Lake Erie

Lake Erie

Some stats about Lake Erie from Wikipedia 

Location North America

Group Great Lakes

Coordinates: 42.2°N 81.2°W

Primary inflows Detroit River[1]

Primary outflows Niagara River

Welland Canal[2]

Catchment area l

Basin countries Canada

United States

Max. length 241 mi (388 km)

Max. width 57 mi (92 km)

Surface area 9,910 sq mi (25,667 km2)[2]

Average depth 62 ft (19 m)[2]

Max. depth 210 ft (64 m)[3]

Water volume 116 cu mi (480 km3)[2]

Residence time 2.6 years

Shore length1 799 mi (1,286 km) plus 72 mi (116 km) for islands[4]

Surface elevation 569 ft (173 m)[2]

Islands 24+ (see list)

Settlements

Buffalo, New York/Erie, Pennsylvania/Toledo, Ohio/Cleveland, Ohio

This too will pass. As I come to the end of this goal (that of swimming the distance of Lake Erie) I look forward to the next lake. I really have transformed myself into a swimmer and have really been enjoying my meditation and being in my own universe. It's a nice escape from the hardships and anxiety of life. I'll try to highlight the main things I have learned or observed since the beginning of this endeavor. I'll also give some information about, "the lake of the cat" as well. 

             I started the Lake Erie swim on Thursday February 20, 2014 and finished it on Monday May 19, 2014. The total distance length wise is 241 miles or 388 km. That's 424,336 yards of lane pool swimming I did in order to complete the distance. Lake Erie is one of the five finger lakes and the eleventh largest lake in the world. It is only the fourth largest of the Great Lakes. Great Lakes being another name for the finger lakes. It is the shallowest of all the Great Lakes with the threat of fluctuating water levels. It derives it's water from Lake Superior, Lake Michigan (next goal), and Lake Huron. Wind pushes water from one end of Lake Erie to the other causing large differences in water level which was something I found interesting. There is extensive industrial development along Erie's shore as well as moderate temperatures suitable for recreation and agriculture. It is also the most biologically productive  of all the Great Lakes with a excellent walleye fishery. Good to know if I ever decide to visit and he actually lake. I really need to get my fly fishing on again, it's been way to long. 

        One final technical note about the lake is the fact that it is know as, "lake of the cat." This was derived from a nation of Indians, known as the "erielhonan." Or the "long tails." 

         So two Great Lakes down and three to go. Swimming truly is such a joy for me and I enjoy learning about bodies of water that hopefully I'll visit one day. The only thing I think that I might not like is the structural difference between lane pools and open water. In a lane pool there are measurable markings whereas in open water there's just well, open water. The only open water swimming I have ever done that I can recall has been at cedar beach to a buoy even before my love for swimming occurred. I didn't even really know how to swim and when we reached the buoy I had to hold on and rest before returning to shore. I still remember that tired, sore feeling when I finally reached shore. It was magical. The only other time was maybe two years ago at cedar point camp ground when I was camping with some friends. So needless to say I'm a pool swimmer. 

That didn't prevent me from signing up for an open water event coming up in July. And it also didn't prevent me from purchasing a triathlon wetsuit in order to do it. I can't wait.

As I have stated before on many occasions, the best thing about swimming is the meditative aspect. You are in your own universe. Just you and your thoughts with the interrupting count intervals I throw in at set points. That's the real key for me. Those counting laps take my mind off of whatever I was thinking about at the moment. The variation in thinking to just counting mixed in with the white noise of water splashing around me is incredibly meditative and soothing. So much so I don't really consider my swimming a tough workout but rather play.

That's what I did for this goal. I played the length of Lake Erie. It's always to accomplish any goal one sets out towards especially if you have a passion for it. That's when you become the goal and forget yourself and your troubles. Here's to passion. Next up Lake Michigan.

"Just keep swimming"

-Barton

 

Negative Greenbelt

May 10,2014

I woke up cursing myself for being imperfect today. On Tuesday I went for a test run to test out how my IT band syndrome was healing. In short it was a rough run with a lot of pain. Afterwards was fine and it haven't hurt since the trails on that Tuesday. But being a veteran of trail running I have learned to listen to my body... Well, as best I can. So I chose not to run my favorite run today, the Long Island greenbelt trail run. Instead I went for a 50 mile bike ride. Had to do something.

I dropped off the last of the game of thrones series at Justin's house then headed to cedar beach. During the ride I couldn't stop thinking about what I should be doing, running the greenbelt. It was a tough ride. My stomach was not cooperating with me for the first two hours or so. It probably was the weird healthy drink I got at whole foods. I finally got into it towards the end of the ride. 

The weather was the same it is every year. It rained a little, thundered a little and it was perfect weather for running. It wasn't the best for biking cause I hate cleaning the bike after a rain ride. Cleaning myself is no problem, usually. 

After the ride I hung out with my mom as well as did some bike tinkering before it started to thunder and rain again. We had dinner and I had the red rice beer I have every day this year, a tradition. Not much else to say about the race I never did. I know I did he right thing by not running it, but it still hurts. There is always next year and hopefully next week will be better with regards my running. Oh well, until next year....

"Wanting to run"

- Barton

Current Topic: Is it easier to date a fellow runner or a non-runner?

      

       There are two ways to look at relationships. The first being that ,"birds of a feather flock together." The other saying goes ,"opposites attract." In my opinion I vouch for the former. 

       Before I was a runner I dated someone who was. I didn't really understand the joys and benefits of running at the time and frankly thought it was boring. So there was no connection with us in that regard. To me the best way to get to know someone is by working with them. So when both parties in the relationship have that common purpose of running they are accentually a team, working for a common goal. That doesn't mean they have to run together but through words of encouragement and listening about the other persons adventures on the trails there bond is strengthened.

      That's my take. I now long for the trails in a similar way to when I'm in a really good relationship. So next time I go out scouting for a relationship I'll be sure to check the shoes of signs of mud and trail.

