this time. Details to follow shortly.

In addition, here are links to those health-minded individuals we discussed that you should pay close attention to:

• Dr. Peter Attia

• Dr. Andrew Huberman

• Chris Williamson’s Modern Wisdom Podcast

I would also add Dr. Rhonda Patrick to this list, especially if nutrition is of specific interest to you.

These are smart freakin’ people doing cool freakin’ things.

Here’s where you can view the webinar recording if you weren’t able to make it yesterday:

Until next time,

Scott