      - Barton

The Moment

       

      Do you know who you are? My guess is that you would like to think so. The correct answer is that you don't . No matter what you think you cannot really know yourself, I'll tell you why. It's because of the simple fact that in this life you will never truly know yourself due to the limited amount of time available to you. If we are intended to live forever knowing oneself is a day by day thing. So we only get a glimpse of who we truly are. Not to say your inner self, what makes you who you really are, is not there. It's just that we don't have enough time to be complete unless we live forever. 

      To live in the moment is what is difficult for most people, including myself. Sometimes the term ,"To be present" is used. An example is on some Fridays nights I drag myself to the meeting being dead tired and not really paying attention. I'm their but I'm not present. My focus is on other things such as sleep, food, or what I'm going to do tomorrow. These other things distract me from the moment and being present in it. 

       I catch myself on the trails sometimes. It usually happens when it's snowing out. I stop and take it in and there is where I see myself more clearly. There is no distractions in the woods. It's just me and nature and the goal is simple, just run. How can something so taxing and stressful on the body produce such peace in the moment? I think it's the fact that you are in the moment that peace comes. Your away from your worries for a little while. No desk, no mail and no phone.

       I truly have a passion for running. It puts me in the moment. We all have plenty of passions and we know that they are passions when they take us to that moment. Becoming absorbed in whatever you are presently doing is no matter what it is is something we all need. Where time does not matter and the only thing that there is is the moment. Call it art call it passion call it living. The act of doing whatever it is your doing is it's own reward. 

        Sometimes pursuing your passions means finding excuses and reasons to get it done. These can include getting up earlier or setting aside 2 hours or so for your art. It can sometimes be selfish but sometimes you need to be selfish. Balance is always best but you passions will help bring out the best in your and help you with everything else in your life. So in that case they need to be high on your priority list of things to do. Nothing worth doing is easy and living a passion filled life is hard work and takes effort. 

        Not only practicing our passions is enough. Belief in ourselves and a belief that our passions bring out the best in us is also a good mental keystone habit to develop. For example I believe swimming makes me a better overall person and that makes me want to help others an be a good animal. In order to do it I get up at five in the morning and make my way to the pool. No matter how much or how little sleep I get if I have it in my mind that I will have a great swim, I will. So if you want to develop a passion you need to believe. Believe you are happy no matter what. Make being happy a habit and way of life. 

       To make things a habit we need to start with high hopes and a strong and decisive initiative. Do not permit excuses. This was something William James said. Never talk about what you are going to do. Just do it and talk after. That's not to say don't think about what you are doing. On the contrary I believe that if you focus intently on what you are doing you will be a happier person in general. The focus you develop from practicing becoming absorbed in something will be intensified when you practice and pursue your passions. You may even develop more passions as a result. So have passion and I'll try to develop it as well.

"Focus on the moment"

- Barton

500

John Inglese

March 28, 2014

The fantastic 500

Sometimes what you think to be hard is not as hard as you thought. In some recent swim sessions I have discovered that adding sustained effort is sometimes easier than going at a slower pace. It seems contradictory but going faster is sometimes easier than taking it easy.

“Boredom is in the eye of the beholder. There is no such thing as a boring subject only an uninterested person.” Dr George Sheehan. I agree with this quote immencncely since I enjoy staring at a blue line at a bottom of a pool for hours at a time. But the real joy can be found between my ears. Getting to and going into the pool no longer presents any problem cause it is now an engrained habit for me. When I'm under I vary between going easy and fast at set intervals which makes the time fly too fast. 

On the fast intervals it is tough to think or meditate as I call it cause your going hard. I usually do a 100, 200, or 300. Stepping it up recently I just added the 200 and 300 together to make 500. The fantastic 5. 

At first it seems tough but once your body gets use to the sustained extra effort it is not as bad as it started. I still pace myself until the final 50 or 25 yards but it is still an increase in effort. I also count my strokes during these intervals which also probably contributes to the whole meditative underwater state I put myself in. 

The thing I find most enjoyable about being in the water however is the fact that I feel like a kid again. I try to "stay in my own lane", and not worry about how fast or how slow the person in the next lane is going. It brings me back to easier times cause when your a child it's all about play and  not about the stress of life. It is my "white space" I've heard it called. Time to myself where no one can reach me. I'm always happy to share a lane but even then I am literally and figuratively in my own world. Unlike most of the time when I'm just in my own world figuratively. 

 It's all about your mindset also. If you think your tired you will be. If you think your happy you will be. Sometimes all you need is a piece of candy to fix your low blood sugar level and put you in a more positive mood. I know I do. I've come to realize that about myself. I suffer from bouts of low blood sugar and if I don't keep it in check I get crazy and foggy. "Food is mood", is how the saying goes. But more important is to preserve in your heart the passion for growth. What I mean by that is to always continue to learn, love and live every moment of your life, no matter how monotonous and boring it can seem sometimes. Hard to do especially if you didn't have coffee. But in all seriousness it is really a mindset thing. Use the power of your mind to have passion for everyday living. The exciting as well as the mundane. Believe in yourself and the power of the mind. Believing you can is more important than even discipline. So keep believing in yourself and give effort in all you do.

...You are not tired.   

- Barton                                

The Buoy

Barton

March 7, 2014

"The Buoy."

"It is so good that it hurts." You may have heard of that expression at one time or another. No doubt they were talking about A.R.T. or active release therapy. A.R.T usually involves the breaking up of scar tissue and the like when your having pain in certain areas of your body. Many people use foam rollers or similar contraptions in order to fix nagging injuries. I have done them one better. I have used the same action but replaced the soft foam roller with a sea buoy. 

Unlike the foam roller the sea buoy is 10 times harder. I have used it in the past to fix my olio tibial band syndrome when I overdid my road running. I've recently rediscovered my love for the hard piece of foam. More accurately my back has rediscovered the love the buoy gives. It's not the gentlest lover but afterwards I am no longer in pain. This recent back injury stemmed from too much snow shoveling combined with pulling it in the basement at the end of a lift play. A lift play is where I try and lift weights while getting distracted with projects, readings, and any other form of distraction I can find in the basement of my home. 

Running doesn't seem to make it any worse. In fact I think it actually helps to a certain degree. I'm not praising the road as a healing agent, far from it. Now the trails are another story. But that story can only be told when all this snow and ice thaws out. The way it's going around here it may take a while. It could be 50 degrees one day and the next so cold I got to wear my snowboarding face mask. Well at least the mask got some use cause I think my snowboarding days are over. Not that I wouldn't go again, I was actually invited to go on a day trip Saturday. I just feel it's not worth it and would rather find something else to do, like swimming, biking or running. Snowboarding for me has always been sort of a social thing where the focus is on friendship. Anyways with my back being annoying I figured that wasn't the best option for me but for alls I know it would probably fix me right up, o well. We are never the person we were yesterday, each day is a new. That's why I try and live each day with passion. Steve runner/walker said it nicely on The Wine Chat Podcast where he said, "Passionate people don't wake up in the morning to get through their lives. They get up in the morning to experience their lives. To take even the most mundane things they have to do during the day and make a moment of it. It's how I try to live my life."

That is also how I try to live my life as well. I try to love what I am doing. I also try and do what I love. Being in the moment has always been hard for me. I'm always thinking about the next thing. One of the problems is I have a lot of time to think. Maybe it's not a problem but a blessing. All I need to do is think it is positive and it will be. The power of positive thinking is something to keep in mind. Seeing the glass is half full can be tough but it's well worth the training. 

In regards my physical training the buoy has always been a great help when I have been coming back from an injury. I've been eating good and swimming more so I haven't had a real serious running injury in a while. Besides the preventative maintenance the buoy provides it also feels good. It hurts sometimes but the after feeling is great. Kind of like stretching when you sit at a desk all day. Now that I rediscovered my buoy I'm sure I'll make it a daily lunch break routine.

"Still floating"

- Barton -  

First annual uno solo run 2014

John Inglese Jr.

February 22, 2014

Uno Solo Run

The self supported marathon 

I'll start by saying that this was not a self supported marathon. Yes, I ran it by myself. Yes, I supported myself with the fuel and motivation. I say that it wasn't a self supported marathon because I received a hundred bucks to do it.

It all started when I signed up for a trail run months ago. I tend to sign up for things and stress the details later. So a week before the race I discovered that the area where I would be was not the safest. So I canceled my hotel reservation and told my mom that if I ran a marathon around our area she had to give me a hundred bucks to cover for the entry fee of the ultra. And that's how the Uno Solo run began. 

I actually just recently ran a real self supported marathon last month so this was not so different. Each marathon is a discovery and that's why I'm writing, to reflect on what I have learned on the journey. 

One of the most impacting observations I discovered was what I call, "the water effect". It seems whether I'm grabbing a cup of coffee, running a marathon, reading, or any other activity around a body of water there is a sense of peace and enlightenment. I can feel the positive mood creep into my self when I'm near this life sustaining element. I also got excited when I got near the beach because I thought I saw a dolphin in the shallows. Turns out it was just a tree, maybe my endorphins were playing a trick with my brain. 

While gazing at the clear, sunny and 'warm' ( I say warm by meaning around 50 degrees instead of the recent 20 degrees and below) day, I stumbled onto a pack of runners.  Not only once but twice. The second time they even said to run with them but I was in one of those running modes where I just needed my alone time. 

I have discovered that during those tough running moments there are a number of things I do to make the moment fly by so the good, elated moments seem to come quicker. One thing I have always done was say a sentence in line with my foot falls and or my breathing rate. A good one I use is, "I can do it". Sometimes when it's really quit I start to just listen to my breathing. Doing these things helps me to focus on the act and not think about things like I usually do. Thinking is good but it's nice to break it up and just focus sometimes. 

It's is amazing the thoughts that come up in your mind when out on the open road or trail. I have a lot of notes and reminders I plan to share be it my blog, essays, or maybe even I'll start a podcast. Whatever medium I use the thoughts come to me in clear, concise intervals and during the act of running my brain is not cluttered. It's organized and calm which is the opposed of my body at some times during the act of running. 

I'm not always calm and happy when running. It can be exhausting, gut wrenching, pure torture. But I got the secret... Smile! It is so simple and yet so complex that when you smile no matter what's going on your instantly more positive. This transfers over into all other aspects of life making you a more pleasant person. Being pleasant can go a long way and spread the positive vibes you give off. 

Upon completion of the Uno Solo run I met my mom at the same starbucks I did the month prior. I grabbed some victory red mango until she arrived and got my usual cup o joe. Dark coffee, Red wine, and Frozen yogurt are three things everyone should enjoy. Before I got my coffee I wanted to get a little more comfortable so I grabbed my change of cloth's from my moms car. I've done this before and it's always interesting changing cloths after a long endurance event. Thinking back that was probably the hardest part of the marathon. Not only cause I'm tired and sore but because it's telling my mind that the fun is over and back to being in the real world again.

Running with no particular route in mind is also something everyone should enjoy. Exploring and discovering new things brings out the best in who you are. You have to forget yourself and the worry that is part of everyday life and just go. It goes by so fast. I usually tell myself that during a run. "Once it's over it's over", so I try and enjoy the moment. Even if I'm at a low point during the run. I hope to run more of these and hope to encourage others to do the same and really find themselves. I'll continue to keep searching for myself as well.

-Barton- Still smiling :)

Ontario

Lake Ontario

Lake Ontario and the other Great Lakes

Location North America

Group Great Lakes

Coordinates 43.7°N 77.9°W

Primary inflows Niagara River

Primary outflows St. Lawrence River

Catchment area 24,720 sq mi (64,000 km2)[1]

Basin countries United States

Canada

Max. length 193 mi (311 km)[2]

Max. width 53 mi (85 km)[2]

Surface area 7,340 sq mi (19,000 km2)[1]

Average depth 283 ft (86 m)[2][3]

Max. depth 802 ft (244 m)[2][3]

Water volume 393 cu mi (1,640 km3)[2]

Residence time 6 years

Shore length1 712 mi (1,146 km)[1]

Surface elevation 243 ft (74 m)[2]

Settlements Toronto, Hamilton, Ontario, Rochester, New York

References [3]

1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure.

Lake Ontario (French: Lac Ontario) is one of the five Great Lakes of North America. It is bounded on the north and southwest by the Canadian province of Ontario, and on the south and east by the American state of New York. Ontario, Canada's most populous province, was named for the lake. In the Wyandot (Huron) language, ontarío means “Lake of Shining Waters”. It is the last in the Great Lakes chain and serves as the outlet to the Atlantic Ocean via the St. Lawrence River. Lake Ontario is also the only one of the five Great Lakes not to share a shoreline with the state of Michigan.

As of 2012, nearly 50 people have successfully swum across the lake.[31] The first person who accomplished the feat was Marilyn Bell, who did it in 1954 at the age of 16. Toronto's Marilyn Bell Park is named in her honor. The park opened in 1984, and is located just to the east of the spot where Bell completed her swim.[32] In 1974, Diana Nyad became the first person who swam across the lake against the current (from north to south).[33] On August 19, 2012, 14-year-old Annaleise Carr became the youngest person to swim across the lake. She completed the 32-mile (52-km) crossing from Niagara-on-the-Lake to Marilyn Bell Park in just under 27 hours.[34]

      The above is all the technical information on Lake Ontario as you already have noticed. This was the swim goal that I set out to achieve albeit in pools rather then the lake itself. Still a noble goal I think. It has been an interesting journey to the goal. As always the journey is the goal and the goal is just a reminder of the journey. Make sense? Good cause what is to follow is some of the things I have learned on it, the journey that is, and a contemplation of what is next on this journey of life.

     First entry (October 14, 2014 - 5:30 A.M - 3400 yards. 5's and 200's. Total yards 3400. Felt great... First swim after rocky point 50K.) 

      There is so much I have learned from this swim goal I have no idea where to begin. I'll start with where I am at as a reward for the journey. I'm at millers ale house drinking an IPA with some chili (no cheese) and sweet potato fries. Interesting to note that this same location use to be a Hollihan's that I was going to go too after one of my other previous swim goals but never did. Maybe I'll have two beers in memory of that. 

       I guess one of the most important things I have learned is to love swimming, which I also call my meditation sessions. One of the books I was reading during this process was entitled Zen and the Art of Running, by Larry Shapiro. Interesting that before my long swims on Sundays usually, I would read this book dedicated to running. But the information contained inside really helped me get my mind focused and helped me to become more aware of my surroundings. In a way what I was doing after reading at my local Starbucks was meditation in the ultimate sense without even realizing it. Some of the key things in meditation involve focusing on your breathing and counting to focus our mind on something other than those evil, negative thoughts in your head. 

      In a normal swim session I would have specific laps where I would be thinking about random stuff and planning out the day. Other laps I would just try, emphasis on the try, to count my strokes. One, two, three, four or one, two, three. In a weird way the count strokes where I gave a little more effort were more enjoyable than the easy ones where I just let my mind wonder. The counting and increased effort I gave for those specific intervals were the most important thing in have learned. Focusing on a Montra or number blocked out all other worries. Whether it was girls, family, my own failing. They all disappeared and my mind was focused on the moment. 

      Stroke counting intervals were  of great benefit in clearing all the negativity and pain out of my body. The 'easy' yards were also beneficially in trying to reflect on all the positive things on my life. One such recent set of thoughts occurred on February 14, 2014. It was more of and image rather than a thought. The guy in the lane next to me. Yes, I looked in the next lane. When swimming your not suppose to look in the next lane only yours. Believe me, when you see a seventy one year old lady who must have been on P.E.Ds out lapping you it gets a little depressing. I digress, the guy in the lane next to me was wearing a pair of lava pants. Lava pants are kind of like a jammer wetsuit. So a mental image of a guy sitting at a bar (like now) eating and orange while drinking coffee and a beer writing at a bar. Three out of five isn't that bad. Those are just some of the things I love and love to do. Not really use to sitting at a bar but it's nice for a change. 

      That image would have been forgotten if I didn't write it out immediately after the swim. Truth be told I have solved all of life's problems while swimming but after I have showered and ate my habitual apple and peanut butter I usually forget it all. Which brings me to another important lesson I have learned, WRITE down your goals. I would not be sitting here right now having the occasional chit chat with the people next to me while typing without having that initial goal of swimming the length of Lake Ontario.

      What influenced me to swim this length and keep a record of it I will never know. But I'm glad I did. Slowly increasing in distance was also beneficial in not hurting myself physically and mentally. If I was to swim 12000 yards on the first day my brain would have stopped me from ever looking at a pool with a smile. As you increase in distance your will becomes stronger. Willpower is a muscle and becomes stronger with use. The more you tough things out the more your willpower increases. This is a huge help in dealing with the ups and downs of life. 

      Swimming produces the positive in me. When I'm swimming alls I want to do is good and help others. I want to eat healthy cause I feel healthy. When feel healthy I am happy and want others to be happy also. Spread the love. I wish others can fly like I do. That was one of the shouts I screamed underwater on my last twenty five yards before a nutrition break. I wonder what the people in the other lane thought. See I can't even stay in my own lane when I'm writing. Stupid ADHD. Sometimes it's a blessing other times a curse. When the lows hit me when I do endurance activities I soon forget or get distracted and keep going. I just keep swimming and I plan to keep swimming in this journey called life. What next as regards my swimming goals? Not sure but I'm sure I'll learn and relearn a lot along the way and keep you posted.

      Last entry (February 16,2014 - 8:00 A.M - 12000yards. 5's and 200s, 300s. Total yardage = 339950. Love swimming and meditation and reflection.)

"The you after doesn't exist. Keep changing."

Barton

Eggs

      One of the things I have learned over the years is to not think too much of yourself or of what you think is true. Learning to break mindsets takes time and sometimes some reinforcement. For example, I would never ever eat egg yolks until recently. I always thought they were no good for you and would not be healthy. Upon hearing some people talk about the benefits of eating them I experimented and found that the extra substance really works for me. I feel less prone to injury and my joints feel more fluid. I usually have two eggs and two egg whites after a run or lift along with other stuff. On Mondays and Fridays I eat real eggs made with milk, butter and white pepper after my swims. I add some roasted parsnips and hummus and drown them in hot sauce and it is pure heaven.

        I'm now of the mindset that the extra fat from the eggs has helped me prevent getting injured. That and my Merrell barefoot daily runs and swimming more. The mind is so powerful. I use to avoid the yolk at all cost. I mentally thought they were the devil so on the rare occasion I took a bite of it to just see how it tasted I was utterly discussed. Now it is so good cause I have associated it with healthy joints. I love life hacking! Cue, response?, and then the reward.

 "here's to having a mind"

- Barton

Fly

     

 If I told you I can fly would you believe me? Perhaps you would say yes and assume I mean I can fly by getting on an airplane and traveling to some distant location. Truth be told I really can do both. I have learned to fly not with wings but rather with my whole body. I use ever muscle, the most important one being my brain in this act of flying. 

      It's never easy. The walls that block this process are many which is why having the ability to fly is not enough. You also need the will to fly. It's a belief in yourself that takes time to develop and patience is your best friend. 

      Sometimes you are your worst enemy. It seems the harder you try the more elusive it is the feel the flow of flight. We all have to deal with stress in our lives. In order to fly you have to first relax into a panic. You need to put yourself through a situation that is stressful and learn to be relaxed while doing it. Flying is stressful and in order to fly the stress is what you need.

      So you see it's a conundrum with the only way of dealing with it and not go crazy is to have balance. Having a balance in your life usually involves variety. It is the spice of life or at least that's what I've heard. This flying and if you haven't already concluded from the picture is swimming. It is the frosting on the cake for me. The cake being a balanced life and the swimming being o so sweat in the right amount. The frosting is always the best part of the cake never let anyone tell you different. But too much will make you sick that's why having a balance is important. It's very alien when your in the water and that's part of the fun. It's a calm cooling feeling which refreshes and restores. I guess that's why baptism is being totally submerged and coming out a new. I plan on refreshing as long as I can and never forget how to fly.  

"FLY"

-Barton 

Marathons and Beyond...

DATE	TIME (MINUTES)	DISTANCE (MILES)	PACE (MINUTES/MILE)	NOTES
Sat, Sep 26, 2009	232.01	26.20	8.86	Hamptons marathon 3:52:01 net
Sat, May 1, 2010	221.01	26.20	8.44	Long Island marathon 3:41:01 watch
Sun, Oct 31, 2010	252.02	26.20	9.62	Cape cod marathon 4:12:02 net
Sat, Jun 4, 2011	260.50	26.20	9.94	Gods country marathon 4:20:50 time
Sat, Sep 24, 2011	230.39	26.20	8.79	Hamptons marathon 3:50:39 net
Sat, Sep 29, 2012	240.36	26.20	9.17	Hamptons marathon 4:00:36 net
Sat, May 11, 2013	400.30	30.00	13.34	Long Island greenbelt 50K 6:40:30
Sun, Jun 9, 2013	228.30	26.20	8.71	Lake placid marathon 3:48:30
Sat, Sep 28, 2013	234.21	26.20	8.94	Hamptons marathon 3:54:21 net
Sat, Oct 12, 2013	377.55	30.00	12.59	Tesla hertz 50K 6:17:55

Reading and Writing

Getting the right mindset on anything you are doing is fundamental. If your not focused on what you are doing it is impossible to do it well. My mind trends to jump from idea to idea and topic to topic. Getting focused is a skill that takes work and effort on the part of the individual. I found that reading and writing helps to reset that random, haphazard mind that I sometimes have. It occurs when I have too many things on my mind, which is usually the case. Getting absorbed in writing and reading is well worth the effort. Sometimes however it can be a challenge depending on the setting your in.

     A quiet place can be a blessing on occasions. It removes all the clutter around so you won't be so easily distracted. Once you really get into the book or your writing the setting will matter less. The goal is to become engrossed in what your doing. One of my favorite sayings is, "when washing dishes just wash dishes." Even though dish washing may not be fun. However, if you really focus on it and do your best you will find that even a simple task like washing the dishes can be fun and fulfilling. Your mindset is the most important thing for your happiness and satisfaction.  

      Another good thing to do which involves writing is making lists. When you write something down you are making it your destiny to do it. So making a list of things you want to or need to get accomplished is a great way to do them without tossing the idea back and forth in your head. When you toss the idea around in your head it usually does just that, go back and forth and nowhere else. 

      When you write it out whether it is a list, journal entry, short story or any other form of writing it sets that thought more firmly in your mind. It makes it solid and a part of you. You can use this for your benefit. For example, let's say you want to stop drinking beer ( I don't intend too.) but for illustrative purposes let's use that.

      So you would write an essay about how you plan on and how you want to stop drinking beer. You get it out there on the interweb and thereby hold yourself accountable. You could also include all the benefits of not drinking beer such as... Well can't really think of any except not having too much and acting stupid. 

      That's all it really takes. Sometimes you may want to do something but forget about it. We can only have one thought at a time and if the one we want to do isn't ingrained in our head we would soon forget about it and move on to something else. Stupid monkey minds we have. So reading and writing something out helps in that it etches into our brains the topic, thought or idea we want to remember. The more we write about it the more important it becomes to us. Maybe that's why teachers used to make us write and rewrite certain things on the blackboard. Well at least that's what we did back I my day. Not that I was the one writing on the blackboard. That task was typically reserved for those who needed to not repeat a previous action they did. 

      The written word is truly a magical thing. For me it helps me formulate thoughts and opinions in a way that I couldn't vocalize. So I guess I better just keep writing. As well as think ( writing internalized) before I speak.

"don't mind the foot in mouth."

-Barton

Socmed

                 Soccer Meditation

      So one of the things I have been doing recently is doing what I call, "soccer meditation". I always like to do pull ups at some point in the day, every day. A couple years back I installed a pull up bar in my apartment between my bedroom door posts to help me accomplish this daily goal. I was thinking about installing another one around the yard so I could be outside when I needed to not be distracted by all the things going on inside. Instead of that I have been doing one better. After work on my way home (actually it is a little out of the way) I stop by a youth soccer field and do pull ups on the unused soccer goals. 

      I call these, "soccer meditations" because it's not really a work out but rather an excuse to get outside and breath the chilly and invigorating autumn air. I park the car, get out and start my timer. I run easy to the far soccer field that's not being used and do 15 pulls on one and run to the other and do the same. I do a minimum of 60 pull ups and some push ups in between the last set. I do this all with a headlight on cause of the darkness being so overbearing this time of year. I finish up the soccer meditation with an easy run around all the sports field followed by some easy stretching. Easy easy easy is the key. I don't want to make this turn into a workout but rather just a way to get the blood flowing and relax my brain a tad before the ride home. 

      Besides of the benefit of being outside and breathing the fresh, crisp air I've also believe it has help me prevent an injury. During the week I wear a set of Merrell trail shoes that are basically a strip of leather with laces. Doing these quick 1 mile runs in these barefoot shoes on the slightly uneven soccer turf I feel help move the foot around in a variety of ways. Variety is the spice of life. Instead of the same motion over and over again which is a recipe for injury. The uneven surface forces me to use different muscles that would be not otherwise be used on a run on the roads. 

      This variety that is found on grass and trails is one reason I prefer the woods over the streets. There's also a sense of peace that isn't the same as it is when you hit the roads. Having not to deal with the crazy Long Island drivers is another benefit of searching out trails and fields.  

      But the real key for me to really enjoy these little skips is the fresh, chilly air. Breathing is enjoyable not merely something I do on a regular basis. The coolness seems to revitalize my body and energize my brain or visa versa. It's just one more excuse for me to be outside. It's also amazing to look up at the night sky and see the stars. I don't really get a chance to see it by me cause of all the light pollution. It was exceptionally starry the day I went there when they canceled all the youth soccer practice. I really needed my headlight that particular night but the solitude was a nice needed retreat, even if it was only for 15-20 minutes. That's how long it usually takes me before I end with some stretching and make the ride back home. I have a feeling this socmed may get extended in the future knowing my way of overdoing things. But for now it's a nice way to start my commute back home.  

"Remember to breathe"

-Barton 

Rocky point ultra 2013

    I guess it's fitting that I should rewrite this race report considering I didn't finish the race distance I signed up for. Stupid iPhone application ate my words and i was almost finished with the essay. Anyways, I don't consider it a DNF but rather a PDNF meaning a purposely did not finish. My major reason being I'm going to florida on a real family vacation and didn't want to ruin it by getting hurt beforehand. I was also experiencing some IT band/right knee issues during the run in the beginning. It went away but it was still on the back of my mind. Well enough with my excuses on why I didn't complete the 50 miler. 

       I still managed to run a 50K (30 miles) which is still awesome and I was a lot less beat up than after my road marathons. That's why trails beat roads all day long.  Besides the 50 miler there was also an assortment of other distances with the highlight being the 100 miler that started before sunrise. All runners no matter what distance had a cut off time on Sunday at 12 noon. So it was a whole weekend of epic running.

      I drove to the waldbaums parking lot on the north shore of Long Island early in the A.M. I was extra early as usual so I wondered around I bit and got another cup of coffee until it was time for me to get my drop bag and go to the start/finish.  The race consisted of a 10 mile loop with an aid station at the start/finish and around the 5 mile mark. Loop courses can always be a challenge cause there is the option of stopping anytime. Don't listen, eat something, keep moving. Words I hopefully will remember next year. The race for the 50 milers started at 7:30 in the pleasantly breezy autumn air. I started off with a red underarmor heat gear as my base and a target long sleeve jersey over it which I tied around me at the aid station cause I was getting hot in it. Got to remember to put my race bib on my shorts. As you can see from the above picture that's what the majority of the runners in my group did. 

      The aid stations were awesome and the encouragement was helpful as well. Especially the one near the five mile mark with the typical beer drinking Harley Davidson biker guy with sleeve tattoos. So I had to stop and talk with him for a bit each time. He didn't know if the hammer gels had caffeine but he promised me beer later. I was not really rested or tapered for this race but I did what I could. Note to self : don't get shots before races. The tetanus shot I got Thursday for opening up my foot on the pointy end of a hammer finally hit my right arm. It felt like someone took a hammer to it. I was Surprised I swam on Friday without feeling anything. 

      So needless to say I was not in my best race condition. That's ok cause I consider races as fun and tend (or try to at least) to focus on the journey, or in other-words the training lifestyle. The moment. It's nice to do what you love with others at times and that's the allure of races for me. I love meeting new people and learning new things as much as anyone else. An the encouragement and support you receive from complete strangers is an experience like none other. 

     The best thing about trail ultras is that it lacks a lot of the egotistical and competitive nature of common road marathons. Ultra marathons feel like your more a part of a team than in competition with each other. The whole goal being to help and encourage your teammates to reach the finish. In my case for this race I greatly appreciated the encouragement from a guy doing a 100 and. Girl named Lauren who said one line to get me to do one more lap to make it 30 miles. She said after talking with her the the guy a bit, "we can do it, this guys doing a 100." She then took off so I felt compelled to follow. I'm not quitting if she's not. So I talked to her and a couple other runners in are pack that we formed until I got my energy back when I then of course took off. I reached the finish line feeling like doing another loop but I controlled myself for once. Kind of wish I didn't but I know it was the right decision. 6 hours 17 minutes and 55 seconds was my official time for a total of three loops out of five I completed. Not bad for a pre vacation race. But then again I don't believe in vacations, they are a ghost to me. That's another story. All in all a pretty good event and hopefully more to come in the near future. 

"Aid to aid"

- Barton - 

Hamptons marathon 2013

    

 They say the fourth time is the charm. Actually they say it's the third but who is counting? This was my fourth time running the hamptons marathon and as always an exciting experience. So what have I learned from running this race? 

      Number 1: Don't worry about your time. We are always looking to improve ourselves be it looks, personality, and in the case with runners are speed. I have never gone out too fast and, 'blew up' as they say. I learned from fellow runners advice. I treated the marathon day as a reward for all he training I have done to get there. Of course if I felt good towards the end I, like any runner, push it. 

      Number 2: make friends. It seems no matter where you run if someone is running next to you the conversation should be upbuilding. I usually start by commenting on a piece of my fellow runners attire. Usually the shoes. The conversation jumps to all different topics due to the rapid blood flow streaming to our brains. I try to remember my fellow runners names so I can call them by name after the race is done. Also because I think it's very important to remember and use peoples names. 

      Number 3: "this to shall pass."At some point it's going to get hard and your gonna want to quit. Just go to the next telephone pole and remember the quote, "this to shall pass." It will help you remind yourself that the low point will pass. You can use it as a montra and keep repeating it in your head to your breathing and footsteps. It helps me.

      Number 4... Most important. Have Fun. If your mindset is to have fun and make friends your race will be a success even if you don't reach the finish line in the time you wanted. Learning not to take yourself too seriously will help in all areas of your life and help you to be in the moment, which can often be a challenge in this crazy world. So remember to have fun. 

      There are countless other lessons that I have learned but I'll leave it at these four considering it is my fourth time running the hamptons marathon. This year I came in at 3:54:21 with a 8:59 min\mile pace. I was 96 out of 335 marathoners ----12 out of 30 in my age group----60 out of 183 male participants JOHN INGLESE number 237 age 30 sex M FARMINGVILLE NY 56:18 ---1:58:16 ---3:54:21 ---8:57 ---3:55:07. Not to bad and didn't destroy myself. My mom drove us to the start a little after four thirty in the morning. We stopped for some coffee at 7-11 and I had that and my banana with sunflower butter when we finally parked on a street by the school. I then proceeded to get my race bib and wonder around and prepare myself mentally. My mom, being like me, can't just stand there and do nothing so she volunteered (Doug Peterson!) I wasn't my talkative self this morning, it happens. The race started with me noticing that there were a lot of short runners this year. I chatted up a little bit but not much during the run. Just stayed in my own head. Took in half a cliff bar and three Gu's during the run. Along with water and Gatorade. Especially Gatorade when my stomach was acting up. Really needed the salt! 

      Besides that everything went smoothly. The scenery was beautiful as it always is by the water anywhere you go. I went through the typical ups and downs that the race holds out to all runners whether they like it or not. One more important thing I have learned as a runner and I'll stop it at number five. 

      Number 5 = No matter how much you are struggling always give the illusion of confidence. Running promotes confidence but we all get tired and can lose that confidence in ourselves. If we fake that confidence you can trick yourself into being confident. I call it, "the runners lifehack." 

     I reached the finish line hearing my mom to my right yell out and then hearing the announcer call out my name,"Paul Inglese." So it turned out to be Paul's first marathon I guess. So after I got my metal and my chocolate milk we eventually got settled back at the race vehicle, my old, now my moms Xtrerra. I had really bad right ankle soreness\ strain after the race especially walking around sag harbor. The corner bar was as it always is, amazing. The Reuben and calamari were the perfect post race meal along with some montauk driftwood on tap. Too good!! 

      The day flew by like it always does. Once the race is over, it's over. I was glad my coach decided to come with me this year. I can be a really pain in the butt especially with all the happy/ crazy running chemicals moving around inside me. So four hamptons  marathons down and hopefully another one next year.

"Remember the Mango"

-Barton-

Football 2013

      ( Rugby football)

      On one of my swims I came to thinking about how much football is like Medieval times when there was wars and kings. Just like in times past rulers wanted to occupy as much territory as possible. If that meant going to war with opposing rulers, so be it. Football is the same principle. Your team tries to occupy territory that the opposing team  is trying to defend. Both war and football were to obtain glory and prove superiority. 

      So we humans have been interested in violence and power for a long time, especially here in America. Football being so popular here that sometimes it's the fans who can be more violent than what is going down on the field. I blame it on the violent atmosphere. Well that and alcohol.

      Don't get me wrong I like football. Especially happy finding out the jets just beat Tampa 18 - 17. I love the athleticism of the game. It's kind of like body building meets running with strategy involved. All things I love to do. I love to beat myself up and push my limits. But for me the only opponent I have is myself. Or the occasional runner in a race who is wearing a dress. No way I can let that person beat me. 

   One reason I really like football is that I relate football to real life. You are the quarterback of your own life.The truth is that we live in a violent world, now way around it. The quarterback likewise is in a violent world measuring 120.0 yd x 53.3 yd or 6400 yd² which is the dimensions of an American football field. Not to be confused with a pitch which is what the field is called in soccer. You being the quarterback of your life requires that you know the plays or in other words your actions. Being self aware and also aware of your surroundings is essential in being a great quarterback. You of course need a good team consisting of friends, family, and people that impact your life. Even an elite quarterback can fail miserably if his team is not up to par. Even if he has the best team possible he can have an off game. Learning and adapting come with experience on the field. When we learn for our mistakes and make wise decisions we benefit. One wise choice is that despite the team we have been given we need them. A quarterback cannot win the game by himself. We need to do the best we can with what we have but we also need to trust and rely on others. It's a violent world just like its a violet field when the game of football is in play. We need all our talents and skills but we need a team and react appropriately for the given situation. Isn't football great? That's another reason we need good coaching to improve and become a better quarterback of our life. It's very difficult to figure it out by ourselves and good guidance is a big help. Only if we believe it. Belief in the guidance and counsel is only of benefit if we use and apply it. Ultimately it is our choice when the game is on. There are plenty of options for us to consider and a cool head is needed in order no to be overwhelmed. In the game of football the quarterback can give the ball to a teammate or choice to run it himself. An his team mates are constantly being changed. Sometimes an important player gets hurt and can prove to be a detriment to the teams overall performance. 

      We will meet countless interesting and unique people that come on to our own ,"field." Some will be on our side, others on the opposing side. Sometimes as you begin to learn about them it may be hard to tell which side they choose to go to. Eventually it becomes clear if you the QB are aware of your surroundings. Never forget the people you are close with and try to maintain that bond. A QB always has his go to guys. Guys he can trust to help bail him and the team out in a critical moment when the stakes are high. Trusting someone can be a hard thing to do sometimes but is a necessity in order to accomplish the task sometimes. 

     As with life you never know how the game of football is going to turn out. There are too many variables to consider and you can be overwhelmed by it. A good QB knows to be in the moment no matter what moment he is in. You can only handle one moment at a time and we can easily forget that. The plays change but the game stays the same. Adapting to the changes is a key component in winning the game. So adapt and train and learn from your mistakes. 

"Everyday is the Super Bowl."

-Barton

NYC Century ride 2013

   

   I was in one of my day dreams thinking what to call someone who does century rides. I came up with, "Centurion." Not sure if its an actual term but it sounded bad ass to me so that's what I call someone who rides there bike for one hundred miles in a single day. Having that cool title was all the more reason for becoming one. 

      I've done centuries in the past but sometimes you lose you drive or get lazy and take off a couple years or so. Last year I started the NYC Century tour but bailed out due to my brain telling me that it was stupid to continue cause I had the hamptons marathon a few weeks later. I used the excuse that I didn't want to hurt myself. I probably was the smarter move now that I remember that tweaking in my right ankle. So  I rode out of queens and had my mom pick me up near a gas station off of the Long Island expressway. 

      Well this year I had to make amends and finish the whole century. It was surprisingly easy in a hard way. I knew it was going to be an epic day when in the first thirty minutes into the ride I see a taxi cab hit an unaware cyclist. Thankfully no real harm done. For the ride I do what your suppose to and ride from rest stop to rest stop. Breaking a big goal into manageable chunks is the only was to complete it. The food at the rest stops was the typical race fuel; apples, bananas, oranges, peanut butter and jelly, and bread to name a few. During these stops cyclists conversed and shared knowledge as well as mutual respect for the activity we all were participating together in. 

      I also spoke to various people while riding, usually commenting on a particular part of there bike. Now during the ride when you see someone on the side of the road you ask if they are ok. I'm riding down the side of on of the highways and notice a fellow cyclist over to the side and bent over his handlebars. So I yell out if he's ok... No response. So I stop and go to him to see what's the matter. When I get to him I ask, "are you ok?"

   "...both my legs...cramp."

I replied, "ok just sit on the ground and try and stretch them out."

   "...I can't get off the bike."

      So I lift him off his hunched over state put him on the ground, gave him a GU gel to help him restore balance to his body. I told him to take it with water and wait and if you don't feel better in fifteen minutes wave over one of the Marshals for help. I left him after that but still wonder how he made out. I've had those cramps before so I could empathize with him. Besides the negative aspects of riding there are also positive as well.

      I remember becoming in the zone hours into the ride. To me the zone is a out of self experience. I also heard it described as, "slowing the game or activity so it seems easier than on a normal basis." I love it that much I know. It is kind of like I'm observing myself from a different perspective. Call it flow, zone, bikers high it is a real treat when it comes and I wish it happened more often for me in my endurance lifestyle. 

      So after all the rest stops, food (probably ate a whole jar of peanut butter during the whole ride) and immersing myself with bikes and city riding I finally arrived back to where it all started. My ride didn't end at the Central Park finish line though. In the early morning I took the 3:45 train from Ronkonkoma to reach penn station and from there rode to the starting line which is around 110 street in Central Park. So after finishing instead of waiting on the stupidly long line for a free ice cone, I rode back to penn for the real stuff. By the real stuff I mean Colombo frozen yogurt with chocolate crunchies on top... So amazing after biking all day! But the real reward as always is the actual act of riding all day long. It was definitely a rewarding and fun experience and can't wait till next year.

"Just follow the yellow "C's" "

-Barton 

Bethlehem

G    

  The above is a picture of the outside of the hotel Bethlehem in Bethlehem Pennsylvania. A life long friend got married on July 4, 2013 and the family and friends from Long Island invited to the wedding stayed there. 

      The town of Bethlehem where we were had a very cosy feel to it. It is a very historic town, similar to Port Jefferson. In fact one of the things they promoted in our hotel was that it was haunted years ago. I left after work on that wednesday with my suit, mountain bike, and running gear. When I arrived and got settled I went to the local brewery for a victory beer for making the long trip after work. I then proceeded to wander around as usual and get my bearings. After settling down I awoke to see a text message saying some people were down at the hotel bar. So I strolled down in my pajamas to watch the mets play and hang out. 

      The next morning I got up early despite the lack of sleep and went for a run. I never really noticed how tough it is to run being sleep deprived until this morning. After struggling through the run the busy day could get started. It involved a lot of running (not literally) around. Going here, going their, getting changed, waiting for this person or that person. When we finally got to the reception at the restaurant called melt could we all relax a little. It was really nice cause there was no sit down dinner. It was mostly a buffet on the bar, basically like an extended cocktail hour. If I ever get married I would definitely do that. So after the festivities we all went back to the hotel to just hang out and enjoy each others company a little longer. 

     Before the reception I stopped at a l.l bean to find a nice trail to run on for the next day. The morning after the reception I got up early, as usual and drove to the town called new hope. The town is right by the Delaware river and runs the length of it. I would love to say it was a good run but as far as runs go it sucked. The trail was as flat as a pancake and not as scenic as I hoped. There was also a heat advisory that day which drained the life out of me. But I got my run in and the light mocha frappachino was heaven afterwards. I also had a nice chat with some cyclists that were sitting outside the Starbucks. I can't help it I'm drawn to bikes. 

      After chatting it up with the cyclists I wandered around a little bit to get a better feel of the town. It was a really nice town probably since it was right next to the river. Anything by the water gets enhanced. I wish I stayed and hung around longer but wanted to get home cause it was a bit of a drive. It was also a crazy couple of days. Along the way I got my celebratory healthy pizza and coffee at some pizza place in Jersey. That seems to be my post race/long run reward. So worth it. It seems every time I go to Pennsylvania I have a great time. I'm really beginning to love it their. All and all it was a great mini vacation and it was equally as great to watch someone I consider my sister get married.

-Barton-